Farm Equipment Shipping Rates: How Much Does it Cost?

May 5, 2020
 By Heavy Haul and Oversized
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Farm Equipment Shipping Rates: How Much Does it Cost?
Last Modified: June 2, 2023
Looking to ship your farm equipment? Learn about farm equipment shipping rates and request a free quote from our trusted transportation partners.

Farm equipment shipping rates are something that many workers in agriculture and ranch work worry about. The costs associated with transporting this kind of machinery can quickly add up. Shippers and clients alike should be familiar with the rates they’ll be charged prior to sending their load. This will help them prepare for the financial challenges they’ll face.  

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) dictates government regulations for moving oversize goods like agricultural machinery Farm equipment shipping rates are usually between $1.70 and $5 per mile. However, these amounts can fluctuate based on the region and the characteristics of the freight being transported. 

It's important to study the factors that affect farm equipment shipping rates before booking your freight. We’ll show you what to look for when preparing your agricultural cargo.

What are Farm Equipment Shipping Rates?

Farm equipment shipping rates are the charges that shippers of agricultural machinery will have to pay. These types of items are typically large enough to be considered oversized freight. As such, there are various regulations that have to be followed to ensure that farm equipment trucking services are legally.  

What Affects Farm Equipment Delivery Rates?

Providing an exact amount for tractor hauling rates is difficult. The amount can change based on the shipping company and the details of the load. That said, it’s possible to get an estimate on how much this service will cost. We’ve included data that will explain some of the possible expenses.

Common Tractor Shipping Expenses

Type of ExpenseAmount
Truck Rate$2.30-$2.77 per mile
Permit costs$90-$500

Provided by Oversize.io and DAT

Other possible expenses could be engineering surveys and utility service requirements. Fortunately, most tractors on farms aren’t large enough to require these additional services. However, there are many factors that can cause these rates to rise and fall. How much a shipper pays to move their agricultural machinery can vary. 

Some factors that will affect farm equipment delivery rates include:

  • Size and weight of the equipment
  • Distance of transportation
  • Seasonality 

We’ll explain how each of these factors will affect tractor shipping costs.

1. Size and Weight

The size and weight of farm equipment can determine the amount of transportation costs. Larger and heavier cargo requires more space on the trailer. The dimensions of the equipment will also impact the type of trailer required for transportation. 

Shipping heavy farm equipment results in increased fuel consumption. Therefore, clients can expect to pay more for their load if carriers have to refuel frequently. To demonstrate the varying weights of farm equipment, consider the following data. 

Agricultural Equipment Weight Averages

EquipmentWeight
Farm Tractor15,630 Pounds
Combine53,000 Pounds
Seed Drill8,460 Pounds

Provided by Backside Machinery, Farm Progress and John Deere

While these weights don’t go over the federal 80,000 pound limit, they can influence the cost of a load that exceeds dimensional limits. Before planning a shipment of agricultural machinery, take note of the weights and dimensions of the freight. 

2. Distance of Transportation

Another significant factor that alters farm machinery rates is the distance that the equipment needs to be transported. Shipments that are further away will result in higher costs. This is because longer distances require more fuel and labor costs. For example, shipping a piece of equipment 100 miles will cost less than sending it 1,000 miles.

3. Seasonality

Seasonality is another factor that can alter the cost of transporting farm equipment. The demand  for farm equipment shipping services increases during the harvest season. This causes the demand for agricultural transport to rise, leading to higher rates. Once the harvest season is over, demand will decrease and rate will become lower.

What Kinds of Agricultural Equipment Do You Ship?

Farms today rely on all kinds of equipment to operate. This typically consists of machinery and heavy equipment are used to work the land and cultivate crops. Many of the devices that farmers use are large and heavy enough to be considered oversized freight. Therefore, heavy haul transport services will be required to move these kinds of machinery. 

Some types of agricultural equipment that can be found on farms and ranches  include:

  • Balers
  • Combine Harvesters
  • Commercial Mowers
  • Cultivator Disc Harrows
  • Loaders
  • Planters
  • Seed Drills
  • Skid Steer Loaders
  • Spreaders
  • Threshing Machines
  • Tractors

Regardless of what kind of equipment you’re shipping, Heavy Haul and Oversized is ready to be your strategic partner. We’ll make it easy for you to determine how much it costs to ship farm machinery with our easy to fill out quote request forms.

how much does it cost to ship farm equipment tractor on a flatbed

Tips for Transporting Farm Equipment

Transporting agricultural equipment is an extremely difficult operation to perform. Farm equipment haulers and shippers alike have to prepare each load carefully prior to moving freight. The process of loading/unloading and securing agricultural machinery are challenging parts of the shipping process as well. 

1. Preparing the Shipment

When transporting oversized freight like agricultural equipment, it's essential that the right preparations are followed. This will ensure that the equipment is moved safely and in accordance to all applicable laws. 

Shippers and haulers will have to prepare for the following:

  • Route assessment and selection
  • Finding the regulations
  • Communication with local authorities

Finding a route that can accommodate the excessive size of agricultural equipment is extremely important. Before embarking on the journey, carriers thoroughly assess routes to identify any potential obstacles or restrictions that may affect the transportation of oversize farm machinery.

This can include:

  • Low bridges
  • Overpasses
  • Tunnels
  • Narrow roads
  • Roads with sharp turns

The condition of the roads agricultural equipment will travel on is another important consideration as well. Shippers and carriers will need to familiarize themselves with oversized regulations for the shipment. 

Every state has different requirements for this type of cargo. If agricultural equipment is traveling through multiple states, shippers and carriers will have to follow rules for each.

Our article on heavy haul shipping regulations will show you what you need to do when preparing your farm equipment for transport.

2. Loading and Unloading

Another important part of farm tractor shipping services is the loading and unloading process. Due to the size and weight of agricultural equipment, these procedures must be done very carefully. 

The following steps should be taken prior to loading or unloading: 

  • Clear the loading area of any obstacles or debris that may hinder the process
  • Ensure there is sufficient space to accommodate the size and dimensions of the equipment being loaded
  • If needed, use ramps or loading docks to facilitate the equipment's entry onto the transport vehicle

Once the area is cleared, agricultural equipment can be loaded or unloaded. However, the appropriate lifting equipment has to be used.

This can include:

  • Cranes
  • Forklifts
  • Loaders 

The way cargo is loaded or unloaded will vary based on the size of the agricultural equipment. If the farm machinery is being loaded onto a trailer, it will need to be secured afterward. Restraints like straps and chains can be used to secure to keep the equipment still during transport.

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How is Farm Equipment Transported?

While oversized farm equipment can vary in size, this kind of freight is typically transported using a type of flatbed trailer. This kind of specialized rig is generally used to haul oversize machinery and equipment. 

In most cases, tractors are shipped on lowboy trucks and trailers or other types of flatbed.  

  • Lowboys sit lower to the ground than a typical flatbed 
  • Removable goosenecks (RGN) trailers are handy for equipment can be driven or pushed 

While lowboys and RGNs are used frequently to transport farm equipment, there are a few other options that carriers might use. 

Certain types of farm equipment that need specialized trailers include:

  • Combines: These need to move on RGNs with attachments to support the wheels. This will be an oversize load and you’ll need the right permits.
  • Loaders: Step decks are a good option for moving loaders, as they can be driven on the trailer and hold attachments.

Working with the right heavy haul transportation partner can ensure you get your farm equipment loaded on the right trailer. Heavy Haul and Oversized only works with the best carriers on the roads today to help you make sense of moving machinery and agricultural equipment. Our article on the types of trailer for hauling heavy equipment provides information about different types of flatbeds that are used to haul oversized freight.

haybaler with enclosed cab and extra tires being shipped on a lowboy trailer

Discover Your Farm Equipment Shipping Rates with Heavy Haul and Oversized

Heavy Haul and Oversized can find a carrier to move your farm equipment. We have a network of transportation companies that we partner with to move a customer’s freight. Our team can analyze your needs and pair find a provider that’s right for your oversized shipment.

The shipping companies we work with can transport your agricultural freight with:

  • RGN shipping
  • Flatbed Shipping
  • Lowboy Trailers
  • Double Drop Deck Trailers

We guarantee that our network of small carriers can transport your freight safely and efficiently. If you’re ready to ship your oversized freight, then fill out our quote form. You can also contact the Heavy Haul & Oversized team at (866) 902-2713 if you have any questions or concerns.

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