Moving a machine by road is a small project in itself. The truck must suit the machine’s weight and size, the machine must be loaded and secured safely, and the route and delivery site must allow the load to arrive and come off the truck. This checklist covers what to prepare before asking for heavy equipment transport in the UAE, whether you are moving an excavator between sites, collecting a loader after a purchase or bringing a roller to a new project.
Start with the machine’s dimensions and weight
Give the make and model, the operating weight, and the transport length, width and height with any attachment fitted or removed. The height on the truck is what matters for bridges, gantries and overhead lines, so measure the highest point, often the cab or a folded boom.
Low bed or flatbed?
Tracked excavators, wheel loaders and heavy rollers usually travel on a low bed trailer, whose deck sits close to the ground so the machine can be driven on and the load stays within height limits. Lighter machines, and equipment without tracks or wheels, may go on a flatbed truck. The transport team chooses the vehicle from the weight and dimensions you send, so let them check the figures before you decide on a truck type.
How will it be loaded and unloaded?
Tracked and wheeled machines can often drive onto a low bed using ramps, if they run. Machines that do not run, or equipment without wheels, need a forklift or crane at both ends. Say whether the machine is working, and whether lifting equipment is available at pickup and delivery. If it is not, our equipment rental team can quote a mobile crane or a forklift for either end.
Securing the load
The machine must be chained or strapped at its tie-down points, with buckets and booms lowered and moving parts locked. Loose parts and attachments travel separately and secured. Ask how the load will be secured, and inspect it together before departure.
Route and oversize loads
Standard loads use normal routes. Loads that are wider, higher, longer or heavier than normal limits need permits and sometimes an escort, and may be restricted to certain hours. The transport team decides this from the dimensions you provide, which is why accurate measurements matter.
Access at both ends
Check that the truck can reach the pickup and delivery points, turn, and stand on level, firm ground while the machine is loaded or driven off. Look for overhead cables, narrow gates, soft sand and tight turns in site roads. Send photos of both locations.
Timing and documents
Agree pickup and delivery windows, and who will be present at each end. Have the machine’s documents and any site entry passes ready, and take photos of the machine’s condition at loading.
Send these details for a transport quote
- the machine make, model and operating weight;
- the transport length, width and height, with attachments fitted or removed;
- whether the machine runs, and what loading equipment is at each end;
- pickup and delivery map pins, with photos of both sites;
- preferred dates and any site entry passes needed.
Send them to Cargo & Transport Enquiries on +971 55 388 5075 by phone or WhatsApp, or use the cargo enquiry form. For our other road transport services, see cargo transport in Dubai and the loading and unloading guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What truck is used to move an excavator?
A tracked excavator usually travels on a low bed trailer. The transport team confirms the vehicle once they have the model, the operating weight and the transport dimensions.
Do oversize machines need a permit?
Loads wider, higher, longer or heavier than normal limits need permits and sometimes an escort, and may be limited to certain hours. Accurate dimensions let the transport team check this before the move.
Can you also supply a crane or forklift for loading?
Yes. Mobile cranes and forklifts are available through Equipment Rental Enquiries on +971 54 738 8695. Say which end of the move needs lifting and what the load weighs.