How to Ship a Concrete Mixer Truck: Transport Guide

Concrete Mixer Truck Dimensions and Weight Ranges

Concrete mixer trucks vary significantly in size based on drum capacity and chassis configuration:

Note: These weights reflect the truck itself (tare weight), not a loaded drum. Concrete mixers are always transported with an empty drum — never with concrete inside. The drum must be clean and dry before transport.

Trailer Selection for Concrete Mixer Transport

The right trailer depends on the mixer's dimensions and whether it can be driven onto the trailer:

• Flatbed (48' or 53'): Suitable for smaller mixers under 48,000 lbs tare weight and under 13'6" in height. The mixer is driven onto the flatbed and secured with chains and binders at manufacturer-designated tie-down points.
• Step-Deck: Provides additional height clearance for mixers that are 13–14 feet tall. The lower rear deck accommodates the mixer's height while keeping the load within permit-free limits in many states.
• Lowboy: Used for the heaviest mixer configurations (45,000–66,000 lbs) or when the mixer's height would otherwise require a height permit on a flatbed or step-deck.

Permit Requirements for Concrete Mixer Transport

Whether your concrete mixer requires oversize permits depends on its specific dimensions:

• Width: Most concrete mixers are 8–8.5 feet wide — right at or just under the 8'6" legal limit. Wider units (some specialty mixers) require oversize permits.
• Height: Mixers 13'6" or taller require height permits and route clearance for bridge heights. Many larger mixers fall in the 12.5–13.5 foot range — confirm exact height before booking.
• Weight: Mixers over 48,000 lbs tare weight may require overweight permits depending on the trailer configuration and axle spacing.
• Length: Most mixers are under 35 feet, well within the 53-foot legal limit for most states.

Pre-Transport Preparation

Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures compliance:

• Clean the drum: Remove all concrete residue from the drum interior and exterior. Hardened concrete adds weight and can shift during transport.
• Drain fluids: Some carriers require partial fluid drainage to reduce weight. Confirm requirements with your carrier.
• Secure loose components: Tighten the drum lock, secure the chute in the transport position, and remove any loose accessories.
• Disconnect the battery: Prevents accidental drum rotation during transport.
• Document condition: Photograph the mixer from all four sides before loading to establish a pre-transport condition record.

Tie-Down and Securement Requirements

DOT regulations require concrete mixers to be secured at manufacturer-designated tie-down points using chains and binders rated for the load weight. Minimum requirements:

• Four tie-down points minimum for most mixer configurations
• Working load limit (WLL) of tie-downs must equal at least 50% of the cargo weight
• Anti-slip material (rubber mats or dunnage) between the mixer tires and trailer deck
• Wheel chocks fore and aft of all drive axles

Cost Factors for Concrete Mixer Transport

Domestic transport costs for concrete mixers typically range from $1,200 to $4,500 depending on distance and equipment size. Key cost drivers include distance, permit requirements ($150–$600 per state for oversize loads), pilot car requirements for loads over 12' wide, seasonal demand (March–October peak), and fuel surcharges (typically 20–35% of linehaul rate).

IronHaul Logistics moves concrete mixer trucks for construction companies, equipment dealers, and auction buyers across the country. Our team handles permit coordination, carrier selection, and delivery scheduling. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a quote online for a fast response.