How Much Does It Cost To Haul Farm Equipment?
Nearly 100% of farm machinery in the United States is moved by truck. Farmers need to learn the cost of farm machinery to optimise their operations, accurately budget for transportation, and potentially reduce costs. The cost to haul farm equipment differs widely depending on the distance, size, weight, equipment type, and your farm machinery hauliers. In this article, we will discuss the cost of transporting agricultural equipment and the factors that influence it.
Cost Of Tractor Hauling Services
The average cost to relocate farm machinery typically ranges from $2 to $5 per mile. Tractor hauling services set the haul rates based on the distance that needs to be covered, as longer distance hauls require higher fuel consumption and labour cost.
The average cost proposed by experienced agriculture equipment transporters depends on different factors, such as:
- Distance and route complexity
- Equipment size, weight, and load complexity
- Permits, escort vehicles, and insurance
The average price for farm machinery transport is somewhere around:
| Hauls | Cost per mile |
| Local Tractor Haul (<200 miles) | $1.13 to $3 |
| Long-distance haul (500-1000 miles) | $1.75 to $5 |
| Oversized Loads | $2.30 to $10 |
Route:
Apart from the distance, the routes also primarily affect the cost. Rugged terrain and special permits drive the price higher as compared to simpler routes.
To lower the cost, consider planning a shorter route for your transportation. Often, transporters offer various methods for delivering machinery. You can choose optimal routes and avoid highways and bridges with weight limits to save both time and additional costs.
Weight And Size
The weight and size of the farm equipment also influence transportation costs. If the cargo is larger and heavier, it requires more space and labour to move on and off the carrier. The size and dimensions of the equipment determine the appropriate type of trailer needed for transport.
| Farm Equipment | Average Weight |
| Tractors | 1500 lbs – 10,000 lbs |
| Combine Harvesters | 4,000 lbs – 42,500 lbs |
| Harrows | 386 lbs – 458 lbs |
| Self-propelled sprayers | 18,205 lbs – to 24,086 |
The table above illustrates the range of weights for each type of farm equipment. Therefore, it is natural for farmers to expect higher moving costs for a heavier material. To move heavy farm machinery, specialised equipment is required. Many transporters utilise specialised trailers and vehicles to transport this heavy farm machinery, as standard trailers are incapable of carrying such a substantial amount of weight. These specialised vehicles also add to the costs of transportation.
Seasonality
March is the peak season for farmers to import machinery and construction equipment. The months of March through August are the planting season, resulting in increased demand for tractor hauling services. At the same time, August to October are the harvesting season for crops, which require heavy farm equipment and shipping to move the heavy harvesting machinery.
These peak seasons lead to increased costs for machinery hauling. You can easily avoid these peak seasons by shipping your machinery before the agricultural cycles of planting and harvesting begin.
Additional Costs
When shipping farm machinery, you will also need to consider the additional costs that arise beyond the basic transportation fee. This extra fee could include potential charges for overweight loads, as well as the costs of any specialised equipment required to move the trailers, fuel surcharges, insurance, and permits.
Oversized Equipment
The maximum legal weight for transporting farm machinery is 80,000 lbs, covering the combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, tractor, and load. A single axle is limited to 20,000 lbs, while a tandem axle can carry up to 34,000 lbs. However, different states have their specific laws, especially when travelling outside the Interstate Highway System, which may require a permit to carry heavier loads. Heavy farm machinery movers are usually aware of the weight limits and the permit requirements in each state.
Specialised Equipment Requirement During Loading and Unloading
Various types of trailers are required to move different farm machinery, including:
- Flatbed trailers to transport regular trailers
- Lowboy trailers to transport heavy and oversized machinery
- Gooseneck trailers for better weight distribution
- Step-deck trailers are used for taller equipment
Complicated farm machinery requires specialised trailers, which increases the cost of the movement. Apart from the trailers, lifting and moving gears, such as heavy-duty ramps or loading bridges, is also required to move the machinery. Furthermore, safety equipment, including steel-toed boots, a hard hat, and proper lighting, is also necessary for operating farm machinery safely. All of these specialised materials increase the total shipping cost for farming equipment, but they are crucial in keeping the equipment, as well as the labour, safe.
Insurance and Liability Cost
Valuable farm machinery should be protected with adequate insurance coverage during transportation. Many farm machinery hauliers include the cost of insurance coverage in the final shipping cost. You should always ensure that your agricultural equipment transport company has a policy in place to cover the cost of potential damages and losses during transit.
Fuel Surcharges
In 2025, fuel prices fluctuated, reaching a low of $3.08 per gallon in January and peaking at $3.17 in April. While the price fluctuation may seem insignificant for regular users, it is an excellent deal for tractor hauling services and heavy farm machinery movers. These fluctuating fuel prices will lead to a fuel surcharge, which will be added to the shipping cost as well. Keeping an eye on fuel prices can help you better understand applicable surcharges.
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Potential Delays
Lastly, additional charges may be applied due to weather troubles, traffic, or any other unforeseen circumstances. You can avoid these extra charges by ensuring you choose a reputable farm machinery hauling service that has a good track record and uses modern tools to optimise routes and track shipments, minimising delays. You can learn about the company’s reviews on various platforms, such as Better Business, Reddit, Quora, or Facebook groups, to make informed decisions.