Larger Than a Box, Smaller Than a Freight Load?
If your equipment doesn’t fit in a box and a freight truck feels like overkill, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a mini excavator, compact tractor, or landscaping tool you scored online, you need a shipping solution that meets you where you are without calling in a full logistics team.
That’s why thousands of people choose uShip every year for small equipment shipping. Our platform connects individual shippers to carriers who specialize in awkward, oversized, or non-palletized freight. That’s the sweet spot between “too small for freight” and “too big for FedEx.”
From residential auctions to backyard businesses, the demand for flexible equipment hauling is growing. In fact, the peer-to-peer marketplace economy has exploded; Facebook Marketplace alone has over 1 billion users monthly, many of them dealing in equipment that can’t go parcel source.
How Much Does Equipment Hauling Cost?
If you’re asking, “How much does equipment hauling cost?”, the best answer is: it depends, but you don’t have to guess.
Here’s what affects your final quote:
- Distance: Short local runs typically range from $150–$500. Cross-country hauls often exceed $2,000.
- Size & Weight: Heavier and taller gear requires more fuel and clearances.
- Handling Needs: Does your item roll? Will it need ramps, liftgates, or team lift?
- Timing: Need it fast? Expedite fees may apply. Flexible timing can save you up to 30 percent.
Unlike freight brokers, uShip gives you access to instant quotes from a competitive carrier pool. This allows you to match with someone equipped for your job, not just whoever is on the line.
Need a tangible example? A mini track loader going 300 miles may cost around $600. But stretch that to 1,500 miles, and it can run over $1,400, but when you book with uShip, these rates can often be lower. The power of comparison shopping makes all the difference.
Options You Control, Timing You Choose
Your schedule. Your equipment. Your rules.
Whether you need same-week pickup or have flexibility in your window, uShip gives you the tools to control the timeline without compromising on service. Post your listing, communicate directly with potential carriers, and make the choice that fits your schedule, not theirs.
Unlike rigid freight windows, our platform supports:
- Door-to-door delivery
- Weekend or off-hour pickups
- Residential or remote access
- Real-time communication with carriers
And if you’re concerned about the “what ifs,” don’t be. The uShip Protection Plan adds peace of mind for your shipment, and our Property Protection Plan covers your home or business for up to $10,000 in the rare event of damage at pickup or delivery.
Why Small Equipment Shipping Is Different
This isn’t just a niche, it’s a need. Heavy equipment like skid steers, augers, and compactors aren’t mass-manufactured freight. And they’re certainly not getting boxed and sent UPS or FedEx. These are irregular, high-value tools often bought online, at auction, or refurbished for resale.
That means shipping requires:
- Custom handling and knowledge
- Flexibility in vehicle types (flatbeds, trailers, enclosed)
- Insurance coverage tailored to your shipment
uShip’s marketplace is built for this complexity. Carriers on our platform range from local haulers to pros with specialty rigs, so you’re not stuck with one-size-fits-none freight solutions. You also support smart logistics; by booking space on trucks already headed your direction, you help eliminate deadhead miles and reduce carbon emissions.
Your Solution Starts Here
You bought the equipment. You’ve got the job lined up. Now it’s time to move your gear without losing control, time, or money.
With uShip, you can:
- Get instant, no-obligation quotes
- Compare carriers and read verified reviews
- Pick your price, pickup window, and service level
- Add protection plans for gear and property
And it all happens online. No freight broker calls. No back-and-forth negotiations. Just smart, small equipment shipping designed for real people with real needs.
TL;DR: How Much Does Equipment Hauling Cost? What You Need to Know
uShip Small Equipment Shipping – Fast Facts
- Ideal for items too big for a box, too small for freight (e.g., mini excavators, compact tractors, mowers, etc.)
- Connects you with carriers who specialize in awkward or non-palletized freight
- Transparent pricing with instant quotes—no broker hassle
- Typical costs: $150–$500 (local), $1,400+ (long-distance)
- Flexible options: door-to-door delivery, off-hour pickups, direct carrier messaging
- Protection available for both shipments and property (up to $10K)
- Smart, sustainable shipping that fills empty truck space to cut emissions
