Bulldozer Shipping
Bulldozer Shipping Made Simple & Affordable.
Need to transport a bulldozer? FreightCenter specializes in bulldozer shipping with expert carriers, secure transport, and competitive rates. Whether moving a single dozer or an entire fleet, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the job ahead.
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FreightCenter Makes Bulldozer Shipping Simple
Shipping a bulldozer is no small task. With their massive size and weight, these machines require specialized handling, the right type of trailer, and careful planning to ensure smooth and secure transport.
At FreightCenter, we take the complexity out of bulldozer shipping by connecting you with experienced heavy equipment carriers who understand the logistics involved. Whether you’re relocating a Caterpillar, Komatsu, John Deere, or Volvo bulldozer, we provide customized shipping solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
From selecting the right trailer—whether it’s a flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, or RGN—to handling the necessary permits and coordinating the pickup and delivery, our team ensures every step of the process is seamless.
Whether you need door-to-door transport within the U.S. or international shipping to ports worldwide, FreightCenter makes it easy to move your equipment wherever it needs to go.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Bulldozer Shipping?
Experience You Can Trust: With 25 years in freight logistics, we’ve managed thousands of heavy equipment shipments nationwide. Our expertise ensures every detail, from trailer selection to permits, is handled precisely. For bulldozer shipping, you need a team that understands and navigates the challenges effectively.
Expert Carrier Network: We work with a nationwide network of licensed, insured, and thoroughly vetted carriers that specialize in heavy machinery transport. These professionals are equipped with the right trailers and handling techniques to move bulldozers safely and efficiently. No matter the size or model of your bulldozer, we match you with the best carrier for the job.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Shipping heavy equipment can be expensive, but FreightCenter helps you get the best rates by leveraging our strong relationships with top freight carriers. Through our bulk shipping discounts and carrier bidding system, we provide cost-effective bulldozer shipping solutions without compromising on safety or service quality.
Dedicated Support: From booking your shipment to the delivery of your bulldozer, our freight agents are here to assist you. We handle route planning, paperwork, and real-time tracking for a smooth shipping experience. Our team is just a call away for questions or updates.
How to Ship a Bulldozer
Shipping a bulldozer isn’t as simple as loading it onto a trailer and hitting the road. These machines often qualify as oversized loads, which means extra planning and coordination are required to ensure safe and legal transport. At FreightCenter, we specialize in heavy equipment logistics and help guide you through every step of the process, especially when it comes to arranging for specialized trailers.
Aside from booking your shipment with our Truckload department, there are three additional steps you’ll need to take when shipping your bulldozer via heavy haul:
1. Obtain an Oversized Load Permit
Most bulldozers exceed standard legal limits for width, height, or weight, which means you’ll need an oversized load permit before transport can take place. Each state along your shipping route may have different regulations, and failing to secure the proper permits can result in costly delays or fines.
FreightCenter takes the guesswork out of the process by handling all permitting on your behalf, ensuring your bulldozer shipment stays fully compliant from pickup to delivery.
2. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Route planning is crucial when moving a large piece of equipment like a bulldozer. Certain roads, bridges, or tunnels may have weight or height restrictions that could affect your shipment. A well-planned route helps avoid unexpected detours and ensures the bulldozer arrives safely and on time.
Our logistics team at FreightCenter carefully maps out the best route based on your equipment’s dimensions, working around road restrictions and scheduling the transport for times that minimize traffic or roadwork complications.
3. Order Escorts if Necessary
If your bulldozer exceeds specific width or height thresholds—usually over 12 feet wide or 13.5 feet tall—escort vehicles (also known as pilot cars) may be required to accompany the shipment. These escorts help warn other drivers, navigate tight or narrow roads, and ensure the safety of the load and surrounding traffic.
When needed, FreightCenter will coordinate and schedule escort services as part of your overall shipping plan. We handle all the logistics, so you don’t have to coordinate with multiple vendors or worry about compliance with state escort requirements.
Packaging a Bulldozer for Shipping
Properly preparing your bulldozer for shipping is crucial to ensuring safe, damage-free transport. While bulldozers don’t require traditional packaging like smaller freight does, there are specific steps you should take to secure and protect your equipment before it’s loaded onto a trailer.
1. Clean the Bulldozer
Before shipping, thoroughly clean the bulldozer to remove any excess dirt, mud, or debris. This is especially important for international shipping, where customs regulations often require machinery to be free of soil and contaminants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
2. Inspect for Leaks and Mechanical Issues,/h3>
Check the bulldozer for any fluid leaks and make necessary repairs before transport. Draining fuel tanks is recommended to reduce fire hazards, and some states may require even lower fuel levels. Hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant levels should also be checked to prevent leaks during transit.
3. Remove or Secure Attachments
If your bulldozer has detachable components such as rippers, blades, winches, or buckets, consider removing and shipping them separately to prevent damage. If attachments must stay on the machine, ensure they are securely fastened and locked in place to avoid movement during transport.
4. Protect Fragile Parts
Certain bulldozer components, such as exhaust stacks, lights, and mirrors, can be vulnerable to damage during shipping. These parts should be either removed or reinforced with protective padding or cover to minimize the risk of breakage.
5. Verify Weight and Dimensions
Providing accurate weight and size measurements is essential for selecting the right trailer and ensuring compliance with transport regulations. Measure the height, width, length, and weight of your bulldozer, including any attachments that will remain on the machine during transport.
6. Secure the Bulldozer for Transport
Once the bulldozer is loaded onto the flatbed, lowboy, step-deck, or RGN trailer, it must be properly secured with heavy-duty chains and straps to prevent shifting. The bulldozer’s parking brake should be engaged, and wheel chocks should be used if necessary. FreightCenter works with expert carriers who ensure that your equipment is safely secured before transport.
7. Obtain Required Permits
If your bulldozer qualifies as an oversized or overweight load, special state permits and route planning may be required. FreightCenter handles all permit logistics, ensuring your shipment complies with state and federal transportation regulations.
8. Schedule Pickup and Delivery Logistics
Confirm that the pickup and delivery locations have the necessary equipment for loading and unloading the bulldozer. If the delivery site does not have a loading dock or crane, we can arrange for specialized trailers like RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers, which allow the bulldozer to be driven off easily.
Effectively preparing your bulldozer prevents damage, reduces shipping costs, and ensures compliance with transportation regulations. FreightCenter’s experts are ready to assist you at every step of the process, from selecting the right carrier to obtaining the necessary permits.
To ship your heavy bulldozer, you will need to utilize special equipment and trailers designed to move oversized items. Let's look at some of the options you can choose from depending on your bulldozer type.
Flatbed trailers are a common choice for transporting smaller or mid-sized bulldozers that fall within standard height and weight restrictions. These trailers offer a straightforward loading process thanks to their open, level design, which makes it easier to use ramps or loading docks. However, flatbeds aren’t ideal for oversized equipment, as they don’t offer additional clearance or the ability to adjust height. Still, for many compact construction models, a flatbed is the most affordable and efficient option.
Step deck trailers, also known as drop deck trailers, are perfect for bulldozers that are just a little too tall for a traditional flatbed. These trailers have two deck levels—an upper and a lower—which allows for additional height clearance while still offering a flat surface for loading. Step decks help you avoid over-height permits for equipment that might push the limits on a standard flatbed, making them a popular choice for contractors shipping medium-sized bulldozers.
Lowboy trailers are specially designed for transporting heavy and tall machinery, including large bulldozers that exceed typical height limits. These trailers sit very close to the ground, which provides extra vertical clearance without the need for special routing or expensive over-height permits. Lowboys are well-suited for massive crawler bulldozers and other oversized construction vehicles that require a heavy-duty solution. Their design allows for a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability during transit.
Removable Gooseneck Trailers (RGNs) are ideal for shipping the largest and heaviest bulldozers, especially when loading and unloading pose a challenge. An RGN allows the front of the trailer to detach, creating a ramp for the bulldozer to be driven directly onto the trailer without additional loading equipment. This feature is especially valuable on job sites or in remote areas where loading docks aren’t available. RGNs also handle extreme weights and offer multiple axles for better weight distribution, making them a go-to choice for oversized or overweight bulldozer hauls.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Bulldozer?
The cost of bulldozer shipping depends on several key factors, including the distance, the size of the equipment, the type of carrier required, and any necessary permits. Understanding these factors can help you estimate pricing and plan your shipment accordingly.
- Distance (Local, Cross-Country, International) – One of the biggest factors in determining cost is the total distance your bulldozer needs to travel. Local shipments (within the same state or region) are generally more affordable, while cross-country transport requires more fuel, time, and logistics coordination. International bulldozer shipping involves additional costs for ocean freight, port fees, and customs clearance.
- Weight & Dimensions (Larger Bulldozers Require Specialized Transport) – Bulldozers come in various sizes, from compact models to massive crawler dozers used in construction and mining. Heavier and larger bulldozers may require specialized lowboy or RGN trailers that can accommodate their weight and height. Since larger equipment takes up more space and requires additional handling, it naturally increases the overall shipping cost.
- Carrier & Trailer Type (Flatbed, RGN, etc.) – The type of trailer used to transport a bulldozer significantly impacts the cost. Flatbed trailers are often the most economical choice for standard bulldozers, but if your equipment exceeds standard height or weight limits, an RGN (removable gooseneck) or step-deck trailer may be necessary. These specialized trailers allow for easier loading and unloading but come at a higher shipping rate.
- Permits & Escort Vehicles (For Oversized Loads) – If your bulldozer exceeds legal size and weight limits, state regulations may require special oversize load permits and escort vehicles to accompany the shipment. These permits ensure compliance with transportation laws but add extra costs. In some cases, multi-state travel may require separate permits for each state, further increasing expenses.
However, if you are looking for a rough estimate of how much you could be paying for shipping your bulldozer, here are some example rates to try:
| Route | Bulldozer Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Florida to Texas | Mid-Sized Bulldozer | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| California to New York | Large Bulldozer | $6,500 – $10,000 |
| Local (300 miles) | Small Bulldozer | $800 – $2,000 |
For an exact quote on your bulldozer shipment, contact FreightCenter today. Our experts will help you find the best transport solution at the most competitive rate.
FreightCenter is your Bulldozer Shipping Expert!
At FreightCenter, we go beyond just booking a carrier—we provide end-to-end bulldozer shipping solutions designed to make the process smooth, cost-effective, and stress-free. Whether you’re shipping a single dozer or managing a large-scale equipment relocation, our services ensure your freight arrives safely and on time.
Customized Carrier Matching – Not all carriers are equipped to handle heavy machinery like bulldozers. We connect you with specialized, experienced carriers that have the proper trailers, equipment, and expertise to transport your dozer securely.
Trailer Selection Assistance – Choosing the right trailer is critical for safe transport. Our team helps determine whether a flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, or RGN trailer is best suited for your bulldozer’s size, weight, and route requirements.
Permit & Compliance Management – Oversized loads often require state and federal permits to be transported legally. We take care of the paperwork, ensuring your shipment complies with all necessary regulations, so you don’t have to worry about delays or fines.
Expert Load Coordination & Secure Transport – Loading and securing a bulldozer requires precision to prevent shifting or damage in transit. We work with skilled freight handlers to ensure your equipment is properly secured for safe transport.
Flexible Insurance Options – While all FreightCenter shipments include basic coverage, we also offer additional third-party insurance options for added peace of mind, especially for high-value bulldozer shipments.
Personalized Customer Support – If you have issues with your shipment, our team of friendly, dedicated customer support specialists is here to help. We ensure that your freight arrives at your destination safely and punctually using our shipment tracking technology.
Ready to make bulldozer shipping easier? Just call on FreightCenter, your dozer shipping experts! Call us at (800) 716-7608 to speak to our account managers or try our freight quoting system to get instant rates right now.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
3 Facts about Bulldozer Shipping You May Not Expect:
1. You might need escort vehicles: If your bulldozer qualifies as an oversized load—typically due to its width, height, or weight—some states require pilot or escort vehicles to travel with the shipment. These vehicles help alert other drivers and ensure safe passage, especially on narrow roads, bridges, or busy highways. While it adds to the overall cost, it’s an important safety measure that protects both your equipment and the public.
2. Permits vary by state: Each state has its own rules for moving heavy or oversized equipment, which means a bulldozer traveling across multiple states might need several different permits. These regulations can affect your route, allowable travel times, and even whether you’re permitted to move during certain hours or days. Working with an experienced logistics provider ensures all the necessary paperwork is handled properly to avoid fines or delays.
3. Detachable parts can save money: Removing attachments like blades, rippers, or arms before shipping can significantly reduce the overall dimensions and weight of your bulldozer. This may prevent it from being classified as an oversized load, which can lower permit costs and simplify transport logistics. In some cases, shipping the attachments separately is not only more affordable but also safer for the main equipment during transit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bulldozer Shipping
Q. What types of bulldozers can FreightCenter ship?
We ship all types and sizes of bulldozers, including mini and compact bulldozers for smaller jobs and landscaping, crawler bulldozers for rugged terrain and large construction projects, wheeled bulldozers for fast, maneuverable transport on solid surfaces, and large industrial bulldozers used in mining, forestry, and large-scale land clearing. If you’re unsure whether we can ship your specific model, contact us, and we’ll find a transport solution that fits.
Q. What type of trailer is best for transporting a bulldozer?
The best trailer depends on the bulldozer’s size and weight. Flatbed trailers work for smaller dozers, while step-deck trailers accommodate mid-sized models. Lowboy and RGN (removable gooseneck) trailers are ideal for larger bulldozers since they sit lower to the ground and make loading and unloading easier. FreightCenter helps match your bulldozer with the right trailer for safe transport.
Q. Do I need a permit to ship a bulldozer?
Yes, permits are required to ship oversized equipment like bulldozers. The specific licenses you’ll need depend on the size, weight, and the states your shipment will pass through. Each state has different regulations, and in some cases, escort vehicles or route surveys may be required. FreightCenter takes care of all necessary oversized load permits to ensure your shipment is compliant and avoids delays.
Q. What are escort vehicles, and when are they needed?
Escort vehicles (also called pilot cars) are required for oversized loads that exceed legal height, width, or weight limits. These vehicles help navigate tight roads, alert other drivers, and ensure the bulldozer is transported safely. There are two types of escort vehicles: regular cars hired by the carrier to accompany the trailer and police escorts, which are local authorities that alert other drivers of the shipment. Requirements for escort vehicles vary by state, and FreightCenter arranges them as needed for compliant transport.
Q. Can I ship multiple bulldozers at the same time?
Yes! If you need to transport multiple bulldozers, we can coordinate fleet shipping to move multiple pieces of heavy equipment efficiently. Our team will help arrange the most cost-effective transport, whether that means various trailers or consolidated shipments, to reduce costs.
Q. Do I need to prepare my bulldozer before shipping?
Yes, proper preparation is essential for safe transport. This includes removing attachments, securing loose parts, and ensuring that fluids (fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluids) are at safe levels to prevent leaks. Some states may require fuel levels to be below a certain percentage for transport. You’ll also need to secure your bulldozer onto whatever trailer it’ll be traveling on using straps and chains. We’ll provide you with pre-shipment preparation guidelines to avoid any delays.
Q. How much does it cost to ship a bulldozer?
The cost varies based on distance, bulldozer size, required trailer type, and necessary permits. Local transport might cost $800-$2,000, while cross-country shipping ranges from $3,500-$10,000 or more. International shipping rates depend on ocean freight costs and import/export fees. FreightCenter provides instant rate comparisons to help you find the most cost-effective solution.
Q. Can I ship a bulldozer internationally?
Yes, FreightCenter offers international bulldozer shipping to ports around the world. This involves coordinating ocean freight, customs clearance, and port-to-port transport. Our logistics team ensures compliance with global regulations and helps you with documentation such as bills of lading and import/export paperwork.
Q. What happens if my bulldozer is damaged during shipping?
FreightCenter only works with insured and vetted carriers, so all shipments include a basic level of cargo insurance. However, for high-value bulldozers, we recommend purchasing additional insurance coverage to ensure complete protection in case of unexpected incidents. Our team can assist you in selecting the best insurance option for your shipment.
Q. Can I get a same-day pickup for my bulldozer shipment?
In some cases, same-day pickups may be available depending on carrier availability and scheduling. However, we recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance to secure the best shipping rates and ensure all necessary permits and logistics are in place.
Compliance & Damage Prevention Tips
Clean the Equipment to Avoid Border Delays
Many states require heavy equipment to be free of dirt, seeds, or plant debris. A quick wash can help you avoid inspections, fines, and holdups during transport.
Don’t Forget the Combined Height
It’s not just your dozer’s height—it’s your dozer plus the trailer deck. Planning for total height helps avoid rerouting and clearance issues.
Flag Non-Running Equipment in Advance
If your bulldozer doesn’t run, FreightCenter can match you with carriers that offer winch-out or loading ramp capabilities—no surprises on pickup day.
