Shipping Heavy Equipment from Waco, TX to Dallas, TX

Route Overview: Waco to Dallas via I-35

The Waco-to-Dallas route follows Interstate 35 North for virtually the entire distance—approximately 95 to 100 miles. The highway is flat and straight through the Blackland Prairie, with no significant grades or bridge clearance concerns on the main corridor. Traffic congestion is the primary variable: the I-35E and I-35W split near Hillsboro and the merge into the DFW Metroplex can add 30–60 minutes during peak hours.

Transit time for a permitted oversize load is typically same-day to 1 day. Most moves can be completed within a single business day, including loading, transit, and delivery. Permit processing in Texas is fast—the TxPROS online system issues most single-trip permits within 2 to 4 hours.

Texas Oversize Permit Requirements

Texas manages all oversize and overweight permits through the TxPROS online portal. Because this is an intrastate move (entirely within Texas), only one state permit is required. Key thresholds:

• Width: Over 8 ft 6 in requires a permit. Loads over 14 ft wide require a front escort; loads over 16 ft wide require front and rear escorts.
• Height: Over 14 ft requires a permit. Texas has a relatively generous height threshold compared to other states, but carriers must still verify clearances on delivery routes in urban Dallas.
• Weight: Over 80,000 lbs GVW requires an overweight permit. Texas allows higher axle weights on certain designated routes with a permit.
• Travel restrictions: Oversize loads in Texas are restricted from travel during peak hours in major metro areas (typically 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM). Dallas-area deliveries should be scheduled for mid-morning or early afternoon.

Trailer Options for Waco–Dallas Moves

Equipment	Trailer Type	Typical Permit Needed?
Skid steers, mini excavators, compact loaders	Flatbed (48 ft)	Usually no (if under 8.5 ft wide)
Mid-size excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes	Step-deck or RGN	Yes, if over 8.5 ft wide or 13.5 ft tall
Large dozers, large excavators, cranes	RGN / lowboy	Yes — oversize and possibly overweight
Forklifts, telehandlers	Flatbed or step-deck	Depends on stowed height

Auction Pickup Logistics in Waco

Waco is home to a significant Ritchie Bros. auction yard and is within easy reach of IronPlanet and Purple Wave lots throughout Central Texas. If you've purchased equipment at auction in the Waco area, IronHaul Logistics can coordinate direct pickup from the auction release desk. We handle the release paperwork, load the machine, and deliver to your Dallas-area yard, jobsite, or port staging area—all in a single move.

For buyers shipping to the Dallas–Fort Worth area for resale or export staging, we can deliver to equipment dealer yards in Garland, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, or Fort Worth, as well as to export consolidation yards near DFW Airport.

Cost Breakdown: Waco to Dallas

At 95–100 miles, this is a short-haul move. Rates typically range from $350 to $900 depending on equipment size and trailer type. Cost factors include:

• Minimum load charges: Most carriers apply a minimum charge of $350–$500 regardless of distance, so short hauls don't benefit proportionally from the per-mile rate.
• Permit fees: Texas single-trip oversize permits cost $30–$90 for most loads. Overweight permits are calculated by axle configuration and excess weight.
• Escort vehicles: If your load is over 14 ft wide, a pilot car is required in Texas. Pilot car rates run $150–$250 for this short corridor.
• Urban delivery surcharge: Deliveries inside the Dallas Loop 12 or I-635 may carry a $50–$150 surcharge due to traffic and access complexity.

Get a Quote from IronHaul Logistics

IronHaul Logistics moves heavy equipment throughout Texas daily, including the Waco–Dallas corridor. We handle TxPROS permit applications, pilot car coordination, and auction release pickups. To get a free quote, fill out our online form, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected] with your equipment make, model, dimensions, and delivery address.