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How Much Do Heavy Haulers Make?

A heavy hauler moves materials and heavy equipment for construction contractors and logistics companies. Moving heavy objects is no easy feat. And so, heavy hauler business can demand a good sum of money for their services. 

Are you thinking about becoming an owner-operator, a driver, or a contractor? Then it’s important to know how much do heavy haulers make and ways to earn more.

What is a Heavy Hauler?

Before we discuss how much does a heavy hauler make, let’s first discuss what this is. A heavy hauler is a specialized truck used to move oversized loads such as cranes, frontloaders, and tanks. Heavy haulers are used in the construction and logistics industry. 


What Do Heavy Haulers Do?

A heavy hauler is in charge of carrying large or oversized roads. You’ll need to have your commercial driver’s license (CDL) to become a heavy hauler in your state. You also need to have a good driving record to be qualified to take on this role. You may be in charge of transporting items such as:

  • Farm equipment

  • Industrial machinery

  • Construction materials

  • Military equipment


In all cases, it’s a job that requires knowing optimized routing, using special handling, and having additional permits. If you want to get into the business and work as a heavy hauler  then a good first step is to get your CDL and gain experience driving oversized loads.



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How Much Do Heavy Haul Owner Operators Make?

You’re probably wondering how much do heavy equipment haulers make per hour and year. Generally speaking, you’re going to make around $30 per hour working as a heavy hauler owner-operator in the US. 

This is the average pay rate and it may vary depending on your job tasks, experience, and job location. How much you make as an owner-operator can also be influenced by what type of load you’re in charge of moving. For example, you can earn more by transporting dangerous chemicals or flat-bed loads.

The reason you have the potential to make good money in trucking is that you may be required to move tough and oversized loads and work very long hours and days. It can be a stressful job , and there are times you may need truck repair services or roadside assistance. 


Large tank being towed by a tractor


How Much Do Heavy Haul Truck Drivers Make?

The annual salaries range quite greatly for heavy hauler drivers, as it can be as high as over $110,000. Experience is a determining factor on how much do heavy haul truckers make. In connection, drivers without adequate experience earn as low as $40,000 per year. 

The type of load is another determinant on how much does a heavy haul truck driver make. Those transporting cranes usually charge $30 per mile. That said, a heavy hauler truck driver moving a crane in 50 miles will earn $1,500 per trip. All in all, taking factors aside. The average heavy hauler driver salary is $60,000-$70,000. 

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How to Earn More as a Heavy Hauler?

Now that you know how much do heavy haul drivers make, let’s explore how you can earn more. There are some actions you can take such as:

  • Turning to load boards for extra work
  • Registering as a government contractor
  • Brokering your loads
  • Building a solid network
  • Identifying and communicating your unique value proposition


The more skilled you are with licenses and certifications and the more experience you have moving oversized loads, the better chance you’ll have at earning more annually. You may also want to consider moving locations and working where these jobs are not only in demand but where they pay more. Other ways you can make big money in include:

  • Increasing your truckloads
  • Adapting your skill set to the needs of the market
  • Selecting the highest-paying loads


If you’re looking to start your own business or employ other heavy haulers then it’s important that you are set up to succeed. One area you can’t afford to overlook is finding the right types of insurance policies that can protect you and your business and your truck drivers. Here are some of the insurance policies to consider getting:

  • General liability insurance–Covers the cost of medical treatment and reimbursement if your heavy hauler business causes an accident that result in the injuries and property damage of third parties

  • Commercial auto insurance–Commercial auto insurance can be used to cover the accidents caused by your heavy hauler truck. This also comes with coverage that cover the heavy hauler truck’s repairs

  • Workers compensation insurance–Use workers compensation insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and other related expenses if an employee sustains an injury or disease while driving a truck, unloading a load, or doing repairs

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