How to Ship a Concrete Batch Plant: Transport Guide

Concrete Batch Plant Components and Transport Requirements

A typical portable or semi-portable concrete batch plant consists of several major components, each with distinct transport requirements:

Cement Storage Silos

Cement silos are the most challenging component to transport. Standard silos range from 100 to 1,500 tons capacity, with transport dimensions that typically exceed legal limits:

• Diameter: 10–14 ft (requires oversize width permit)
• Height (transport position): 14–20 ft (requires oversize height permit; may require route survey)
• Weight: 20,000–80,000 lbs depending on size
• Trailer: Lowboy or specialized silo transport trailer; some silos transport horizontally on a flatbed

Aggregate Bins and Hoppers

• Width: 10–16 ft (oversize permit required)
• Height: 10–14 ft in transport position
• Weight: 15,000–40,000 lbs
• Trailer: Lowboy or step-deck depending on height

Mixer and Control Building

• Width: 10–14 ft (oversize permit required)
• Height: 12–16 ft
• Weight: 20,000–60,000 lbs
• Trailer: Lowboy or RGN

Conveyor Systems and Accessories

Conveyor belts, radial stackers, and other accessories are typically transported on flatbeds or step-decks. These components are often within legal dimensions but may require oversize length permits for long conveyor sections.

Planning a Batch Plant Relocation

Successful batch plant relocations require careful sequencing and coordination. Key planning steps:

1. Component inventory: Document every component with dimensions, weight, and disassembly requirements before planning transport.
2. Permit applications: Apply for oversize/overweight permits for each load simultaneously to avoid delays. Multi-state moves require permits from every state on the route.
3. Route survey: Identify low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, and tight turns on the delivery route. Silo transport in particular requires careful route planning due to extreme height.
4. Delivery sequencing: Plan the order of component delivery to match the assembly sequence at the new site. Silos and aggregate bins typically need to be in place before mixers and control systems.
5. Site preparation: Confirm the delivery site has adequate access for lowboy and RGN trailers, and that the ground is prepared to receive each component.

Permit Requirements for Batch Plant Components

Most batch plant components require multiple oversize permits:

Component	Typical Permit Type	Escort Requirement
Cement silo (upright)	Oversize height + width	1–2 escorts depending on width
Aggregate bin	Oversize width	1 escort if over 14 ft wide
Mixer/control building	Oversize width + possibly height	1 escort if over 14 ft wide
Long conveyor sections	Oversize length	Rear escort for loads over 75 ft

Silo Transport: Upright vs. Horizontal

Cement silos can be transported either upright (vertical) or on their side (horizontal), depending on silo design and route constraints:

• Upright transport: Maintains the silo's structural integrity and simplifies setup at the new site, but requires extreme height permits (often 16–20 ft) and may require route surveys and utility line lifts.
• Horizontal transport: Reduces height to within standard oversize limits but requires the silo to be designed for horizontal transport and may require additional rigging at the new site to stand the silo upright.

Air Quality Permit Considerations

Before relocating a concrete batch plant, confirm that the new site's air quality permits are in order. Many states require notification to the state environmental agency before a portable batch plant begins operating at a new location. Texas, California, and other states with active air quality programs may require a Notice of Intent to Comply (NOITC) or permit transfer before the plant can operate at the new site. IronHaul can coordinate transport timing to align with your permit transfer schedule.

IronHaul Logistics coordinates complete batch plant relocations nationwide, from single-component moves to full multi-load plant relocations. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form with your plant's component list and dimensions for a comprehensive relocation quote.