How to Ship a Motor Scraper or Earthmoving Scraper

What Is a Motor Scraper?

A motor scraper (also called an earthmoving scraper or self-loading scraper) is a large earthmoving machine used to cut, load, haul, and spread soil in a single pass. They are used in mass grading, dam construction, highway embankment work, and large-scale land development. Unlike bulldozers that push material, scrapers carry it in a bowl and deposit it at a controlled depth. Major manufacturers include Caterpillar, Volvo, and John Deere.

Motor Scraper Dimensions and Weight

Motor scrapers are among the widest and heaviest machines transported on public roads. Key specifications for the Caterpillar 657 series—the most common large scraper in the US market:

Model	Operating Weight	Width	Length	Height
CAT 657B	139,100 lbs	14'2"	51'8"	13'10"
CAT 657E	152,290 lbs	14'3"	53'1"	15'5"
CAT 657G	147,959 lbs	14'3"	53'1"	15'6"

These dimensions place motor scrapers firmly in superload territory in virtually every state. A width of 14+ feet and weight of 70+ tons requires not just oversize permits but often engineering review, route surveys, and law enforcement escorts in addition to pilot cars.

Trailer Requirements

Standard lowboy and RGN trailers are insufficient for most motor scrapers due to their extreme weight and length. Transport typically requires:

• Multi-axle lowboy or RGN: A 13-axle or 19-axle configuration is common for scrapers in the 140,000–155,000 lb range, distributing weight across enough axles to meet state bridge formula requirements.
• Jeep dollies and booster axles: Added to the front and rear of the trailer to increase axle count and reduce per-axle weight.
• Landoll trailers: Sometimes preferred for scrapers with unusual loading angles or when the approach ramp of a traditional RGN is unsuitable for the machine's ground clearance.

The machine's bowl and blade must be lowered and blocked before loading. Hydraulic systems must be retracted and secured. The extreme length (51–53 feet) means the loaded combination (tractor + trailer + machine) may exceed 100 feet, triggering additional length permit requirements in some states.

Disassembly Considerations

In some cases, partial disassembly is required to meet state transport limits:

• Width reduction: Some scrapers can have their push-block or apron components removed to reduce transport width below 14 feet, potentially reducing escort requirements.
• Height reduction: The cab or ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) may be removable on some models to reduce transport height below 15 feet.
• Separate loads: On some moves, the push tractor and scraper bowl are transported on separate trailers to reduce individual load weights and dimensions.

Disassembly decisions should be made in consultation with the equipment owner and the transport carrier, as reassembly costs and risks must be weighed against permit savings.

Permit and Escort Requirements

Motor scrapers at 14+ feet wide and 70+ tons are superloads in most states. Typical requirements include:

• Superload permits: Required in most states for loads over 120,000 lbs or 14' wide. These permits require engineering review of the proposed route and may take 5–10 business days to obtain.
• Route surveys: A physical inspection of the route to verify bridge ratings, overhead clearances, turning radii, and road shoulder width is typically required before a superload permit is issued.
• Multiple pilot cars: Loads over 14' wide typically require two escort vehicles—one leading and one following. Some states require law enforcement escorts for superloads.
• Travel windows: Superloads are often restricted to specific hours (e.g., 9 AM–3 PM) to avoid peak traffic, and are prohibited on weekends and holidays in many jurisdictions.

Cost Factors for Motor Scraper Transport

• Superload permit fees: Significantly higher than standard oversize permits; combined multi-state fees can reach $1,000–$3,000.
• Route survey costs: Engineering route surveys add $500–$2,000 depending on route length and complexity.
• Pilot car costs: Two escort vehicles at $1.50–$3.00 per mile each add substantially to total cost on long-haul moves.
• Specialized trailer rental: Multi-axle configurations for superloads command premium rates compared to standard lowboy transport.
• Transit time: Superload moves are slower due to travel window restrictions and reduced speeds on grades; budget 1.5–2x the transit time of a standard oversize move.

Get a Quote for Motor Scraper Shipping

IronHaul Logistics has the specialized equipment, permit expertise, and carrier relationships to move motor scrapers of any size, anywhere in the US. Our team manages superload permit applications, route surveys, pilot car coordination, and delivery scheduling from start to finish. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit your scraper's make, model, and move details through our online quote form.