Machinery Shipping Quotes Nationwide | Flatbed • LTL • Lowboy | Sterling Machinery
Machinery Shipping Quotes Nationwide
Sterling Machinery Exchange coordinates freight for industrial machinery shipping across the United States and can assist with international shipping coordination when needed. We match the safest trailer type to your machine size, weight, and loading conditions.
You do not need to buy the machine from Sterling to use our shipping help. If you purchased equipment from another seller, an auction, or a private party — we can still help you move it.
Call for a shipping quote: (626) 444-0311 | HQ: South El Monte, CA (serving nationwide)
What We Can Ship
- Press brakes, shears, rolls, ironworkers
- Lasers, waterjets, plasma tables
- Lathes, mills, CNC machines, grinders
- Saws, drill presses, toolroom equipment
- Single machine shipments
- Multiple-machine loads
- Oversize / permitted loads
- International coordination (when needed)
- Complete shop moves (project-based)
Tip: The biggest cost drivers are weight/dimensions, forklift/dock access, and trailer type.
How the Quote Process Works
- Send details: origin/destination, machine type, approximate size/weight, and loading conditions.
- We match the safest method: trailer type, permits (if needed), and accessorials.
- We quote and schedule: confirm timing based on your pickup window.
- Pickup & delivery: clear instructions for loading/unloading requirements.
Fastest quote checklist:
- Approx. weight and overall dimensions (L × W × H)
- Palletized/skidded vs needs crating
- Forklift/dock available at pickup and delivery?
- Any appointments, tight access, or site restrictions?
Box Vans, Conestoga, Flatbed & LTL – What’s the Difference?
Trailer choice impacts safety, risk, and cost. We match the correct trailer to your machine size, weight, and loading conditions.
Flatbed
Best for large/heavy machinery. Side/top loading. Fewer transfers. Often the safest.
Best for large/heavy machinery. Side/top loading. Fewer transfers. Often the safest.
Conestoga
Covered flatbed. Weather protection while still allowing side loading access.
Covered flatbed. Weather protection while still allowing side loading access.
Lowboy / Double Drop
For oversize/tall loads, heavy equipment, or permitted moves.
For oversize/tall loads, heavy equipment, or permitted moves.
Box Van
Enclosed shipping for smaller equipment. Dock/forklift access often required.
Enclosed shipping for smaller equipment. Dock/forklift access often required.
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)
Shared freight that often moves through multiple terminals/trucks before delivery. More handling = more risk.
Shared freight that often moves through multiple terminals/trucks before delivery. More handling = more risk.
Important: LTL shipments are handled and transferred multiple times. For LTL, we strongly recommend proper skidding, blocking, protective wrapping, and in many cases full crating. Insurance may need to be requested.
When NOT to Use LTL Freight
- Large or heavy machinery (press brakes, lasers, waterjets, large CNC machines)
- Machines with exposed precision components or sensitive controls
- High-value equipment where multiple transfers increase risk
- Oversize or overweight loads requiring permits
- Equipment not fully crated or professionally skidded
- Tight delivery timelines where terminal delays can cause issues
Dedicated flatbed or Conestoga often reduces handling and risk — frequently the smarter choice for industrial machinery.
Trailer Types & Machine Examples
Quick reference for choosing Flatbed, Conestoga, Box Van, LTL, Step Deck, and Double Drop / Lowboy.
| Machine / Shipment | Best Method | Damage Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milling machine (medium/large) | Flatbed (dedicated) | Low | Most secure. Direct truck. Minimal handling/transfers. |
| Press brake (tall/oversize) | Double drop / lowboy | Low | Used for height restrictions and heavy loads. |
| Shear (plate / fabrication) | Flatbed or step deck | Low | Common choice. Side loading. Easy strapping. |
| Small toolroom machines | LTL on custom pallet | Medium | Multiple terminals/transfers. Add blocking, wrapping, banding. |
| Weather-sensitive equipment | Conestoga (covered flatbed) | Low | Weather protection without full crating. Still side-loadable. |
| Multiple machines (project) | Dedicated multi-machine load | Low | Best for shop moves. One truck, planned load sequence. |
Tip: For LTL shipments, request additional packaging and insurance when appropriate.
Need help choosing the right method? Call (626) 444-0311 and we’ll advise based on your machine size, weight, and loading access.
Packing, Crating & Insurance
- Skidding/palletizing when appropriate
- Blocking and strapping / banding
- Protect loose components (handles, tooling, pendant controls)
- Insurance is not always included — request coverage if needed
- Crating is optional and typically adds cost
- If no dock or forklift is available, additional services may be required (liftgate/appointments)
Request a Shipping Quote
Fill out the form below for the fastest quote. Include origin/destination, machine type, and whether forklift/dock access exists at pickup and delivery.
Shipping FAQ
Do I have to buy the machine from Sterling to use your shipping help?
No. We can coordinate shipping even if the machine was purchased elsewhere.
No. We can coordinate shipping even if the machine was purchased elsewhere.
Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We coordinate shipments across the United States and can assist with international coordination when needed.
Yes. We coordinate shipments across the United States and can assist with international coordination when needed.
Is insurance included?
Not always. Cargo insurance varies by carrier and shipment type. We recommend requesting insurance when appropriate.
Not always. Cargo insurance varies by carrier and shipment type. We recommend requesting insurance when appropriate.
What do you need for a fast quote?
Origin/destination, machine type, approximate weight/dimensions, and forklift/dock access at pickup and delivery.
Origin/destination, machine type, approximate weight/dimensions, and forklift/dock access at pickup and delivery.
Need help immediately?
Call (626) 444-0311 and tell us origin, destination, and machine details.
Call (626) 444-0311 and tell us origin, destination, and machine details.