If you’re planning an oversize or heavy haul shipment, you probably have a few questions about permits, escorts, insurance, or tracking. At American Heavy Haul, we value clear communication as much as safe delivery. This FAQ section answers the most common questions we get — from ALDOT permits to route planning and coverage — so you know exactly what to expect before your load hits the road.
Heavy Haul Trucking in Iowa – Oversize & Freight Transport Experts
Safe, insured, and fully compliant heavy haul and general freight transport across the Hawkeye State. From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, we handle permits, pilot cars, step deck, flatbed, and hot shot loads — delivering your oversized freight and equipment safely, efficiently, and on time 24/7.
Permittet. Escorted. Fully Insured
Your Trusted Heavy Haul Partner in Iowa
With over a decade of experience, American Heavy Haul provides dependable transportation for construction machinery, agricultural equipment, industrial components, and standard deck loads throughout Iowa and nationwide.
Our experienced dispatchers manage all Iowa oversize load permits, coordinate pilot and escort vehicles, perform route surveys, and ensure full compliance with IDOT travel-time restrictions, bridge laws, and curfews — so your shipment moves legally, safely, and on schedule.
Why Choose American Heavy Haul in Iowa
Choosing American Heavy Haul means choosing a trusted partner who understands every aspect of Iowa’s heavy haul industry. From the first consultation to delivery, we handle permits, pilot cars, insurance, route surveys, and scheduling — allowing you to focus on your business while we handle the logistics.
With over a decade of experience, we combine certified, insured carriers, a nationwide network, and 24/7 dispatch support to deliver professional, cost-effective, and fully compliant transport solutions.
Transparent Pricing
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed, bonded, and insured state-certified heavy haul carriers
ALDOT-Certified Drivers
DOT-certified drivers familiar with local and interstate freight routes
10+ Years Expertise
Over 10 years of experience in oversize and heavy haul transport
24/7 Dispatch & Tracking
24/7 dispatch and live GPS tracking for full shipment visibility
Nationwide Fleet Network
Nationwide network of flatbed, step deck, RGN, and extendable trailers
Industries We Serve in Iowa
American Heavy Haul supports Iowa’s major industries with professional heavy equipment and oversize freight transport. Every shipment is planned with the correct permits, escorts, and safety compliance — ensuring secure, timely delivery statewide.
Industries we serve:
Construction & Infrastructure:
Cranes, graders, and concrete machinery
Energy & Utilities:
Turbines, transformers, and generators
Agriculture & Forestry:
Tractors, harvesters, and combines
Marine & Port Operations:
Boats, containers, and terminal machinery
Manufacturing & Industrial:
Factory machinery, tanks, and conveyor systems
Aerospace & Defense:
Aircraft components, ground support equipment, and large assemblies
Freight & Equipment We Transport
We haul every type of heavy machinery, oversize load, and industrial component statewide:
Dozers
Excavators
Cranes
Tractors
Boats
Oilfield Rigs
Transformers
Generators
Iowa Oversize Load Permits & Escort Requirements
We handle all Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) oversize and overweight permit applications — including single-trip, annual, and superload permits. Our team ensures every haul complies with escort requirements, daylight travel rules, and signage or lighting standards for step deck, flatbed, and RGN freight.
Pilot Cars
Front & rear escorts when required
Route Surveys
Pre-approved paths for safety
Full Compliance
Permits, signs, flags, lights
Serving Every Corner of Iowa
From the manufacturing hubs of Cedar Rapids and Des Moines to the farmlands of Davenport and Sioux City — we offer full coverage across Iowa with insured drivers, advanced equipment, and expert route management.
Shipping Beyond Indiana
We provide fully permitted interstate heavy haul and freight transport from Indiana to surrounding states — Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Missouri. Whether hauling wind components, oilfield machinery, or construction equipment, our team manages every permit, escort, and survey to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Our step decks, RGNs, and flatbeds operate under 24/7 dispatch with full pilot car coordination for all interstate routes.
Common Heavy Haul Routes in Iowa
Iowa’s primary freight corridors — I-35, I-80, I-380, I-29, and US-30 — connect major logistics centers like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Sioux City, and Council Bluffs.
These routes carry agricultural machinery, construction materials, and industrial freight across the Midwest and into neighboring states.
At American Heavy Haul, we use Iowa DOT-approved data, GPS mapping, and route planning tools to ensure your oversize or overweight freight moves safely and efficiently.
We manage permits, bridge limits, travel restrictions, and escort coordination under Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) compliance.
From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids or across I-80 to Omaha, our dispatchers coordinate permits, pilot cars, and schedules for smooth, legal, and on-time delivery statewide.
Iowa Ports, Terminals & Industrial Zones
Our service network covers Iowa’s key logistics hubs — including the Des Moines Industrial Corridor, Cedar Rapids Intermodal Terminal, and the Quad Cities Port Region.
American Heavy Haul regularly transports cranes, wind components, farm machinery, and industrial freight across these vital corridors.
We specialize in connecting Iowa’s agriculture, construction, and renewable energy sectors, offering reliable coordination between river ports, industrial parks, and inland job sites — all managed in full compliance with IDOT and DOT standards.
Trailer Types for Iowa Heavy Haul Transport
Each shipment requires the right trailer setup for safety and compliance. Our fleet includes a full range of flatbeds, step decks, RGNs, double drops, and extendable trailers — enabling us to haul virtually any machine or structure.
Our specialized trailers include:
Flatbed Trailers: For construction materials, crated freight, and light machinery.
Step Deck Trailers: Designed for tall loads exceeding standard height limits.
RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers: Ideal for excavators, bulldozers, and wheeled machinery.
Double Drop & Extendable Trailers: Used for turbines, beams, and long industrial loads.
Hot Shot Trailers: Fast and flexible for smaller or urgent deliveries.
All trailers are DOT-certified, meticulously maintained, and equipped with secure tie-downs and ramps for every haul.
Route Planning & Load Tracking Technology
We combine modern logistics tools with experience to optimize every shipment. Using GPS tracking, IDOT databases, and real-time route analytics, our engineers plan safe, efficient paths for all oversize and overweight loads.
We assess bridge capacities, turning radii, and restricted travel zones before departure to ensure compliance.
Once on the road, clients receive live tracking, route updates, and 24/7 dispatch communication — providing transparency, safety, and peace of mind.
This integration of technology and expertise makes American Heavy Haul one of the most dependable heavy haul trucking companies in Iowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any load exceeding 8’6” wide, 13’6” high, 70’ long, or 80,000 lbs gross is considered oversize. IDOT permits are required before hauling such loads on Iowa roads.
Most single-trip IDOT permits are approved within 24 hours. For superloads or multi-state routes, approval may take 48–72 hours.
Yes, depending on dimensions and route. American Heavy Haul arranges certified front and rear escort vehicles that meet Iowa’s signage and lighting requirements.
Absolutely. We handle interstate heavy haul trucking from Iowa to Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota, and across all 50 states.
Yes. Every haul is fully insured under carrier and contingency coverage. We provide proof of insurance before pickup.
Our logistics specialists review dimensions, weight, and loading details to recommend the safest trailer — whether flatbed, RGN, or extendable.
Clients receive real-time GPS tracking and 24/7 status updates from our dispatch team.
We cover every major region — including Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City, Davenport, Iowa City, Waterloo, and Council Bluffs, plus rural areas statewide.
Call 419-293-5333 or submit your Indiana Heavy Haul quote form for instant pricing and routing.
Because we combine local expertise with national strength — offering insured carriers, certified drivers, and 24/7 support to deliver every shipment safely and on schedule.
Get Your Indiana Freight & Heavy Haul Quote
Fast response. Expert routing. Fully insured.
Call 419-293-5333 or request a quote below.
24/7 Dispatch Available
Serving all 50 U.S. states — View Full Coverage