Do oversized loads require permits?

Yes. Any shipment exceeding legal size or weight limits requires state permits. We obtain permits, route approvals, and pilot car arrangements where required.

What trailer is used for heavy machinery?

Depending on weight and height, machinery may move on a step-deck, RGN, or lowboy trailer.

Can specialty freight be delivered to construction sites?

Yes. We coordinate delivery to job sites, plants, rural properties, and industrial facilities.

How long does heavy-haul scheduling take?

Many shipments can be scheduled in 1–3 days. Oversize loads requiring permits may take longer depending on the route and states involved.

What counts as “specialty freight”?

Any load that is oversized, overweight, heavy, unusually shaped, delicate, or otherwise not suitable for standard van or LTL freight — including heavy machinery, oversized modules, custom crates, or project cargo.

Do you accept single shipments as well as recurring or project-based freight?

Absolutely. Whether a one-time move or ongoing project shipments, we scale to fit your needs.

How do you ensure my freight is secure and protected?

We work with carriers who follow best-practice securement standards — proper chains/straps, blocking, padding, bracing — and adjust based on cargo type. We coordinate handling requirements up front.

What kinds of equipment can you transport beyond standard freight?

Large machinery, oversized industrial components, heavy modules, structural steel, custom crates, agricultural equipment, building materials, high-value or fragile items — basically anything that doesn’t fit standard freight constraints.

How much does heavy-haul shipping cost?

Costs vary based on dimensions, weight, permits, and distance. Most shipments require a custom quote because trailer type, escort vehicles, and routing restrictions affect pricing.

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Heavy-Haul, Flatbed & Industrial Equipment Shipping Specialists

Specialty & Oversized Freight Transport Nationwide

Heavy haul, industrial equipment, and over-dimensional shipping coordinated with the right trailers, permits, and experienced carriers across the United States.

How Specialty Freight Works

Learn what qualifies and how it moves.

Our Shipping Process

See how we plan and coordinate delivery.

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Fast pricing for oversized or complex loads.

Talk to a Specialist

Ask questions before requesting a quote.

We move loads that others can’t — or won’t.

What Is Specialty Freight?

No load is too cumbersome for us.

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Nickels Brokerage arranges transportation for freight that cannot move on a standard van or LTL truck. We coordinate flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, RGN, and heavy-haul trailers for oversized, overweight, delicate, or unusually shaped cargo. Whether you're shipping industrial machinery, construction materials, structural steel, modular components, or project cargo, our team handles carrier selection, routing, permits, and delivery scheduling from pickup through final placement.

No matter the load’s shape, size, or complexity — if it demands more than a typical van or box truck — Nickels Brokerage can handle it.

What Qualifies as Specialty Freight?

If a load is beyond standard LTL/van freight — that’s what “specialty” means, and Nickels Brokerage is built for it. These shipments typically move on flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, or RGN trailers depending on size and weight.

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Oversized or over-dimensional freight (long beams, structural steel, oversized crates)
Heavy machinery and industrial equipment (generators, CNC machines, press components)
Long materials such as bundled pipe and sucker rods often require flatbed or extendable trailers — see our sucker rod and pipe delivery service for details.
Fragile or high-value cargo requiring special securement
Custom freight with unusual shapes, odd dimensions, partially disassembled machinery
High-clearance or over-height loads — requiring lowboy, extendable, or special trailers
Project-based transports such as plant relocation, modular construction elements, pre-fabricated components
Mixed-load, multi-stop deliveries with specialized requirements

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Contact Sales

When Do You Need Heavy-Haul or Oversize Transport?

fas fa-ruler --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Over Legal Width: Wider than 8 ft 6 in typically requires oversize permits and flatbed equipment.
fas fa-arrow-up-1-9 --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Over Legal Height: Loads taller than 13 ft 6 in require route planning and clearance checks.
fas fa-weight-scale --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Overweight Shipment: Heavy equipment exceeding axle limits requires lowboy or RGN trailers.
fas fa-truck --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Won’t Fit a Dry Van: Machinery, beams, or large crates must ship on flatbed or step-deck trailers.
fas fa-pallet --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Special Loading Required: Freight needing cranes, forklifts, or rigging requires coordinated heavy-haul handling.
fas fa-map-location-dot --bos-color-on-container --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark --bos-color-on-surface --bos-color-on-surface-dark Escort or Route Restrictions: Pilot cars, restricted roads, or bridge limits require permitted transport.

If your shipment meets any of these conditions, it likely requires specialty freight handling. We can review the dimensions and confirm the safest transport method.

Check My Shipment

Nickels Brokerage is a trusted partner for all your specialty transport needs

Why Shippers Across the U.S. Choose Nickels Brokerage

Shippers choose Nickels Brokerage when their freight requires planning beyond standard truckload shipping.

Broad Carrier Network & Specialized Equipment: We partner with carriers experienced in heavy-haul, oversize, flatbed, lowboy, and custom freight hauling. We ensure your load is matched with the right trailer and equipment — whether it’s an extendable flatbed, lowboy, multi-axle heavy-haul, or other specialized gear — reducing risk of damage and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Customized Handling & Load Securement: Special freight often requires non-standard loading, blocking, or bracing methods. We coordinate with carriers who understand how to secure odd-shaped or delicate cargo using proper tie-downs, skidding, padding, and protective measures.

Oversize/Heavy-Haul Permits & Regulatory Compliance: Many specialty loads exceed legal size or weight limits. Nickels Brokerage handles all necessary permits, escort vehicles, route planning, and compliance with state/federal DOT regulations — so you don’t have to.

Flexible, Nationwide Coverage: Whether you’re shipping across town or across the country, we deliver specialty freight coast-to-coast. We serve industrial clients, manufacturers, contractors, and individuals wherever they are located in the U.S.

Transparent Quotes & Detailed Planning: Because specialty freight tends to carry more variables — size, weight, handling, permits, route restrictions — we give clear, itemized quotes and detailed transport plans so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Personalized Service & Real-time Communication: You’ll work directly with logistics professionals who understand the unique demands of custom freight. From pickup coordination to delivery confirmation — we keep you informed every step of the way.

How Our Specialty Freight Transport Process Works

We follow a meticulous step-by-step process to ensure the successful delivery of oversized, heavy, or specialty freight shipments.

Provide Load Details: Send us full freight specs: dimensions, weight, shape/form, required delivery site conditions, and photos if available.
Freight Evaluation & Trailer Matching: We analyze whether your shipment needs flatbed, lowboy, step-deck, extendable, or heavy-haul trailers, and determine necessary securement or handling.
Permits, Routing & Compliance Planning: For oversize, overweight, or high-clearance loads, we handle permit acquisition, route studies, escort vehicles, and compliance with all applicable regulations.
Carrier & Equipment Assignment: We match the freight with a carrier experienced in specialty transport, with the right equipment and handling practices for your load type.
Loading & Securement Coordination: Load is secured, blocked, and prepared using the correct securement methods (straps, chains, bracing, padding, skidding, etc.) depending on freight type.
Transport, Monitoring & Delivery Coordination: We monitor transit, provide updates, coordinate scheduling for delivery and unloading (especially for heavy or oversized freight), and ensure safe arrival.

Specialty Transportation Services Questions

Managing the logistics of specialty freight is complex. You need a trusted broker who has years of experience to ensure everything is handled accurately and professionally.

Do oversized loads require permits?: Yes. Any shipment exceeding legal size or weight limits requires state permits. We obtain permits, route approvals, and pilot car arrangements where required.
What trailer is used for heavy machinery?: Depending on weight and height, machinery may move on a step-deck, RGN, or lowboy trailer.
Can specialty freight be delivered to construction sites?: Yes. We coordinate delivery to job sites, plants, rural properties, and industrial facilities.
How long does heavy-haul scheduling take?: Many shipments can be scheduled in 1–3 days. Oversize loads requiring permits may take longer depending on the route and states involved.
What counts as “specialty freight”?: Any load that is oversized, overweight, heavy, unusually shaped, delicate, or otherwise not suitable for standard van or LTL freight — including heavy machinery, oversized modules, custom crates, or project cargo.
Do you accept single shipments as well as recurring or project-based freight?: Absolutely. Whether a one-time move or ongoing project shipments, we scale to fit your needs.
How do you ensure my freight is secure and protected?: We work with carriers who follow best-practice securement standards — proper chains/straps, blocking, padding, bracing — and adjust based on cargo type. We coordinate handling requirements up front.
What kinds of equipment can you transport beyond standard freight?: Large machinery, oversized industrial components, heavy modules, structural steel, custom crates, agricultural equipment, building materials, high-value or fragile items — basically anything that doesn’t fit standard freight constraints.
How much does heavy-haul shipping cost?: Costs vary based on dimensions, weight, permits, and distance. Most shipments require a custom quote because trailer type, escort vehicles, and routing restrictions affect pricing.

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Explore other types of specialized freight we coordinate nationwide.

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Ship Your Specialty Freight with Confidence.

If you're unsure whether your shipment requires specialty transport, contact us with the dimensions, weight, and pickup/delivery locations. We will review the load and explain the safest and most cost-effective way to move it.