SHIPPINGFIRE APPARATUS
Get an instant estimate for moving a fire truck anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, plus everything you need to know about heavy-haul transport — cost factors, permits, prep, and timelines. When you buy through Fenton Fire Equipment, we handle all inquiries and coordinate shipping with our logistics partners.
SHIPPING COST CALCULATOR
OURLOGISTICS PARTNER
Dan Schmidt
Logistics Coordinator
From export paperwork to customs and delivery, our shipping team handles everything so your apparatus arrives ready for service.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TOSHIP A FIRE TRUCK?
Fire apparatus shipping is priced like any heavy-haul freight: by distance, weight, and dimensions. Here are the four factors that move the number the most.
Distance & Fuel
Distance is the biggest cost driver. Most fire apparatus transport runs $3–$5 per mile, with a minimum charge of $1,500–$2,500 for short hauls. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) usually land between $6,000 and $10,000, while a 500-mile regional move typically runs $1,800–$3,500.
Size, Weight & Height
A 35,000 lb pumper on a standard heavy-duty trailer costs less to move than a 75-foot, 65,000 lb ladder truck that needs a lowboy or removable gooseneck trailer. Height matters too — apparatus over 12'6" can hit oversize thresholds that require special routing.
Permits & Escorts
Loads over 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 80,000 lbs generally need state-by-state oversize/overweight permits. Some states add escort (pilot car) requirements for extreme dimensions. Your carrier should handle permitting — expect $100–$500+ per state depending on the load.
Scheduling & Season
Transit usually takes 1–2 weeks to schedule plus 1–4 days of drive time depending on distance. Peak season (spring/summer) and remote destinations (mountains, rural areas) can raise rates 10–25%.
HOW TO SHIP AFIRE TRUCK
Whether you're a department sending an engine out for refurb or a buyer taking delivery of a purchased pumper, the process is the same: prep the apparatus, pick the right trailer, and let a permitted carrier handle the route.
Prep the apparatus
- Drain all water from the tank, pump, and plumbing — a 1,000-gallon tank adds 8,300 lbs and freezing water can crack fittings in transit.
- Remove or secure all loose equipment: nozzles, ladders, SCBA bottles, hand tools, and appliance covers. Ship valuable loose gear separately.
- Disconnect or disconnect-and-isolate the apparatus batteries to prevent parasitic drain and make loading safer.
- Check tire pressure and condition — the carrier may refuse a unit with dry-rotted or flat tires.
- Verify the brakes release and the apparatus can be winched or driven onto the trailer under its own power.
- Fold down or remove light bars, mirrors, and antenna whips to meet height limits when possible.
Choose the right carrier
Use a carrier with heavy-haul or apparatus experience. Verify their USDOT number and active operating authority, ask for cargo insurance of at least $100,000 (more for higher-value apparatus), and confirm they handle oversize permitting in every state on the route.
Trailer types at a glance
- Step-deck / drop-deck: most pumpers, rescues, and brush trucks under 11'6\" tall.
- Lowboy / RGN: tall apparatus like ladder trucks and ARFF units, or gear with low ground clearance.
- Drive-away service: registered, roadworthy apparatus — cheapest option when it's available.
FIRE TRUCK SHIPPINGFAQ
How much does it cost to ship a fire truck?+
Most fire apparatus shipping runs $3–$5 per mile with a $1,500 minimum for short hauls. A 500-mile move typically costs $1,800–$3,500, while a cross-country move runs $6,000–$10,000 depending on the size of the apparatus, permits required, and fuel prices.
Can a fire truck be driven instead of shipped?+
Sometimes — if the unit is registered, insured, and roadworthy, a driver service can deliver it cheaper than a trailer. However, most used apparatus sold at auction or through a dealer are unregistered, so flatbed, step-deck, or lowboy transport is the norm.
What permits are needed to transport a fire truck?+
Loads exceeding standard legal dimensions (8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, 80,000 lbs combined) require oversize/overweight permits in each state traveled. Your carrier files these; costs range from $100 to $500+ per state, and super-loads may also need escort vehicles.
How long does fire truck shipping take?+
Plan on 1–2 weeks from booking to pickup, then 1–4 days of transit for regional moves or 5–7 days for cross-country. Oversize loads can only travel during daylight hours in many states, which adds time.
Who pays for shipping when buying from Fenton Fire Equipment?+
Generally the buyer is responsible for shipping costs. We coordinate with the buyer and our logistics partners to make the process seamless — get an instant estimate with the calculator above or contact our team for a firm quote.
Buying or selling fire apparatus?
We coordinate shipping on every sale — get a head start with the calculator above or reach out to our team.