How to Ship a Bulldozer: Crawler Dozer Transport Guide

Dozer Size Classes and Transport Requirements

Dozer Class	Approx. Weight	Examples	Trailer Type	Permit Likely?
Small (D3–D5)	15,000–30,000 lbs	Cat D4, Komatsu D51	Step-Deck or Lowboy	Sometimes (width)
Medium (D6–D7)	30,000–60,000 lbs	Cat D6T, Deere 850L	Lowboy or RGN	Usually (width & weight)
Large (D8–D9)	60,000–110,000 lbs	Cat D8T, Komatsu D155	RGN (multi-axle)	Yes — overweight permit
Extra Large (D10–D11)	110,000–230,000 lbs	Cat D10T2, Cat D11	Multi-axle RGN; partial disassembly	Yes — superload review

Blade and Ripper Configuration

The blade is the most critical dimension variable on a dozer shipment. A wide-angle U-blade on a D8 can push the overall width to 14–16 feet, triggering multi-escort requirements in most states. Options to manage this:

• Lower the blade to the deck: Required for all dozer shipments. The blade must rest flat on the trailer deck or be secured in the lowest possible position.
• Remove the blade: For very wide blades, removal and separate shipment on a flatbed can reduce the primary load width below the escort threshold, saving significant permit and escort costs on long hauls.
• Ripper configuration: Rear rippers must be raised and locked in travel position. If the ripper extends beyond the trailer deck, it must be removed or a longer trailer used.

Weight Distribution and Loading

Dozers are front-heavy due to the blade assembly. When loading on an RGN or lowboy, the machine should be positioned so the blade end faces the front of the trailer (toward the cab). This distributes the heaviest weight over the front axles of the trailer, which are closest to the tractor's drive axles — the strongest point in the combination. Centering the machine laterally is equally important to prevent trailer lean and axle overloading on one side.

Permit Requirements by Dozer Size

Most crawler dozers exceed the federal 8.5-foot width limit due to track width and blade overhang. Here's what to expect:

• D3–D5 class: Often 8–10 ft wide. May require oversize permit but typically no escort.
• D6–D7 class: Typically 10–12 ft wide. Oversize permit required; front escort often required.
• D8–D9 class: Often 12–14 ft wide. Front and rear escorts required in most states. Overweight permit for GVW over 80,000 lbs.
• D10–D11 class: 14–18+ ft wide. Superload designation in many states. Requires advance engineering review, route survey, and sometimes law enforcement escort. Allow 2–4 weeks for permit processing.

Securement and Safety

FMCSA rules require tie-down working load limits totaling at least 50% of the dozer's weight. For a 60,000-lb D8, that means at least 30,000 lbs of aggregate WLL in chains and binders. Minimum four tie-down points — one at each corner track frame. Grade 70 chain is the industry standard. The parking brake must be engaged, and the final drive must be locked if the machine has a travel lock feature.

Shipping a Dozer Purchased at Auction

Auction yards like Ritchie Bros. and IronPlanet have specific load-out procedures and removal windows — typically 5–10 business days after the sale closes. IronHaul coordinates directly with auction yard staff to schedule load-out, bring the right trailer, and meet removal deadlines. We've handled hundreds of auction pickups and know how to work within yard protocols efficiently.

Get a Dozer Shipping Quote

IronHaul Logistics moves crawler dozers of all sizes, from compact D4s to massive D11 superloads. Tell us the make, model, blade width, and pickup/delivery locations and we'll build a complete quote including permits and escorts. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form.