How to Ship a Wheel Loader: Dimensions, Trailers & Permit Guide

Wheel Loader Size Categories and Shipping Implications

Wheel loaders span an enormous range of sizes. Understanding which category your machine falls into determines the trailer type, permit requirements, and cost:

Category	Operating Weight	Examples	Typical Trailer
Compact	9,000–18,000 lbs	CAT 903, Bobcat L-series	Flatbed or step deck
Small	18,000–35,000 lbs	CAT 930, Komatsu WA200	Step deck or lowboy
Mid-size	35,000–60,000 lbs	CAT 950, Komatsu WA380	Lowboy or RGN
Large	60,000–120,000 lbs	CAT 972, Komatsu WA500	RGN lowboy, multi-axle
Mining-grade	120,000+ lbs	CAT 988, 993, 995	Multi-axle lowboy, superload

Key Dimensions to Measure Before Booking Transport

Before calling a carrier, gather these measurements from your machine's spec sheet or by measuring the unit directly:

• Operating weight: The most critical number for trailer selection and permit requirements
• Overall length: Measured with bucket in transport position (curled back, lowered)
• Overall width: Measured at the widest point — often the tires, not the cab
• Overall height: Measured with ROPS (cab) at its highest point, bucket lowered
• Bucket width: Often wider than the machine body — this determines the load width
• Ground clearance: Important for RGN loading ramp angle

A typical mid-size wheel loader (CAT 950 class) measures approximately 27–29 ft long, 9–10 ft wide (with bucket), and 10–11 ft tall. These dimensions typically require a lowboy trailer and an oversize permit for width.

Trailer Selection for Wheel Loaders

Flatbed Trailers

Suitable only for compact wheel loaders under 18,000 lbs that fit within legal height (under 13.5 ft total with trailer deck height). The flatbed deck sits 48–60 inches off the ground, so the machine must be short enough to stay under the legal height limit. Most full-size wheel loaders are too tall for flatbed transport.

Step Deck (Drop Deck) Trailers

The lower rear deck (36–40 inches) provides additional height clearance compared to a flatbed. Step decks can handle small to mid-size wheel loaders up to about 48,000 lbs that are too tall for a flatbed but don't require the ultra-low deck of a lowboy. Many step decks have fold-out ramps for drive-on loading.

Lowboy and RGN Trailers

The standard choice for mid-size and large wheel loaders. The lowboy deck sits 18–24 inches off the ground, maximizing height clearance. RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers allow the machine to drive on under its own power — the gooseneck detaches, creating a ramp. This is the preferred loading method for wheel loaders because it's faster and safer than crane loading. Lowboys can handle 70,000–80,000 lbs on standard configurations; multi-axle lowboys handle heavier loads.

Multi-Axle Lowboys

Large and mining-grade wheel loaders exceeding 80,000 lbs require multi-axle configurations to distribute weight within legal axle limits. These moves are classified as superloads in most states and require route surveys, engineering approval, and often utility coordination for overhead lines.

Permit Requirements

Federal baseline limits: 80,000 lbs GVW, 8.5 ft width, 13.5 ft height, 53 ft length. Most mid-size and larger wheel loaders exceed at least one of these thresholds:

• Width over 8.5 ft (common with large buckets): requires oversize permit in every state traversed
• Weight over 80,000 lbs: requires overweight permit; axle weight distribution must be calculated
• Height over 13.5 ft: requires oversize permit and may require route survey for bridge clearances

Loading and Securing a Wheel Loader

Proper loading procedure for an RGN:

1. Detach the gooseneck to create the loading ramp
2. Drive the wheel loader onto the trailer under its own power in low gear
3. Position the machine so weight is distributed evenly across trailer axles
4. Lower the bucket to the deck and curl it back to minimize height
5. Reattach the gooseneck
6. Secure with minimum 4 chains (DOT requires chains rated for the load weight); additional chains for heavier machines
7. Block tires front and rear
8. Verify total height with a measuring pole before departure

IronHaul Logistics ships wheel loaders of all sizes nationwide. Our team handles permit procurement, trailer matching, and loading coordination. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form for a fast rate on your wheel loader move.