How to Transport a Bulldozer: All You Need To Know (2024)
Don’t risk your safety, time, and money by trying to figure out how to transport a bulldozer without reading our proven and tested tips.
Sure, it’s challenging to move your heavy equipment from one construction site to another, but it’s not impossible to do so.
Summary
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Transporting a bulldozer is downright challenging, but it’s not impossible. All you have to do is to choose the perfect transport vehicle, manage the shipping costs required, secure the bulldozer’s attachments, and obtain permits.
We recommend hiring professional shippers like A-1 Auto Transport to take care of every single detail so you won’t be troubled anymore.
We have several transport options for any type of bulldozer.
References:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you transport a bulldozer safely?
Bulldozers are typically transported using a lowboy or detachable gooseneck trailer, which keeps the machine low enough to meet highway clearance limits. Operators usually drive the dozer onto the trailer using ramps and secure it with heavy-duty chains and binders rated for tens of thousands of pounds. Transport planning must account for machine weight, blade width, overall height, and permit requirements. Large machines over 40,000–90,000 lbs often require specialized carriers through a heavy equipment transport service.
Can a bulldozer be shipped across state lines legally?
Yes. Bulldozers are frequently transported across state lines by licensed heavy haul carriers. However, machines exceeding legal width (8.5 ft), height (13.5–14 ft), or weight limits require oversize or overweight permits issued by each state on the route. Carriers must follow FMCSA cargo securement rules, DOT regulations, and approved travel routes. Depending on the bulldozer’s size, transport may also require escort vehicles, restricted travel hours, or route planning to ensure safe interstate delivery.
How much does it cost to transport a bulldozer?
Bulldozer shipping typically costs $3 to $12 per mile, depending on machine size, distance, trailer type, permits, and escort requirements. Smaller dozers under 20,000 lbs may cost $800 to $2,500, while larger models exceeding 50,000 lbs can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more for interstate transport. Costs may increase if blade removal, loading equipment, rural jobsite pickup, or oversized permits are required. A heavy equipment shipping calculator can provide route-based estimates.
1) Choose The Right Vehicle For Transport
When transporting heavy equipment like bulldozers, you should always choose the best vehicle to haul it.
Consider the bulldozer’s attachments, size, weight, and length when choosing transport vehicles.
Generally, bulldozers are shipped using flatbed or lowboy trailers because they have the perfect space to load and strap down large or oddly-shaped machines. Large bulldozers that weigh more than 30,000 lbs can also be transported using Gooseneck trailers.
On the other hand, small bulldozers can fit on drop-deck trailers designed to carry tall loads that exceed the height limit.
2) Secure Necessary Permits
Since bulldozers are generally larger and heavier than most heavy equipment, there might be some necessary permits to secure before transportation.
In some states, you must secure an oversized load permit when transporting bulldozers on highways exceeding the load limit required.
Securing an overload/oversized load permit may also be subject to additional requirements.
For example, trailers that are 8.5 feet wide or more may be required to travel with a lower speed limit or be accompanied by vehicles to warn other drivers/vehicles about the presence of oversized loads. Some states also require putting oversized load signage.
3) Don’t Forget the Attachments
Some bulldozers can be transported on the same trailer along with their attachments, while some owners opt to detach them and load them on a separate container.
Either way, you must ensure that all dozer attachments are properly secured before the transport, whether attached or detached.
Some bulldozers’ blades must face backward during transport to prevent possible damage. Heavy-duty chains and straps should secure all attachments.
Meanwhile, some blade types, like u-blade and ripper, can’t be shipped alongside the bulldozer. Thus, they should be detached and transported separately
4) Consider the Costs of Moving
We recommend considering the costs of moving before shipping your dozer because shipping costs typically vary depending on the dozer’s size, weight, length, load, delivery time frame, and shipping method.
Larger bulldozers cost more because longer and heavier equipment require oversized transportation permits to move across the states legally. Dozers more than 53 ft in height will also need a loading permit.
The destination of the dozer is also a deciding factor in the overall shipping cost. The longer the distance, the higher the charge would be.
Some trailers, like Gooseneck trailers, may need to travel through certain routes because they cannot travel all kinds of roads. This factor may also require additional costs for shipping.
5) Get Professional Help
Getting professional help might be your best option if you want to be extra careful in transporting your bulldozer.
Shipping companies will provide skilled drivers, so your dozer will be safe throughout transportation.
Some companies also provide travel insurance covering all damages that might happen during transportation. The professional shipping team will also take care of all the necessary permits for transporting heavy-duty vehicles.
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