How to Transport a Forklift?

Moving a forklift from one location to another takes more than backing up a trailer and driving away. Forklifts are heavy, awkwardly shaped, and require specialized handling to move safely. Whether you’re relocating equipment to a new warehouse, sending a unit out for repairs, or delivering a forklift to a construction site, you need to get the details right.

This guide covers everything you need to know about forklift transport: how to assess your equipment, which trailer types work best, how to prepare your forklift for shipping, and what safety regulations apply.

Forklift’s Transport Requirements

Before you book a transport service, you need to understand what you’re shipping. Forklift specifications vary widely, and those differences affect everything from trailer selection to permit requirements.

Forklift Types and Their Transport Considerations

Forklift Type	Typical Weight	Transport Considerations
Electric forklifts	3,000–12,000 lbs	Battery handling required, no fuel concerns
Propane forklifts	4,000–15,000 lbs	Propane tank must be removed or secured
Diesel/Gas forklifts	5,000–20,000+ lbs	Fuel supply should be reduced before transport
Rough terrain forklifts	6,000–30,000+ lbs	Larger dimensions and heavier weight require specialized trailers

The average forklift weighs between 9,000 and 12,000 pounds. That’s roughly three times the weight of a standard pickup truck. That weight matters when selecting a trailer and determining whether you’ll need permits for your shipment.

Smaller forklifts used in warehouses and retail settings are generally straightforward to transport. Larger industrial units and rough terrain models require more planning and often specialized equipment.

Measuring Your Forklift for Transport

Before requesting quotes, gather these dimensions:

• Height with the mast fully lowered (this is your transport height)
• Width including the counterweight
• Length from the tip of the forks to the back of the counterweight
• Total weight including any attachments

Pay special attention to clearance height. The combined height of the trailer and your forklift determines whether you can pass under low bridges and overpasses without issue. Standard vertical clearance on most highways is 13’6″ to 14′, but some older routes have lower clearances that require route planning.

Trailers for Forklift Transport

Flatbed Trailers

A flatbed trailer is the most common choice for forklift transport. The open design allows loading from the sides or rear, and there’s no roof structure limiting height.

Flatbeds work well for most standard warehouse forklifts. The deck sits about 58–60 inches off the ground, giving you roughly 8’6″ of vertical space before hitting the standard 13’6″ highway limit. Most flatbed trailers can handle up to 48,000 pounds of cargo.

The open sides make securing equipment straightforward, and experienced drivers can position the trailer for optimal loading angles at your facility. For companies shipping forklifts regularly, flatbed transport offers a reliable, cost-effective solution.

Step-Deck Trailers

A step-deck trailer (also called a drop deck) features a lower rear deck that provides additional clearance height. The deck drops down about 18–24 inches compared to a standard flatbed, giving you more room for taller equipment.

If your forklift has an extended mast or sits taller than average, a step-deck trailer may be your best option. The lower deck height means you can transport equipment up to about 10 feet tall while staying within legal limits.

Dry Van Trailers

A dry van trailer is an enclosed option that works for smaller forklifts requiring weather protection during transport. The enclosed design shields equipment from rain, debris, and road spray throughout the journey.

Dry vans have interior dimensions of roughly 8’6″ wide, 9′ tall, and 53′ long. This limits their use to forklifts that can fit through the rear doors and within the height constraints. Loading requires a dock or ramp since access is rear-only.

Specialized Options

Some situations call for specialized equipment:

• Tilt tray trailers allow drive-on loading without ramps, reducing loading time and risk
• Lowboy trailers sit even lower than step-decks and handle the heaviest equipment
• Flatbed tow trailers work for local moves when you have the towing capacity

For most forklift shipments, a professional transport company with the right trailer is more practical than renting a forklift trailer and hauling it yourself. The liability, equipment costs, and logistics rarely make DIY transport worthwhile for anything beyond short local moves.

Quick Trailer Comparison

Preparing Your Forklift for Transport

Pre-Transport Inspection

Document your forklift’s condition before it leaves your facility:

• Take photos of all sides, including any existing damage
• Check for fluid leaks under the unit
• Inspect tires, forks, and mast for visible issues
• Record the hour meter reading

This documentation protects you if a damage claim becomes necessary and gives the transport company a clear baseline.

Securing and Prepping the Forklift

Follow these steps to prepare your forklift for loading:

1. Lower the mast completely to its minimum height
2. Tilt the forks down and position them flat against the deck
3. For electric forklifts, disconnect the battery or secure it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines
4. For propane models, remove the propane tank or secure it with the valve closed
5. Reduce the fuel supply to the minimum level needed (a quarter tank or less is ideal)
6. Engage the parking brake fully
7. Turn off the ignition and remove the keys
8. Place wooden blocks or wheel chocks under the tires for additional stability during loading
9. Cover exposed components if weather during transport is a concern

Proper Securement Methods

Federal regulations require adequate tie downs for all cargo, and forklifts are no exception. Most forklifts require a minimum of four securement points, though heavier units may need more.

Use heavy-duty straps or chains rated for your forklift’s weight. Attach tie downs to solid points on the frame, counterweight, or axles. Never attach securement devices to the mast, forks, or any hydraulic components. These aren’t designed to handle lateral forces and can be damaged.

Chain binders work well for heavier forklifts, while ratchet straps are often sufficient for lighter units. Your transport company will verify proper securement before leaving, but having your forklift positioned and partially secured speeds up the loading process.

Safety Regulations and Legal Requirements

Federal and State Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets baseline requirements for heavy equipment transport. These include driver qualification standards, hours of service limits, and cargo securement rules.

When crossing state lines, regulations can vary. Some states have stricter weight limits or different permit requirements than others. A forklift that moves legally in one state might require special permits in the next.

Generally, you’ll need permits if your loaded trailer exceeds:

• 8’6″ in width
• 13’6″ in height
• 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight

Oversize loads may also require escort vehicles, specific travel times (often daylight hours only), and pre-approved routes. Your transport company handles these logistics, but the requirements affect scheduling and cost.

Safety Standards During Transport

Department of Transportation regulations specify minimum securement requirements based on cargo weight. For a forklift, this typically means:

• Tie downs with a combined working load limit of at least half the cargo weight
• Securement on all four sides to prevent shifting
• Direct contact between the forklift and the trailer deck (no floating loads)

During loading at the loading dock, clear communication between the forklift operator and the truck driver prevents accidents. The driver positions the trailer, but the shipper typically operates the forklift during loading.

Loading and Unloading Best Practices

At the Loading Dock or Pickup Location

Safe loading starts with the right setup:

• Position the trailer on flat, stable ground whenever possible
• Ensure the loading area is clear of debris and obstacles
• Confirm the trailer brakes are set and wheels are chocked
• Use ramps rated for your forklift’s weight if drive-on loading is required

Professional drivers know how to position their trailers for the safest loading angle. If you’re loading at a facility with a loading dock, dock-height loading eliminates the need for ramps entirely.

The shipper typically operates the forklift during loading while the driver guides positioning on the trailer. Once the forklift is in place, the driver handles final securement.

Delivering to the Job Site

Delivering to a construction site or job site presents different challenges than warehouse delivery:

• Ground conditions may be uneven or soft
• Space constraints can limit trailer positioning
• Site access may require advance coordination with the general contractor

For deliveries to remote areas, confirm access routes in advance. A fully loaded flatbed needs solid ground and adequate turning radius to reach the unloading point.

If the delivery location has challenging terrain, communicate this when booking transport. Experienced heavy equipment carriers know how to handle difficult deliveries, but advance notice prevents surprises.

Cost Factors for Forklift Transport

Transport pricing depends on several variables. Understanding these factors helps you evaluate quotes accurately.

Distance is the primary cost driver. A local move costs far less than shipping across state lines or cross-country. Mileage determines fuel costs, driver time, and wear on equipment.

Forklift specifications affect pricing directly. Heavier forklifts require more robust trailers and additional securement. Taller units may need step-deck trailers, which can cost more than standard flatbeds.

Pickup and delivery locations matter more than you might expect. Easy access at a loading dock is straightforward. Difficult approaches, limited space, or soft ground at a construction site require more time and skill.

Permit requirements add cost when applicable. Oversized loads need permits, route planning, and sometimes escort vehicles. These expenses get passed through to the shipper.

Timeline influences pricing as well. Standard transit times offer the best rates. Expedited shipping for urgent deliveries costs more due to scheduling constraints.

Seasonal demand fluctuates throughout the year. Construction season increases demand for flatbed capacity, which can affect availability and pricing.

For accurate pricing, provide detailed forklift specifications and exact pickup and delivery addresses when requesting quotes. The more information you give, the more accurate your estimate will be.

Choosing a Forklift Transport Company

The transport company you choose directly affects whether your forklift arrives safely and on time. Look for these qualifications:

• Experience with heavy equipment transport: Ask specifically about forklift shipping history
• Proper insurance and licensing: Verify active FMCSA authority and adequate cargo insurance
• Fleet diversity: A company with dry vans, flatbeds, step-decks, and specialized trailers can match the right equipment to your shipment
• Safety record: Check the carrier’s safety rating through the FMCSA’s SAFER system
• Communication: You should be able to get updates on your shipment when you need them

Why Companies Trust Mercer Transportation for Crane Transportation

Mercer Transportation has been hauling freight since 1977, growing from a single truck to one of the largest and most recognized fleets in North America.

We move everything from military equipment to construction machinery, and we’ve built thousands of long-term customer relationships by delivering on our commitments. When you need forklift transport services, Mercer has the equipment, the experience, and the track record to get it done right.

Whether it’s heading across town or across the country, we’re ready to help.Contact Mercer Transportation to discuss your forklift transport needs and get a quote.