St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, Missouri

It’s essential to partner with a reliable oversize load hauling company when shipping heavy equipment, trucks, or containers to or from St. Louis, MO. As a premier provider of heavy haul trucking in St. Louis, 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 St. Louis. 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis, 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 farm, construction, or industrial machinery, 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 St. Louis, we build a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

Simplified Oversize Load Transport Throughout St. Louis, Missouri

At American Heavy Haul, we don’t complicate transport. Your dedicated St. Louis 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 St. Louis or hauling a container from St. Louis to another state, we provide safe, transparent oversize load transport. When you speak with your St. Louis 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 St. Louis and the surrounding industrial areas. 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 St. Louis with a company that makes it easy from the first call to final delivery. Get your quote now! 419-293-5333

Reliable St. Louis Shipping Container Transport and Delivery

Shipping container transport and delivery is in high demand in St. Louis due to the city’s busy industrial, construction, and logistics sectors that depend on both loaded and empty containers. At American Heavy Haul, we provide everything you need for dependable St. Louis container hauling, whether it’s a one-time move or recurring freight. For years, St. Louis businesses and residents have trusted us to safely move containers to and from job sites, storage yards, and rail ramps. Our drivers and dispatchers understand how to handle container transport efficiently while respecting site rules, schedules, and access limitations across the city.

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 St. Louis to destinations across the United States. Our specialized haulers know that safe, on-time delivery is essential, so every container move is carefully planned around clearances, weight limits, and timing. Every client receives professional, secure container transport and delivery throughout St. Louis. Ready to get started? So are we. Call now for your free, no-obligation St. Louis 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 St. Louis.

Missouri Oversize Load Regulations

Missouri enforces strict legal load limits for all commercial trucks operating without a permit.
Maximum legal width: 8 feet 6 inches
Maximum legal height: 13 feet 6 inches, consistent with federal standards
Maximum length:
Single-unit truck: 55 feet
Combination vehicle (tractor + trailer): 65 feet
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 to 60,000 lbs depending on axle spacing
Any load exceeding these limits requires a Missouri oversize or overweight permit.
These rules ensure safe transportation across highways, bridges, and commercial corridors.
Following legal limits helps prevent delays, permit violations, and costly fines.

Any load wider than 8 feet 6 inches requires an oversize permit issued by MoDOT.
Loads exceeding 12 feet typically require at least one certified escort or pilot car to ensure safe movement across highways, ramps, and industrial areas.
When width exceeds 14 feet, Missouri may enforce additional safety requirements depending on route complexity.
Loads wider than 16 feet generally require a state police escort and a pre-approved route review due to lane limitations and bridge clearance concerns.
Major city regions like St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia may enforce additional width restrictions during peak traffic hours.
Wide loads must display proper Oversize Load signage, warning flags, and adequate lighting to maximize visibility.
Drivers must follow lane-positioning rules to avoid encroaching into oncoming traffic lanes.
Missouri strictly enforces safe passing distances and speed limits 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.
Amber beacon lights or LED flashing lights are usually required on both the tractor and escort vehicles.
Drivers must carry a valid, up-to-date Missouri oversize permit at all times while transporting.
Escort vehicles must meet MoDOT equipment standards, including radios and height poles.
Loads must be secured with rated chains, binders, and proper tie-downs based on equipment weight and configuration.
Drivers must follow the exact permitted route; any deviation may lead to fines or escort suspension.
Proper compliance with safety regulations ensures smooth, safe transport across highways, bridges, and city routes.

A permit is required when the total vehicle length exceeds 65 feet, which includes the truck, trailer, and load.
Loads longer than 105 feet usually require one or more escort vehicles to help with turning maneuvers and traffic control.
Extreme-length loads over 120 feet may require a state police escort and a MoDOT-approved route plan.
Long loads often face challenges with sharp curves, tight urban turns, and multi-lane merging on Missouri highways.
Many industrial corridors and city streets require advance notice due to restricted intersections and limited turning radius.
Extra care is necessary when hauling long freight such as bridge beams, wind turbine blades, and structural steel.
Oversized long loads may face time-of-day restrictions, especially during high-traffic periods.
Drivers must follow lane-control rules and avoid sudden braking to maintain stability and prevent load shift.

An oversize permit is required for any load higher than 13 feet 6 inches due to bridge and overhead clearance regulations.
Loads exceeding 15 feet often require a route survey to identify overhead obstacles such as older bridges, utility lines, and communication cables.
When height exceeds 16 feet, escort vehicles equipped with height poles are usually required to lead the load.
Many Missouri cities have aging infrastructure with limited clearances, making accurate height measurements essential.
Extremely tall loads may be restricted from traveling through certain interchanges, tunnels, or dense urban corridors.
Drivers must maintain controlled speeds to reduce sway and protect tall or top-heavy equipment.
Improper height measurement may result in costly delays, fines, or required route changes.
Following height regulations helps prevent collisions, structure damage, and major transport interruptions.

Oversize loads in Missouri are generally limited to daylight travel only, from sunrise to sunset.
Night travel is prohibited for loads requiring escorts or for oversized shipments exceeding standard dimensions.
Movement may be restricted during severe weather, low visibility, heavy traffic, or hazardous road conditions.
Oversize transport is restricted on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Weekend travel restrictions may apply based on load size and designated route.
Urban areas — especially St. Louis and Kansas City — may enforce additional rush-hour limitations to reduce congestion.
Extra-wide or escorted loads may require special scheduling approvals from MoDOT.
Violating travel-time restrictions can result in delays, citations, or temporary suspension of permit privileges.

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

St. Louis, MO Oversize Load Regulations & City-Specific Restrictions

Restricted Areas in St. Louis

Downtown St. Louis (Central Business District)

Oversize loads are often restricted during peak commuter hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, Monday through Friday). Special routing is typically required to navigate congestion, tight turns, and low-clearance areas throughout the downtown core.

Railroad Overpasses and Low-Clearance Points

Multiple older bridges and rail overpasses across St. Louis require careful route planning. Notable low-clearance locations include:
• Broadway Railroad Underpass
• Chouteau Avenue Viaduct
• Select crossings along I-44 and I-64 near the central district

Preferred Oversize Load Routes

I-70 Corridor

One of the most common interstate routes used for heavy and oversize loads entering and exiting St. Louis, connecting to major Midwest freight lanes.

I-55/North–South Corridor

Often recommended for oversize loads due to smoother connections to industrial zones and long-haul freight routes.

I-64 / US-40

Frequently used for access to west St. Louis commercial and industrial areas. With proper permits, it can support many oversize and specialized hauling needs.

City Permits and Police Escort Requirements

Local Permits

The City of St. Louis may require a local permit in addition to the MoDOT oversize permit, especially when traveling on municipal roads or accessing job sites.

Police Escort

A St. Louis Metropolitan Police escort may be required when traveling through dense urban areas, school zones, hospital districts, or when load width requires lane closures or controlled intersections.

Safe and On-Time Oversize Load Delivery in St. Louis

For years, American Heavy Haul has delivered safe and dependable St. Louis equipment transport. That includes heavy machinery, large trucks, loaded and empty containers, and more. Our focus is to provide high-quality hauling at competitive rates while prioritizing your schedule and delivery needs across the region.

Every St. Louis oversize, overweight, or container move is routed in advance to prepare for tight turns, height restrictions, and traffic conditions. Many of our clients depend on timely deliveries to keep projects on track. That’s why American Heavy Haul prioritizes DOT compliance, detailed communication, and precision handling from dispatch to final delivery. Move your freight with a company that treats your cargo like its own. Call today for your free, no-obligation St. Louis 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 Missouri heavy haul trucking. From the first consultation to final delivery, we coordinate permits, pilot cars, insurance documentation, route surveys, and scheduling — allowing you to stay focused 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 bring together 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO. Proper escorts help protect your equipment, driver, and other motorists on the road.

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, and oversize equipment across St. Louis, Missouri, and the rest of the U.S. Every shipment is handled with safety, timing, and compliance in mind.

Serving Every Corner of Missouri

From the industrial centers of St. Louis and Kansas City to Springfield’s logistics corridors and Columbia’s construction zones — we provide full heavy haul, flatbed, and hot shot coverage statewide with insured drivers and 24/7 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