Caterpillar 328D LCR Hydraulic Excavator Transport — Corona, CA to Tampa, FL

Job Overview

Equipment2025 Caterpillar 328D LCR Hydraulic Excavator
TrailerRGN (Removable Gooseneck)
RouteCorona, CA → Greater Northdale, FL (Tampa area)
Distance~2,400 miles
CompletedMay 2026

Equipment Specs

  • Operating Weight: 87,850 lbs
  • Length: 32 ft 3 in
  • Width: 11 ft 3 in
  • Height: 11 ft 1 in

The Challenge

This was a full cross-country haul spanning six states — California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida — each with independent oversize permitting requirements. California’s Caltrans permitting process added lead time at the outset, and the load width at 11 ft 3 in triggered escort requirements in California and Texas.

The Outcome

Freedom Heavy Haul began the Caltrans permitting process immediately upon booking, staged escorts in California and Texas in advance, and built a routing plan that kept the load on time across all six states. The Cat 328D LCR arrived in Greater Northdale on schedule, ready for ground-breaking on a commercial development project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you transport a Caterpillar 328D LCR excavator cross-country?

The Cat 328D LCR is shipped on an RGN trailer. At 87,850 lbs and 11 ft 3 in wide, it requires oversize permits in every state on a cross-country route. The LCR (Long Counterweight Reduced) configuration requires specific tie-down placement to avoid contact with the counterweight, which differs from standard excavator securement.

How far in advance does Caltrans require permit applications for oversize loads?

Caltrans typically requires 3-5 business days minimum for oversize load permits, with complex loads or non-standard routes taking longer. For cross-country hauls departing from California with a firm delivery deadline, experienced carriers begin the Caltrans application immediately upon booking.

How long does it take to ship an excavator from California to Florida?

A haul from Southern California to the Tampa, FL area covers approximately 2,400 miles. With six states to permit, escort coordination in California and Texas, and reasonable daily mileage for an oversize load, transit typically runs 5-7 days from dispatch. Starting permits immediately upon booking is critical to meeting tight delivery windows.

Need to move similar equipment? Contact Freedom Heavy Haul for a free quote on your heavy equipment transport.

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