How to Ship a Rough Terrain Forklift: Complete Transport Guide

Rough Terrain Forklift Weight and Dimension Ranges

Rough terrain forklifts vary considerably in size based on their load capacity class. The machine's mast configuration — simplex, duplex, or triplex — significantly affects its collapsed transport height and must be evaluated carefully before selecting a trailer.

Capacity Class	Operating Weight	Typical Width	Collapsed Mast Height
Compact (1.8–2.5 ton)	12,500–15,000 lbs	5.5–6.5 ft	7–8 ft
Mid-Range (3.5–5.0 ton)	15,000–19,000 lbs	7–8 ft	8–10 ft
Heavy-Duty (7.0–10.0 ton)	19,000–24,000+ lbs	8–8.5 ft	10–11 ft

Always measure the machine in its exact transport configuration — mast fully lowered, forks removed or tilted back — before selecting a trailer. Triplex masts can add significant height compared to simplex configurations even when fully collapsed.

Trailer Selection for Rough Terrain Forklift Transport

The right trailer depends on the machine's weight, width, and collapsed mast height. Most RT forklifts can be transported on a step-deck or lowboy trailer without requiring a full RGN configuration.

• Step-deck trailer: The most common choice for mid-range RT forklifts. The lower rear deck (approximately 36–42 inches off the ground) provides additional height clearance compared to a standard flatbed. Suitable for machines up to approximately 48,000 lbs total trailer weight.
• Lowboy trailer: Required for heavier machines or those with taller mast configurations. The lowboy deck sits 18–24 inches off the ground, providing maximum height clearance. Necessary for machines that would exceed 13.5 ft total height on a step-deck.
• Flatbed: Only suitable for compact RT forklifts with low mast configurations. The higher deck height (48–52 inches) leaves less margin for tall machines.

Permit Requirements for RT Forklift Transport

Rough terrain forklifts frequently trigger oversize permit requirements due to their width and height:

• Width: Heavy-duty RT forklifts with 8–8.5 ft widths approach or exceed the 8.5 ft (102 inch) overwidth threshold. Any machine wider than 8.5 ft requires an overwidth permit in every state traversed.
• Height: Machines with triplex masts can approach 10–11 ft collapsed height. On a standard flatbed (48–52 inch deck), this can push total height close to or above the 13.5 ft limit. A step-deck or lowboy resolves this for most machines.
• Weight: Most RT forklifts fall well below the 80,000 lb GVW threshold as individual loads. However, if multiple machines are loaded together, combined weight must be calculated carefully.

Mast Preparation for Transport

The mast is the most critical dimension to manage when shipping a rough terrain forklift. Proper preparation prevents height violations and reduces the risk of damage:

• Lower the mast fully to its minimum collapsed height before loading
• Remove the forks if they extend beyond the machine's footprint or add significant weight to the front
• Tilt the mast back (if the machine allows) to reduce forward projection
• Measure total height from the ground to the highest point of the mast in transport configuration
• Add the trailer deck height to determine total transport height and compare against the 13.5 ft federal limit

Tie-Down and Securement Requirements

Per FMCSA regulations, RT forklifts must be secured with tie-downs having an aggregate working load limit of at least 50% of the machine's weight. For a 20,000 lb RT forklift, that means at least 10,000 lbs of aggregate WLL in tie-downs.

• Use a minimum of four tie-down chains — one at each corner of the machine
• Attach to the machine's designated chassis tie-down points, not to the mast or hydraulic components
• Engage the parking brake and lower the mast fully before securing
• Block the wheels with chocks if the trailer does not have built-in chocking
• Verify that the mast cannot shift or tilt during transit

Cost Factors for Rough Terrain Forklift Shipping

RT forklift transport costs depend on machine size, trailer type, and distance. Key cost drivers include:

• Distance: Short hauls under 200 miles typically run $500–$1,200. Cross-country moves can run $2,000–$4,500 depending on routing and market conditions.
• Trailer type: Step-deck trailers are less expensive than lowboys; lowboys are required for taller or heavier machines.
• Permit fees: Overwidth permits add $150–$500 per state depending on load dimensions.
• Pilot car fees: Required for loads over 12 ft wide in most states; $1.50–$2.50 per mile per escort vehicle.

Get a Quote for Rough Terrain Forklift Transport

IronHaul Logistics ships rough terrain forklifts nationwide — from auction pickups to dealer transfers to job site deliveries. Our team will evaluate your machine's dimensions and match it to the right trailer. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get a fast, accurate rate for your RT forklift move.