Shipping Heavy Equipment from Denver to Kansas City: I-70 Corridor Lane Guide
The Denver to Kansas City lane follows Interstate 70 for virtually its entire 604-mile length—one of the most direct heavy-haul corridors in the country. This route connects Colorado's active construction and energy sectors with the Kansas City metro's distribution and manufacturing base. While the route is straightforward, the high-altitude starting point in Denver, Kansas spring weight restrictions, and Missouri's bridge weight limits require careful planning for oversize and overweight loads.
Route Overview: Denver to Kansas City
The Denver to Kansas City route follows I-70 East for approximately 604 miles, passing through the Colorado plains, crossing into Kansas at Kanorado, and entering Missouri at Kansas City. The route is largely flat east of Denver, making it one of the more driver-friendly heavy-haul corridors in the central US. Transit time for standard oversize loads is typically 2 to 3 days.
Shipping costs on this lane generally range from $1.75 to $5.25 per mile for heavy equipment, putting a typical mid-size load at $2,500 to $5,500 for the full route. Overweight loads requiring multi-axle trailers and permits will run toward the higher end of that range.
State Permit Requirements
Colorado (CDOT)
Colorado issues oversize/overweight permits through the Colorado Department of Transportation. The state requires permits for loads exceeding 8.5 ft wide, 14.5 ft tall, or 80,000 lbs GVW. Colorado enforces strict travel restrictions on I-70 through the mountains west of Denver (Eisenhower Tunnel area), but the Denver to Kansas City route travels east of Denver and avoids mountain restrictions entirely. Colorado also requires P/EVO certification for escort vehicle operators.
Kansas (KDOT)
Kansas permits are issued by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The state enforces spring weight restrictions (typically February through April) on secondary roads, which can affect loads that would otherwise use US-40 or US-56 as alternates to I-70. Kansas restricts oversize travel on certain holidays and during adverse weather. The state is generally efficient at permit processing, with standard permits issued within 3 to 5 business days.
Missouri (MoDOT)
Missouri issues permits through the Missouri Department of Transportation. The state has strict bridge weight restrictions on secondary routes, which often forces heavy loads to remain on I-70 even when shorter routes exist. Missouri restricts oversize travel during peak hours in the Kansas City metro and requires front and rear escorts for loads over 14 ft wide.
Common Equipment on This Lane
| Equipment | Weight Range | Typical Trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Crawler Excavator (20–35 ton) | 44,000–77,000 lbs | RGN or Lowboy |
| Wheel Loader (medium) | 35,000–55,000 lbs | RGN or Lowboy |
| Compactor / Road Roller | 20,000–45,000 lbs | Lowboy or Step Deck |
| Skid Steer + Attachments | 8,000–14,000 lbs | Flatbed |
| Drilling Rig (HDD) | 40,000–120,000 lbs | RGN or Multi-Axle Lowboy |
I-70 Corridor Considerations
I-70 through Kansas is one of the flattest, most open stretches of interstate in the country—ideal for oversize loads. However, the corridor is subject to severe weather, including high winds, blizzards, and ice storms, particularly from November through March. Kansas DOT frequently closes I-70 to oversize loads during high-wind events (sustained winds over 40 mph), which can delay shipments by 12 to 48 hours. Carriers staging in Salina, KS or Hays, KS during weather events is common practice.
The Kansas City metro area (both Kansas City, KS and Kansas City, MO) has significant construction activity and bridge restrictions. Carriers typically route oversize loads via I-435 around the metro core rather than through downtown Kansas City.
Energy Sector Equipment on This Lane
Colorado's oil and gas sector generates significant heavy equipment movement on this lane. Drilling rigs, frac tanks, compressor units, and wellhead equipment frequently move from Colorado's DJ Basin and Piceance Basin to Kansas City-area service facilities and back. These loads often require multi-axle specialized trailers and superload permits for the heaviest components. IronHaul has experience coordinating energy sector equipment moves on this corridor.
Get a Quote for Denver to Kansas City
IronHaul Logistics moves heavy equipment on the Denver to Kansas City lane regularly. We handle Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri permits, coordinate certified escorts, and route your load around Kansas City metro restrictions. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form for a rate within hours.
Common questions
How long does it take to ship heavy equipment from Denver to Kansas City?
Transit time is typically 2 to 3 days for standard oversize loads on the I-70 corridor. Weather delays (high winds, ice storms) are common November through March and can add 12 to 48 hours to transit time.
What states do I need permits for on the Denver to Kansas City route?
You'll need permits from Colorado (CDOT), Kansas (KDOT), and Missouri (MoDOT). All three states have separate permitting systems. IronHaul handles all three permit applications as part of our service.
Are there spring weight restrictions on this route?
Kansas enforces spring weight restrictions on secondary roads (typically February through April). The I-70 interstate corridor is generally exempt from spring restrictions, but loads that would otherwise use US-40 or US-56 as alternates may be forced onto I-70 during restriction periods.
How much does it cost to ship heavy equipment from Denver to Kansas City?
Rates typically range from $2,500 to $5,500 for standard oversize loads on this 604-mile route. Overweight loads requiring multi-axle trailers, permits, and escorts will run higher. Per-mile rates for heavy haul on this corridor range from $1.75 to $5.25/mile.
Does IronHaul ship energy sector equipment (drilling rigs, compressors) on this lane?
Yes. IronHaul regularly moves drilling rigs, frac tanks, compressor units, and wellhead equipment between Colorado's energy basins and Kansas City-area service facilities. We have experience with the multi-axle specialized trailers and superload permits these moves require.
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