Shipping Combine Harvesters

How to Ship a Combine Harvester (Step-by-Step)

Shipping a combine harvester isn’t your average freight job. It’s a specialized operation that requires the right equipment, regulatory knowledge, and logistics expertise. Combine harvesters are always shipped via Full Truckload (FTL) or Heavy Haul, never LTL, due to their oversized dimensions and complexity.

Follow this expert guide to ensure a smooth shipment from field to destination.

1. Measure Your Combine Accurately

Before any permits or equipment can be booked, you’ll need the exact dimensions of the harvester:

• Overall length, width, and height (with and without attachments)

• Total weight

• Ground clearance and axle positions

Pro Tip: Take photos of the combine and any detachable parts from multiple angles. This helps your FreightCenter advisor plan the most efficient transport strategy.

2. Detach Attachments and Ship Separately

Combine headers, grain tanks, and unloading augers often make the equipment too wide or tall to move safely. We recommend:

• Removing headers (and shipping them on separate trailers if needed)

• Collapsing or detaching augers

• Removing wheels or adjusting axles when possible

FreightCenter can coordinate multi-truckload moves when necessary.

3. Choose the Correct Trailer Type

FreightCenter connects you with carriers who provide:

• RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers for self-loading/unloading

• Lowboys or step decks for reduced height clearance

• Double-drop trailers for very tall or heavy combines

We’ll match your load to the best trailer based on specs and routing.

4. Secure Oversize Permits & Escorts

Most combine harvesters exceed legal limits for height and width. FreightCenter helps:

• File state-by-state oversize and overweight permits

• Arrange pilot cars and escort vehicles if needed

• Plan routes to avoid low bridges or restricted roadways

You don’t have to handle the paperwork—we take care of it.

5. Prepare the Machine for Transport

Reduce transit risk by preparing your harvester properly:

• Drain fuel to safe transport levels (typically no more than 1/4 full)

• Secure or remove batteries

• Strap down loose parts or accessories

• Chock wheels or use tie-downs to prevent shifting

6. Track the Shipment and Communicate with the Carrier

FreightCenter gives you real-time tracking and a dedicated freight agent to answer questions from pickup to drop-off. We also coordinate with:

• Drivers for site-specific delivery instructions

• Receiving parties for scheduled offloading

• Farm locations, auctions, or dealerships for access concerns

With the right preparation and FreightCenter’s heavy equipment expertise, shipping your combine harvester becomes less of a challenge and more of a routine.

Special Steps to Take for Combine Harvesters

It’s important to consider seasonal timing and environmental exposure when scheduling combine harvester shipments. These machines are often moved before or after harvest season, when demand for equipment relocation peaks and carrier availability may be limited. If transporting during winter or through varying climates, protective covers or shrink-wrap materials may be used to guard against moisture and corrosion. Planning for these environmental and scheduling variables helps avoid last-minute complications and ensures that the combine is operational upon arrival. Get a free quote today!