7 hours ago
Why Transport Matters
Moving a large excavator between states—especially over hundreds of miles—is not just a logistics problem, it's a costly undertaking. For heavy equipment owners, the charge rates for carriers can run between 4.5 to 8 dollars per loaded mile, depending on distance, permit costs, and machine size. When transporting an excavator from North Carolina to Michigan (a trip of roughly 600–800 miles one way), the total can easily add up to $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
Common Options and Trade‑offs
There are a few main routes to transport:
When arranging a transport, an owner must account for:
An equipment owner once shared his experience: he needed to move a used 20‑ton excavator from a rental yard in Raleigh, NC to a jobsite in Lansing, MI. He got three common carrier quotes. One offered a tilt-deck trailer and charged $4.90/mile. Another specialized hauler with a hydraulic lowboy required $6.20/mile but included permits and insurance. He went with the specialized hauler, paid around $4,800, and reduced his risk. On ride-along, he observed how the driver rigged the machine: using double chains, rear-mounted cribbing under the tracks to prevent tipping, and a spotter during loading. The excavator arrived in Michigan without damage or delay, making the cost worthwhile in his view.
Tips for Owners Planning a Shipment
Here are practical recommendations:
Transporting an excavator from North Carolina to Michigan may seem daunting, but with the right carrier, rigging plan, and permit handling, it can be done safely and economically. The decisions you make—flatbed vs. lowboy, selecting insurance, loading point, timing—directly impact the final cost. By gathering multiple quotes, insisting on proper rigging, and understanding key transport variables, machine owners can protect both their equipment and their budget.
Moving a large excavator between states—especially over hundreds of miles—is not just a logistics problem, it's a costly undertaking. For heavy equipment owners, the charge rates for carriers can run between 4.5 to 8 dollars per loaded mile, depending on distance, permit costs, and machine size. When transporting an excavator from North Carolina to Michigan (a trip of roughly 600–800 miles one way), the total can easily add up to $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
Common Options and Trade‑offs
There are a few main routes to transport:
- Hire a flatbed or lowboy towing company
Pros: Safe, fully insured, professional drivers accustomed to heavy machinery.
Cons: High cost, need permits, loading/unloading logistics.
- Use a standard tilt-deck tag trailer
Pros: Less expensive if the deck height is compatible with the machine.
Cons: Excavator height might exceed allowed road clearance or require tipping.
- Drive the machine under its own power (rare for long hauls)
Pros: Very cheap in fuel if legal, but generally not allowed or safe for interstate travel.
Cons: Slow, wears the machine, logistics nightmare for operator rest, risk of breakdown.
When arranging a transport, an owner must account for:
- Axle weight: Excavators often exceed legal weight limits on standard trailers. Specialized trailers are needed.
- Permits: Multi-state trips typically require oversize/overweight permits which vary per state.
- Loading location: Flat, stable ground is necessary for the trailer to load safely. Sloped or soft ground can lead to tipping or damage.
- Insurance: Confirm carrier has proper coverage for your machine’s value.
- Schedule: Transport companies may only pick up at specific days or locations, and drop-off might be less flexible.
An equipment owner once shared his experience: he needed to move a used 20‑ton excavator from a rental yard in Raleigh, NC to a jobsite in Lansing, MI. He got three common carrier quotes. One offered a tilt-deck trailer and charged $4.90/mile. Another specialized hauler with a hydraulic lowboy required $6.20/mile but included permits and insurance. He went with the specialized hauler, paid around $4,800, and reduced his risk. On ride-along, he observed how the driver rigged the machine: using double chains, rear-mounted cribbing under the tracks to prevent tipping, and a spotter during loading. The excavator arrived in Michigan without damage or delay, making the cost worthwhile in his view.
Tips for Owners Planning a Shipment
Here are practical recommendations:
- Gather at least three quotes including permit cost, carrier insurance, and drop-off scheduling.
- Ensure you have rigging gear on hand (chains, binders, cribbing) or confirm the hauler will provide them.
- Confirm trail weight and dimensions of your machine so they match the carrier’s trailer specs.
- Ask for a bill of lading itemizing the machine weight, serial number, and condition.
- Consider ride‑along if available; watching the process helps identify potential rigging issues yourself.
- Plan for additional costs: fuel surcharge, permits, drop‑offs, or delays.
Transporting an excavator from North Carolina to Michigan may seem daunting, but with the right carrier, rigging plan, and permit handling, it can be done safely and economically. The decisions you make—flatbed vs. lowboy, selecting insurance, loading point, timing—directly impact the final cost. By gathering multiple quotes, insisting on proper rigging, and understanding key transport variables, machine owners can protect both their equipment and their budget.
