How to Ship a Tower Crane: Transport Requirements and Logistics
Shipping a tower crane is one of the most complex heavy-haul logistics challenges in the construction industry. Unlike mobile cranes, tower cranes are fixed-base structures that must be completely disassembled into modular components — mast sections, jib, slewing unit, counterweights, and cab — before transport. Each component moves on a separate truck, requiring precise coordination to ensure all pieces arrive at the destination in the right sequence for reassembly.
Why Tower Crane Shipping Is Uniquely Complex
Tower cranes are not designed for road travel. They are engineered as stationary structures anchored to reinforced concrete foundations, with jib lengths reaching up to 230 feet and lifting capacities of 18+ metric tons. Before any transport can begin, the crane must be fully dismantled by a certified crane erection crew, and a separate mobile crane must be on-site to assist with disassembly and later reassembly at the destination.
The result is a multi-truck, multi-permit, multi-day logistics operation that requires a carrier with specific experience in project cargo and oversize load coordination. IronHaul Logistics manages tower crane moves from disassembly coordination through final delivery and reassembly staging.
Tower Crane Components and Transport Requirements
| Component | Typical Dimensions | Trailer Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mast sections (each) | 6–10 ft wide, 6–10 ft tall, 20–40 ft long; 5,000–15,000 lbs each | Flatbed or step deck |
| Jib (working arm) | Up to 230 ft long when assembled; shipped in sections of 20–40 ft | Flatbed or step deck |
| Slewing unit / turntable | 10–16 ft wide, 8–12 ft tall; 20,000–60,000 lbs | Lowboy or RGN |
| Counterweights | Concrete or steel slabs; 5,000–30,000 lbs each | Flatbed |
| Operator cab | 8–12 ft wide, 8–10 ft tall; 3,000–8,000 lbs | Flatbed or step deck |
| Base / mast anchor | Varies; may be left on-site or shipped separately | Flatbed or lowboy |
Permit Requirements
Tower crane components frequently exceed federal oversize thresholds, triggering permit requirements in every state the load passes through:
- GVW over 80,000 lbs: Overweight permit required (slewing unit and counterweight loads often exceed this)
- Width over 8 ft 6 in: Oversize permit required (slewing units are commonly 10–16 ft wide)
- Height over 13 ft 6 in: Oversize permit required
Because a tower crane move involves multiple trucks, each truck may require its own permit set. Pilot car requirements apply to loads over 12–14 ft wide in most states. Utility line coordination may be required for loads over 16 ft tall. IronHaul manages all permit filings across all trucks and all states simultaneously.
Route Planning and Site Access
Tower crane moves require detailed route surveys before transport begins. Key considerations include:
- Bridge clearances: Slewing units and wide mast sections must clear all bridges on the route
- Weight-restricted roads: Some local roads near job sites have weight limits that require alternate access routes
- Site access: The destination site must have adequate space for multiple trucks to stage and unload in sequence
- Reassembly crane: A mobile all-terrain crane must be on-site and ready when components arrive — coordinate delivery timing with the erection crew
Sequencing and Coordination
Tower crane reassembly requires components to arrive in a specific order. Mast sections and the base must be in place before the slewing unit can be installed, and the jib sections must arrive after the slewing unit is mounted. IronHaul coordinates multi-truck dispatch schedules to ensure components arrive in the correct sequence, preventing costly delays on the job site.
Loading and Securement
Tower crane components require specialized securement:
- Mast sections are typically loaded flat on flatbeds and secured with chains and binders at multiple points
- Slewing units require blocking and cribbing to prevent rolling or shifting on lowboy trailers
- Counterweight slabs are stacked and secured with chains — weight distribution across axles must be calculated carefully
- Jib sections are loaded flat and may require outrigger pads or blocking to prevent contact with the trailer deck
Ready to coordinate a tower crane move? IronHaul Logistics specializes in complex project cargo and multi-truck heavy-haul operations. Call us at (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form with your crane make, model, and move details.
Common questions
Can a tower crane be shipped in one truck?
No. Tower cranes must be fully disassembled before transport, and the components — mast sections, jib, slewing unit, counterweights, and cab — require multiple trucks. A typical tower crane move involves 3–8 trucks depending on crane size.
What trailer is used to ship a tower crane slewing unit?
The slewing unit (turntable) is typically the heaviest and widest component, weighing 20,000–60,000 lbs and measuring 10–16 ft wide. It requires a lowboy or RGN trailer and almost always triggers oversize permit requirements.
Do tower crane components require oversize permits?
Yes. Most tower crane components exceed federal oversize thresholds (80,000 lbs GVW, 8.5 ft wide, or 13.5 ft tall), requiring permits in every state the load passes through. Each truck in the convoy may require its own permit set.
How do I coordinate the delivery sequence for tower crane components?
Components must arrive in a specific order for reassembly — base and mast sections first, then the slewing unit, then jib sections. IronHaul coordinates multi-truck dispatch schedules to ensure correct sequencing and alignment with your erection crew's schedule.
Does IronHaul handle tower crane disassembly and reassembly?
IronHaul manages the transport logistics — permits, trailers, routing, and delivery sequencing. Disassembly and reassembly are performed by certified crane erection crews, which IronHaul can help coordinate as part of the overall project plan.
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