Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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

Simplified Oversize Load Transport Throughout Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

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

Reliable Harrisburg Shipping Container Transport and Delivery

Shipping container transport and delivery is in high demand in Harrisburg due to the city’s major distribution centers, manufacturing zones, and expanding logistics operations that depend on both loaded and empty containers. At American Heavy Haul, we provide everything you need for dependable Harrisburg container hauling, whether it’s a one-time move or recurring freight. For years, Harrisburg 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 throughout 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 Harrisburg to destinations across the United States. Our specialized haulers understand that safe, on-time delivery is essential, so every container move is planned around clearances, weight limits, and routing. Every client receives professional, secure container transport and delivery throughout Harrisburg. Ready to get started? Call now for your free, no-obligation Harrisburg 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 Harrisburg.

Pennsylvania Oversize Load Regulations

Pennsylvania follows 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: 40–45 feet depending on vehicle class
Combination vehicle (tractor + trailer): up to 75 feet total
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 Pennsylvania oversize or overweight permit.
These rules ensure safe transport across bridges, tunnels, and Pennsylvania’s extensive highway network.
Following legal limits helps prevent delays, overweight violations, and costly fines.

Any load wider than 8 feet 6 inches requires an oversize permit issued by PennDOT.
Loads exceeding 12 feet often require at least one certified escort or pilot car for safe travel through Pittsburgh’s narrow corridors, hills, tunnels, and bridge-heavy roadways.
When width surpasses 14 feet, Pennsylvania may enforce additional safety requirements depending on the route and traffic density.
Loads wider than 16 feet usually require a Pennsylvania State Police escort and a route review due to lane limitations, tunnel size, and infrastructure constraints.
Major urban zones like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Harrisburg may impose extra width restrictions during peak traffic.
Wide loads must display proper Oversize Load signage, brightly colored flags, and adequate lighting for maximum visibility.
Drivers must follow strict lane-positioning rules to avoid entering adjoining lanes on Pennsylvania’s complex and often elevated road layouts.
Pennsylvania enforces controlled passing distances and reduced speed limits for all wide-load transport.

Oversize loads must display “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
All four corners of the load must be marked with 18-inch red or orange warning flags for visibility.
Amber beacon lights or LED strobes are required on escort vehicles and often on the hauling tractor.
Drivers must keep a valid, up-to-date Pennsylvania oversize permit with the vehicle during transport.
Escort vehicles must meet PennDOT equipment standards, including radios, rotating beacons, and height poles.
Loads must be secured with rated chains, binders, and the correct number of tie-downs based on weight, design, and transport category.
Drivers must follow the permitted route exactly, as deviations may result in citations, escorts being revoked, or shipments being delayed.
Strict compliance ensures safe, uninterrupted travel across Pennsylvania’s highways, bridges, tunnels, and city streets.

A permit is required when the total vehicle length exceeds Pennsylvania’s maximum limits, which generally cap full tractor–trailer combinations at 75 feet, depending on configuration.
Loads longer than 105 feet typically require one or more escort vehicles to help with lane management, wide turns, and traffic control throughout the Pittsburgh region.
Extreme-length loads over 120 feet may require a Pennsylvania State Police escort and a PennDOT-approved route plan.
Long loads often face challenges with Pittsburgh’s tight turns, steep grades, dense intersections, and multi-lane merging points near major highway corridors.
Many industrial zones and metropolitan routes require advance notice due to restricted turning radius, older bridges, and limited roadway width.
Extra caution is needed when hauling long freight such as steel beams, turbine components, pressure vessels, and industrial piping.
Oversized long loads may also be subject to time-of-day travel restrictions, especially during morning and evening peak traffic periods in Pittsburgh.
Drivers must maintain proper lane positioning and avoid sudden braking to ensure stability and prevent cargo shifting.

An oversize permit is required for any load higher than 13 feet 6 inches, which is the standard maximum height allowed on most Pennsylvania highways.
Loads exceeding 14 feet 6 inches may require a route survey to check for overhead wires, tunnel clearances, and older bridge structures throughout Pittsburgh and nearby cities.
When height exceeds 16 feet, escort vehicles equipped with height poles are typically required to lead the load.
Many parts of Pennsylvania — especially Pittsburgh, with its numerous bridges and tunnels — have limited overhead clearance, making accurate height planning essential.
Very tall loads may be restricted from certain tunnels, older interchanges, and narrow city routes due to infrastructure limitations.
Drivers must maintain controlled speeds to prevent sway and keep top-heavy equipment stable during transport.
Incorrect height measurements can lead to fines, delays, rerouting, or accidental infrastructure strikes.
Following height rules helps avoid collisions, bridge impacts, and costly transport interruptions.

Oversize loads in Pennsylvania are generally restricted to daylight travel only, from sunrise to sunset.
Night travel is not allowed for escorted loads or extremely large shipments.
Movement may be suspended during periods of congestion, low visibility, severe weather, or hazardous road conditions.
Oversize shipments are restricted on major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Weekend travel restrictions may apply depending on load size and the specific route through Pittsburgh.
Urban areas across the state, especially Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, often impose additional rush-hour restrictions.
Large oversize loads or escorted shipments may require special scheduling approvals to avoid congestion and ensure safety.
Violating travel-time regulations may lead to fines, delays, or suspension of permits.

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

Harrisburg, PA Oversize Load Regulations & City-Specific Restrictions

Restricted Areas in Harrisburg

Downtown Harrisburg (Capitol District)
Oversize loads are restricted during peak commuter hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, Monday–Friday). Special routing is often required to avoid congestion, tight turns, and low-clearance locations near key government and commercial zones.

Railroad Overpasses and Low-Clearance Bridges

Several older structures around Harrisburg require clearance checks before movement. Notable low-clearance locations include:
• Market Street Bridge Underpasses
• Cameron Street Rail Overpass
• Sections along PA-230 and US-22 near the city center

Preferred Oversize Load Routes

I-81 and I-83 Corridor

These major interstates through the Harrisburg region are commonly used for large and heavy equipment transport, subject to permitting and approved routing. I-81 supports long-haul north–south traffic, while I-83 connects Harrisburg with York and Baltimore for regional freight flow.

US-322 / US-22 (Dauphin County Expressway)

Frequently used for access to industrial zones, construction sites, and energy-sector facilities. With proper planning, it can safely accommodate many oversize loads.

PA-230 (Industrial Highway)

A key commercial route serving warehouses, distribution centers, and riverfront industries. This corridor is often recommended for permitted oversize loads that need access to Harrisburg’s core logistics areas.

City Permits and Police Escort Requirements

Local Permits

The City of Harrisburg may require a local oversize permit in addition to the PennDOT permit, especially when operating off major highways and onto city streets, industrial parks, and construction zones.

Police Escort

A Harrisburg Police Department escort may be required if the route includes downtown roads, capitol-area streets, school zones, or any areas where the load affects multiple lanes, traffic signals, or turning radius safety. Escorts may also be required for loads exceeding width, height, or length thresholds in city limits.

Safe and On-Time Oversize Load Delivery in Harrisburg

For years, American Heavy Haul has delivered safe, dependable Harrisburg equipment transport for heavy machinery, trucks, containers, construction units, and more. Our goal is to provide high-quality hauling services at competitive prices while keeping your schedule and site requirements front and center. We serve commercial, industrial, municipal, and residential delivery points throughout the Harrisburg metro.

Every Harrisburg oversize, overweight, or container load is routed in advance to anticipate tight turns, clearance limits, and traffic conditions. Many of our Harrisburg-area clients rely on timely, compliant transport to keep their projects moving — which is why American Heavy Haul prioritizes driver communication, DOT compliance, and route efficiency. Move your freight with a carrier that treats it like its own. Call now for your free, no-obligation Harrisburg 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 Pennsylvania heavy haul trucking. From the first consultation to final delivery, we coordinate permits, pilot cars, insurance paperwork, route surveys, and scheduling — allowing you to focus on your operations while we manage the complex logistics.

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

We’re proud to be one of the few heavy haul providers serving Harrisburg that offers real-time shipment updates, regulation-focused routing, and nationwide coverage — ensuring your machinery, containers, and project cargo arrive safely and on schedule.

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 Harrisburg, PA. Proper escorts help protect your equipment, driver, and other motorists while supporting compliance with Pennsylvania oversize load regulations.

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

Common Equipment American Heavy Haul Transports

American Heavy Haul specializes in transporting construction, agricultural, industrial, and oversize equipment across Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and the rest of the U.S. Every shipment is handled with precision, safety, and DOT compliance.

Serving Every Corner of Pennsylvania

From the industrial centers of Pittsburgh to the refineries of Philadelphia and the distribution hubs in Allentown, we cover every region with full permit support, insured drivers, and freight solutions for heavy haul, flatbed, and hot shot trucking.

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