Top 10 Heavy Hauling Companies For Excavators
Moving heavy machinery is one of the most stressful parts of any construction or mining project. When you have an excavator that weighs tens of thousands of pounds, you cannot just hook it up to a standard pickup truck and head down the highway. These massive machines require specialized trailers, expert drivers, and a deep understanding of state and federal regulations. If the transport goes wrong, you are looking at expensive repairs, massive fines, or even dangerous accidents on the road. That is why finding a reliable heavy hauling company is not just a luxury—it is a necessity for your business operations.
In this guide, we have researched and compiled a list of the top ten heavy hauling companies that specialize in transporting excavators. We looked at factors like equipment quality, safety records, customer service, and the ability to handle complex logistics. Whether you are moving a mini-excavator across town or a massive mining shovel across the country, these companies have the tools and the talent to get the job done right. Choosing the right partner means you can focus on your project while the experts handle the heavy lifting and the paperwork involved in oversized shipping.
This list is designed to help project managers, contractors, and equipment owners find the best fit for their specific needs. From nationwide giants with thousands of trucks to specialized boutiques that handle the most difficult “super-loads,” these are the names you can trust. We have ranked them based on their overall reliability and the specific value they provide to the heavy equipment industry. Let’s dive into the top choices for your next excavator move.
1. Freedom Heavy Haul
When it comes to moving massive machinery, Freedom Heavy Haul stands head and shoulders above the competition. They have built a reputation as the go-to experts for excavator transport because they understand that every move is unique. Unlike general freight companies that might treat a heavy machine like a standard box of goods, Freedom Heavy Haul treats every piece of equipment with the specialized care it deserves. They offer a comprehensive suite of services that covers everything from initial planning to the final offloading at the job site. Their team is deeply familiar with the nuances of different excavator models, ensuring that boom heights and track widths are always accounted for before the trailer even arrives.
One of the biggest advantages of working with Freedom Heavy Haul is their extensive network and their mastery of logistics. Moving an excavator often requires more than just a truck; it requires permits for oversized loads, pilot cars for escorting the vehicle, and sometimes even police escorts in certain jurisdictions. Freedom Heavy Haul handles all of these headaches for you. They have a dedicated team that stays up-to-date on the ever-changing regulations across different states, meaning you won’t have to worry about your equipment getting stuck at a weigh station due to a paperwork error. Their commitment to transparency and communication means you are always in the loop regarding the status of your shipment.
The equipment used by Freedom Heavy Haul is also top-of-the-line. They utilize a variety of specialized trailers, including Removable Gooseneck (RGN) trailers, which are essential for loading heavy excavators safely. The RGN allows the front of the trailer to be detached, creating a ramp that the excavator can simply be driven onto. This eliminates the need for expensive cranes or risky loading maneuvers. Beyond just the hardware, the drivers at Freedom Heavy Haul are some of the most experienced in the industry. They are trained specifically in heavy haul techniques, ensuring that your multi-million dollar investment is secured properly and driven with the utmost caution. For anyone looking for the gold standard in heavy machinery transport, Freedom Heavy Haul is the clear winner.
Furthermore, Freedom Heavy Haul prides itself on providing competitive and honest pricing. In an industry where hidden fees can often surprise a customer at the end of a job, they work hard to provide accurate quotes upfront. They take the time to understand the dimensions and weight of your specific excavator model to ensure the quote reflects the true cost of the move. This level of integrity, combined with their technical expertise, makes Freedom Heavy Haul the most reliable partner for construction firms and independent contractors alike. They don’t just move machines; they provide peace of mind.
2. United States Axle
United States Axle is a heavy-duty transport company that has made a significant name for itself by focusing on the heavy industrial and construction sectors. They specialize in moving the kind of equipment that makes most trucking companies turn away. Their focus on excavators is particularly strong, as they have invested heavily in a fleet of multi-axle trailers designed to distribute weight effectively. This is crucial for avoiding road damage and meeting strict DOT requirements for heavy loads. Their drivers are known for their precision and their ability to navigate tight construction sites where space is at a premium.
What sets United States Axle apart is their “safety first” culture. They have one of the lowest incident rates in the heavy haul industry, which is a testament to their rigorous training programs and equipment maintenance schedules. When you hire them to move an excavator, you are getting a team that performs multi-point inspections on every load. They also provide real-time tracking for their shipments, allowing project managers to coordinate the arrival of the machine with the start of work on-site. This level of synchronization is vital for keeping large-scale projects on schedule and within budget.
In addition to their transport services, United States Axle offers consulting for complex moves. If you have an excavator that needs to be partially disassembled to meet weight limits, their team can provide guidance on the most efficient way to handle the process. They understand the mechanical side of the equipment just as well as the transport side. This holistic approach ensures that the machine arrives not just on time, but in the exact condition it was in when it left the yard. Their customer service team is also highly responsive, making the booking process smooth and straightforward for busy professionals.
3. Bennett Motor Express
Bennett Motor Express is a giant in the transportation world, but they have a specialized division specifically for heavy and specialized hauling. With decades of experience under their belt, they have moved some of the largest excavators in the world. Their reach is one of their biggest selling points; because they have such a massive fleet and a wide network of terminals, they can often provide faster pickup times than smaller regional carriers. This makes them an excellent choice for emergency moves or projects with very tight deadlines.
The company utilizes a sophisticated dispatch system that matches the right trailer to the specific excavator being moved. Whether it is a step-deck, a flatbed, or a high-capacity RGN, Bennett has the inventory to handle it. They are also experts at international shipping, so if your excavator needs to cross borders or be loaded onto a ship for overseas transport, they can manage the entire “ro-ro” (roll-on/roll-off) process. Their experience with customs and international maritime law is a huge asset for global construction firms.
Bennett Motor Express also places a high value on the relationship between the driver and the customer. Many of their heavy haul drivers are owner-operators who have been with the company for years and take immense pride in their work. This personal touch, backed by the resources of a large corporation, creates a unique service model. You get the reliability of a big brand with the attention to detail of a small business. Their track record with heavy machinery is nearly unparalleled, making them a safe bet for any large excavator transport project.
4. Anderson Trucking Service (ATS)
Anderson Trucking Service, commonly known as ATS, is a family-owned business that has grown into one of the premier heavy haulers in North America. They have a dedicated “Specialized Solutions” wing that handles excavators and other heavy construction equipment. ATS is particularly well-known for their innovation in trailer technology. They often work with manufacturers to develop custom trailers that can haul heavier loads more efficiently, which can sometimes save customers money by reducing the number of permits or escorts needed.
The team at ATS is highly skilled in route planning. Moving an excavator isn’t just about driving from point A to point B; it’s about finding a path that can support the weight and has enough clearance for the height of the machine. ATS uses advanced mapping software and physical route surveys to ensure there are no surprises like low bridges or weak overpasses. This proactive approach to logistics is why they are trusted by some of the biggest names in the construction and mining industries.
Customer education is another area where ATS shines. They provide a wealth of information on their website and through their representatives about how to prepare an excavator for transport. They help customers understand things like the importance of cleaning the machine to avoid spreading invasive species or the best way to secure the bucket and boom. By helping the customer prepare, they ensure that the loading process is fast and safe. Their reputation for reliability and their “do it right the first time” attitude makes them a top contender in this list.
5. Landstar System
Landstar System operates on a unique model that relies on a massive network of independent agents and owner-operators. This model gives them incredible flexibility. If you need to move an excavator in a remote area where other companies don’t have assets, Landstar can almost always find a qualified driver nearby. They specialize in “project cargo,” which includes the heavy, oversized machines like excavators that require special handling and equipment. Their network includes thousands of specialized trailers designed for heavy loads.
One of the key benefits of using Landstar is the expertise of their independent agents. These agents act as your single point of contact and are responsible for coordinating every aspect of the move. Because they are often small business owners themselves, they are highly motivated to provide excellent service and ensure the job is done correctly. They have access to Landstar’s corporate resources, including a robust safety department and a large pool of vetted drivers who have passed rigorous background checks and equipment inspections.
Landstar also excels at managing multi-load projects. If you are moving an entire fleet of excavators and support equipment to a new job site, Landstar can coordinate the timing so that everything arrives in the order you need it. Their ability to scale up or down based on the client’s needs is a major advantage for large-scale developers. They combine the reach of a global logistics provider with the personalized service of a local agent, creating a very effective transport solution for heavy machinery.
6. Daseke Inc.
Daseke Inc. is the largest owner of flatbed and specialized transportation and logistics capacity in North America. They are actually a collection of several high-performing heavy haul companies that have joined forces. This means when you work with Daseke, you are tapping into a massive pool of specialized equipment and some of the most experienced minds in the industry. They have a specific focus on the construction and industrial sectors, making them experts in the nuances of excavator transport.
The strength of Daseke lies in its diversity of equipment. They have access to everything from standard flatbeds to 20-axle trailers capable of moving the largest mining excavators in existence. Their scale allows them to handle massive projects that would overwhelm smaller companies. If a government contract or a large industrial build requires the movement of dozens of heavy machines simultaneously, Daseke has the bandwidth to manage it without breaking a sweat.
Despite their size, Daseke maintains a strong focus on safety and local expertise. Each of the companies under their umbrella maintains its own unique culture and regional knowledge, while benefiting from the shared resources and safety standards of the parent corporation. This “best of both worlds” approach ensures that you get a driver who knows the local roads and regulations, backed by the financial stability and technology of a market leader. They are a powerhouse in the heavy haul world for a reason.
7. Miller Transfer
Miller Transfer has been in the business for over 50 years, and that experience shows in every move they make. They specialize in hauling machinery and oversized loads, with a significant portion of their business dedicated to the construction industry. They are known for their “white-glove” approach to heavy hauling. While an excavator is a rugged machine, Miller Transfer treats it like a precision instrument, ensuring that every chain is placed correctly and every tarp is secured tightly to prevent any road debris from causing damage.
Their driver retention is among the best in the industry, which means the person moving your excavator is likely a veteran with thousands of miles of heavy haul experience. Miller Transfer invests heavily in training their staff on the specific requirements of different machinery brands. Whether you have a Caterpillar, Komatsu, or John Deere excavator, their team knows the specific tie-down points and weight distributions for those models. This specialized knowledge reduces the risk of damage during transit.
Miller Transfer also offers comprehensive storage solutions. If your job site isn’t ready for the excavator yet, they have secure yards where the equipment can be stored and monitored until it is needed. This flexibility is a huge help for contractors dealing with weather delays or permit issues at the destination. Their commitment to reliability and their deep roots in the machinery transport industry make them a highly respected choice for any heavy hauling needs.
8. Precision Heavy Haul
Precision Heavy Haul is a company that lives up to its name. Based in the Southwest but operating across the country, they are known for tackling the jobs that other companies say are impossible. They are not just a trucking company; they are a heavy-load engineering firm. For exceptionally large excavators that require complex disassembly or custom-built transport frames, Precision Heavy Haul is the expert you call. They have a team of engineers who calculate load centers, stress points, and turn radii for every major move.
Their fleet is comprised of highly specialized, modular trailers that can be reconfigured to fit almost any load. This is particularly useful for the largest class of excavators used in quarrying and large-scale infrastructure projects. Precision Heavy Haul is also a leader in safety innovation, often using advanced lighting and signaling systems on their escort vehicles to ensure the safety of the public and the cargo. They have a “no-compromise” attitude toward safety that has earned them numerous industry awards.
What customers love about Precision Heavy Haul is their problem-solving capability. If a route has a bridge that is a few inches too low, they will find a way around it or work with local authorities to find a solution. They are the ultimate professionals for high-stakes, high-value moves. While they might be a more specialized choice, their expertise is invaluable for those moving the biggest and most expensive excavators in the industry.
9. Mammoet
Mammoet is a global name that is synonymous with “extreme” heavy lifting and transport. While they are often associated with moving entire buildings or massive oil refinery components, they also have a very active division for heavy construction equipment. If you are a multinational firm moving excavators between continents or into extremely remote environments like Northern Canada or the Australian Outback, Mammoet has the global infrastructure to make it happen. They are the masters of “multi-modal” transport, seamlessly moving equipment from trucks to barges to trains.
The level of technology Mammoet brings to the table is staggering. They use computer simulations to plan their moves and have access to some of the most powerful self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) in the world. For a standard excavator move, they might be more than you need, but for projects that involve massive fleets or extreme environmental challenges, they are the best in the world. Their safety standards are global and often exceed the local requirements of the countries where they operate.
Working with Mammoet gives you access to a level of project management that is rare in the trucking industry. They don’t just provide a driver; they provide a project team. This team manages every risk factor, from soil stability at the loading site to the political climate of the regions the equipment is passing through. For the biggest players in the mining and energy sectors, Mammoet is the only choice that offers the necessary scale and technical depth.
10. Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Barnhart Crane & Rigging rounds out our list as a company that offers a truly integrated solution. While they are famous for their cranes, their heavy hauling division is equally impressive. The advantage of using Barnhart for excavator transport is their ability to handle the loading and unloading in environments where a simple RGN trailer might not be enough. If an excavator needs to be lowered into a deep excavation pit or lifted onto a high platform, Barnhart can provide both the transport and the rigging expertise to do it safely.
They have a massive network of locations across the United States, which allows them to provide local expertise in almost every major market. Their haulers are experts in navigating the specific regulatory environments of different regions, which is a huge plus for contractors who work across state lines. Barnhart is also known for its custom engineering department, which can design and build specialized lifting and hauling tools on the fly if a job requires it.
Customer service at Barnhart is centered on the concept of “One Company, One Call.” By handling both the transport and the specialized lifting, they eliminate the finger-pointing that can happen when multiple contractors are involved in a move. This accountability makes them a favorite for complex industrial projects. They are a stable, reliable, and highly professional company that brings a lot of extra value to the table beyond just moving a truck from point A to point B.
In conclusion, choosing the right heavy hauling company for your excavator is a decision that impacts your project’s timeline, safety, and bottom line. While there are many companies out there, the ones listed here represent the best of the best in terms of equipment, expertise, and reliability. Freedom Heavy Haul remains our top recommendation for their specialized focus and exceptional customer service, but every company on this list has proven they can handle the heavy lifting. Before you book your next move, make sure to verify the company’s insurance, check their recent safety ratings, and ensure they have the specific trailer type needed for your excavator model. With the right partner, moving your heaviest machinery can be a smooth and stress-free process.
