How to Ship a Telehandler: Complete Transport Guide for Telescopic Handlers
Telehandlers — also called telescopic handlers or reach forklifts — range from 5,500-lb compact units to 48,000-lb heavy-duty machines with booms that extend 55+ feet. Their variable geometry (boom angle, attachment configuration) makes accurate dimension reporting critical before booking transport. IronHaul Logistics specializes in telehandler moves from auction pickups to multi-unit dealer transfers.
Telehandler Weight and Dimension Ranges
Before requesting a transport quote, gather these specs from the manufacturer's data plate or spec sheet:
- Operating weight: Ranges from 5,500 lbs (compact) to 48,000 lbs (heavy-duty). Always use operating weight with fluids, not shipping weight.
- Transport height: Boom fully retracted and lowered to transport position. Typically 7–11 ft for most models.
- Overall width: Including stabilizers if deployed. Most telehandlers are 7–9 ft wide in transport configuration.
- Overall length: With boom retracted. Typically 18–28 ft for standard models.
- Attachment: Forks, buckets, and jibs add weight and may change the machine's center of gravity. Confirm whether attachments ship with the machine or separately.
Trailer Selection by Telehandler Size
| Telehandler Class | Weight Range | Recommended Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Compact (e.g., JLG 1055, Manitou MT625) | 5,500–11,000 lbs | Flatbed or hot shot |
| Standard (e.g., JLG 1644, Genie GTH-1056) | 11,000–22,000 lbs | Step-deck or flatbed |
| Heavy-Duty (e.g., JLG 1350SJ, Manitou MHT 10230) | 22,000–48,000 lbs | Lowboy / RGN |
Preparing a Telehandler for Transport
Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures the carrier can load without delays:
- Retract and lower the boom: The boom must be fully retracted and lowered to its minimum transport height. Lock the boom in transport position using the manufacturer's locking pin or hydraulic lockout.
- Remove or secure attachments: Forks should be removed or pinned in the fully retracted position. Buckets and jibs should be removed and shipped separately unless the carrier confirms they can be secured safely.
- Fold or remove stabilizers: Outrigger stabilizers must be fully retracted and locked. If they cannot be retracted, notify the carrier — this affects the machine's transport width.
- Check for fluid leaks: Carriers can refuse loads with active hydraulic or fuel leaks. Address any leaks before pickup.
- Verify the machine is drivable: If the telehandler can drive under its own power, loading on an RGN is straightforward. Non-operational machines require crane or forklift loading — coordinate this with the carrier in advance.
Permit Requirements for Telehandlers
Most standard and heavy-duty telehandlers exceed at least one federal permit threshold:
- Width: Telehandlers wider than 8.5 ft (including stabilizers) require oversize width permits in every state on the route.
- Height: Machines taller than 13.5 ft in transport configuration require oversize height permits.
- Weight: Heavy-duty telehandlers over 40,000 lbs on a lowboy may approach or exceed the 80,000 lb GVW threshold when combined with the trailer and tractor weight.
IronHaul's permit team files all required state permits as part of the transport coordination. Permit costs typically run $50–$300 per state for standard oversize loads.
Tie-Down and Securement Requirements
DOT regulations require telehandlers to be secured with chains rated to at least 50% of the machine's operating weight per tie-down point. Standard practice:
- Four chains minimum — two forward, two rear — attached to the machine's designated tie-down points (typically the front axle frame and rear frame)
- The boom must be chained or blocked to prevent any movement during transit
- Attachments remaining on the machine must be independently secured
- Wheel chocks placed fore and aft of all drive wheels
International Shipping for Telehandlers
Telehandlers are popular export items — particularly to Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. For export moves, IronHaul coordinates inland transport to the port (Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Long Beach, or Newark) and can connect you with RoRo or flat-rack container booking through our freight forwarding partners. Required export documentation includes the Certificate of Title, Bill of Sale, Commercial Invoice, and AES/EEI filing through U.S. Customs.
Ready to ship your telehandler? IronHaul Logistics handles compact units to heavy-duty machines, auction pickups to dealer transfers, domestic to export. Get a quote at our website, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected].
Common questions
What trailer do I need to ship a JLG 1644 telehandler?
The JLG 1644 weighs approximately 18,000–20,000 lbs and is typically 8–8.5 ft wide in transport configuration. A step-deck or flatbed trailer is usually appropriate, though width permits may be required if the machine exceeds 8.5 ft with stabilizers.
Does the boom need to be removed to ship a telehandler?
No — the boom does not need to be removed. It must be fully retracted and lowered to the transport position, then locked using the manufacturer's locking pin or hydraulic lockout. The carrier will chain the boom to prevent movement during transit.
Can I ship a telehandler with forks attached?
Yes, in most cases. The forks should be pinned in the fully retracted position. If the forks extend the machine's overall length significantly, the carrier will account for this in the permit application.
How much does it cost to ship a telehandler?
Costs vary by machine size and distance. Compact telehandlers on short hauls (under 500 miles) typically run $600–$1,500. Heavy-duty machines on cross-country moves can reach $3,000–$6,000 with permits and RGN trailer costs included.
Can IronHaul ship a telehandler to a port for export?
Yes. IronHaul coordinates inland transport to major export ports including Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Long Beach, and Newark. We can also connect you with RoRo or flat-rack container booking through our freight forwarding partners.
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