How to Ship a Truck-Mounted Crane: Complete Transport Guide

Understanding Truck-Mounted Crane Transport Complexity

Truck-mounted cranes present a unique transport challenge because they are simultaneously a vehicle and a piece of heavy equipment. Key factors that complicate transport include:

• Gross Vehicle Weight: A fully configured truck-mounted crane with counterweights can weigh 80,000–150,000+ lbs, far exceeding the 80,000 lb federal GVW limit for road-legal vehicles.
• Boom length: Stowed boom length can extend 40–80 ft beyond the truck chassis, creating extreme overall transport lengths that require special permits and routing.
• Counterweight configuration: Counterweights are dense, heavy components that must be positioned precisely to distribute axle loads legally. Moving a counterweight to a different position on the truck can shift hundreds of pounds between axle groups.
• Outrigger spread: While outriggers are retracted for transport, their stowed width may still exceed 8.5 ft on large crane carriers.

Transport Options for Truck-Mounted Cranes

There are two primary transport methods for truck-mounted cranes:

Option 1: Drive Under Own Power (Short Distance)

For moves under 100–200 miles, truck-mounted cranes can sometimes be driven under their own power if the crane's GVW is within legal limits with counterweights removed or repositioned. This requires:

• Verification that the crane's GVW (with boom stowed and counterweights in transport position) is at or below 80,000 lbs
• Confirmation that the stowed boom length does not exceed legal length limits
• State-specific oversize permits if width or height exceeds legal limits
• A qualified crane operator/driver with appropriate CDL endorsements

Option 2: Load on Heavy Haul Trailer (Long Distance)

For long-distance moves, truck-mounted cranes are typically loaded onto lowboy or RGN trailers. This approach:

• Eliminates driver fatigue and HOS compliance issues for the crane operator
• Allows counterweights to be removed and shipped separately, reducing the loaded weight
• Provides better control over axle-weight distribution on the trailer
• Is required when the crane's GVW exceeds legal limits even with counterweights removed

Permit Requirements for Truck-Mounted Crane Transport

Truck-mounted cranes with extended booms often exceed 70–90 ft in total transport length, requiring oversize permits and specific routing to avoid low bridges, tight turns, and restricted roads.

Counterweight Management

Counterweights are the most critical variable in truck-mounted crane transport planning:

• Individual piece weights: Carriers need the weight and dimensions of each counterweight section, not just the total crane weight. A single counterweight section can weigh 5,000–20,000 lbs.
• Removal for transport: Removing counterweights reduces GVW and may bring the crane within legal limits for self-drive transport. Counterweights are then shipped separately on a flatbed or step-deck trailer.
• Positioning on trailer: If the crane is loaded on a trailer with counterweights attached, their position must be calculated to distribute axle loads legally. This is a precise engineering exercise, not a guess.

Loading and Securement

• Boom securement: The boom must be fully retracted and secured in the transport cradle. Verify that all boom sections are pinned and that the boom head is secured against lateral movement.
• Outrigger securement: Outriggers must be fully retracted and pinned. Verify that outrigger pads are secured and cannot shift during transit.
• Tie-down points: Use designated tie-down points on the crane chassis frame. Never chain to boom sections, hydraulic cylinders, or outrigger components.
• Minimum chains: 4-point tie-down minimum for standard crane carriers; 6–8 chains for heavy configurations.

IronHaul Logistics moves truck-mounted cranes and boom trucks for crane rental companies, construction contractors, and equipment dealers nationwide. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online. We handle permits, counterweight logistics, and pilot car coordination for crane moves of all sizes.