What Kind of Trucks Are Used to Haul Oversized Vehicles?

Moving oversized vehicles—whether it’s a lifted pickup, a commercial van, a camper, or even construction equipment—requires more than a standard trailer and a wish for good luck. It takes specialized trucks, expert logistics, and coordination with reliable oversized vehicle shipping company that know the ropes.

If you’re a car owner with a custom rig, a business relocating a fleet, or a planner tasked with coordinating vehicle transport, you might be wondering:
What kinds of trucks are built to handle oversized hauls—and how do they work?

Let’s break down the most common types of oversized vehicle shipping trucks, how they’re used, and what you need to know before booking oversized vehicle transport.

Why Oversized Vehicle Shipping Needs Specialized Equipment

Standard car shipping works great for sedans and SUVs. But when your vehicle doesn’t fit on a regular open carrier, that’s where things get tricky. Oversized vehicles can include:

• Heavy-duty trucks
  
• Commercial cargo vans
  
• RVs and motorhomes
  
• Buses or shuttles
  
• Military vehicles
  
• Construction machinery (excavators, bulldozers, etc.)
  
• Farm equipment

These units often exceed legal width, height, or weight limits for typical haulers. That’s why auto transport companies deploy specialized trucks that meet federal and state transport regulations—plus the muscle to handle serious bulk.

1. Flatbed Trucks — The Go-To for Custom and Oversized Hauls

Flatbeds are a popular choice for moving vehicles that are too big or too awkwardly shaped to fit on enclosed or open carriers.

Key Features:

• No roof or side enclosures
  
• Accommodates odd shapes and larger dimensions
  
• Quick loading/unloading with cranes or forklifts

Best For:
Lifted trucks, custom builds, non-running vehicles, short-distance equipment hauls

Bonus: Flatbeds are highly flexible. If you’ve got one unusual vehicle or a one-off job, a flatbed truck could be your answer.

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2. Step Deck (Drop Deck) Trailers — Ideal for Tall Vehicles

Step deck trailers are similar to flatbeds but have two levels. The “step-down” design allows taller vehicles to ride lower to the ground, making them compliant with height restrictions.

Key Features:

• Lower deck allows taller vehicle transport (up to ~10 ft)
  
• Easier to load with ramps
  
• Better clearance for bridges and tunnels

Best For:
Oversized work trucks, tall RVs, farm tractors, industrial machinery

Pro Tip: If your vehicle is just a few inches too tall for a standard flatbed, a step deck trailer might save you from needing a full heavy-haul permit.

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3. Double Drop Trailers — Maximum Clearance for Extreme Height

This is where things start to look like a construction convoy. Double drop trailers have a recessed middle section (called a “well”) for extremely tall cargo.

Key Features:

• Low deck height (~18–24 inches)
  
• Supports up to 12-foot-tall cargo
  
• Requires expert loading and securement

Best For:
Excavators, dozers, massive equipment, lifted commercial vehicles

Important: These setups often require escorts or pilot cars depending on state regulations due to their extreme height.

4. RGN Trailers (Removable Gooseneck) — Heavy Hauling Royalty

When your vehicle weighs 40,000+ pounds or needs to be driven directly onto the trailer, an RGN is often the truck of choice.

Key Features:

• Detachable front section creates a ramp
  
• Designed for self-powered, drive-on cargo
  
• Can support up to 150,000 lbs depending on configuration
  

Best For:
Military-grade vehicles, industrial trucks, construction haulers, large motorhomes

Why It Matters: RGNs are among the most advanced types of oversized vehicle shipping trucks. They’re also the most expensive—but often necessary for extra-large cargo.

5. Lowboy Trailers — Built for Maximum Weight and Height Capacity

Lowboys are extremely low to the ground, making them the best choice for both weight and height-intensive loads.

Key Features:

• Lower than a standard flatbed
  
• Two drops: behind the gooseneck and before the wheels
  
• Can haul 40,000 to 80,000 lbs (with axles)

Best For:
Bulldozers, cranes, large tanks, multi-axle machinery

Watch Out: Lowboys often need special routing and permits, but they make legal what would otherwise be impossible.

Choosing the Right Truck: 5 Questions to Ask

Before you book transport with any of the auto shipping companies, ask yourself (or your shipper) the following:

1. What are the exact dimensions and weight of my vehicle?
   
2. Can it be driven, or does it need to be winched/craned?
   
3. Does it require protection from weather (i.e., enclosed shipping)?
   
4. What permits might be needed based on state/federal regulations?
   
5. Will the carrier provide insurance coverage during transit?
   

Getting clear answers up front will help you avoid costly surprises—and ensure your hauler chooses the right truck configuration.

How Vehicle Shipping Companies Handle Oversized Transport

It’s not just about choosing the right truck. Top-tier vehicle shipping companies handle oversized loads with end-to-end logistics that typically include:

• Route planning to avoid low bridges or restricted roads
  
• Permitting for oversized dimensions across state lines
  
• Pilot cars or escorts when required
  
• Loading/unloading assistance with cranes or docks
  
• Specialized insurance coverage for high-value cargo
  

It’s always worth asking what’s included in the quote and what’s considered “extra.”

Real-World Example: Hauling a Military Truck Cross-Country

Let’s say you need to transport a decommissioned military Humvee from Texas to New York. It’s nearly 7 feet wide, 6 feet tall, and weighs close to 6,000 pounds.

A standard open car hauler won’t cut it.

Here’s what a professional vehicle shipping company might do:

• Choose a flatbed or step deck for height clearance
  
• Obtain oversized transport permits for each state en route
  
• Schedule loading with a winch if the vehicle isn’t operational
  
• Provide tracking and delivery ETA updates
  
• Deliver to a commercial or military-friendly unloading zone

By using the right truck and prep, the haul is safe, legal, and efficient.

Final Thoughts:

Oversized vehicle shipping is a serious task—one that requires more than a Craigslist hauler with a trailer and a prayer.

Whether you’re transporting a heavy-duty work truck, a modified rig, or industrial machinery, choosing the right truck is critical. Flatbeds, step decks, RGNs, and lowboys each have their place in oversized hauling—and the best vehicle shipping companies will guide you to the right choice.