Forklifts come in all shapes and sizes, from three-wheel electric models to heavy-duty rough-terrain units. While they vary in size and capacity, most forklifts are transported on open equipment trailers such as flatbeds, step decks, or RGNs depending on their size, weight, and loading requirements.
At BAH Logistics, we transport everything from small forklifts to heavy-duty units weighing up to 140,000 lbs., and each one requires the right trailer and securement plan. Uneven weight distribution, exposed forks and masts, and hydraulic components all require careful handling to prevent damage and comply with transportation regulations. This article covers the best trailer and securement methods for different forklift types, the factors that affect shipping cost and safety, and the complete transport process from preparation to delivery.
What Determines How a Forklift Ships
Weight: Trailer capacity requirements and highway permit thresholds depend on total weight. Most forklifts weigh between 3,000 and 20,000 lbs, but rough-terrain and large diesel models can exceed 30,000 lbs, pushing the load into oversize/overweight permit territory.
Height: Trailer type selection depends on the forklift's height with mast and forks in transport position. Smaller forklifts may fit inside enclosed trailers or containers when dimensions and weight allow, but most standard forklift shipments use open trailers for easier loading.
Width: Legal load classification depends on whether the shipment's width stays under the federal limit. Standard trailers accommodate widths up to 8.5 feet (102 inches); large diesel, rough-terrain, or high-capacity models with wide axles or dual-drive wheels often exceed this limit, triggering requirements for "Oversize Load" banners, flags, and state-specific permits.
Length and Attachments: Deck space requirements depend on the forklift's full length, including any attachments. Extended forks or heavy attached accessories, like side-shifters, paper roll clamps, or carpet poles, must be measured, factored into weight distribution, or removed to be shipped separately.
Operability: Loading method selection depends on whether the forklift can move under its own power. Operable units can be driven straight onto a trailer, while inoperable units need to be lifted or winched on, requiring a loading dock, crane, or specialized equipment like a tilt-deck or liftgate.
Power Source. The type of power source affects how the forklift is prepared for transport. Electric forklifts need the battery secured, while internal combustion units running on propane, diesel, or gas require fuel levels reduced or the tank turned off and removed to comply with carrier safety regulations.
Ground Clearance: Trailer selection depends on the forklift's ground clearance. Low-clearance warehouse forklifts, especially cushion-tire models, can easily high-center and get stuck driving up the steep ramp angle of a standard flatbed, so they often need a loading dock or a specialized drop-deck trailer with a gentler ramp angle instead.
Securement Points: DOT compliance depends on locating the forklift's designated tie-down points. Heavy, dense forklifts require heavy-duty transport chains, so shippers must locate the factory-engineered tie-down slots or D-rings to ensure the driver has the correct chains and binders for safe transit.
Confirm all forklift details discussed above before starting the shipping process. Trailer selection, permits, securement, and loading all depend on having accurate information from the beginning.
Trailer Options for Shipping a Forklift
Standard Flatbed
The standard flatbed is the most common trailer used for forklift shipping. Its open, single-level deck sits about 5 feet off the ground and easily accommodates most warehouse forklifts that remain within legal height limits when the mast is lowered. Depending on the pickup location, loading is typically completed using a loading dock, heavy-duty ramps, or a crane. For the vast majority of forklift shipments, this trailer is all that's needed.
Step Deck (Drop Deck)
When a forklift is too tall for a standard flatbed, a step deck trailer is usually the next choice. Its lower rear deck provides approximately 18 to 24 inches of additional height clearance, allowing taller masts or attachments to remain within legal transport limits. Height, not weight, is usually the reason shippers move from a flatbed to a step deck.
Removable Gooseneck (RGN) / Lowboy
For oversized industrial or rough terrain forklifts, an RGN or lowboy trailer offers the safest solution. The front of the trailer detaches, lowering the deck to ground level and creating a gentle loading angle so equipment can be driven directly onboard without external ramps. This specialized trailer is designed for forklifts that exceed the height or weight limits of a step deck and is typically the most expensive transport option.
Hot Shot (Gooseneck Flatbed with Ramps)
Smaller forklifts can often be transported on a hot shot trailer pulled by a medium-duty pickup truck. Built-in loading ramps make loading straightforward, while the smaller setup is ideal for expedited deliveries, shorter distances, or single-unit shipments. Because hot shot trailers have lower weight and size capacities than full-size semis, they are generally best suited for forklifts weighing up to about 10,000 to 12,000 pounds.
Ground Level (Tilt Tray)
If no loading dock, ramps, or crane are available, a ground level or tilt tray truck can simplify the process. Its hydraulic bed tilts directly to the ground, allowing the forklift to be driven on and off with minimal effort. This option is most commonly used for local or regional moves involving small to mid-sized forklifts.
Enclosed Dry Van
Although less common, an enclosed dry van provides complete protection from weather, road debris, and dust during transit. Height and weight restrictions limit this option to smaller forklifts, and larger units may require the mast to be lowered or partially disassembled before loading. Enclosed trailers are typically reserved for compact electric forklifts or shipments where weather protection is essential.
Which Trailer Is Best for Your Forklift
The right trailer depends on your forklift's weight, dimensions, loading conditions, and shipping distance. Most standard forklifts can be transported on a flatbed, while larger or taller models may require specialized equipment to meet legal height or weight requirements.
Based on BAH Logistics' experience shipping forklifts nationwide, individual customers moving a single, smaller forklift are often well served by a hot shot trailer, especially for shorter or expedited moves. Dealers and fleet operators transporting multiple forklifts at once are usually better off with a standard flatbed, since it is far more cost-effective per unit than coordinating multiple smaller trips.
If you're not sure which option is right for you, contact us. We can evaluate your shipment and recommend the safest, most efficient, and most cost-effective trailer for the job.
How Is a Forklift Loaded and Secured?
Loading and securing a forklift requires careful planning and the right equipment to keep the machinery stable throughout transport. At BAH Logistics, our carriers follow proper heavy equipment loading procedures based on the forklift's size, weight, condition, and trailer type.
Pre Loading
Before loading begins, the forklift is inspected and prepared for transport. The forks are fully lowered to the ground, attachments are secured, and the mast is positioned according to the manufacturer's recommendations and transport requirements.
Loading Position
Depending on the forklift type and trailer setup, the carrier will position the machine carefully on the trailer deck. In many cases, forklifts are loaded in reverse to help distribute weight properly and keep the equipment balanced during transit.
Securing the Forklift
Once the forklift is positioned, the carrier engages the parking brake, shuts off the machine, and places wheel chocks as needed. The forklift is then secured using properly rated chains, binders, or other approved tie-down equipment attached to designated securement points on the machine.
Final Inspection
Before departure, the carrier checks that all securement equipment is properly tightened and that the load meets safety requirements for transport. Proper securement helps reduce movement during transit and protects both the forklift and other vehicles on the road.
What Changes if the Forklift Is Inoperable?
If a forklift cannot be driven because of a dead battery, engine failure, hydraulic issues, or other mechanical problems, the loading process requires additional equipment. Instead of driving onto the trailer, the machine may need to be pulled onto the deck using a winch or loaded with a crane or another piece of equipment available at the pickup location.
When booking your shipment with BAH Logistics, it is important to provide details about the forklift's condition. Knowing whether the equipment is operational helps us match your shipment with the right carrier, trailer, and loading equipment to ensure a safe and efficient transport process.
Do You Need a Permit to Ship a Forklift?
Most forklifts ship without a permit because they typically fall within standard legal limits. However, the largest rough terrain or specialty units can approach or exceed those limits, and permits may become necessary when the combined transport vehicle and forklift exceed state or federal size and weight requirements.
Width: Over 8.5 feet. Attachments such as clamps, rotators, or wide side shifters can push a forklift beyond legal width limits even when the main body of the machine would otherwise fit.
Height: Over 13.5 to 14 feet depending on the state route and clearance requirements. Height is usually determined by the forklift's collapsed mast height. Triple-stage masts and high-visibility masts can exceed clearance limits even when fully lowered, making accurate measurements essential.
Weight: Over 80,000 pounds. Heavy counterweights can make forklifts much heavier than their compact appearance suggests. This can create overweight issues based on total gross weight or individual axle limits.
State and local routes may have stricter height restrictions or bridge weight limits than federal guidelines. Always provide your forklift's exact dimensions and weight when requesting a quote. This allows BAH Logistics to determine whether permits, escorts, or specialized equipment are needed before pickup and helps prevent unexpected issues during transport.
What It Costs to Ship a Forklift
Generally, forklift shipping costs range from $800 to $30 000, depending largely on distance, weight, and whether the unit is operable. Distance is one of the most important factors within that range, since it determines base freight rates, transit time, and which trailer type is practical for the haul.
Cost Breakdown by Distance
Short (< 200 miles): $200 – $500 using a flatbed or standard trailer
Medium (200 – 1,000 miles): $600 – $1,800 using a flatbed or step-deck trailer
Long (1,000+ miles): $1,900 – $4,500 using step-deck or removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers
Inoperable units: Add $150 – $500 to the base distance cost, regardless of tier, for winch or lift-assist loading.
Key Factors That Change the Price
Weight and Size: Trailer requirements depend on the forklift's weight and height. Heavier and taller industrial or rough-terrain forklifts require specialized heavy-haul trailers.
Loading Access: Equipment selection depends on pickup and drop-off site conditions. Sites lacking a loading dock require a trailer with a ramp, a rollback tow truck, or a crane.
Fuel and Capacity: Final pricing depends on market conditions at the time of transport. Fluctuations in fuel surcharges and flatbed truck availability shift the quoted rate.
The final cost depends on many factors, most significantly weight class and operability, but also distance, height, width, ground clearance, loading access, and insurance coverage needs. Sharing all of these details upfront gets you the most accurate quote. Get a free quote from BAH Logistics to know exactly what your forklift shipment will cost.
How We Researched These Numbers
To estimate the average cost to ship a forklift, we looked at real quotes from BAH Logistics' 2026 booking history. Here's a sample of that data, including the specific weight and dimensions that determined which trailer and pricing tier applied.
| Origin & Destination | Distance | Forklift Weight | Dimensions(L×W×H) | Flatbed/Step Deck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX to Atlanta, GA | 780 miles | 9,500 lbs | 14' × 6.5' × 8.5' | $1,700–$1,900 |
| Chicago, IL to Denver, CO | 920 miles | 24,000 lbs | 18' × 8' × 10' | $2,500–$2,700 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 370 miles | 8,000 lbs | 13' × 6' × 8' | $1,100–$1,200 |
| Newark, NJ to Charlotte, NC | 540 miles | 15,000 lbs | 16' × 7.5' × 9.5' | $1,750–$1,850 |
| Portland, OR to Seattle, WA | 175 miles | 6,500 lbs | 12' × 5.5' × 7.5' | $950–$1,000 |
| Fort Myers, FL to Los Angeles, CA | 2,700+ miles | 26,000 lbs | 25' × 9' × 12'5" (Oversized) | $9,700–$9,900 |
These figures reflect BAH Logistics' experience transporting forklifts across the U.S. in 2026. Since every shipment has different requirements, including equipment weight, height, operability, trailer type, and permit needs, there is no single price that applies to every load.
Ship Your Forklift with BAH Logistics
Shipping a forklift requires proper planning, the right equipment, and a clear understanding of permits, routes, and regulations. Even short moves need preparation, while larger or long-distance shipments add complexity. As a BBB A+ rated vehicle shipping company, BAH Logistics brings the experience and equipment that comes from years of handling this type of freight. We're a licensed carrier operating under FMCSA and DOT authority, matching each shipment to the right trailer and loading method based on weight, height, and operability. Get a free transport quote today, share your forklift's details and destination, and we'll handle everything from permits to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does forklift shipping take?
Transit time depends on distance and route, but most domestic shipments move within a few business days once picked up. Permitted oversize loads can take longer, since routing has to account for restricted roads, bridge clearances, and travel curfews in some states. If your timeline is tight, mentioning that upfront helps your carrier prioritize scheduling and flag any permit-related delays early.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Someone doesn't have to be present in person, but a designated contact should be reachable in case the carrier has questions on-site. If the forklift is inoperable, having someone available who knows its condition helps the carrier plan for winching or crane assistance ahead of time. Many dealers and fleet operators arrange pickup or drop-off through a site manager or receiving dock instead of attending personally.
Is my forklift shipment insured during transit?
Reputable shipping companies like BAH Logistics carry cargo insurance that covers the forklift's value during transport, but coverage limits and terms vary by carrier and equipment type. It's worth confirming the coverage amount matches or exceeds your forklift's actual value, especially for larger or specialty units. Ask for a certificate of insurance before pickup if you want written confirmation for your own records.
How do I prepare the forklift for the carrier before pickup?
Proper preparation reduces risk and helps the carrier load and secure the unit quickly. Fully lower the mast, tilt the forks flat against the deck, set the parking brake, and remove the key. For fuel safety, close and disconnect propane tank valves, or reduce gas/diesel to a quarter tank or less. For electric models, disconnect the battery completely to prevent accidental startup or electrical shorts during transit.
