When your expensive excavator or bulldozer needs to get from point A to point B, you’re not just moving equipment—you’re protecting a major investment. Our specialized lowboy and RGN trailer services ensure your heavy machinery arrives exactly when and where you need it, without the damage, delays, or surprise costs that can derail your project.
You get transparent pricing upfront, so there’s no guessing about costs. Your equipment rides on properly maintained trailers operated by experienced drivers who understand the value of what they’re hauling. Most importantly, you get peace of mind knowing a family business with nearly three decades of experience is handling your most valuable assets.
Every transport is planned with your project timeline in mind. We handle the permits, plan the routes, and coordinate with your schedule to make sure your equipment is ready to work when you are.
Emerson Excavating and Trucking started as a logging operation in 1997, but we’ve been moving heavy equipment professionally since transitioning to full-time excavation services in late 2020. What makes us different is simple: Josh, our owner, is personally involved in almost every transport job we handle.
This isn’t a large corporate operation where your equipment is just another number. We’re a close-knit family business where Josh’s son joined as a partner in 2022, and we treat every piece of equipment like it belongs to our own family. Our approach is built around becoming your long-term equipment transport partner, not just handling one-off moves.
We serve the Crosbyside area and throughout Long Island, with deep knowledge of local routes, permit requirements, and the unique challenges of moving heavy equipment in our region. When you work with us, you’re working with people who understand both the technical requirements of safe equipment transport and the business reality that your projects can’t afford delays or damage.
First, we assess your specific equipment and transport needs. Josh personally evaluates the dimensions, weight, and any special handling requirements for your machinery. We then determine the right trailer type—whether that’s a lowboy, RGN (Removable Gooseneck), Landoll, or hydraulic tilt trailer—based on your equipment’s specifications and the pickup/delivery locations.
Next, we handle all the logistics that most people don’t think about until it’s too late. This includes securing the proper permits for oversize loads, planning the safest and most efficient route, and coordinating timing with your project schedule. We also verify insurance coverage and make sure everything is properly documented before the first wheel turns.
On transport day, your equipment is loaded using the appropriate method—ground loading for drive-on capability or crane loading for non-operational equipment. Throughout the entire process, we keep you updated on progress and handle any unexpected situations that might arise. Your equipment arrives ready to work, and you can focus on what you do best instead of worrying about transport logistics.
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Our specialized trailer fleet handles everything from compact excavators to massive dozers and everything in between. Lowboy trailers work perfectly for tall equipment that needs to clear bridges and overpasses, while our RGN trailers offer the flexibility of removable goosenecks for easy drive-on loading. Landoll trailers with sliding axles provide the versatility needed for varying load distributions and tight maneuvering situations.
For Crosbyside and Long Island projects, this equipment variety matters more than you might think. Local infrastructure, bridge heights, and road restrictions can make the difference between a smooth transport and a logistical nightmare. We know which routes work best for different trailer configurations and how to navigate the permit process efficiently.
Beyond just having the right equipment, we maintain everything to professional standards. You won’t deal with breakdowns, delays from mechanical issues, or the safety concerns that come with poorly maintained trailers. Every transport is backed by proper insurance coverage, and we handle the regulatory compliance requirements that many property owners don’t realize they’re responsible for when moving heavy equipment.
We operate a complete fleet of specialized trailers designed for different equipment types and transport situations. Our lowboy trailers are perfect for tall equipment like excavators and bulldozers because the low deck height provides better clearance under bridges and overpasses. These trailers can handle equipment up to about 110,000 pounds and are ideal when height is a primary concern.
For equipment that can drive on and off easily, our RGN (Removable Gooseneck) trailers offer the most flexibility. The front section detaches completely, creating a ramp that allows your equipment to drive directly onto the trailer deck. This eliminates the need for additional loading equipment and reduces handling time at both pickup and delivery.
Our Landoll trailers feature sliding axle configurations that provide excellent maneuverability and weight distribution options. These are particularly useful for longer pieces of equipment or when navigating tight spaces at job sites. We also have hydraulic tilt trailers for situations where precise angle control is needed during loading and unloading.
Equipment protection starts with proper trailer selection and professional loading procedures. Josh personally oversees the loading process to ensure your equipment is positioned correctly and secured using the appropriate tie-down methods for its specific weight and configuration. We use heavy-duty chains, straps, and blocking materials designed specifically for the loads we’re carrying.
Our drivers are experienced with heavy equipment transport, not just general freight hauling. They understand how different types of machinery behave during transport and adjust their driving accordingly. This includes taking corners more gradually, maintaining appropriate following distances, and avoiding sudden acceleration or braking that could shift loads.
We also carry comprehensive insurance coverage that protects your equipment throughout the entire transport process. This includes coverage for loading, transport, and unloading phases. Before any job begins, we verify that coverage limits are appropriate for the value of equipment being moved, and we provide documentation of insurance coverage for your records.
New York State requires special permits for loads that exceed standard legal dimensions, which includes most heavy construction equipment. The specific permits needed depend on your equipment’s height, width, length, and total weight. Equipment over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet high, or exceeding weight limits requires oversize/overweight permits.
We handle the entire permit application process as part of our service. This includes measuring your equipment accurately, determining which permit categories apply, submitting applications to the appropriate state and local authorities, and coordinating with any required escort vehicles. The permit process typically takes 2-3 business days for routine moves, though complex routes or extremely large loads may require additional time.
Local municipalities along the transport route may also require separate permits or have specific restrictions on when oversized loads can travel through their areas. Some areas restrict oversized transport during peak traffic hours or require movement only during daylight hours. We manage all these requirements and build appropriate timing into your transport schedule to ensure compliance.
Transport costs depend on several factors including equipment size and weight, distance traveled, permit requirements, and any special handling needs. For local moves within the Crosbyside and Long Island area, basic lowboy transport typically ranges from $3-8 per mile, though this can vary significantly based on the specific requirements of your move.
Larger or more complex loads requiring multiple permits, escort vehicles, or specialized handling will cost more. Equipment that can’t be driven onto the trailer and requires crane loading will also involve additional charges for the loading equipment and operator time. We provide detailed written estimates that break down all costs upfront, so you know exactly what you’re paying before we begin.
What we don’t do is surprise you with hidden fees or unexpected charges. Our estimates include permit costs, fuel surcharges, and any anticipated additional services. If unexpected situations arise during transport that require additional services, we discuss options and costs with you before proceeding. This transparent approach helps you budget accurately and avoids the billing surprises that unfortunately are common in the transport industry.
For routine equipment moves using standard lowboy or RGN trailers, we typically recommend scheduling 3-5 business days in advance. This allows time for permit processing, route planning, and coordination with your project timeline. During busy construction seasons, particularly spring and summer, booking a week in advance ensures better availability.
More complex moves requiring multiple permits, escort vehicles, or specialized handling may need 1-2 weeks advance notice. This is particularly important for extremely wide or tall loads that require detailed route surveys and coordination with utility companies for power line clearance. Holiday weekends and winter weather conditions can also extend scheduling requirements.
Emergency transport situations can often be accommodated with shorter notice, though this may involve premium pricing for expedited permit processing and crew scheduling. We understand that construction projects sometimes face unexpected equipment failures or delivery requirements, and we work to provide solutions even when timing is tight. The key is calling us as soon as you know transport will be needed, even if the exact timing isn’t finalized.
Yes, we regularly transport equipment that can’t operate under its own power, whether due to mechanical problems, accident damage, or simply because it’s being moved from storage. Non-running equipment requires different loading procedures and often different trailer configurations, but it’s a routine part of our service.
For equipment that can’t drive onto a trailer, we coordinate with crane services or use specialized loading equipment to position the machinery safely. This includes disabled excavators, damaged bulldozers, or equipment being moved from auction sites where operational status may be unknown. We work with reliable crane operators who understand heavy equipment handling and have experience with transport loading.
The key considerations for non-running equipment are proper weight distribution on the trailer and secure tie-down procedures that account for the equipment’s inability to assist during loading. We also need to know about any fluid leaks, damaged hydraulic lines, or structural issues that might affect transport safety. Providing accurate information about the equipment’s condition helps us plan the appropriate loading method and ensures safe transport to your destination.
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