How to Ship a Compactor or Road Roller: Trailer Types, Weights & Permits

Types of Compactors and Their Transport Characteristics

Compactors come in several configurations, each with different transport requirements:

Compactor Type	Typical Weight	Width	Trailer Type
Tandem Vibratory Roller (small)	3,000–12,000 lbs	4–6 ft	Flatbed or Step-Deck
Single-Drum Vibratory Roller	10,000–30,000 lbs	6–8 ft	Step-Deck or Lowboy
Padfoot (Sheepsfoot) Roller	15,000–35,000 lbs	7–9 ft	Lowboy or RGN
Pneumatic Tire Roller	10,000–25,000 lbs	7–8 ft	Step-Deck or Lowboy
Landfill Compactor	40,000–100,000+ lbs	8–12 ft	Multi-Axle Lowboy or RGN
Soil Compactor (large)	25,000–50,000 lbs	7–10 ft	Lowboy or RGN

Trailer Selection for Compactor Transport

Choosing the right trailer is critical for compactors because their drum width and height can push loads close to or over legal limits:

• Flatbed: Suitable for small tandem rollers under 8.5 ft wide and 13.5 ft tall. The machine is driven up a rear ramp and secured with chains. Most cost-effective for compact units.
• Step-Deck (Drop-Deck): Provides extra vertical clearance for taller rollers. Recommended when the compactor's cab height approaches 10–11 ft on a standard flatbed. Also useful for medium-weight single-drum rollers.
• Lowboy (Double-Drop): The standard choice for most construction-grade compactors. The low deck height (approximately 18 inches) allows taller machines to move within legal height limits. Capacity typically 40,000–60,000 lbs.
• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): Required for large landfill compactors and padfoot rollers that cannot be driven up a ramp due to their cleated drums. The detachable front creates a ground-level loading ramp.
• Multi-Axle Lowboy: For super-heavy landfill compactors exceeding 60,000 lbs. Additional axles distribute weight to stay within per-axle legal limits.

Permit Requirements for Compactor Transport

Many compactors — particularly padfoot rollers and landfill compactors — exceed standard legal limits and require oversize or overweight permits:

• Width permits: Required when the compactor drum or body exceeds 8.5 ft. Padfoot rollers and landfill compactors frequently exceed this threshold.
• Height permits: Required when the loaded trailer height exceeds 13.5 ft. Large cab-equipped compactors on a standard flatbed often trigger height permits.
• Weight permits: Required when gross vehicle weight exceeds 80,000 lbs. Large landfill compactors can weigh 80,000–100,000+ lbs alone, requiring multi-axle trailers and overweight permits.
• Pilot cars: Required in most states for loads over 12–14 ft wide. Landfill compactors frequently require two pilot cars.

Tie-Down and Securement Requirements

Compactors present unique securement challenges because their smooth or cleated drums have limited tie-down points. FMCSA regulations require:

• Minimum four tie-downs for equipment over 10,000 lbs (one at each independent corner)
• Combined Working Load Limit (WLL) of all tie-downs must equal at least 50% of the cargo weight
• Tie-downs must be attached to manufacturer-designated points — never to the drum, hydraulic lines, or cab
• Drum must be blocked front and rear to prevent rolling
• Articulation lock must be engaged on articulated compactors
• Any movable appendages (ROPS, cab) must be secured in transport position

Loading Considerations

Loading a compactor requires attention to the drum's surface and the trailer's ramp capacity:

• Smooth-drum rollers can be driven up a standard ramp if the ramp angle is shallow enough (typically under 15 degrees)
• Padfoot (cleated) rollers should use an RGN with a ground-level ramp to avoid damaging the cleats on a steep ramp
• Landfill compactors with large cleated drums almost always require an RGN or crane loading
• Center the compactor on the trailer to distribute weight evenly across axles
• Confirm the trailer's deck capacity before loading — a 100,000-lb landfill compactor requires a heavy-duty multi-axle trailer

Ship Your Compactor with IronHaul Logistics

IronHaul Logistics has experience transporting all types of compactors and road rollers — from small tandem rollers to massive landfill compactors. Our team selects the right trailer, handles all permits, and coordinates pilot cars when required. Get a free quote at ironhaullogistics.com, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected] with your compactor's make, model, weight, and dimensions.