Drill Rig Shipping

Shipping Services for All Sized Drill Rig Equipment Nationwide

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Professional Drill Rig Transport for Mining Companies, Drilling Contractors, and Energy Operations

Drill rigs are specialized machines designed for creating boreholes in rock, soil, and other substrates for mining, oil and gas extraction, water wells, geotechnical investigation, and construction foundations. These machines range from compact truck-mounted exploration rigs to massive blasthole drills weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds used in surface mining operations. Transporting a drill rig presents unique challenges: their tall mast assemblies, specialized track or truck mounting, complex hydraulic systems, and the need to protect precision drilling components during transit require carriers experienced with drilling equipment.

Ship A Car, Inc. provides professional drill rig transport services nationwide. SAC works with a network of licensed, insured heavy-haul carriers equipped with RGN trailers, lowboys, and specialized trailers designed for drilling equipment. We understand the unique requirements of drill rig shipping: proper mast lowering and securing, turntable and drill head protection, and the logistics of moving machines that may be track-mounted, truck-mounted, or skid-mounted. No up-front deposit required. Call (866) 452-3657 for a free quote or request an estimate using our online calculator.

Here's Why SAC is the Smart Choice for Drill Rig Shipping Services

The Right Equipment for Every Drill Rig Type

Drill rigs come in multiple configurations requiring different transport approaches. Compact truck-mounted exploration rigs may transport on standard flatbeds. Track-mounted blasthole drills in the 100,000 to 300,000 pound range require RGN or lowboy trailers. Large rotary drill rigs may need specialized heavy-haul configurations. Hydraulic crawler drills, reverse circulation rigs, and diamond core drills each have unique transport requirements. SAC matches every shipment to the appropriate carrier equipment.

Your SAC coordinator assesses your drill rig’s type (blasthole, exploration, rotary, DTH), mounting configuration (track, truck, skid), weight, mast height, and any special equipment like rod changers or dust collection systems before dispatching a carrier. The right trailer with the appropriate deck height, weight rating, and loading capability arrives at your pickup location.

Mast, Drill Head, and Turntable Securing

The tall mast assembly is the defining characteristic of most drill rigs and must be properly lowered and secured for transport. The drill head or rotary drive at the mast top must be positioned to minimize height and protected from road vibration. The turntable or pivot mechanism must be locked. Hydraulic systems that raise and lower the mast must be secured to prevent accidental extension.

Improper mast securing can result in the mast extending during transit, creating extreme height hazards and potential structural damage. Drill heads left unsecured can suffer bearing damage or alignment issues. Your SAC coordinator communicates the specific drill rig model and manufacturer transport preparation requirements to ensure proper handling from pickup through delivery.

Serving Mining, Energy, and Geotechnical Operations

Drill rig transport covers blasthole drills moving between surface mine sites, oil and gas rigs relocating to new locations, geotechnical exploration equipment heading to the next site, water well rigs, and foundation drills for construction work. We understand the demanding timelines of drilling operations, the importance of equipment availability, and the coordination required when drill rig delivery must align with project schedules.

For mining companies with regular blasthole drill relocations, SAC offers flexible scheduling that minimizes downtime. For drilling contractors with project-based equipment moves, SAC coordinates transport on your timeline. For oil and gas operators with seasonal drilling windows, SAC understands the critical timing. Whether you are moving one exploration rig or a fleet of blasthole drills, SAC scales to your needs.

Drill Rig Shipping: Frequently Asked Questions

What types of drill rigs does SAC ship?

What trailer type is used for drill rig transport?

Do drill rigs require oversize permits for transport?

How is a drill rig loaded onto a carrier?

Can SAC ship a drill rig with drill pipe and tooling?

How much does it cost to ship a drill rig?

What information does SAC need to quote drill rig shipping?

Drill Rig Shipping Pricing: What Affects Your Transport Costs

Deep foundation machine. Drilling rig and Pile driver at construction site.

Drill rig transport pricing reflects the variety of equipment in this category. From compact truck-mounted exploration rigs to massive track-mounted blasthole drills, costs depend on mounting type, weight, mast configuration, and route requirements. Here are the five key factors that determine your drill rig shipping quote:

1. Drill Rig Type and Mounting

2. Weight and Heavy-Haul Requirements

3. Mast Height and Configuration

4. Permit and Escort Requirements

5. Loading Complexity and Site Conditions

Drill Rig Shipping Preparation Checklist

Preparing a drill rig for transport requires attention to mast lowering and securing, drill head protection, hydraulic system condition, and overall machine readiness. Follow this checklist to ensure safe loading, protect your precision drilling equipment, and prevent delays on pickup day.

1. Confirm the Drill Rig is Operational

Before pickup, confirm that your track-mounted drill rig is operational and can be safely driven onto the trailer. Check that the engine starts reliably, hydraulic systems function for mast raising/lowering and track drive, and the rig responds to controls. Test the mast lowering mechanism to ensure smooth operation for transport preparation.

If the drill rig is not operational (due to engine failure, hydraulic issues, or track problems), disclose this to your SAC coordinator at booking. Non-operational drill rigs require specialized loading equipment such as a crane or heavy wrecker, which must be pre-arranged. Do not wait until the driver arrives to report operational issues.

2. Lower and Secure the Mast

Before transport, fully lower the mast according to manufacturer procedures. Engage any mast transport locks or pins. Ensure the mast is centered and stable in the lowered position. For telescoping masts, ensure all sections are fully retracted. Verify that hydraulic cylinders holding the mast are not leaking and will maintain position during transit.

A partially raised mast creates excessive transport height and an unstable load profile. Improperly secured masts can extend during transit due to road vibrations or hydraulic leakage. Your SAC coordinator will confirm the proper mast position for your specific drill rig model at booking.

3. Position and Protect the Drill Head

Before transport, position the drill head or rotary drive at the top of the mast in the transport configuration. Secure any top drive systems, pulleys, or sheaves. Protect the drill head from road debris and weather. Cover or secure any exposed bearings, seals, or precision components.

The drill head contains precision bearings and drive components that are vulnerable to damage from vibration and contamination. Some drill heads have specific transport positioning requirements to protect internal components. Check your operator’s manual for manufacturer-specific drill head preparation procedures.

4. Secure the Turntable and Rotation Mechanism

Before transport, lock the turntable or rotation mechanism in the transport position. Engage any rotation locks or pins. Ensure the turntable is centered if applicable. For rigs with specialized rotation systems, follow manufacturer guidelines for transport preparation. Document the turntable position for the Bill of Lading.

An unsecured turntable that rotates during transit can cause cable damage, structural stress, and balance issues. The rotation mechanism is critical to drill rig operation and must be protected. Your SAC coordinator will confirm any special turntable securing requirements for your rig model.

5. Clean the Machine and Check for Leaks

Before transport, thoroughly clean mud, drilling cuttings, and debris from the rig body, tracks, mast, and drill head. Excessive material adds unnecessary weight and can fall off during transit. Many states have regulations regarding equipment carrying soil or drilling materials across state lines.

Check all hydraulic lines, cylinders, and connections for active leaks before pickup. Hydraulic fluid leaks create slip hazards during loading and can damage trailer decks. Pay special attention to mast lift hydraulics and track drive systems. Repair known leaks before transport or disclose them to your coordinator.

6. Secure Loose Components and Tooling

Before transport, remove or secure any loose drill pipe, subs, and tooling. Secure any loose covers, panels, or access doors. Check that all tool boxes, rod racks, and storage compartments are closed and latched. For rigs with dust collection systems, ensure they are secured for transport.

Drill pipe and tooling should be properly racked or secured. Loose items can shift during transit causing damage or safety hazards. Document any tooling or accessories that remain with the rig for the Bill of Lading. The rig should be in clean, transport-ready condition when the carrier arrives.

7. Measure and Document Transport Dimensions

Before booking, measure your drill rig’s overall length, width at the widest point (usually the tracks or body), and height with the mast fully lowered. Accurate measurements are essential for correct trailer matching and permit assessment. Operating weight and mast height are the most critical dimensions.

Provide these dimensions to your SAC coordinator at booking: overall length, width at tracks or widest point, height with mast lowered, and operating weight. Inaccurate dimensions that result in the wrong carrier being dispatched can cause loading failures and costly rescheduling. Photograph the rig from multiple angles including the lowered mast position.

Nationwide Drill Rig Shipping

Ship A Car, Inc. provides drill rig transport services in all 50 states, covering every major mining district, oil and gas field, geotechnical exploration area, and construction market in the country. From coal mines and copper operations to oil patches and gas plays, from mineral exploration projects to foundation drilling contracts, SAC has the carrier relationships and route experience to move your drill rigs wherever they need to go.

Our heavy-haul carrier network includes regional specialists with the RGN and specialized equipment necessary for drill rig transport. Whether you are moving a compact exploration rig to a remote site, relocating a blasthole drill between mining operations, or transporting a rotary rig to an oil field, SAC has the coverage and expertise to execute your shipment reliably.

Secure and Convenient Payment Options for Drill Rig Shipping

Ship A Car, Inc. accepts all major credit cards, ACH bank transfers, and select business payment platforms for drill rig transport orders. For mining companies, drilling contractors, and energy operations with regular transport needs, SAC offers account setup with consolidated invoicing. Our payment system uses industry-standard encryption. No up-front deposit is required on any order.

The rate in your SAC quote is the rate you pay. No fuel surcharges added at pickup. No processing fees after booking. No unexpected charges at delivery. SAC provides a clear written cost breakdown before you confirm, including all known permit fees identified at booking. For project managers and equipment procurement teams where cost accuracy matters, SAC’s transparent pricing supports reliable budget planning.

RGN and Specialized Equipment for Drill Rig Transport

SAC matches every drill rig transport order to a carrier with the right trailer equipment for the specific machine. Standard flatbeds for truck-mounted exploration rigs. RGN and lowboy trailers for track-mounted blasthole and rotary drill rigs. Heavy-duty configurations for large mining-class drills. The right deck height, ramp angle, and weight capacity are confirmed at booking before dispatch.

Loading and securing drill rigs requires specialized technique: proper mast lowering verification, drill head protection, turntable securing, and frame tie-downs that avoid damage to hydraulic systems and precision components. SAC’s vetted heavy-haul carriers understand these requirements. Your coordinator communicates machine-specific handling needs to the carrier before loading so your drill rig is handled correctly from the first contact.

Dedicated Coordinator for Every Drill Rig Transport Order

Every SAC drill rig transport order is assigned to a dedicated coordinator who manages carrier selection, permit acquisition, pickup scheduling, transit tracking, and delivery coordination. Your coordinator is your direct point of contact throughout the move, reachable by phone or email. For equipment moves tied to drilling timelines, mining schedules, or project mobilization, your coordinator manages the logistics proactively.

For mining companies, drilling contractors, and energy operations that ship regularly, SAC establishes dedicated account relationships with consistent coordinator assignments. Your coordinator builds familiarity with your drill rig types, standard routes, site access requirements, and operational preferences over time. Whether you ship one exploration rig per season or manage a fleet of blasthole drills, SAC has the account management structure to support your needs. Call (866) 452-3657 to get started.

DISCLAIMER NOTE: Drill rig quotes come from the mounting type, mast-down height, overall dimensions and operating weight of the rig in question, plus its route and the permits along that route. Large blasthole drills and specialized drilling rigs requiring permits are priced individually based on specific dimensions and route requirements.

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