How to Ship a Mobile Crane: Disassembly, Trailers, Permits & Logistics

Mobile Crane Types and Transport Complexity

Mobile cranes vary widely in size and transport complexity:

• Carry-deck cranes: Compact, self-propelled cranes weighing 20,000–40,000 lbs. Often transportable on a single lowboy with minimal disassembly.
• Rough-terrain cranes: 40,000–150,000 lbs. Typically require boom removal and transport on a lowboy or RGN. Counterweights may need to be removed for weight compliance.
• All-terrain cranes: 100,000–300,000+ lbs. Require extensive disassembly — boom sections, counterweights, and outrigger boxes transported separately. May require 3–6 truckloads for a large crane.
• Truck-mounted cranes (boom trucks): Often self-propelled and road-legal, but boom must be retracted and secured. May still require oversize permits depending on boom length and overall dimensions.

Disassembly Planning

Most mobile cranes must be partially disassembled for transport. Key components typically removed include:

• Boom sections: Main boom and jib sections are removed and transported on separate flatbed or extendable trailers. Long boom sections may require extendable trailers up to 80 ft or more.
• Counterweights: Heavy counterweight packages are removed to reduce the crane's transport weight. These are transported separately on flatbeds or lowboys.
• Outrigger boxes: On some crane models, outrigger boxes are removed to reduce width.
• Hook block and ball: Removed and secured separately or transported in the crane cab.

Disassembly should follow the manufacturer's transport manual. IronHaul works with crane operators and riggers to coordinate disassembly and reassembly at origin and destination.

Trailer Selection for Crane Transport

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): The preferred trailer for self-propelled mobile cranes. The detachable gooseneck allows the crane to be driven directly onto the deck, and the low deck height accommodates tall crane bodies.
• Lowboy: Used for crane upper assemblies and components that cannot be driven on. Heavy-duty lowboys handle 40–150 tons.
• Flatbed/Extendable: Used for boom sections, jibs, and long attachments. Extendable trailers can reach 80+ ft for very long boom sections.
• Multi-axle heavy-haul trailers: For very heavy crane components (counterweight packages, large upper assemblies), multi-axle configurations distribute weight across more axles to comply with bridge formula requirements.

Permit Requirements for Crane Transport

Mobile crane transport almost always requires oversize/overweight permits:

• Width: Most cranes are 10–16 ft wide in transport configuration, requiring oversize permits in every state along the route.
• Height: Crane bodies on lowboys or RGNs are often 13–15 ft tall, requiring height permits.
• Weight: Large all-terrain cranes can weigh 200,000–300,000+ lbs in transport configuration, requiring superload permits with engineering review and route surveys.
• Escort requirements: Loads over 12 ft wide require a front escort. Loads over 14–16 ft wide require both front and rear escorts. Superloads may require police escorts in some states.

Route Planning for Crane Moves

Route planning for crane transport is critical and must account for:

• Bridge weight limits: The Federal Bridge Formula governs axle weight distribution. For superloads, individual bridge engineering reviews may be required.
• Vertical clearances: Low bridges, overpasses, and utility lines must be identified and avoided or coordinated with local authorities.
• Turning radius: Large cranes on long trailers have significant turning radius requirements that may restrict certain routes.
• Travel time restrictions: Most states restrict oversize load movement to daylight hours. Some states prohibit movement on weekends or holidays.

Moving a mobile crane? IronHaul Logistics has experience coordinating complex crane moves nationwide, including multi-load disassembly moves for large all-terrain cranes. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a free quote online. We handle disassembly coordination, multi-state permits, escort vehicles, and route surveys.