How to Ship a Vibratory Compactor or Road Roller: Transport Guide

Compactor and Roller Types: Transport Implications

The transport requirements for a compactor depend heavily on its type and size:

• Plate Compactors and Walk-Behind Rollers: Small units under 2,000 lbs. These ship on a hotshot trailer or in the bed of a pickup truck. No oversize permits required.
• Single-Drum Vibratory Rollers (Tandem Rollers): Mid-size machines like the Bomag BW213 or Caterpillar CB10 weigh 20,000–35,000 lbs. These typically ship on a flatbed or step deck. Width is usually 6–8 ft; height with ROPS is 9–12 ft.
• Double-Drum Asphalt Rollers: Machines like the Dynapac CC6200 or Hamm HD+ 120 weigh 25,000–40,000 lbs. Similar transport requirements to single-drum rollers, but drum width can be 6–8 ft.
• Pneumatic Tire Rollers: Machines like the Caterpillar PS-360C weigh 30,000–50,000 lbs. These are wider than drum rollers and may require oversize permits for width.
• Soil Compactors / Landfill Compactors: Large machines like the Caterpillar 836 or Komatsu WF450 weigh 80,000–120,000 lbs. These require multi-axle lowboy trailers, superload permits, and police escort in most states.

Trailer Selection

• Flatbed: Suitable for standard tandem rollers within legal height and width limits. Most cost-effective option for machines under 13.5 ft tall and 8.5 ft wide.
• Step Deck: Recommended when the ROPS or cab height exceeds flatbed clearance. Adds 18–24 inches of height allowance.
• Lowboy / RGN: Required for heavy landfill compactors, large soil compactors, and any machine where loaded height exceeds 13.5 ft. RGN trailers allow drive-on loading for operational machines.
• Multi-Axle Lowboy: Required for landfill compactors over 80,000 lbs. Additional axles distribute weight to stay within per-axle legal limits.

Critical Preparation: Articulation Lock

Articulated compactors (machines with a pivot joint between the front and rear frames) must have the articulation joint locked in the straight-ahead position before transport. This is the most commonly overlooked preparation step for compactor transport. An unlocked articulation joint allows the machine to pivot during transit, which can cause the load to shift, damage the trailer, or create a safety hazard. Most articulated compactors have a dedicated articulation lock bar or pin — consult the operator manual for the correct locking procedure.

Vibratory System: Disengage Before Transport

The vibratory mechanism must be disengaged and secured before transport. Operating the vibratory system during transit can damage the drum bearings and eccentric weights. Most modern compactors have a transport mode that automatically disengages the vibratory system — confirm this is activated before loading.

Drum Surface Protection

Compactor drums have precision-machined surfaces that can be damaged by improper loading. When driving the machine onto a trailer via ramps, approach slowly and straight-on to avoid lateral contact between the drum edge and the ramp. Do not use chains directly on the drum surface for securement — attach chains to the drum frame or designated tie-down points only.

Securement Requirements

Compactors must be secured per FMCSA 49 CFR 393.130. Minimum four tie-downs (Grade 70 chain or higher) attached to manufacturer-designated anchor points. For articulated compactors, secure both the front and rear frames independently — do not rely on the articulation joint to transfer securement forces. Water tanks (if equipped) must be drained or secured to prevent shifting during transit.

Permit Thresholds

Federal legal limits: 80,000 lbs GVW, 8.5 ft width, 13.5 ft height, 53 ft length. Most standard tandem rollers and asphalt compactors fit within these limits on a step deck or lowboy. Pneumatic tire rollers and large soil compactors frequently exceed width and weight limits. Landfill compactors almost always require superload permits.

IronHaul Logistics ships vibratory compactors and road rollers nationwide — from job site to job site, auction pickup to dealer lot, and everything in between. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit a quote request online. Provide the machine's make, model, operating weight, and dimensions for the most accurate rate.