Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, Michigan

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

We offer a complete range of equipment hauling and oversize transport services to and from Detroit. Our transportation specialists understand flatbed hauling, step deck trucking, and hot shot deliveries — giving you a single point of contact for all your heavy haul needs. Whether your shipment requires local transport around Metro Detroit or long-distance freight movement across the country, we have the trucks, trailers, and experienced drivers to get the job done right.

American Heavy Haul provides full equipment, container, and oversize load transport services to and from Detroit, 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 does your shipment. That’s why we manage the entire process — permitting, pilot cars, scheduling, routing, and on-site coordination — helping you avoid delays, violations, and costly downtime. Whether you’re transporting construction machinery, manufacturing equipment, automotive parts, agricultural units, or multiple project loads, our B2C and B2B hauling solutions are built around your timeline and budget. From single shipments to ongoing project freight throughout Detroit, we deliver reliable and efficient heavy hauling.

Simplified Oversize Load Transport Throughout Detroit, Michigan

At American Heavy Haul, we simplify the entire heavy haul process from start to finish. Your dedicated Detroit transport specialist oversees permits, routing, pilot cars, scheduling, and loading coordination — ensuring a smooth, safe, and compliant delivery for every shipment.

Whether you’re hauling machinery into Detroit or moving a container from Detroit to another state, we provide transparent, dependable, and fully managed transport services. Your Detroit specialist will walk you through each step, explain Michigan DOT requirements, and answer questions about flatbed trucking, step deck hauling, or hot shot transport.

We specialize in moving oversize and overweight loads across Detroit and the surrounding Michigan regions — including industrial districts, automotive plants, construction zones, logistics hubs, and manufacturing corridors. Whether your shipment is local or long-distance, American Heavy Haul ensures safe, efficient, and professional transport. Get your quote now! 419-293-5333

Reliable Detroit Shipping Container Transport and Delivery

Detroit has a growing demand for reliable container transport because of its automotive industry, manufacturing centers, distribution hubs, and expanding construction developments. Whether you need a one-time container move or recurring freight deliveries, American Heavy Haul provides secure, on-time container hauling services across Metro Detroit and beyond.

Businesses, homeowners, and industrial operators across Detroit rely on us to move loaded and empty containers to and from job sites, warehouses, rail yards, factories, storage facilities, and commercial properties. Our drivers understand Detroit’s transport challenges — including road restrictions, bridge limitations, busy industrial corridors, and urban traffic patterns.

American Heavy Haul provides port-to-door, ramp-to-door, business-to-port, and door-to-door container hauling services across Detroit. We also transport containers from Detroit to destinations across the United States. Every shipment is thoroughly planned around Michigan DOT regulations, clearance restrictions, weight limits, and route requirements to ensure safe, timely delivery. Ready to get started? Call for your free Detroit 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 across Detroit for projects of all sizes.

Michigan Oversize Load Regulations

Michigan enforces strict size and weight guidelines for commercial trucking, especially across Detroit’s industrial zones, manufacturing corridors, and high-traffic metro highways.
Maximum legal width: 8 feet 6 inches
Maximum legal height: 13 feet 6 inches
Maximum legal length:
• Single-unit truck: 40–45 feet
• Combination vehicle (tractor + trailer): 65–75 feet, depending on trailer configuration
Standard gross vehicle weight (GVW): 80,000 pounds on interstate routes
(Michigan allows specialized multi-axle configurations with higher limits, but only under specific rules.)
Axle weight limits (standard federal interstate limits):
• Single axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
• Tridem axle group: 42,000–60,000 lbs, depending on axle spacing
Any load exceeding these limits requires a Michigan oversize or overweight permit.
These regulations protect Detroit’s complex highway system, bridges, industrial property roads, and automotive manufacturing routes.

A load wider than 8 feet 6 inches requires a Michigan oversize permit.
Loads exceeding 12 feet often require escort vehicles, especially when navigating:
• Detroit’s industrial corridors
• Tight lanes near warehouses and rail yards
• Construction areas
• Automotive plant entrances
Loads wider than 14 feet typically require additional escort measures and special routing.
Loads wider than 16 feet generally require Michigan State Police escorts and a pre-approved route plan.
Wide-load requirements include:
• “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners
• Warning flags
• Amber flashing lights
• Strict lane control
Visibility is especially important along Detroit’s key freight routes such as I-94, I-96, I-75, M-10, M-39, and Fort St.

Oversize loads must display clear “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners on both the front and rear of the hauling vehicle to ensure visibility across Detroit’s major freight corridors, industrial zones, and busy urban highways.
All four corners of the load must have 18-inch red or orange warning flags — especially when traveling through narrow lanes, rail-yard access roads, construction areas, and Detroit’s older industrial districts.
Amber beacon or LED flashing lights are typically required on the hauling vehicle and any escort cars to increase visibility.
Drivers must carry a valid Michigan oversize permit for the entire duration of travel.
Escort vehicles must meet Michigan DOT safety standards, including two-way radios, hazard lighting, proper signage, and height poles for tall-load clearance checks.
Loads must be secured using DOT-approved chains, binders, and straps that meet Michigan and federal securement requirements.
Drivers must follow the exact permitted route issued by Michigan DOT. Unauthorized detours may result in citations, delays, or re-routing.
Strict safety compliance is essential due to Detroit’s mix of:
• Heavy industrial traffic
• Major interstates
• Railroad crossings
• Bridge networks
• Auto-manufacturing corridors
• Narrow urban streets

A Michigan oversize permit is required when the total vehicle length exceeds 65–75 feet, depending on configuration.
Loads longer than 120 feet often require one or more escort vehicles for lane management, turning radius limitations, and traffic control.
Extra-long loads exceeding 140 feet typically require a Michigan State Police escort and a specialized route plan.
Long-haul freight faces several challenges in Detroit, including:
• Tight industrial entrances
• Multiple freeway interchanges
• Tunnel and bridge restrictions
• Narrow older roadways
• Rail crossings
• Heavily congested highways
Special coordination is needed when delivering to automotive plants, shipping terminals, and Detroit River industrial zones.
Equipment such as turbine blades, steel beams, refinery towers, bridge sections, and other elongated cargo requires careful planning and controlled driving.
Detroit’s major corridors — I-94, I-75, I-96, I-275, M-39, and M-10 — may implement time-of-day restrictions for long loads.
Slow, controlled turning and steady lane positioning are mandatory for oversized length operations.

A Michigan oversize permit is required for loads taller than 13 feet 6 inches.
Loads above 14 feet generally require a route survey to identify overhead obstructions such as:
• Road signs
• Bridge structures
• Utility lines
• Industrial piping
• Rail infrastructure
Loads exceeding 15–16 feet typically require escort vehicles with height poles to measure clearances in real time.
Detroit includes height-sensitive areas near:
• Bridges along I-94 and I-75
• Older industrial zones
• Rail corridors
• Underpasses near downtown and southwest Detroit
Tall loads may require alternate routing to avoid low-clearance obstacles.
Maintaining controlled speed helps prevent top-heavy sway, especially on elevated freeways and curved interchanges.
Incorrect height measurements can cause immediate delays, re-routing, or infrastructure impact.
Height regulation compliance ensures safe and efficient transport across Michigan.

Oversize loads in Michigan generally travel from sunrise to sunset.
Night travel is restricted for most escort-required or significantly oversized shipments.
Movement may be halted during snowstorms, ice, fog, high winds, or other unsafe weather — common in Michigan’s winter climate.
Oversize loads are prohibited on major holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Additional restrictions may apply along Detroit’s busiest routes — I-94, I-75, M-10, I-96, US-12, and other major freight corridors during peak travel times.
Escorted, extra-wide, or extra-tall loads may require specialized scheduling.
Violating travel-time regulations may lead to 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

Detroit, MI Oversize Load Regulations & City-Specific Restrictions

Restricted Areas in Detroit

Downtown Detroit (Woodward Ave, Jefferson Ave, Fort St)
Oversize loads are often restricted during peak traffic hours (7–9 AM & 4–6 PM) due to narrow lanes, ongoing construction, and urban congestion.

Railroad Overpasses and Low-Clearance Points
Important low-clearance areas include:
• Rail bridges along Fort St and West Vernor
• Industrial underpasses near the Detroit River terminals
• Narrow bridge approaches near I-94 and I-75 corridors

Preferred Oversize Load Routes

I-94
Detroit’s main east–west industrial and automotive freight artery.

I-75
Primary north–south route for regional and national equipment movement.

I-96
Common route for industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse deliveries.

M-39 (Southfield Fwy)
Often used to bypass dense urban areas.

Fort St & Jefferson Ave
Frequently used for industrial zone and port-area deliveries.

City Permits and Police Escort Requirements

Local Permits
Detroit city may require additional local permits for moves passing through city-managed streets or high-traffic industrial zones.

Police Escort
Detroit Police or Michigan State Police escorts may be required depending on width, height, lane requirements, or special risk factors.

Safe and On-Time Oversize Load Delivery in Detroit

American Heavy Haul provides safe, reliable, and fully compliant heavy equipment, container, and oversize load transport throughout Detroit, MI and surrounding Michigan regions. We move construction machinery, manufacturing equipment, automotive components, industrial units, heavy-duty trucks, and loaded or empty containers with detailed planning and strict route compliance.

Every Detroit oversize, overweight, or container shipment is routed with precision — considering bridge heights, freeway layouts, tunnel restrictions, industrial access roads, and high-traffic zones across the metro area. Detroit’s automotive, logistics, construction, and manufacturing sectors depend on timely freight movement, which is why American Heavy Haul emphasizes accurate permitting, clear communication, and safe transport planning. Move your freight with confidence. Call today for your free Detroit 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 offers certified pilot car and escort services to support oversize shipments throughout Detroit, MI. Escort teams assist with lane management, tight industrial turns, bridge navigation, and safe routing through complex freeway systems.

Need pilot cars? Experienced Michigan escort partners are ready to support your shipment.

Common Equipment American Heavy Haul Transports

We haul equipment for automotive plants, industrial facilities, construction projects, logistics hubs, agricultural operations, and commercial businesses across Detroit and the United States. Every load is secured and transported with safety as a top priority.

Serving Every Corner of Michigan

From Detroit’s manufacturing corridors to the ports of Muskegon and the farmlands of Kalamazoo — we provide heavy haul, flatbed, and hot shot services statewide with insured drivers, modern equipment, and 24/7 dispatch 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