Legal limits and permits
The federal limits apply on the Interstate and, for width, on the National Network. There is no federal height limit: states set 13.6 to 14.6 ft. A load over any limit needs an oversize or overweight permit from each state it crosses, and each state sets its own travel times, escorts and signs[1].
Weight is spread by adding axles. A heavy machine on a multi-axle trailer can stay within the per-axle limits even when the gross weight needs a permit.
Which trailer
| Method | Use it when | Avoid it when |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed | Crated parts, attachments and machines low enough that the loaded height stays within the state limit. | The machine is tall: the flat deck adds the most height. |
| Step deck | Machines that need a lower deck than a flatbed and can be loaded by ramp or crane. | The machine is taller still, or very heavy. |
| Lowboy (removable gooseneck) | Excavators, dozers and loaders that drive on from the front once the gooseneck is detached. | The load is light enough for a step deck, which costs less. |
| Multi-axle or modular trailer | Loads whose weight needs more axles to stay within per-axle limits, such as transformers or mining trucks. | A lowboy carries it within its permits. |
Machines we usually move by heavy haul
Manufacturer weights and transport dimensions for each model, linked in the first column.
| Model | Weight | L × W × H (transport) | Best method | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 336Hydraulic excavatorSpec source | 82,000 lb (37,200 kg)operating weight | 36 ft 9 in × 11 ft 3 in × 10 ft 5 in (11.2 × 3.44 × 3.17 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (3 ft 5 in / 1.04 m over width, 4 ft / 1.22 m over height). |
| Komatsu PC490LC-11Hydraulic excavatorSpec source | 53 US tons (47,930 kg)operating weight | 39 ft 2 in × 11 ft 3 in × 11 ft 11 in (11.93 × 3.44 × 3.64 m) | RoRoWhere a RoRo lane serves the destination | Drives on assembled where a RoRo lane serves the destination. |
| CAT D8Track-type tractor (dozer)Spec source | 87,100 lb (39,500 kg)operating weight | 25 ft 11 in × 9 ft 2 in × 11 ft 7 in (7.91 × 2.79 × 3.53 m) | RoRoWhere a RoRo lane serves the destination | Drives on assembled where a RoRo lane serves the destination. |
| CAT 745Articulated truckSpec source | 73,000 lb (33,110 kg)empty weight | 37 ft 6 in × 12 ft 6 in × 12 ft 4 in (11.43 × 3.8 × 3.76 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (4 ft 7 in / 1.4 m over width, 5 ft 11 in / 1.81 m over height). |
| Komatsu HD785-8Rigid dump truckSpec source | 81 US tons (73,800 kg)empty weight | 37 ft × 14 ft 2 in × 18 ft 11 in (11.28 × 4.32 × 5.77 m) | RoRoWhere a RoRo lane serves the destination | Drives on assembled where a RoRo lane serves the destination. |
| John Deere 9R 6404WD tractorSpec source | 46,700 lb (21,174 kg)shipping weight | 26 ft 1 in × 14 ft 5 in × 12 ft 3 in (7.95 × 4.4 × 3.74 m) | 40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge | Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (6 ft 7 in / 2 m over width, 5 ft 10 in / 1.79 m over height). |
How a heavy haul move works
- 01
Measure
Weight, length, width and height in transport position, and the weight on each axle once it is on the trailer.
- 02
Route and permits
A route that clears every bridge and overhead line, with a permit from each state on it[1].
- 03
- 04
Drive and deliver
Within the permit’s travel hours and escort rules, to the terminal before the cargo cut-off.
Rules that apply
- Federal truck size and weight limits (23 CFR 658)FHWA
On the Interstate system a truck may gross 80,000 lb, with 20,000 lb on a single axle and 34,000 lb on a tandem; on the National Network the load may be 102 in wide. There is no federal height limit: states set 13.6 to 14.6 ft. A load over any of these needs an oversize or overweight permit from every state on the route.[1]
Applies to: Every road move to and from the port
- Cargo securement on trucks (49 CFR 393.106 and 393.130)FMCSA
The tiedowns on a load must together have a working load limit of at least half its weight. A machine on wheels or tracks weighing 10,000 lb or more needs at least four tiedowns, fixed as close as practicable to its front and rear or to its designed tie points; buckets and shovels are lowered and secured, and articulated machines are locked so they cannot articulate.[3][2]
Applies to: Machines on wheels or tracks moved by truck, and every other load on a public road
- Engines, vehicles and machinery as hazardous materials (49 CFR 173.220)PHMSA
A machine is regulated as a hazardous material when it carries fuel, a wet, sodium or lithium battery, or other hazardous materials. A tank of flammable liquid fuel such as gasoline is drained to 500 mL or less and closed; a self-propelled machine on diesel may keep its fuel if the tank has room for expansion and the cap is closed. Batteries stay installed and secured, wet batteries upright, with the terminals protected against short circuits.[4]
Applies to: Machines with fuel, batteries or other hazardous materials, by road, vessel or air
Questions about heavy haul trucking
What weight needs an overweight permit?
Anything over 80,000 lb gross on the Interstate, or over 20,000 lb on a single axle or 34,000 lb on a tandem. States set their own limits off the Interstate.
How many chains does an excavator need on a trailer?
At least four tiedowns for any machine on wheels or tracks of 10,000 lb or more, with a total working load limit of at least half its weight. The bucket is lowered and secured.
Do oversize loads need escorts?
Often, depending on the width, length and the states on the route. Each state’s permit sets its own escort and signage rules.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the documents below, each checked on the date shown. Carriers and authorities revise them, so we confirm the current figure when we book.
- [1]FHWA, Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Program (23 CFR 658), checked October 18, 2026
- [2]eCFR, 49 CFR 393.130 Securement of heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery, checked October 18, 2026
- [3]eCFR, 49 CFR 393.106 General requirements for securing articles of cargo, checked October 18, 2026
- [4]eCFR, 49 CFR 173.220 Internal combustion engines, vehicles and machinery (hazardous materials), checked October 18, 2026
Send us the machine and the destination
Give us the model or the measured dimensions and weight. We come back with the method, the sailing and a price, and the figures behind them.