How to Safely Transport a Skid Steer

A skid steer can take on just about any job site, but it can’t get there on its own. Moving one between locations takes the right trailer, proper securement, and a clear plan. This guide covers everything you need to know about skid steer transport, from prep to delivery.

Understanding Skid Steer Sizes and Weights

Skid steers (also called skid loaders or compact skid loaders) come in a range of sizes and weights. Knowing your machine’s exact specs is the first step in planning a safe move. The operating weight of your skid steer loader determines which trailer you’ll need and whether any special permits are required.

Common Skid Steer Weight Classes

Class	Operating Weight	Common Use
Small-Frame	5,000–6,500 lbs	Landscaping, light grading
Medium-Frame	6,500–8,000 lbs	General construction, material handling
Large-Frame	8,000–11,000+ lbs	Heavy construction, demolition

Keep in mind that any skid steer attachment (buckets, forks, a blade holder, augers) adds both weight and width to your total load. Factor these dimensions in before selecting a trailer. If your loaded dimensions push past standard width or weight limits, your shipment may qualify as an oversize load, which requires additional permit requirements.

Choosing the Right Trailer for Skid Steer Transport

Matching the right truck and the right trailer to your skid steer’s weight and dimensions is one of the most important steps in the process. Using the wrong setup can compromise safety, damage your equipment, or result in fines. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most common trailer options for steer transport.

Flatbed Trailers

A standard flatbed trailer is one of the most common choices for moving small- to medium-frame skid steers. The open design allows easy loading from the side or rear using ramps or a forklift. Flatbeds are widely available and work well when your load falls within standard height and weight limits.

Mercer Transportation operates a fleet of over 1,300 flatbeds, making it easy to match your shipment with the right setup.

Step Deck Trailers

A step deck trailer (also called a drop deck) sits lower to the ground than a standard flatbed trailer. That extra clearance makes a step deck a great choice for taller or heavier skid steer loaders, and it also simplifies the loading process. Step decks are a popular option when transporting skid steers alongside other equipment like mini excavators on the same load.

Mercer’s fleet includes 600+ drop decks ready for heavy equipment transport jobs of all sizes.

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers

For the heaviest skid steers, or situations where you need to drive the machine directly onto the trailer, a removable gooseneck trailer is the best fit. The gooseneck detaches and lowers to the ground, creating a ramp for easy loading without the need for additional equipment. RGN trailers handle the heaviest loads and are commonly used for large-frame machines.

Hotshot Trailers

If you’re moving a lighter skid steer over a shorter distance and need it done quickly, a hotshot trailer paired with a heavy-duty pickup truck can be a cost-effective solution. Hotshot shipping services are typically faster to dispatch and work well for small-frame skid steers that don’t require a full-size rig.

Trailer Comparison at a Glance

Trailer Type	Best For	Max Capacity (approx.)	Loading Method
Standard Flatbed	Small to mid-size skid steers	~48,000 lbs	Ramps or forklift
Step Deck	Taller or heavier machines	~43,000 lbs	Ramps (lower deck height)
Removable Gooseneck (RGN)	Heaviest skid steers, drive-on loading	~42,000–50,000+ lbs	Drive-on via lowered gooseneck
Hotshot Trailer	Light skid steers, short hauls	~16,000 lbs	Ramps

How to Prepare a Skid Steer for Transport

Taking the time to properly prepare your skid steer before it goes on a trailer prevents damage, speeds up loading, and keeps everyone on the road safe.

#1 Inspect the Machine

Walk around the skid steer and check for hydraulic leaks, loose components, tire condition, and any existing damage. Take photos from multiple angles to document the machine’s condition before it leaves the job site. This gives you a clear record in case of any disputes after delivery.

#2 Remove or Secure Attachments

Any skid steer attachment should either be removed and transported separately on the trailer or locked in the fully lowered position and secured with chains or straps. Loose attachments can shift during transit and create a dangerous situation.

#3 Lower Fluids and Disconnect the Battery

Reduce fuel to about a quarter tank to minimize weight and lower the risk of spills. Check hydraulic fluid levels and top off if needed to prevent air from entering the system during transport. Disconnect the battery to prevent any accidental startup while the machine is on the equipment trailer.

#4 Clean the Equipment

Remove caked-on dirt, mud, and debris from the skid steer. A clean machine is easier to inspect and secure. Some transport services also require equipment to be cleaned before pickup. It’s a good practice regardless.

Loading and Securing a Skid Steer on a Trailer

Proper loading and securement are where safety on the road starts. Cutting corners here puts your equipment, the driver, and other drivers on the road at risk.

Loading Best Practices

• Park the trailer on firm, level ground before loading.
• Use ramps that are rated for the skid steer’s full operating weight.
• Drive the skid steer onto the trailer slowly, keeping it centered over the axles for proper weight distribution.
• If using a removable gooseneck, drive directly onto the lowered gooseneck and position as directed.
• Never rush the loading process – a few extra minutes now prevents problems down the road.

Tie-Down and Securement

Federal regulations set clear standards for how heavy equipment must be secured during transport. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cargo securement rules require a minimum of four tie-down points for loads in this weight range.

Follow these guidelines when securing a skid steer:

• Use chains or heavy-duty straps rated to handle the full weight of the heavy load.
• Attach tie-downs at the skid steer’s designated securement points (check the operator’s manual for exact locations).
• Apply tension evenly across all four points so the machine cannot shift forward, backward, or side to side.
• Recheck all tie-downs after the first few miles of travel.

A heavy load that shifts in transit can cause a tire blowout, trailer sway, or worse. Never skip over securement.

Regulations and Permits for Transporting Skid Steers

Most standard skid steers loaded on a flatbed or step deck trailer won’t require oversize load permits. However, larger machines, especially those with wide attachments still mounted, can push past legal width limits (typically 8’6″ in most states) and trigger permit requirements.

Weight is another factor. If the combined weight of your skid steer, trailer, and truck exceeds standard highway limits, you’ll need overweight permits and possibly a planned route.

A professional transport company handles all of this for you: permits, route planning, escort vehicles if needed, and compliance with state-by-state regulations. This alone saves significant time and reduces risk.

Why Work With a Professional Skid Steer Transport Service

You might have the equipment trailer and the truck to move a skid steer yourself, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. DIY transport carries real risks: improper securement, the wrong trailer for the load, liability exposure if something goes wrong in transit, and time pulled away from your construction crew and job site work.

Hiring a professional skid steer transport service gives you experienced drivers who handle heavy equipment daily, the correct trailer for your specific machine, full insurance coverage, and the peace of mind that comes with working with people who do this for a living.

What Mercer Transportation Brings to the Table

Mercer Transportation has been moving freight across North America since 1977. What started with a single truck has grown into one of the largest and most recognized fleets on the continent.

Here’s what sets Mercer apart for equipment transport:

• Fleet size: 1,300+ flatbeds, 600+ drop decks, 850+ dry vans, plus specialized trailers – the right truck and trailer for every job.
• Network: Over 1,600trucks and 30,000 approved carriers ready to move your shipment.
• Honest pricing: Competitive rates with no hidden fees – what you’re quoted is what you pay.
• Free shipment tracking: Every customer gets access to MercerTrac, so you can track your skid steer from pickup to delivery. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Shipping Services for Your Skid Steer

When comparing your options for skid steer transport, look for:

• Proven experience with heavy equipment transport, not just general freight.
• Proper insurance and licensing that covers your equipment during the entire move.
• Transparent pricing; ask upfront about all costs and watch for hidden fees.
• The right trailer options – a company should offer flatbed, step deck, and RGN trailers at a minimum.
• A strong reputation built on long-term customer relationships
• Reliable communication from pickup to delivery, with updates along the way.

A company that checks all of these boxes is a company that will treat your equipment the way you would.

Get Your Skid Steer Where It Needs to Go, Safely

Transporting a skid steer safely comes down to knowing your machine’s specs, choosing the right trailer, preparing the equipment properly, securing the load to federal standards, and working with a company you can trust.

Mercer Transportation offers reliable skid steer transport backed by over four decades of experience, a massive fleet, competitive pricing, and a commitment to getting your equipment to the construction site on time and in the same condition it left.

Ready to ship your skid steer? Contact Mercer Transportation for a quote today.