How to Ship a Garbage Truck or Refuse Truck

Garbage Truck Weight and Dimensions

Refuse trucks vary significantly by type and configuration. Key specifications to know before booking transport:

Truck Type	Typical Weight	Typical Height	Typical Length
Rear Loader (standard)	30,000–43,000 lbs	10–12 ft	28–35 ft
Side Loader (automated)	33,000–45,000 lbs	10–12 ft	28–35 ft
Front Loader (commercial)	35,000–50,000 lbs	12–14 ft	28–35 ft
Roll-Off Truck	28,000–40,000 lbs	10–12 ft	30–40 ft

Because most refuse trucks exceed 13.5 feet in height and 80,000 lbs GVW when loaded, they almost always require oversize/overweight permits. Even empty units frequently trigger height permits due to their tall body configurations.

Trailer Selection for Refuse Truck Transport

The right trailer depends on the truck's height, weight, and whether it's drivable:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailer: The preferred choice for most refuse trucks. The detachable front end allows the truck to be driven directly onto the deck, eliminating the need for a crane. RGNs can handle loads up to 150,000+ lbs and provide a low deck height that helps manage the truck's overall transport height.
• Lowboy Trailer: Similar to an RGN, lowboys provide a low center of gravity and are suitable for heavy refuse trucks. Used when the truck cannot be driven on (non-running units).
• Step Deck: Occasionally used for lighter refuse trucks that fall within height limits, but most refuse vehicles are too tall for a standard step deck without triggering height permits.

Pre-Transport Preparation

Proper preparation is critical for refuse truck transport:

• Empty and clean the body: All waste, debris, and residue must be removed. Carriers will not accept loads with waste material — it's a safety and regulatory issue.
• Drain fluids: Leachate tanks must be drained and hydraulic lines capped to prevent leaks during transit.
• Secure moving parts: The hydraulic ram, packer blade, and any articulated arms must be retracted and secured. All doors must be locked or strapped.
• Verify drivability: If the truck can be driven onto the trailer, confirm it starts and moves under its own power. Non-running units require crane or forklift loading — arrange this in advance.
• Document condition: Photograph the truck from all angles before pickup to document pre-transport condition.

Permit Requirements

Federal thresholds that trigger permits for refuse truck transport:

• GVW over 80,000 lbs: Overweight permit required in every state on the route
• Width over 8.5 ft: Wide-load permit required (most refuse trucks are 8–8.5 ft wide)
• Height over 13.5 ft: Height permit required (most refuse trucks trigger this)

Pilot car requirements vary by state. Most states require a rear escort for loads over 14 ft wide; some require front and rear escorts for loads over 16 ft wide. IronHaul handles all permit coordination and pilot car arrangements.

Cost Factors for Refuse Truck Transport

• Distance and route complexity
• Truck weight and height (determines permit cost and trailer type)
• Drivability (non-running units require crane loading, adding cost)
• Number of states crossed (each state requires a separate permit)
• Pilot car requirements
• Fuel surcharge

Ship Your Refuse Truck with IronHaul Logistics

IronHaul Logistics has experience moving municipal fleet assets, including garbage trucks, roll-off trucks, and street sweepers, for municipalities, dealers, and waste management companies nationwide. We handle permit coordination, pilot car arrangements, and loading logistics. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online.