Flatbed Shipping, Machinery & Oversized Transport
Machinery, oversized loads, project freight and scrap metal across Canada and the USA. Tell us how big, how heavy and how it gets on and off. We’ll coordinate the right equipment, route and handling with our carrier partners, plus permits where needed.
Big loads. A plan for every piece.
From one machine to a project’s worth of freight, we coordinate the equipment, timing and handling around what you need moved.
Flatbed & Machinery
Transport
The right deck for the job.
Machinery, steel and building materials that need an open trailer. We arrange suitable equipment and confirm how the freight will be loaded and unloaded at each end.
Oversized &
Over-Dimensional
Bigger loads. More planning.
Freight that exceeds legal limits needs additional coordination. We work with the carrier on equipment, route checks, permits and any required escorts before it moves.
Project & Oilfield
Freight
Several loads. One coordinated plan.
Multiple pieces, staged deliveries and specific site requirements. We coordinate the sequence, access and delivery schedule so your freight arrives when the site is ready for it.
Scrap Metal
Hauling
Scrap happens. We move it.
Crushed cars, nonferrous metals and scrap projects, moved locally, within Canada or across the border. Tell us the material, quantity and loading setup. We’ll confirm suitable hauling options.
Across Canada. Across the border.
Our carrier partner network connects specialized freight moves across Canada and the USA. Tell us where it’s going. We’ll confirm the equipment, route and arrangements at both ends.
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Within Canada
Across town or across the country.
Local deliveries and long-distance moves, with equipment and availability confirmed for your shipment.
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Canada ↔ USA
One move. Both sides coordinated.
We coordinate transportation, customs and applicable permits so the truck and the paperwork are ready for the same crossing.
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Remote & project sites
The last stretch deserves a plan, too.
Northern destinations, oilfield work and project sites can need extra preparation. We check access, seasonal restrictions and receiving arrangements before booking.
The right trailer starts with the load.
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Flat deck / flatbed
One level. Plenty of possibilities.
An open, level platform for freight that can travel at standard deck height, with access for loading from the side or above.
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Step deck / drop deck
A lower deck for taller freight.
A short upper deck at the front and a lower main deck behind it, giving taller loads more room within the route’s height limits.
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Double drop
When taller needs lower.
A low centre section between raised front and rear decks, for freight that needs more height clearance than a step deck can offer.
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Super B
Two trailers. One coordinated move.
Two connected trailers for suitable loads and routes. A different configuration for the job, rather than another step down in deck height.
Need something else? We’ll look beyond the usual lineup. Our carrier partner network across Canada and the USA gives us access to other equipment configurations. Send the load details, and we’ll confirm what’s suitable and available.
A bigger load shouldn’t mean more chasing.
Show us what’s moving.
Send the dimensions, weight, photos, locations and dates. Include loading arrangements, site restrictions and any attachments.
We work out the move.
We review equipment, carrier availability, the route and any permit requirements. You get a quote showing what’s included, with anything awaiting confirmation clearly identified before you book.
We get both ends lined up.
We confirm site contacts, access and who’s handling loading and unloading. Cranes, forklifts and rigging need a place in the plan.
We keep you in the loop.
We coordinate with the carrier, send updates and follow through on delivery and documents. If something changes, we explain what’s happening and what comes next. Your follow-up email can stay in drafts.
Take it from the people who’ve moved it.
4.8 Excellent on Google
- Consistent and efficient delivery service praised by long-time users.
- Friendly and professional customer service team, often going above and beyond.
- Unique personal touches like homemade cookies during visits enhance customer experience.
Marc Fryer13 years ago
Used these guys to ship some heavy machinery from Vancouver to Edmonton on a step deck. The staff there was great and really helped me get organized, plus they delivered ahead of schedule.
Lawrence Deshield5 years ago
This is an incredibly wonderful transportation company to work with. Their services are impeccable, easy access to online account and quotations, very responsive to inquiries, easy views of all customs docs, transit times, rates and many more.
Jen Ribau5 years ago
Haven't had a bad experience with Moto! Great carrier, very responsive and they make tracking/ tracing a breeze!
Selen Raab2 years ago
I can’t recommend a better company. Superb service!!! Effective and super efficient. Staff are very friendly. Highly recommend for a safe and secure transport.
Madison Tomkow2 years ago
My family has used Moto for years and I finally got the opportunity to work with them myself and it was the smoothest experience from start to finish. Couldn’t recommend them enough, their team knows exactly what they’re doing!
Mike Bichara5 years ago
Always on the ball, great response time with rates and always on time deliveries.
Kevin Lynch5 years ago
Always a great group to work with - always deliver on time with a great price.
Jim Turnbulla year ago
We have using Moto for 7 years now and they have always been consistent at getting our shipments to there destinations quickly and efficiently.
Chris Boucharda year ago
We use Moto for help with LTL shipments. They have don't a great job for us and their cookies are always awesome.
Martin Bertrand5 years ago
Wow, awesome doing business with Moto transportation, information was sent regarding my package along the way with perfect accuracy, this is amazing, my package was a really fragile piece and arrived as promised, in perfect condition. Thanks for the extra care & time provided to make this delivery from BC to Ontario.
Reina El2 years ago
I have used Moto for years and trust no one else with my freight. Their customer service team goes above and beyond and you even get your own personal account manager. A bigger plus, freshly baked homemade cookies delivered every visit! Couldn’t recommend them enough.
Ashley Zimmaro-Thompson2 years ago
Moto is super consumer friendly and easy to deal with. They make shipping a breeze and Candace is a pleasure to deal with.
Kirsten D2 years ago
Can’t recommend Moto Transportation enough. You’re wasting your time searching for any other carriers to move your freight
Sergio Terron2 years ago
Moto Transportation Takes Ownership of your freight problems, solves them, and Follows Up every step of the way!
Jon Voigt4 years ago
Wow, what a great team. From the first email to the last call they were on the ball. I'm so happy they were able to find a solution to my complex move. Great people, great price, great service!! Thanks!
Chelsea Houle5 years ago
Since our company switched to Moto we have found booking/quotes and the whole shipping process to be that much easier. So happy to have spent the past year with them and hoping for many more to come. The staff are very professional and are great to deal with. Always going above and beyond for our shipping needs.
David Newton5 years ago
I have been most pleased with the service shown by all the staff at Moto Transportation but especially my Representative John! Thanks for a great year and I hope the next is even BETTER!
Larr Elliott5 years ago
Helped me with my transport need, giving me options to fit my timeline. Friendly service; on time; on budget. Will be using them again!
Carlos Brenes5 years ago
This company worth what we pay. Excellent service, no complain at all. I just wish they could cover more routes.
Philip Belda5 years ago
Moto is Amazing! Great Service & Super easy to communicate with!
kayla Lamoureux5 years ago
Great company to work with, always quick to respond and help with any questions or concerns immediately
Jeanet Dayao5 years ago
Offers options to expedite deliveries, very responsive on email inquiries, rates, and tracing.
Susan Gillis5 years ago
answer all requests for quotes in a timely manner and very courteous and professional staff.
Anna Niedbala5 years ago
Great experience. Competitive rates, amazing customer service.
The engine arrived first thing this morning. I want to thank you and the Moto team for making this happen flawlessly. Job well done!
Today had a little bit of everything from our side here and I know that it added extra to your day today. I just wanted to thank you as it seems we have gotten most the kinks ironed out. You made my day a lot easier considering.
Thank you for delivering our 9 pallet order yesterday. Your team’s service was exceptional as we really needed the products to be shipped out of town.
Always such fast and friendly service, we appreciate it!
We use Moto Transportation to ship 6X6 Military trucks from the US to Canada, the pricing is competitive and the staff are great to deal with. I have nothing but good to say about there service.
Moto Transportation understands their business, building relationships and delivering on time; claim free. Their service is excellent and pricing competitive. I’ve known Mike and his team for many years now and refer Moto Transportation to most anyone looking for simplified domestic and international trucking & freight, cross-border services. Give them a shot, you won’t be disappointed.
Moto Transportation is amazing! I wish I could give them 10 stars! They went above and beyond to help me move a giant piece of furniture. It was even more difficult considering the location and space I asked for, and additionally, I was out of town when all of this took place!!! Moto Transportation went through so much trouble to help me and they were so professional and patient. Office manager John, logistic coordinator Tony and Orlando, the clearance department, and the lovely office staffs Mariam and Anastasia. They thought of all the details I would never have thought of.
Great response to email requests for rates and tracing. Usually get the response within 15 minutes, so important for those of us in a 3pl companies. Great updates for shipments picked up and/or delivered. They have been nothing but a pleasure to deal with. Highly recommend this company for all your LTL moves.
We use Moto multiple times weekly. Their portal is very easy to use, the team is incredibly responsive and always provides the best rates. Our rep (Christina) is incredible, often responding in under 2 minutes to any inquiries we have. Tracking shipments is a breeze due to their system providing location updates daily while shipments are in transit. If I could give 10 stars, I would! Highly recommend for all your transportation needs, LTL or FTL
I just love dealing with you guys! You are so efficient!!
I am not sure how you did it but THANK YOU… MOTO IS MARVELOUS!!
They provide us an excellent service. Very honest in letting you know if it is doable or not. Dmitri and Motto Staff are a strong professional team.
Before you send the dimensions.
Equipment & shipping options
What is flatbed shipping, and when do I need it?
Flatbed shipping uses an open trailer with no sides and no roof. It suits machinery, building materials and anything that has to be loaded from the side or lifted on from above rather than pushed through a door.
Not every flatbed shipment is oversized. Plenty of open-deck freight is perfectly ordinary in size and simply cannot go in a van. Send the dimensions, the weight and how it gets on and off, and we’ll tell you what it wants to travel on.
What is the difference between a flat deck, step deck and double drop?
Deck height. A flat deck, also called a flatbed, is one level platform. A step deck, or drop deck, drops its main deck behind the tractor so taller freight sits lower. A double drop lowers a well between the axles further still, for the loads that would not otherwise clear a bridge.
Height is the usual reason to move down the list, but it is not the only one: weight, footprint, how the freight is loaded and the route it takes all feed into the choice. You don’t need to pick the trailer before you call us — send the dimensions and the weight and we’ll tell you what it rides on.
Can I ship a partial load on a flat deck?
Yes. A smaller piece does not always need a trailer to itself, and a partial can be the right answer when the freight shares a route and a timeframe with something else.
Whether it works depends on the dimensions, the weight, the dates and what else is moving. Send the details and we’ll tell you whether a partial or a dedicated trailer prices better.
Pricing & planning
How much does flatbed or oversized freight shipping cost?
It depends on the route, the equipment, the dimensions, the weight and the timing. Permits, escorts, tarping, site access and extra handling all move the number, which is why a rate given before anyone has seen the dimensions is a guess wearing a suit.
Send accurate measurements and a photo or two. We’ll quote the actual move and set out what is included and what is priced separately.
What information do you need to quote machinery transport?
The length, width, height and weight of the piece as it will travel, where it loads and where it is going, and how it gets on and off the trailer at each end — crane, forklift, or driven on.
Photographs help more than anything else. If there are lifting points, a shipping configuration or a manual with the dimensions in it, send those too. From there we can tell you what it rides on, whether the route needs permits and what the move costs.
How far ahead should I book an oversized shipment?
It depends which kind of move it is. An open-deck load inside legal limits books on ordinary notice. A permitted move does not: equipment availability, route checks, permits and escort arrangements happen in sequence rather than at once, and the lead time is set by the slowest approval on the route rather than by us.
Requirements differ by province and by state, so the same piece is not the same wait on every route. Send the dimensions and the weight as soon as you have them, even if the dates are not firm. That is what tells us which of the two you are dealing with.
Permits & cross-border
What makes a shipment oversized or overweight?
The loaded vehicle, not the freight on its own. A shipment is oversized or overweight when the truck and its load together exceed the limits that apply along the route — overall height, width, length, axle weights or gross weight.
There is no single cut-off that holds across Canada and the USA. The same load can be legal on one route and permitted on another, which is why the route is part of the question rather than an afterthought.
Who arranges permits and escort vehicles?
Whichever of us you decide, and it is worth deciding early. If you have your own permit process, use it. If you’d rather not, Moto arranges the permits and any escorts the route requires with the carrier.
When Moto arranges them it is additional work and it is priced as such: the cost is identified in the quote rather than appearing on the invoice afterwards. Requirements differ by province and by state, so they are confirmed against the actual route before dispatch.
Can Moto move machinery and oversized freight between Canada and the USA?
Yes, with the clearance arranged alongside it. An oversized load crossing the border has to satisfy both countries’ permit rules and customs, and the two have to line up or the load sits at the border waiting for whichever one is behind.
Send the equipment description, dimensions, weight, value and both locations. We arrange the transportation and the clearance against the same schedule, through our licensed customs brokerage partner. How clearance works.
Loading & protection
Who is responsible for loading and unloading?
It is agreed before booking, and it is worth agreeing properly. An open-deck booking is a truck and a driver; it does not come with a crane, a forklift, a rigging crew or a driver who will help you lift.
Tell us what is available at each end. If there is nothing suitable, we can arrange the lifting through companies that specialize in it — as additional work, priced on the quote. What we will not do is turn up and find out.
Does open-deck freight need tarping?
Only where the freight needs it. Steel, most machinery and scrap travel open. Finished surfaces, exposed electronics and packaging that will not survive road spray usually need covering, and so does anything the receiver expects to arrive clean.
Tell us whether the goods can get wet and dirty, and flag any sensitive surfaces. Tarping is a job with a cost, so it is confirmed with the carrier and quoted up front rather than raised at pickup.