How to Ship a Wheeled Excavator: Transport, Permits, and Trailer Guide

What Is a Wheeled Excavator?

A wheeled excavator is a hydraulic excavator mounted on a rubber-tire undercarriage rather than steel tracks. Common manufacturers include Volvo, Liebherr, Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Hyundai. These machines are widely used in urban construction, road work, utility trenching, and demolition where tracked machines would damage pavement or require frequent repositioning.

Wheeled excavators range from compact 8-ton models to large 30-ton machines. Their road-legal status in many jurisdictions means they can sometimes travel short distances under their own power, but for any move exceeding a few miles — or crossing state lines — a trailer is required.

Typical Dimensions and Weights

Size Class	Operating Weight	Transport Length	Transport Width	Transport Height
Compact (8–12 ton)	17,600–26,400 lbs	18–22 ft	7.5–8.5 ft	9–10.5 ft
Mid-size (14–20 ton)	30,800–44,000 lbs	22–27 ft	8–9 ft	10–12 ft
Large (22–30 ton)	48,400–66,000 lbs	27–33 ft	8.5–10 ft	11–13.5 ft

Note: Dimensions vary by manufacturer and configuration. Always measure your specific machine in transport position (boom lowered, bucket curled, outriggers retracted) before booking transport.

Trailer Selection

The right trailer depends on the machine's height in transport position:

• Flatbed (48–53 ft): Suitable for compact wheeled excavators (8–12 ton) that fit within 13.5 ft total height (trailer deck + machine height). Deck height is typically 4–5 ft, so the machine must be under 8.5–9.5 ft tall in transport position.
• Step Deck (Drop Deck): The lower rear deck (typically 3.5–4 ft) provides additional height clearance for mid-size machines. Good option for 14–20 ton wheeled excavators.
• Lowboy / RGN: Required for large wheeled excavators (22–30 ton) or any machine that exceeds height clearance on a step deck. Deck height is typically 18–24 inches, providing maximum clearance for tall machines. The removable gooseneck allows the machine to be driven on under its own power.

Permit Requirements

Federal legal limits that trigger oversize/overweight permits:

• Weight: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight (truck + trailer + machine)
• Width: 8.5 ft (102 inches)
• Height: 13.5 ft (some states allow 14 ft)
• Length: 53 ft on most interstates (longer combinations require permits)

Most mid-size and large wheeled excavators will exceed at least one of these thresholds, requiring a state-issued oversize/overweight permit. Permits are route-specific and must be obtained for each state the load passes through. IronHaul handles all permit applications as part of our transport service.

Tie-Down and Securement Requirements

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR §393.130) require that wheeled excavators be secured with a minimum of four tie-downs. The combined working load limit of all tie-downs must equal at least 50% of the machine's weight. Key securement points:

• Use heavy-duty chains (Grade 70 or Grade 80) rated for the machine's weight class.
• Attach chains to manufacturer-designated tie-down points — never to hydraulic lines, cylinders, or structural members not designed for tie-down loads.
• Place wheel chocks in front of and behind all tires to prevent rolling.
• Lock the swing mechanism to prevent the upper structure from rotating during transit.
• Lower the boom fully and curl the bucket; secure the boom with a chain or transport lock if provided by the manufacturer.
• Retract and pin all outriggers/stabilizers.
• Inspect tie-down tension at 50 miles and every 150 miles thereafter.

Loading Considerations

If the wheeled excavator is operational, it can typically be driven onto an RGN trailer after the gooseneck is detached to create a loading ramp. For step-deck or flatbed loading, the machine may need to be craned or winched into position. Non-running machines require advance notice so the carrier can arrange appropriate loading equipment. Always confirm the machine's operational status when requesting a quote.

Export Shipping for Wheeled Excavators

Wheeled excavators are popular export items due to their road mobility and versatility. For international shipment, options include RoRo (for operable machines), flat rack (for oversized units), or container (for smaller models, sometimes tilted on their side). IronHaul coordinates domestic transport to port and can connect you with freight forwarders for the ocean leg.

Ready to ship your wheeled excavator? IronHaul Logistics handles domestic heavy-haul transport and port delivery for wheeled excavators of all sizes. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form with your machine's make, model, dimensions, and route for a fast, accurate rate.