How to Ship a Telehandler: Trailer Types, Permits, and Costs
Telehandlers (telescoping handlers) are among the most versatile pieces of construction and agricultural equipment, and they move constantly between rental yards, dealer lots, job sites, and auction locations. Their extended boom, wide stance, and varying weight classes create specific transport requirements that differ from simpler equipment like forklifts or skid steers. This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping a telehandler safely and cost-effectively.
Telehandler Dimensions and Weight Ranges
Telehandlers vary significantly in size depending on their lift capacity and maximum reach. Understanding your machine's transport dimensions is the first step in planning a move:
| Class | Lift Capacity | Operating Weight | Transport Width | Transport Height | Transport Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | 5,000–7,000 lbs | 10,000–15,000 lbs | 6 ft – 7 ft | 6 ft 6 in – 7 ft 6 in | 15 ft – 18 ft |
| Mid-size | 8,000–10,000 lbs | 18,000–28,000 lbs | 7 ft – 8 ft | 7 ft – 8 ft 6 in | 18 ft – 22 ft |
| Large | 12,000–15,000 lbs | 30,000–45,000 lbs | 8 ft – 8 ft 6 in | 8 ft 6 in – 9 ft 6 in | 22 ft – 26 ft |
| Heavy-duty | 20,000–25,000 lbs | 45,000–55,000 lbs | 8 ft 6 in – 9 ft 6 in | 9 ft – 10 ft 6 in | 24 ft – 28 ft |
Note: Dimensions vary significantly by manufacturer and model. Always verify your machine's exact specifications — including boom retracted length and width with outriggers stowed — before booking transport.
Permit Requirements
Most telehandlers fall within or near legal transport dimensions:
- Width: Compact and mid-size telehandlers (under 8 ft wide) typically do not require oversize width permits. Large and heavy-duty models (8 ft 6 in – 9 ft 6 in wide) require oversize width permits and may require a pilot car.
- Height: Most telehandlers in transport configuration (boom fully retracted and lowered) stand 6 ft 6 in – 10 ft 6 in tall — within the 13 ft 6 in legal limit on most states. Height permits are rarely required for telehandlers.
- Weight: Compact and mid-size telehandlers (10,000–28,000 lbs) are well below the 80,000 lb GVW threshold. Large and heavy-duty models (30,000–55,000 lbs) are also typically below the threshold when combined with a standard trailer and tow vehicle. Overweight permits are rarely required for telehandlers alone.
Trailer Selection
The right trailer depends on the telehandler's weight and dimensions:
- Flatbed (48 ft): The most common choice for compact and mid-size telehandlers (under 8 ft wide and under 13 ft 6 in tall). These machines load easily on a flatbed and are within legal dimensions in most states.
- Step-Deck (48–53 ft): Preferred for larger telehandlers that approach height limits on a flatbed, or when the machine's boom configuration makes a lower deck height advantageous. The step-deck's lower deck height (approximately 10 ft 6 in loaded) provides additional clearance.
- Lowboy / RGN: Rarely required for standard telehandlers, but may be used for the heaviest heavy-duty models (45,000–55,000 lbs) or when transporting alongside other equipment that requires a lowboy.
Boom Securement and Loading Procedures
Proper boom securement is the most critical aspect of telehandler transport:
- Boom retraction: Fully retract the boom before loading. Never transport a telehandler with the boom extended — even partially extended booms significantly increase the machine's length and height, potentially creating oversize load conditions.
- Boom lowering: Lower the boom to its lowest position and engage the boom lock (if equipped). The boom should rest on the boom rest or be as close to horizontal as possible to minimize transport height.
- Attachment removal: Remove forks, buckets, or other attachments if possible. Attachments add weight and may increase the machine's width or length. If attachments cannot be removed, they must be secured separately on the trailer.
- Outrigger stowage: Ensure all outriggers are fully retracted and locked in the stowed position before loading.
- Tie-down points: Use manufacturer-specified tie-down points — typically four points on the main frame. Use chains and binders rated for the machine's weight. FMCSA regulations require a minimum of four tie-downs for equipment over 10,000 lbs.
- Re-check securement: Federal regulations require re-checking load securement after the first 50 miles and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.
Non-Running Telehandlers
Non-running (inoperable) telehandlers require additional planning:
- Disclose the non-running status when booking — carriers need to know if the machine can self-load or requires crane/forklift assistance.
- Non-running machines that cannot be driven onto a trailer require a crane or forklift for loading, adding $200–$500 to the move cost.
- RGN trailers with a removable gooseneck allow ground-level loading for non-running machines without crane assistance, which can be more cost-effective for heavier units.
Cost Factors
Telehandler shipping costs depend on several variables:
- Distance: Short hauls (under 200 miles) for a single compact or mid-size telehandler typically run $600–$1,200. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) run $3,500–$6,000.
- Machine size: Large and heavy-duty telehandlers (30,000–55,000 lbs) cost more than compact models due to trailer requirements and potential permit fees.
- Running vs. non-running: Non-running machines requiring crane assistance add $200–$500 to the move cost.
- Permit requirements: Wide-body telehandlers (over 8 ft 6 in) require oversize permits, adding $100–$400 to the move cost.
- Domestic vs. international: International telehandler exports require additional documentation, customs clearance, and ocean freight costs. RoRo shipping is the most common method for international telehandler exports.
Get a Quote for Your Telehandler Shipment
IronHaul Logistics handles telehandler transport for rental yards, dealers, construction fleets, and auction buyers nationwide. Whether you're moving a single compact unit or a fleet of heavy-duty telehandlers, we'll match you with the right carrier. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form for a fast, accurate rate.
Common questions
Do I need an oversize permit to ship a telehandler?
It depends on the model. Compact and mid-size telehandlers (under 8 ft wide) typically do not require oversize permits. Large and heavy-duty models (8 ft 6 in – 9 ft 6 in wide) require oversize width permits and may require a pilot car. Height and weight permits are rarely required for telehandlers.
What trailer type is best for shipping a telehandler?
Most compact and mid-size telehandlers ship on flatbed trailers. Larger models that approach height limits may use a step-deck for additional clearance. Heavy-duty telehandlers (45,000–55,000 lbs) occasionally use lowboy trailers. The right trailer depends on the machine's transport width, height, and weight.
How should a telehandler boom be secured for transport?
Fully retract the boom and lower it to its lowest position. Engage the boom lock if equipped. The boom should rest on the boom rest or be as close to horizontal as possible. Never transport a telehandler with the boom extended — even a partially extended boom significantly increases the machine's length and height.
Can I ship a telehandler with attachments installed?
It's best to remove attachments (forks, buckets, etc.) before transport if possible. Attachments add weight and may increase the machine's width or length. If attachments cannot be removed, they must be secured separately on the trailer and their dimensions must be included when calculating the total load dimensions.
How much does it cost to ship a telehandler?
Short hauls (under 200 miles) for a single compact or mid-size telehandler typically run $600–$1,200. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) run $3,500–$6,000. Large and heavy-duty models cost more due to trailer requirements and potential permit fees. Non-running machines requiring crane assistance add $200–$500.
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