Shipping a skid steer in Canada typically costs C$800-C$2,000 (about US$580-US$1,450) for provincial distances, based on loads delivered on Trusted Dispatch over the last 12 months. Skid steers are among the cheapest machines to ship: they fit standard flatbed and step deck trailers at legal width, so there are no oversize permits or pilot cars. USD converted at 1 USD = 1.384 CAD, Aug 2026.
Typical skid steer shipping costs
| Move | Typical distance | Typical cost (CAD) | Typical cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move | ~100 km / ~62 mi | Near carrier minimums – roughly C$800 – C$1,000 | US$580 – $720 |
| Provincial move | ~500 km / ~311 mi | C$800 – C$2,000 | US$580 – $1,450 |
| Long haul | ~1,000 km / ~621 mi | C$2,000 – C$3,000 | US$1,450 – $2,170 |
Ranges based on skid steer loads delivered on Trusted Dispatch, Sep 2025 – Aug 2026; short moves are dominated by minimum charges rather than distance. USD converted at 1 USD = 1.384 CAD (Aug 2026). Track current market rates on the Canadian Heavy Haul Rate Index.
Why skid steers cost less to ship than most equipment
A skid steer is the easiest heavy equipment shipment there is: legal width (under 2.6 m), usually 3-5 tonnes, drives onto a standard flatbed or step deck under its own power, and needs no oversize permits, route planning, or escort vehicles. On Trusted Dispatch, skid steers consistently price below the fleet-wide average per kilometre. The main cost drivers left are distance, fuel, and whether the pickup and delivery sites can load and unload.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to ship a skid steer in Canada?
Most skid steer moves on Trusted Dispatch run roughly C$800-C$2,000 (about US$580-US$1,450) for typical provincial distances. Skid steers are among the cheaper machines to ship because they fit standard trailers with no oversize permits.
What trailer does a skid steer ship on?
A flatbed, step deck, or even a heavy-duty gooseneck. Skid steers are legal width and usually 3-5 tonnes, so they need no lowboy, no permits, and no pilot cars – which is exactly why they cost less to move than larger machines.
Can I ship a skid steer with its attachments?
Yes. Buckets, forks, and augers ride on the same trailer. Tell the carrier about attachments up front so they plan deck space and securement – loose attachments quoted late are a common cause of price changes.
I bought a skid steer at auction. Can it be shipped straight from the yard?
Yes. Give the carrier the auction invoice, lot number, and the yard’s release requirements, and book pickup quickly – auction yards have narrow pickup windows and storage fees start after the grace period.
How can I lower my skid steer shipping cost?
Be flexible on dates, provide exact dimensions and weight up front, and use a marketplace that removes the broker markup so carriers compete for your load. Short local moves carry minimum charges, so combining loads or meeting a carrier partway can help.
Get an instant skid steer shipping estimate
Enter your skid steer’s weight, dimensions, pickup, and drop-off and see your price in about 60 seconds: get a free instant estimate. For the full cost picture across equipment types, see How Much Does It Cost to Ship Heavy Equipment in Canada?
Last updated: August 25, 2026. Rates refreshed quarterly.
