Forklift Transport — Forklift Shipping Nationwide
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A warehouse forklift and a construction telehandler need different trailers and different loading. ShipMyCar US matches your forklift to the right carrier and loading method.
Quick Answer
Short answer: Forklift transport for warehouse, electric and rough-terrain forklifts and telehandlers, on the right trailer for clearance and height. It's built for anyone comparing car shipping options who needs to know if this service fits their vehicle and timeline — use the quote form on this page for your exact price.
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Forklifts look simple to ship until you try to load one. Warehouse forklifts have very low ground clearance and hard tires built for smooth concrete, so they struggle on steep trailer ramps. Construction forklifts and telehandlers have plenty of clearance but can weigh twice as much and stand taller than a flatbed allows.
ShipMyCar US arranges forklift transport for warehouses, dealers, rental companies, construction firms and buyers of used equipment. We use the forklift's weight, height and clearance to pick the trailer and the loading method — dock, ramp, crane or the carrier's own equipment — and coordinate pickup and delivery nationwide.
Types of Forklifts We Ship
Sit-down counterbalance trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, stackers and side-loaders. Electric, propane, natural gas or gasoline powered. A standard warehouse forklift weighs roughly 9,000–10,000 lb.
Three- and four-wheel electric trucks. Heavy batteries add weight, and the battery should be disconnected for transport.
Diesel machines with pneumatic tires and high clearance for construction yards and lumber yards.
Telescopic-boom forklifts that can be very long and heavy. The largest need an RGN; most fit on a step-deck.
Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Crown, Komatsu, CAT, Clark, JLG, Genie and more.
Trailers and Loading Methods
Ideal for most warehouse forklifts, especially when there's a loading dock at both ends. A flatbed deck is about 5 ft high, leaving roughly 8'6" of height before most state limits.
For forklifts taller than about 8'6". Step-decks also carry small warehouse forklifts on the upper deck as partial loads.
Only needed for the largest telehandlers and heavy rough-terrain forklifts.
Low-clearance warehouse forklifts load best from a dock or by crane or another forklift. Rough-terrain units can usually drive up ramps.
Forklift Shipping Cost
Larger forklifts take a full trailer; small warehouse units can share a load.
Longer distances cost more overall but less per mile.
Rural pickups and deliveries cost more than metro warehouses near interstates.
Flatbed is the most economical; step-deck and RGN cost more.
Sharing trailer space with other freight is the cheapest option for a single warehouse forklift.
Regional flatbed moves often start in the $400–$900 range for a single warehouse forklift, with larger telehandlers priced like other heavy equipment.
Tips for Shipping a Forklift Safely
- Measure height with the mast fully lowered, plus overall length and width
- Measure and weigh attachments like buckets, clamps, drum handlers and man baskets
- Lower the forks fully and tilt them forward once loaded
- Point the forks away from the truck cab
- Center the forklift on the trailer unless other freight balances the load
- Disconnect the battery and secure loose parts
- Drain fuel or propane only if the carrier asks
- Confirm a dock or loading equipment is available at both ends
Why Use a Professional Forklift Transportation Company
The right trailer and loading method prevent damage to masts, forks and low chassis.
Oversize or overweight forklifts need permits and route planning.
Booking a carrier is usually cheaper than renting a trailer and truck yourself.
Carriers insure the forklift in transit and document its condition at pickup and delivery.
What to Look for in a Forklift Transportation Company
- The right trailer: Flatbeds and step-decks for most forklifts; lowboys for large container handlers.
- Loading plan: Forklifts are short and heavy, so ramps, a dock or a second forklift are often used to load.
- Securement: Chains and binders on the frame, with forks lowered and secured.
- Experience with your type: Warehouse, rough-terrain and telehandler forklifts load differently.
- Insurance and licensing: Verify the carrier before pickup.
Telehandler Transport
Telehandlers are taller and longer than standard forklifts, with booms that must be fully retracted and lowered for transport. Many fit on step-deck trailers; larger models may need an RGN. Measure the machine in its stowed position, including the cab and boom, and note any attachments like buckets or work platforms.
Moving Forklifts Between Warehouses
Businesses often move forklifts when opening a new facility, consolidating warehouses or returning leased equipment. Planning tips:
- Charge electric forklift batteries, or confirm propane cylinders are removed per the carrier's rules.
- Make sure both sites have a dock, ramp or second forklift available.
- Schedule pickup and delivery during facility hours.
- Ship several units together when possible to lower the per-unit cost.
Forklift Hauling Cost Factors
- Weight and dimensions
- Distance and route
- Trailer type
- Loading method and site access
- Number of units
- Season and lead time
For other industrial equipment, see heavy equipment shipping, Komatsu equipment shipping and lowboy trucking.
Forklift Types and Transport Needs
Compact but very heavy for their size. Usually ship on flatbeds.
Tall masts may need to be lowered or removed; often shipped on step-decks.
Larger tires and higher frames; often need step-deck trailers.
Very heavy; may need lowboys and permits.
Long and tall; ship with booms fully retracted.
Preparing a Forklift for Transport
- Lower and secure the forks and mast.
- Remove attachments and ship them strapped separately.
- Secure batteries or propane per carrier rules.
- Check for leaks.
- Have keys ready and photograph the forklift from every side.
- Confirm loading equipment at both sites.
Delivery and Unloading
At delivery, make sure a dock, ramp or second forklift is ready, and that someone qualified is available to unload. Inspect the forklift and note any issues on the Bill of Lading before signing.
Common Forklift Shipping Mistakes
- Not having a dock, ramp or second forklift at both sites
- Giving the forklift's capacity instead of its actual weight
- Forgetting the mast height when it can't be lowered
- Leaving attachments loose on the forks
- Scheduling delivery outside facility hours
Each of these can cause a failed delivery or extra charges. A quick checklist before booking avoids them.
Leased and Rental Forklifts
Equipment dealers and rental companies often move forklifts between branches and customer sites. We can handle single moves or recurring transport between locations. For other commercial vehicles, see truck shipping and transporting cars for dealerships.
Insurance and Paperwork for Forklift Shipping
Before your forklift ships, confirm the carrier's cargo insurance covers the equipment's value, and ask for a certificate of insurance if the forklift is new or high value. Have the serial number, hour meter reading and any rental or lease paperwork ready. At pickup, the driver records the forklift's condition on the Bill of Lading. Take your own photos of the mast, forks, tires, overhead guard and controls. If anything is damaged in transit, note it on the Bill of Lading at delivery and contact us the same day so we can help coordinate the claim with the carrier.
Nationwide Forklift Transport
We move forklifts between warehouses, distribution centers, dealers and job sites across all 48 contiguous states, including busy industrial lanes in Texas, California, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Regional moves often take one to three days; cross-country moves take about a week once loaded.
FAQ
Forklift Transport — Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about forklift transport from the ShipMyCar US team.
QHow much does it cost to ship a forklift?
A single warehouse forklift on a regional flatbed move often costs $400–$900. Large telehandlers and long-distance moves cost more. We quote from the model, weight and route.
QWhat trailer is used to transport a forklift?
Most warehouse forklifts ride flatbeds; taller units use step-decks or hotshots; the largest telehandlers need RGN trailers.
QDo I need a loading dock?
For low-clearance warehouse forklifts on a flatbed, a dock or a second forklift makes loading much easier. Rough-terrain units can usually use ramps.
QCan you ship electric forklifts?
Yes. Disconnect the battery and tell us the battery type and total weight.
QDo you ship multiple forklifts?
Yes. Fleets and dealers can ship several units on one trailer to lower the cost per forklift.
QHow long does forklift transport take?
Local moves take 1–2 days and cross-country moves about 5–7 days after pickup.
QHow do you ship a forklift?
Usually on a flatbed or step-deck trailer, loaded by ramp, dock or another forklift, and secured with chains and binders.
QCan you ship an electric forklift?
Yes. Make sure the battery is secured and confirm any carrier requirements for the battery.
QDo propane forklifts need special handling?
Propane cylinders are typically removed or handled under the carrier's hazardous materials rules. Ask at booking.
QCan you ship several forklifts at once?
Yes. Multiple units on one trailer can lower the cost per forklift.
QHow long does forklift shipping take?
Usually about 1–7 days in transit depending on distance, plus a few days to schedule pickup.
QWhat does it cost to ship a forklift?
It depends on the forklift's weight and size, the distance, the trailer type and the loading setup at each site. Small warehouse forklifts on regional moves cost far less than large container handlers on cross-country trips.
QCan you pick up a forklift from an auction?
Yes. Pay the auction, get the release and share the yard's hours and loading options. Many auction yards can load equipment with their own forklifts.
Still have questions? Our team is ready to help.
Source: every broker and carrier's operating authority, safety rating, and insurance status is public record — verify any company for free at the FMCSA SAFER System.
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