Shipping Crane Mats and Timber Mats: Transport Guide

Crane Mat and Timber Mat Specifications

Crane mats are constructed from heavy hardwood timbers — typically oak, mixed hardwood, Douglas fir, or southern yellow pine — joined by steel through-bolts. Standard dimensions and weights:

Mat Size	Thickness	Approximate Weight (dry)	Approximate Weight (green/wet)
4' x 16'	8"	2,400–2,800 lbs	3,200–3,800 lbs
4' x 20'	10"	3,500–4,200 lbs	4,800–5,600 lbs
4' x 24'	12"	4,800–5,800 lbs	6,500–8,000 lbs
6' x 30'	12"	8,000–10,000 lbs	11,000–14,000 lbs
8' x 40'	12"	12,000–16,000 lbs	18,000–22,000 lbs

Critical note on moisture content: Green or waterlogged timber mats weigh significantly more than dry mats — sometimes 30–50% more. Always verify the condition of the mats before booking transport, as wet mats can push a load over legal weight limits with far fewer mats than expected.

How Many Mats Fit on a Trailer?

Weight — not deck space — is the limiting factor for most crane mat loads. A standard legal road load is approximately 48,000 lbs of payload on a flatbed. Here's how that translates to mat counts:

• 4' x 16' mats (dry, ~2,600 lbs each): Approximately 18 mats per legal load
• 4' x 20' mats (dry, ~3,800 lbs each): Approximately 12–13 mats per legal load
• 4' x 24' mats (dry, ~5,300 lbs each): Approximately 9 mats per legal load
• 6' x 30' mats (dry, ~9,000 lbs each): Approximately 5 mats per legal load
• Wet/green mats: Reduce counts by 30–50% to stay within legal weight limits

For large mat deliveries, multi-truck rotations are common. Logistics teams coordinate delivery sequences so mats arrive in the order they'll be placed, minimizing crane downtime.

Trailer Selection

The most common trailer types for crane mat transport:

• Flatbed (48' or 53'): Standard choice for most mat loads. Mats are stacked flat and secured with chains and binders. Deck height 48"–60". Best for mats up to 48' long.
• Step deck: Useful when mat stacks exceed 13'6" total height (trailer + load). The lower deck section accommodates taller stacks while keeping the load within legal height limits.
• Extendable flatbed: Required for mats over 48' long. Extends to accommodate longer mat lengths without overhanging the trailer.
• RGN: Occasionally used for very large or heavy mat bundles, but flatbed is more common and cost-effective for standard mat sizes.

Securement Requirements

Crane mats must be properly secured per DOT regulations. Key securement requirements:

• Minimum 4 chains or straps for loads over 10,000 lbs; additional tie-downs required for longer loads
• Chains must be rated for the load weight — use Grade 70 or Grade 80 transport chains
• Mats should be stacked with consistent orientation to prevent shifting; cross-stacking is not recommended
• Edge protectors required where chains contact mat edges to prevent chain damage and load shifting
• Tarping may be required in some states or by customer specification to prevent debris from falling off the load

Project Logistics for Large Mat Deliveries

Large crane operations and pipeline projects often require dozens or hundreds of mats delivered in sequence. Effective logistics for these projects include:

• Delivery sequencing: Coordinate with the crane operator or project manager to deliver mats in the order they'll be placed. This eliminates the need to move mats around the site after delivery.
• Site access assessment: Remote or restricted-access sites may require smaller trucks or specialized trailers. Assess road conditions, bridge weight limits, and turning radius before booking.
• Multi-truck coordination: For large projects, multiple trucks may need to arrive in a specific sequence. A logistics coordinator should manage the schedule to prevent bottlenecks at the site gate.
• Return haul: Used mats are often returned to a storage yard after the project. Coordinate return haul logistics at the time of initial booking to reduce costs.

IronHaul Logistics handles crane mat and timber mat transport for pipeline projects, industrial turnarounds, and crane operations nationwide. We coordinate multi-truck deliveries, sequenced drops, and return hauls. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get started.