Updated October 6, 2026 · CAD, GST included
Skid steers are among the easiest machines to ship: they fit standard flatbed and step deck trailers at legal width, so there are no oversize permits or pilot cars. Over the last six months (April to September 2026), light farm and compact machines under 5 t booked on Trusted Dispatch paid a median of CA$2.62 per km (about US$2.96 per mile). The typical range was CA$1.73 to CA$3.87 per km (about US$1.95 to US$4.37 per mile). Prices are what shippers paid, GST included.
Price per km by machine size, April to September 2026
The same figures as the calculator’s machine-size cards. “Typical” is the middle half of booked hauls. Each size group has few hauls, so read these as a guide, not a trend.
What shipping costs in 2026, by trip length
| Trip length | Typical total, CA$ | Typical total, US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Under 300 km (186 mi) | Minimum charges dominate short moves. Get an instant estimate for your load. | |
| 300 to 600 km (186 to 373 mi) | CA$1,750 to CA$2,900 | US$1,250 to US$2,050 |
| 600 to 1,000 km (373 to 621 mi) | CA$1,550 to CA$3,000 | US$1,100 to US$2,100 |
| Over 1,000 km (621 mi) | CA$3,200 to CA$6,750 | US$2,250 to US$4,750 |
Trip-length ranges are the middle half of what shippers paid, GST included, for all heavy equipment hauls booked on Trusted Dispatch from January 1 to October 1, 2026, rounded to the nearest CA$50. A skid steer usually lands in the lower part of each range because it needs no permits or escorts. Light machines in this data travelled farther on average, which pulls their per-km figure down. Track current market rates on the Canadian Heavy Haul Rate Index.
Why skid steers are simple to ship
A skid steer is the easiest heavy equipment shipment there is: legal width (under 2.6 m), usually 3 to 5 tonnes, drives onto a standard flatbed or step deck under its own power, and needs no oversize permits, route planning, or escort vehicles. 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?
It depends mostly on distance. Over April to September 2026, light farm and compact machines under 5 t booked on Trusted Dispatch paid a median of CA$2.62 per km (about US$2.96 per mile). Across all equipment, a 300 to 600 km (186 to 373 mi) move booked January 1 to October 1, 2026 typically cost CA$1,750 to CA$2,900 (about US$1,250 to US$2,050), and skid steers usually sit in the lower part of that range because they need 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 to 5 tonnes, so they need no lowboy, no permits and no pilot cars.
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 added to the estimate 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.
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For the full cost picture across equipment types, see How Much Does It Cost to Ship Heavy Equipment in Canada?
Last updated: October 6, 2026. Machine-size figures from hauls booked April to September 2026; trip-length ranges from hauls booked January 1 to October 1, 2026. What shippers paid, GST included. USD converted at 1 USD = 1.4243 CAD (Bank of Canada, October 1, 2026).
