Chicago, IL Equipment Hauling, Container Delivery & Oversize Load Transport

Get expert guidance and competitive pricing for your heavy haul shipment.

Heavy Haul, Flatbed, Step Deck & Hot Shot Trucking in Chicago, Illinois

It’s essential to partner with a reliable oversize load hauling company when shipping heavy equipment, trucks, or containers to or from Chicago, IL. As a premier provider of heavy haul trucking in Chicago, American Heavy Haul has a proven track record of safely moving machinery and freight of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Our focus on safe, insured, and on-time delivery sets us apart from general freight carriers.

We offer a wide variety of equipment hauling and oversize load transport services to and from Chicago. Our team of dedicated transportation specialists understands step deck loads, flatbed trucking, and hot shot transport, giving you a single point of contact for all your heavy haul needs. Whether you need local moves around the Chicago metro or long-distance transport across the country, we have the trucks, trailers, and experienced drivers to get it done right.

American Heavy Haul provides complete equipment, container, and oversize load transport services to and from Chicago, including:

Oversize Load Transport
Port-to-Port Container Transport
Bulk Freight Hauling
Door-to-Door Equipment Delivery
Commercial Machinery Transport
Load Handling Support

Shipping Container Moving
Equipment Hauling Services
Truck & Trailer Transport
Permit Pulling & Escorts
Pilot Car Assistance
And More Equipment Transport

Every customer matters, and so do your shipping needs. That’s why we simplify heavy equipment, container, and truck delivery by handling every step of the process for you — from quoting and scheduling to permits and routing — so you can stay focused on running your business. Our logistics agents coordinate permits, pilot cars, route surveys, and timing to help avoid delays, violations, and unnecessary downtime. Whether you’re an individual moving construction, industrial, or commercial equipment, or a company shipping multiple units at once, our B2C and B2B solutions are tailored to your unique requirements. From single-piece moves to ongoing project freight around Chicago, we build a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

Simplified Oversize Load Transport Throughout Chicago, Illinois

At American Heavy Haul, we don’t complicate transport. Your dedicated Chicago heavy haul specialist manages every detail of your shipment from start to finish. We secure the oversize load permits, arrange pilot cars when needed, plan the most efficient route, and coordinate with job sites for smooth loading and unloading.

Whether you’re shipping machinery into Chicago or hauling a container from Chicago to another state, we provide safe, transparent oversize load transport. When you speak with your Chicago shipping specialist, they’ll walk you through the process, explain requirements, and answer any questions you have about equipment hauling, flatbed trucking, or hot shot service.

We specialize in moving oversize and overweight loads throughout Chicago, Northern Illinois, and the surrounding industrial zones. Your specialist is there to give you confidence that American Heavy Haul is the best partner for your project — from short local moves to complex, multi-axle permitted loads. Don’t delay. Move your equipment to or from Chicago with a company that makes it easy from the first call to final delivery. Get your quote now!

419-293-5333

Reliable Chicago Shipping Container Transport and Delivery

Shipping container transport and delivery is in high demand in Chicago due to the region’s major logistics hubs, railyards, distribution centers, and commercial construction projects. At American Heavy Haul, we provide everything you need for dependable Chicago container hauling, whether it’s a one-time move or recurring freight. For years, Chicago businesses and residents have trusted us to safely move containers to and from job sites, storage yards, intermodal terminals, and port-access zones along Lake Michigan. Our drivers and dispatchers understand how to handle container transport efficiently while respecting site rules, timelines, and access restrictions throughout the metro.

American Heavy Haul offers port-to-business, port-to-door, ramp-to-door, and door-to-door container hauling options. We also ship containers from Chicago to destinations across the United States. Our team of specialized haulers knows that safe, on-time delivery is critical, especially in a city with heavy traffic patterns and high-volume freight movement. Every container move is carefully planned around clearances, weight limits, and scheduling. Every client receives professional, secure container transport and delivery throughout Chicago. Ready to get started? So are we. Call now for your free, no-obligation Chicago container hauling quote! 419-293-5333

Speak with a specialized logistics agent today!

Common Container Types We Move

We safely transport standard, high-cube, refrigerated, and open-top containers for projects of all sizes in and around Chicago.

Illinois Oversize Load Regulations

Illinois enforces strict legal load limits for all commercial trucks operating without a permit, especially throughout the Chicago metro where highways, interstates, and industrial corridors carry extremely high traffic volumes.
Maximum legal width: 8 feet 6 inches
Maximum legal height: 13 feet 6 inches
Maximum length:
Single-unit truck: 42–45 feet depending on configuration
Combination vehicle (tractor + trailer): 65–75 feet unless otherwise permitted
Standard gross vehicle weight (GVW): 80,000 pounds (truck + trailer + load)
Axle weight limits:
Single axle: 20,000 lbs
Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
Tridem axle groups: 42,000–60,000 lbs depending on spacing
Any load exceeding these limits requires an Illinois oversize or overweight permit.
These rules support safe transport across Chicago’s expressways, industrial districts, freight corridors, and major interstate routes.
Following legal limits helps prevent delays, permit violations, and costly penalties.

Any load wider than 8 feet 6 inches requires an oversize permit issued by IDOT.

Loads exceeding 12 feet typically require one or more pilot cars due to limited shoulder space and heavy traffic across Chicago’s expressways.

When width exceeds 14 feet, Illinois may impose additional safety requirements depending on the route, particularly near dense urban areas or restricted industrial zones.

Loads wider than 16 feet usually require a state police escort and an approved routing plan because of lane limitations and bridge restrictions.

Wide loads must use proper Oversize Load signage, warning flags, and flashing lights for maximum visibility.

Drivers must maintain safe lane positioning, especially on the Dan Ryan, Kennedy, Stevenson, and Eisenhower expressways.

Illinois enforces strict speed controls and safe passing distances for wide-load transport.

Oversize loads must display clear “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners on the front and rear of the vehicle.
All four corners of the load must have 18-inch red or orange warning flags for maximum visibility, especially on Chicago’s dense expressway system.
Amber beacon lights or LED flashing lights are typically required on both the tractor and escort vehicles.
Drivers must carry a valid, up-to-date Illinois oversize permit at all times during transport.
Escort vehicles must meet IDOT standards, including communication radios and height poles when required.
Loads must be secured with rated chains, binders, and proper tie-downs that meet Illinois and federal safety requirements.
Drivers must follow the exact IDOT-approved route; any deviation can result in fines, delays, or escort revocation.
Strict adherence to these rules ensures safer movement through Chicago’s high-traffic areas, bridges, tollways, and industrial corridors.

A permit is required when the combined length of the truck, trailer, and load exceeds 65–75 feet.
Loads longer than 105 feet often require escort vehicles, especially on narrow merge points and ramps along I-90, I-94, and I-55.
Extreme-length loads over 120 feet may require an Illinois State Police escort and a specialized routing plan.
Long loads may struggle with tight curves, construction zones, lane splits, and complex interchanges within the Chicago metro.
Industrial zones, railyard areas, and port regions often require advance notice because of restricted turning space.
Extra caution is required when hauling long items such as bridge beams, steel structures, generators, concrete forms, and machinery.
Certain long oversize loads may face time-of-day restrictions due to Chicago’s severe congestion patterns.
Drivers must maintain stable lane positioning and avoid sudden braking to reduce load-shift risk.

A permit is required for any load taller than 13 feet 6 inches.
Loads exceeding 14 feet often require a route survey to check for low-clearance bridges, train overpasses, and older tunnels in Chicago.
When height exceeds 15–16 feet, escort vehicles with height poles are typically mandatory.
Chicago contains numerous low-clearance points—particularly near industrial zones, older infrastructure, and railroad-heavy areas—making accurate height checks critical.
Extremely tall loads may be barred from certain tunnels, underpasses, or elevated road structures.
Drivers must travel at controlled speeds to minimize sway and ensure tall loads remain stable.
Incorrect height measurements may lead to serious delays, costly fines, or forced rerouting.
Following height rules prevents structural collisions, infrastructure damage, and dangerous transport interruptions.

Oversize loads in Illinois are generally allowed to travel only during daylight hours, from sunrise to sunset.
Night transport is prohibited for escorted loads and very large freight.
Movement may be paused during snow, ice, fog, storms, or poor visibility—common in Chicago during winter.
Oversize movement is restricted on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Additional weekend and rush-hour restrictions may apply depending on the route and oversize dimensions.
Downtown Chicago, Tollway corridors, and expressways such as the Kennedy, Dan Ryan, and Stevenson may enforce heavy rush-hour restrictions.
Extremely wide or escorted loads may require pre-scheduled travel windows to avoid congestion or construction zones.
Violating time restrictions can result in citations, delays, or permit suspension.

Start Your Shipment Today with American Heavy Haul

Fast response. Expert routing. Fully insured.
Call 419-293-5333 or request a quote below.

24/7 Dispatch Available

Chicago, IL Oversize Load Regulations & City-Specific Restrictions

Restricted Areas in Chicago

Downtown Chicago (Loop, River North, West Loop, Near North Side)
Oversize loads are usually restricted during peak commuter hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, Monday–Friday). Special routing is required to avoid low-clearance structures, tight turns, and heavy pedestrian areas.

Railroad Overpasses and Low-Clearance Structures
Chicago is one of the largest rail hubs in the U.S., with hundreds of overpasses. Key clearance-sensitive areas include:
• Lower Wacker Drive tunnel systems
• Rail bridges along Ashland, Western, and Halsted
• Industrial rail crossings near the South Side and manufacturing zones

Preferred Oversize Load Routes

I-90, I-94, I-55, and I-290 Expressways
Common corridors for heavy and oversized equipment transport entering and leaving Chicago.

I-294 Tri-State Tollway
Often recommended to bypass downtown congestion and connect to major freight zones.

South Side Industrial Corridors & Calumet Region
Frequent routes for oversized loads accessing steel mills, manufacturing plants, rail yards, and port facilities.

City Permits and Police Escort Requirements

Local Permits
The City of Chicago may require a local permit in addition to IDOT oversize permits, especially near downtown or industrial access streets.

Police Escort
A Chicago Police Department or Illinois State Police escort may be required if the route impacts multiple lanes, passes sensitive areas, or the load exceeds width/height thresholds inside the city.

Safe and On-Time Oversize Load Delivery in Chicago

For years, American Heavy Haul has provided everything needed for safe and dependable Chicago equipment transport. That includes heavy machinery, heavy-duty trucks, loaded and empty containers, large industrial components, and more. Our mission is to deliver high-quality hauling services at competitive rates while keeping your schedule, delivery windows, and job-site requirements in mind. We serve commercial, industrial, construction, manufacturing, railyard, and port-access locations throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Every Chicago oversize, overweight, or container move is routed in advance to anticipate interchanges, low-clearance points, heavy traffic, tollway restrictions, and industrial access rules. Many of our clients are small and mid-sized businesses that depend on reliable, on-time deliveries to keep projects moving. That’s why American Heavy Haul emphasizes safety, strict compliance with IDOT and DOT regulations, and clear communication from dispatch to delivery. Transport with a company that treats your freight like its own. Call now for your free, no-obligation Chicago heavy haul quote! 419-293-5333

Speak with a specialized logistics agent today!

Why Choose American Heavy Haul for Equipment, Container & Oversize Load Transport

Choosing American Heavy Haul means choosing a team that understands every aspect of Alabama heavy haul trucking. From the first consultation to final delivery, we coordinate permits, pilot cars, insurance documentation, route surveys, and scheduling — so you can focus on your operations while we manage the complex details.

With over a decade of experience in heavy haul, flatbed, step deck, and hot shot transport, we combine insured carriers, a nationwide trailer network, and 24/7 dispatch support to deliver professional, cost-effective, and compliant logistics solutions.

We take pride in being one of the few heavy haul partners serving Birmingham that offers real-time updates, compliance-focused routing, and nationwide coverage — helping ensure your machinery, containers, and project cargo reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Licensed & Insured

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured Alabama heavy haul carriers.

ALDOT-Certified Drivers

ALDOT-compliant drivers familiar with every major Alabama interstate and highway.

10+ Years Expertise

10+ years of proven expertise in oversize, overweight, and specialized freight.

24/7 Dispatch & Tracking

24/7 dispatch and shipment visibility for transparent communication.

Nationwide Fleet Network

Nationwide network of flatbed, step deck, RGN, multi-axle, and extendable trailers.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services

American Heavy Haul provides pilot cars and escort vehicles to guide oversize loads safely in and around Chicago, IL. Proper escorts help protect your equipment, the driver, and other motorists — especially in dense expressway and industrial corridors.

Need pilot cars for your heavy haul? We’ve got you covered with professional, experienced escort partners.

Common Equipment American Heavy Haul Transports

American Heavy Haul specializes in transporting construction, industrial, agricultural, and oversized equipment across Chicago, Illinois, and the rest of the United States. Every shipment is handled with safety, timing, and compliance in mind.

Serving Every Corner of Illinois

From the manufacturing hubs in Chicago to the farmlands of Peoria and the transportation corridors of Rockford and Joliet — we provide full coverage with insured drivers, reliable trucks, and expert heavy haul logistics support.

Trailer Types Offered by American Heavy Haul

We provide every major trailer type used in the U.S. heavy haul and oversize freight industry. Each trailer is selected based on your load dimensions, weight, route, and safety requirements.

Flatbed Trailers

Open-deck trailers designed for a wide mix of industrial freight including machinery, pallets, steel, pipe, and building materials.

Standard deck length: 48–53 ft
Typical capacity: up to ~48,000–50,000 lbs
No sides or roof for easy crane and side loading
Supports chains, binders, straps, and full tarping
Ideal for long, wide, or odd-shaped freight
Strong nationwide availability for fast dispatch

Best for: palletized loads, lumber, steel, machinery.

Step Deck Trailers

Trailers with a lower main deck behind the step that provide extra height clearance for taller machines and equipment.

Overall length: 48–53 ft common
Lower deck height: ~36–42 inches
Upper deck for pallets and smaller items
Allows taller freight without special permits in many cases
Safer for top-heavy or tall equipment than standard flatbeds
Compatible with ramps and dock loading in many yards

Best for: tractors, loaders, farm and construction gear.

Double Drop Deck

Specialized trailers with a deep center “well” that rides very low to move extremely tall freight within legal or permitted height limits.

Center well length: often 25–30 ft
Well deck height: around 18–24 inches
Front and rear decks raised for axle clearance
Ideal for freight that cannot be disassembled
Helps reduce bridge and overhead clearance issues
Common in heavy industrial and project cargo moves

Best for: tall tanks, press frames, industrial modules.

RGN – Removable Gooseneck

Trailers with a detachable front neck so the deck can drop to the ground and form a ramp for loading heavy, self-driven equipment.

Front neck detaches for drive-on loading
Well lengths commonly 20–30 ft or longer
Available in 2–13 axle configurations
Handles very heavy, compact equipment
Low deck height to manage overall load height
Highly flexible for construction and mining machinery

Best for: dozers, cranes, scrapers, heavy wheeled units.

Lowboy Trailers

Heavy-duty low-deck trailers built to move tall and heavy construction or industrial machinery while managing clearance restrictions.

Very low deck height compared to flatbeds
Commonly rated for 40,000–80,000+ lbs, depending on axles
Multiple axle configurations for heavy freight
Supports crawlers, tracked units, and large wheeled machines
Often used with outriggers for wider equipment
Engineered to handle rough job-site conditions

Best for: excavators, dozers, large job-site equipment.

Landoll Trailers

Hydraulic sliding-axle trailers that tilt the deck to the ground for fast loading when docks, ramps, or forklifts are limited.

Deck can tilt and slide to ground level
Ideal for roll-on/roll-off loading
Often 48–53 ft in length
Handles mixed fleets, trucks, and equipment
Reduces need for separate ramps or loading docks
Great for recovery, relocation, and remarketing loads

Best for: trucks, buses, mixed small equipment fleets.

Extendable Flatbed

Telescoping flatbed trailers that stretch beyond standard length to legally move very long loads while controlling overhang.

Closed length often 48–53 ft
Extended length can exceed 70+ ft
Adjustable to match exact freight length
Helps comply with bridge and overhang rules
Designed for long, uniform freight pieces
Still offers open-deck loading flexibility

Best for: long beams, blades, pipes, structural steel.

Conestoga Curtain-Side

Flatbed-style trailers equipped with a rolling curtain system to protect freight from weather while keeping side-loading access.

Sliding curtain acts like a moving “van” wall
Deck size similar to standard flatbeds
Full weather protection without losing side access
Excellent for finished or painted products
Helps reduce risk of tarp damage and delays
Supports both forklift and crane loading

Best for: finished machinery, painted parts, sensitive freight.

Extendable RGN

Removable gooseneck trailers with stretchable wells that combine low deck height with extended length for unique industrial freight.

Closed well similar to standard RGN lengths
Extended well for long plant or process components
Maintains drive-on loading through detachable neck
Ideal for tall and long equipment combined
Helps reduce need for multiple separate shipments
Requires careful planning and experienced operators

Best for: long presses, plant components, specialized machinery.

Multi-Axle Heavy Haul

Engineered multi-axle trailers using jeeps, boosters, and dollies to spread extreme weight across more axles and protect infrastructure.

Custom 5–13+ axle configurations
Supports superload weights far above standard limits
Often requires route surveys and special permits
Configurable for bridge and road limitations
Used for large industrial, energy, and infrastructure cargo
Operated by highly experienced heavy haul carriers

Best for: superloads, extreme weight, and specialized projects.

Dry Van Trailers

Enclosed box trailers that keep freight protected from weather, theft, and road debris during transport.

Typical length: 48–53 ft
Fully enclosed with lockable doors
Ideal for boxed, crated, and palletized products
Multiple E-track or logistics post options inside
High cube options for extra volume capacity
Common in retail, manufacturing, and distribution freight

Best for: packaged goods, pallets, non-hazardous freight.

Hot Shot / Gooseneck

Smaller, pickup-pulled trailers for lighter freight and urgent deliveries that need to move quickly across regional or short-haul lanes.

Common deck lengths: 30–40+ ft
Lower GVW than full-size semi-trailers
Great for partials and less-than-truckload freight
Can access tighter locations than standard trucks
Frequently used for last-minute or rush projects
Flexible option for small machines and equipment

Best for: light machinery, partials, urgent freight.

Power Only Trucking

Tractor and driver services where American Heavy Haul hooks to your pre-loaded or customer-owned trailer and moves it to the next destination.

Supports dry vans, flatbeds, tankers, and specialty trailers
Ideal when you own the trailer but need a carrier
Available for regional or long-haul moves
Flexible scheduling for live loads or drop-and-hook
Reduces need to maintain your own driver pool
Helps reposition empty or loaded trailers efficiently

Best for: customer-owned trailers, mobile offices, specialized units.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Lead and chase vehicles that support oversize shipments with traffic control, height checks, and on-the-road safety communication.

Front and rear escorts for wide or long loads
Height-pole cars to check bridges and overheads
Two-way radios for constant contact with drivers
Required by many states for large oversize moves
Helps manage lane changes, turns, and merges
Improves overall safety for the public and the load

Best for: oversize loads requiring route protection and escorts.

American Heavy Haul & Logistics