How to ship machinery and equipment
The right mode, how to prepare it, what drives the price and the mistakes that cost money. Best modes: Flatbed truckload, LTL, Dry van truckload.
Short answer: Small machines on skids ship LTL; anything over about 10 feet, 10,000 lb or that loads from the top or side ships on a flatbed or step deck truckload. Measure the machine, find its center of gravity, drain fluids, and confirm the loading method (dock, forklift or crane) at both ends before you quote.
Updated November 3, 2026 · By the GetShippingRates team at Armstrong Transport Group
Preparing machinery and equipment for shipping
- Get exact length, width, height and weight, and mark the center of gravity.
- Drain fuel, oil and coolant or document them; some fluids are hazmat.
- Bolt small machines to a skid; leave large machines on their own base with lifting points marked.
- Confirm how it loads and unloads: dock, forklift capacity, overhead crane or rigging crew.
- Ask for tarps if it must stay dry, and permits if it's over 8.5 feet wide.
What drives the price
- Equipment type: flatbed, step deck or lowboy
- Over-dimensional permits and escorts
- Tarps, chains and securement
- Rigging or crane service at either end
Freight class: Crated machinery on LTL commonly estimates at class 70 to 100 by density. Check yours with the free freight calculators; the carrier’s NMFC item sets the final class.
For real prices see pallet shipping cost, the freight rate index and reefer shipping cost.
Mistakes that cost money
- Underestimating weight, which can put the truck over legal limits.
- No forklift at delivery big enough to unload it.
- Shipping fragile controls exposed on an open flatbed.
More industrial guides
Frequently asked questions
How do I ship heavy machinery?
Book a flatbed, step deck or lowboy depending on height and weight, with securement by the carrier. Over 8.5 feet wide or about 13.5 feet tall loaded needs permits.
Can machinery ship LTL?
Yes, if it fits on a skid, can be forklifted and stays under roughly 10,000 lb and 12 linear feet. Larger machines go truckload.
Do I need tarps?
If the machine must stay dry or clean, ask for tarps. They add a charge on flatbed loads.
More shipping cost guides
Get a quote to ship machinery and equipment
Pick the mode, enter the lane and freight, and see live rates in seconds where the mode supports it. Armstrong Transport Group's team handles the rest.
Prefer to talk? Call 877-240-1181 or email info@getshippingrates.com. Shipping several modes? Request a free multimodal shipping review.