Low-Loader Transport
Poland & Europe
Excavators • Cranes • Agricultural Machines • 10–60 tons
Gonera Transport provides professional low-loader (low-bed) haulage for heavy construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and industrial installations across Poland and all of Europe. Our fleet of modern low-deck trailers — with hydraulic ramps, extendable decks, and payloads from 10 t to over 60 t — ensures your cargo arrives safely, on time, and fully insured.
10–60 t
Payload Capacity
12,000+
Deliveries Completed
24/7
Availability
30+
Countries Served
What is Low-Loader Transport?
Definition & Purpose
A low-loader (also known as a low-bed trailer, low-boy, or stepframe) is a specialised semi-trailer with a drastically lowered deck height — typically between 0.45 m and 0.65 m above road level. This design allows operators to transport tall, heavy equipment — such as tracked excavators, mobile cranes, bulldozers, and large agricultural machines — without exceeding the 4.00 m overall height limit imposed across most European motorway networks. Low-loader transport is the backbone of construction logistics, enabling job-site machinery to travel hundreds or thousands of kilometres between projects.
When Do You Need a Low-Loader?
You need low-loader transport whenever the cargo is too heavy for a standard flatbed (which maxes out around 24 t), too tall to fit under bridges on a regular deck, or self-propelled tracked machinery that can drive directly onto the trailer via hydraulic ramps. Typical clients include construction companies relocating excavators between sites, agricultural cooperatives moving combine harvesters after harvest season, crane rental firms repositioning their fleet, and mining operations transporting drilling rigs. If your load weighs between 10 and 60 tonnes and cannot be disassembled for standard freight — a low-loader is the answer.
Legal Framework in the EU
Cross-border low-loader transport within the European Union is governed by Directive 96/53/EC (as amended) and individual member-state regulations. Loads exceeding 40 t gross vehicle weight, 2.55 m width, or 4.00 m height require special permits issued by each transit country's road authority. In Poland, these are managed by the Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad (GDDKiA). Gonera Transport handles every aspect of permitting — including route surveys, escort vehicles, police notifications, and night-movement authorisations — so you can focus on your project while we manage the bureaucracy.
Low-Loader vs Flatbed Trailer
Choosing the right platform saves time and money. Here's how low-loaders compare to standard flatbed trailers.
| Feature | Low-Loader | Flatbed |
|---|---|---|
| Max Payload | 35–60 t (and above) | 24 t |
| Deck Height | 0.45–0.65 m | 1.20–1.40 m |
| Best For | Heavy/tall machinery | Standard cargo & containers |
| Self-loading | Yes — hydraulic ramps | Requires crane / forklift |
| Special Permits | Often required | Rarely needed |
| Price per km | €2.50–5.00 | €1.20–2.00 |
| Typical Cargo | Excavators, cranes, rollers | Pallets, steel, lumber |
What Types of Low-Loader Platforms Are Available?
We operate three classes of low-deck trailers to match every payload — from compact mini-excavators to 60-tonne tracked cranes.
Class I
up to 10 t
- Deck: 6.2 m × 2.55 m
- Height: 0.65 m
- Axles: 2
Typical Cargo
- Mini excavators (1–8 t)
- Skid-steer loaders
- Compact rollers
- Small forklifts
Class II
up to 20 t
- Deck: 8.5 m × 2.55 m
- Height: 0.55 m
- Axles: 3
Typical Cargo
- Medium excavators (12–20 t)
- Wheel loaders
- Agricultural tractors
- Mobile cranes (up to 20 t)
Class III
35+ t (up to 60 t)
- Deck: 11.8 m (extendable to 21 m) × 2.55–3.20 m
- Height: 0.45 m
- Axles: 4–6
Typical Cargo
- Heavy excavators (30–60 t)
- Tower crane components
- Bulldozers
- Piling rigs
How Do We Organize Transport?
From the first phone call to final delivery — here's exactly what happens when you commission a low-loader shipment with Gonera Transport.
Contact & Quote
Within 15 minutes
Reach us by phone, WhatsApp, or e-mail. Provide the cargo dimensions, weight, and pickup/delivery addresses. You'll receive a detailed quote within minutes — no hidden fees.
Documentation & Permits
We handle everything
Our logistics team prepares all required documents: transport permits, pilot car arrangements, route surveys, and customs paperwork for international shipments.
Loading & Securing
Professional crew on-site
Certified operators load your machinery using hydraulic ramps. Every load is secured with chains, straps, and wheel chocks per EN 12195 standards. We photograph every tie-down point.
Delivery with GPS Tracking
Real-time updates
Track your shipment live via our GPS portal. Receive automatic ETA notifications. Upon delivery, you get a signed CMR consignment note and photo documentation.
How Much Does Low-Loader Transport Cost?
Prices depend on distance, cargo weight, permit requirements, and season. Below are indicative net rates for a standard 20-tonne excavator on a Class II low-loader.
* Rates are estimates and may vary. Contact us for an exact quote tailored to your specific load dimensions and route.
🇵🇱→🇩🇪
Warsaw → Berlin
~575 km
€1,200–1,600
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇩🇪
Kraków → Munich
~760 km
€1,500–2,000
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇳🇱
Poznań → Amsterdam
~940 km
€1,800–2,400
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇨🇿
Wrocław → Prague
~280 km
€800–1,200
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇦🇹
Katowice → Vienna
~440 km
€900–1,400
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇫🇷
Warsaw → Paris
~1,550 km
€2,800–3,500
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇩🇪
Gdańsk → Hamburg
~680 km
€1,400–1,800
net, per single transport
🇵🇱→🇮🇹
Kraków → Milan
~1,160 km
€2,200–2,800
net, per single transport
Need a Low-Loader? Let's Talk.
Get a free, no-obligation quote in under 15 minutes. We operate 24/7 — including weekends and public holidays.
Related Pages
Homepage — All Transport Services
Full overview of Gonera Transport's capabilities including oversized, heavy, and standard freight.
Read moreOversized Transport Poland & Europe
Dedicated service for loads exceeding standard width, height, or length limits across European roads.
Read moreHow Much Does Excavator Transport Cost?
Comprehensive pricing guide for transporting excavators by weight class, distance, and platform type.
Read more