Excavators, cranes, generators, transformers and factory machines are too tall or heavy for a normal truck. For these loads transporters use a low bed trailer – a trailer whose deck sits close to the road, so tall equipment stays under bridges and wires. This guide explains how heavy machinery transport works in Pakistan.
When do you need a low bed?
- Tracked machines such as excavators and bulldozers.
- Tall loads – industrial boilers, tanks, transformers.
- Very heavy single pieces that need many axles to spread the weight.
- Machines that can drive or be winched onto the trailer using ramps.
For lighter or shorter machinery, a normal 22-wheeler flatbed may be enough – ask the transporter to compare both.
Planning a heavy move
- Share full details: weight, length, width, height and photos of the machine, plus pickup and delivery addresses.
- Route survey: check bridges, overhead wires, underpasses, narrow turns, toll plazas and weak roads. Long or wide loads may need permission and sometimes travel at night.
- Loading plan: crane, ramps or winch; who provides them; how the machine will be secured.
- Documents: bilty, invoice or gate pass, and any permits needed for oversized loads.
- Unloading: make sure the site has space and the right equipment ready.
Securing the load
- Use rated chains and binders – not ropes – for heavy equipment.
- Lower booms and buckets, lock moving parts and remove loose items.
- Place the weight correctly over the axles; never overload.
- Use warning flags and lights for wide loads.
How the cost is decided
Low bed moves are priced per job, based on the weight and size of the machine, distance, route difficulty, permits, cranes and escort vehicles. Get a written quote that lists all of these. For the basic trip cost, the fuel cost and freight rate calculator gives a useful starting point, and the distance calculator estimates travel time.
Frequently asked questions
Can a low bed travel during the day?
It depends on the size of the load and local rules; very large loads are often moved at night to avoid traffic.
Who is responsible for damage?
Agree it in writing before loading and ask about insurance for valuable machines.
Own low bed trailers? Add your service free so contractors and factories can contact you.