How to Ship a Telescoping Boom Crane: Dimensions, Trailers & Permits

Telescoping Boom Crane Size and Weight Ranges

Telescoping boom cranes vary dramatically in size depending on their lifting capacity and configuration:

These are general ranges — always verify exact transport dimensions from the manufacturer's crane manual or operator's handbook, as boom configuration and counterweight removal significantly affect shipping weight and dimensions.

Trailer Selection by Crane Size

The right trailer depends on the crane's transport weight, width, and height:

• Flatbed (48–53 ft): Suitable for mini cranes and small spider cranes under 8.5 ft wide and 13.5 ft tall. Payload capacity up to 48,000 lbs.
• Step Deck: Used for boom trucks and smaller all-terrain cranes that benefit from the lower deck height. Payload up to 48,000 lbs.
• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): The most common choice for all-terrain cranes. The low deck height (18–24 inches) accommodates taller machines, and the removable gooseneck allows the crane to be driven directly onto the trailer. Payload capacity up to 150,000+ lbs on multi-axle configurations.
• Double Drop Deck: Used when extra vertical clearance is needed for very tall crane configurations that cannot be reduced by counterweight removal.

Counterweight and Boom Removal

For large all-terrain cranes, counterweights are almost always removed for transport to reduce gross weight and improve stability. Counterweights are shipped separately on a flatbed or step deck. The main boom is typically retracted and secured in the transport position — most modern telescoping booms do not require removal for transport, but very long boom extensions may need to be removed and shipped separately.

For lattice-boom cranes (which use a different boom system), disassembly is more extensive and requires specialized millwrights. Telescoping boom cranes are generally simpler to prepare for transport because the boom retracts into a compact configuration.

Permit Requirements

Federal thresholds apply nationwide: loads exceeding 80,000 lbs GVW, 8.5 ft width, or 13.5 ft height require oversize/overweight permits. Most all-terrain cranes exceed at least one of these thresholds in transport configuration. Key permit considerations:

• Width: All-terrain cranes are commonly 10–14 ft wide in transport, requiring oversize permits and often pilot cars in most states.
• Weight: Large cranes with counterweights attached may exceed 80,000 lbs, requiring overweight permits and multi-axle trailer configurations.
• Height: Cranes with cabs and boom rests can approach or exceed 13.5 ft, requiring height permits and route surveys for low bridges.
• Pilot cars: Required for loads over 12 ft wide in most states; some states require pilot cars at 10 ft wide.

Loading and Securement

Telescoping boom cranes are typically loaded by driving onto the RGN trailer via the removable gooseneck ramp. Key securement points include the front axle area, rear axle area, and the boom rest. Chains must be attached to manufacturer-designated tie-down points — never over hydraulic lines, electrical conduits, or the boom itself. The boom should be fully retracted and locked in the transport position before loading.

Cost Factors for Crane Transport

• Base linehaul: $2,500–$8,000+ depending on distance, crane size, and trailer configuration
• Counterweight shipping: Additional flatbed or step deck move for removed counterweights
• Permits: $100–$500+ per state depending on dimensions and weight
• Pilot cars: $400–$700 per escort vehicle per day; large cranes may require front and rear escorts
• Route survey: Required for very tall or wide loads to identify low bridges and restricted routes

Ready to move your telescoping boom crane? Contact IronHaul Logistics for a free, expert quote. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form. Provide your crane make, model, and transport configuration for the most accurate quote.