Frontier Waste Solutions is a contracted waste management company in dozens of cities in Texas. This means, not only do we have regular municipal routes but we also have roll-off trucks for dumpster rentals and provide regular commercial trash pickups for businesses in the big cities. with all of our garbage trucks passing by weekly, have you ever wondered how garbage trucks get transported across the country or even overseas?
Below we’ll get into how garbage trucks get transported, what to expect, and how to go about choosing the right moving service for moving a garbage truck.
Let’s get started.

Ways Garbage Trucks Get Transported
1. Trailers
Considering the immense load of a garbage truck, a normal open trailer is not going to be able to withstand the weight of a garbage truck. Your garbage truck may even be oversized, which means you’ll need to gather an oversized permit and proper route to ensure it is transported legally.
A trailer is going to be the best option for domestic shipping because of the ease of transport. If required, the garbage truck may also be taken apart if necessary as not all trailers can fit garbage trucks depending on size. A company like A-1 Auto Transport, Inc. can help advise which transport method is best for your garbage truck.
2. Load on/load off ships
Loan on/load off ships are ships that load by crane. Comparatively, to roll on/roll-off ships, this can take much longer to logistically plane and crane over all the items onto the ship. Considering this, the cost of a lo/lo ship is much more than a ro/ro shipment.
Load-on ships can be your best bet for garbage truck transportation because you won’t have to worry about disassembling the garbage truck and reassembling it on arrival. This can be shipped domestically but is best left for international shipment.
3. Roll on/roll off ship
Roll-on/roll-off ships are going to be the easiest way to transport a garbage truck. Considering all that’s needed to be done is drive the garbage truck onto the ship, this will make it easier to load and less headache overall.
It can take weeks to months for a ship to arrive as it can stop in many areas and these ships normally carry a lot of weight, which means they travel at a slow rate. Ro/ro ships are the most economical form of shipment for long-distance travel.

How to Choose the Right Transportation Service
Choosing the right transport service is going to be tricky if you aren’t aware of what to look out for. You’ll want to do your research well in advance to avoid having any bait-and-switch tactics used on you at the last second.
Always look for a heavy-duty truck transport service that has prior experience with working with heavy loads. You’ll want a company that has worked in the past with large loads, otherwise, they may end up making mistakes which will cost you in the end.
Look for a company that is well-reviewed and is licensed by the DOT and FMCSA. It’s a popular tactic in today’s online world to create a false company that isn’t actually licensed and simply sells your leads over to a carrier that may end up causing you trouble.
You’ll want to pick up more insurance than the normal liability covers, as it often only covers up to a certain amount and isn’t going to cover the cost of a garbage truck. You can always pay for more insurance, so speak with your transport service.
The most important aspect of choosing the right transportation service is getting a clear-cut quote from the provider you’re working with. Don’t sign any contracts until after you’ve negotiated the full price of the amount, with no way for them to add on an additional fee when it comes time to pick up your vehicle for transport.
Final thoughts…
Transporting garbage trucks is no small feat. Whether it’s across the country or overseas, understanding the best method and choosing the right transportation service is essential. From using trailers domestically to utilizing load-on/load-off or roll-on/roll-off ships for international and long-distance travel, each method has its pros and cons.
The significance of a reliable transport service cannot be stressed enough. It’s essential to ensure the service has ample experience, relevant licenses, and a good track record.
Additionally, equipping oneself with basic knowledge about garbage trucks, such as their dimensions, costs, and types, can go a long way in ensuring the transportation process runs smoothly. Above all, it is crucial to be thorough and vigilant in the decision-making process, and always prioritize safety and reliability.
After all, moving such a hefty vehicle demands precision, expertise, and a great deal of responsibility. Whether you’re in the business of garbage collection or simply intrigued, understanding the nuances of transporting these massive vehicles can offer valuable insights and appreciation for the complexities involved in such operations.
Garbage Truck Transport FAQ
What’s the height of a garbage truck?
The standard garbage truck is around 10 to 12 feet tall, depending on the make and model. A roll-off truck is often going to be a little bit taller. A fully loaded garbage truck may also have a higher height as compared to one that is without a load.
How wide is a garbage truck?
A rear-loader garbage truck normally is around 102 inches wide while a front-loading garbage truck is rated at 101.5 inches. Depending on the make and model, the width of the truck is going to vary.
How much does a garbage truck cost?
A brand new garbage truck can cost anywhere from $35,000 up to amounts of $400,000 depending on the features that are added on, the materials it’s built out of, and if it’s new or used.
How many types of garbage trucks are there?
The four different types of garbage trucks normally used are front-loader garbage trucks, side-loader garbage trucks, rear-loaded garbage trucks, and roll-off trucks.