How to Ship a Scissor Lift: Complete Transport Guide

Scissor Lift Size and Weight Ranges

Scissor lifts vary significantly by platform height, footprint, and weight. Understanding your machine's specifications before requesting a quote is essential — carriers need the stowed (transport) dimensions, not the extended height.

Platform Height	Stowed Height	Width	Length	Approx. Weight
19 ft (electric)	~4.5 ft	~2.6 ft	~6 ft	2,700–3,000 lbs
26 ft	~5.6 ft	~3.8 ft	~7 ft	4,500–6,000 lbs
32 ft	~6.25 ft	~3.8 ft	~8 ft	7,000–9,000 lbs
40 ft (rough terrain)	~8.1 ft	~4.5 ft	~9 ft	12,000–15,000 lbs
50 ft (industrial)	~10.5 ft	~7.6 ft	~10 ft	15,000–17,000 lbs

The stowed height is the critical measurement for bridge clearance. Federal height limit is 13.5 ft, so most scissor lifts are well within legal height. Width is rarely an issue for standard models, but rough-terrain and industrial units approaching 8 ft wide may require oversize permits in some states.

Trailer Selection for Scissor Lifts

Flatbed Trailers

Standard flatbed trailers (48 or 53 ft) work well for compact and mid-size scissor lifts that can be loaded via ramp or dock. The deck height on a flatbed is typically 48–54 inches, which means the total transport height (deck + stowed lift height) must be calculated to ensure it stays under 13.5 ft. For a 19-ft electric lift with a 4.5-ft stowed height, a flatbed keeps total height around 9 ft — well within legal limits.

Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers have a lower rear deck (typically 36–42 inches) that provides more vertical clearance for taller scissor lifts. This is the preferred option for 32-ft and 40-ft models where the stowed height plus flatbed deck height would approach or exceed 13.5 ft. Step decks also make loading easier for lifts with limited ground clearance.

Lowboy / RGN Trailers

Large industrial scissor lifts (50 ft platform, 10+ ft stowed height) may require a lowboy or RGN trailer with a deck height of 18–24 inches to keep total transport height within legal limits. These trailers are also preferred when the lift is inoperable and must be winched or crane-loaded onto the trailer.

Permit Requirements

Most scissor lifts ship without oversize permits because their stowed dimensions fall within federal legal limits (8.5 ft wide, 13.5 ft tall, 80,000 lbs GVW). However, permits may be required when:

• The lift's width exceeds 8.5 ft (common on large rough-terrain models)
• The total transport height (deck + stowed lift) exceeds 13.5 ft
• Multiple lifts are stacked or co-loaded, increasing total weight or height
• The lift is on a trailer that itself exceeds legal dimensions

When permits are required, they are typically standard oversize permits costing $15–$150 per state, with processing times of a few hours to 1–2 business days.

Loading and Securement Requirements

Proper preparation before loading is critical for safe transport and DOT compliance:

• Platform fully retracted and locked: Never transport a scissor lift with the platform extended — it creates a dangerous high center of gravity and will exceed height limits.
• Battery disconnected: Disconnect the battery to prevent accidental operation during transport.
• All loose items removed: Remove tools, materials, and accessories from the platform and storage areas.
• Tie-down points: Scissor lifts must be secured using chains or straps at the manufacturer-designated tie-down points (typically the frame, not the scissor mechanism). Use a minimum of four tie-down points per DOT regulations (49 CFR Part 393).
• Avoid steel mesh ramps: Steel mesh ramps can damage rubber tires on electric scissor lifts. Use solid ramps or ground-level loading trailers when possible.

Multi-Unit Shipping

If you're moving multiple scissor lifts — common for rental companies relocating fleet between yards — co-loading can significantly reduce per-unit cost. Compact 19-ft electric lifts can often be loaded two or three per flatbed trailer, depending on their footprint and combined weight. Discuss co-loading options with IronHaul when you have multiple units to move.

Ready to ship your scissor lift? IronHaul Logistics handles scissor lift transport nationwide, from single units to full fleet relocations. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form for a fast, accurate rate.