How to Ship Crane Boom Sections and Crane Components

Types of Crane Booms and Their Transport Challenges

Different crane types present different transport challenges:

• Lattice boom sections (crawler cranes): Individual sections are typically 10–20 feet long and 4–8 feet wide, but a full boom may consist of 10–20 sections requiring multiple loads. Each section can weigh 5,000–30,000 lbs depending on the crane class.
• Telescoping boom sections (hydraulic truck cranes): The boom is typically transported retracted on the crane carrier, but when the crane is disassembled for transport, the boom section alone can be 40–80 feet long and weigh 20,000–60,000 lbs.
• Jib sections: Fly jibs and luffing jibs are typically lighter (2,000–15,000 lbs) but can be 30–60 feet long, requiring overlength permits and flagging.
• Counterweights: Crane counterweights are dense, compact, and extremely heavy—often 20,000–100,000 lbs per set. They require heavy-duty flatbeds or lowboys with verified axle weight distribution.

Disassembly and Preparation

Proper disassembly is the foundation of a safe crane boom transport:

1. Follow manufacturer guidelines: Each crane manufacturer specifies the correct disassembly sequence for transport. Deviating from these procedures can damage structural components or create unsafe loading conditions.
2. Document all components: Photograph and inventory every pin, bolt, and hardware item before disassembly. Lost hardware is a common and costly problem on crane moves.
3. Protect structural members: Boom sections should be padded at contact points with the trailer to prevent surface damage. Hydraulic fittings and electrical connectors must be capped and protected.
4. Separate counterweights: Counterweights must be removed from the crane body and transported on separate trailers to ensure compliant axle weight distribution on both loads.
5. Verify transport dimensions: Measure each component after disassembly to confirm actual transport dimensions before ordering permits.

Trailer Selection for Crane Boom Sections

Component	Recommended Trailer	Notes
Lattice boom sections (10–20 ft)	Flatbed or step-deck	Multiple sections can often be bundled on one load
Long boom sections (40–80 ft)	Extendable flatbed (RGN or step-deck)	Prevents unsafe overhang; reduces overlength flagging
Telescoping boom (retracted)	Lowboy or RGN	Height is the primary constraint
Counterweights	Heavy-duty flatbed or lowboy	Axle weight distribution is critical
Jib sections	Flatbed or extendable flatbed	Length is the primary constraint

Extendable trailers are essential for boom sections exceeding standard deck lengths (typically 48–53 feet). These trailers telescope to accommodate longer loads, preventing unsafe rear overhang that would otherwise require additional flagging and reduce travel speed.

Permit and Escort Requirements

Crane boom sections almost always trigger oversize permits due to length, width, or weight:

• Overlength permits: Required for loads exceeding 53 feet in most states. Loads over 75 feet typically require pilot cars; loads over 100 feet may require two escorts.
• Overwidth permits: Boom sections wider than 8'6" require overwidth permits. Lattice boom sections are often 6–8 feet wide and may be within legal limits; main boom sections can be 8–12 feet wide.
• Overweight permits: Required for loads exceeding 80,000 lbs GVW. Counterweight loads frequently exceed this threshold.
• Route surveys: Long boom sections (80+ feet) may require route surveys to verify turning radii at intersections and overhead clearances.
• Travel restrictions: Oversize crane components are restricted to daylight hours in most states and prohibited on holidays and weekends in some jurisdictions.

Multi-Load Coordination

Large crane moves often involve 5–15 separate loads moving in convoy or on staggered schedules. Effective multi-load coordination requires:

• A single point of contact managing all loads to ensure components arrive at the destination in the correct sequence for reassembly.
• Coordinated permit timing so all loads can travel on the same permit window.
• Staging area coordination at the destination to receive and organize components before reassembly begins.
• Communication between drivers, pilot car operators, and the destination crew throughout transit.

IronHaul Logistics provides dedicated project management for multi-load crane moves, ensuring all components arrive on schedule and in the correct order.

Get a Quote for Crane Boom Section Shipping

IronHaul Logistics has the specialized trailers, permit expertise, and multi-load coordination capability to handle crane boom transport of any complexity. Whether you're moving a single jib section or a complete 500-ton crawler crane, our team manages every detail. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit your crane make, model, and component list through our online quote form.