Container haulage and heavy transport in Malaysia: prices, trailers and permits
What it costs to haul a 20 ft or 40 ft container from Port Klang, move a machine on a lowloader or hire a lorry crane in Penang and Kedah, the surcharges to expect, and when you need a permit.
Container haulage prices from Port Klang
Per trip, one way, from Port Klang hauliers' published rates (2026):
| To | 20 ft | 40 ft |
|---|---|---|
| Klang, Shah Alam | about RM350–RM750 | about RM500–RM1,000 |
| Petaling Jaya, Subang, Puchong | about RM500–RM700 | about RM650–RM950 |
| Kuala Lumpur, Rawang, Sungai Buloh | about RM600–RM850 | about RM800–RM1,100 |
| Nilai, Seremban | about RM750–RM1,000 | about RM950–RM1,300 |
| Johor Bahru | about RM2,000–RM2,800 | about RM2,800–RM3,800 |
Market estimates, not CariLori prices. Published figures differ even within one company, so treat them as ranges. Haulage from Penang and Johor ports isn't published: ask for quotes. Tolls are usually charged at cost.
Surcharges you may see
- Fuel surcharge: about RM30–RM80 a trip.
- Waiting: about RM50–RM120 an hour after 2–3 free hours.
- Overnight: about RM200–RM400.
- Side loader, which lifts the container down to the ground: about RM150–RM350.
- Dangerous goods: about RM100–RM300.
- Port and shipping line charges: after the free days (often 5), the shipping line charges demurrage per day, for example about RM100 a day for a 20 ft and RM200 for a 40 ft at first, then more.
Trailers and what they carry
- Skeletal trailer: carries a container only; the usual choice for port haulage.
- Side loader: lifts the container on and off by itself, when your site has no crane or forklift.
- Flatbed trailer: machines, steel and building materials, strapped down.
- Lowloader: a low deck for excavators, rollers and other tall or heavy machines.
Lowloader (heavy machinery transport) prices
Published lowloader rates (2026):
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Up to about 50 km | about RM250–RM400 |
| Up to about 100 km | about RM350–RM500 |
| Up to about 150 km | about RM450–RM600 |
| Beyond 150 km | about RM3.50–RM4.50 per km |
| Klang Valley, by trailer | 2-axle about RM600, 4-axle about RM800, multi-axle from about RM5,000 |
Market estimates. Delivering a 20-ton excavator and collecting it again is often quoted around RM1,000 in the Klang Valley. The price depends on the machine's weight and size, the trailer, and access at both ends.
Over-size loads: permits and escorts
A load wider or longer than the legal limits needs JPJ's written permission before it moves, and since 2024 only the police may escort a convoy. Your haulier normally applies for the permit and arranges the escort: ask whether it's in the price and how many working days it takes.
Lorry crane for loading and unloading
Where there's no forklift or crane on site, a lorry crane carries and lifts in one trip. In Penang and Kedah, including Kulim, published prices (2026) are about RM450 within 50 km and RM550–RM650 up to 150 km for a 3–5-ton lorry crane, about RM600–RM900 for a 10-ton, and about RM900–RM1,200 for a full day. For the Klang Valley see crane rental prices.
Get haulage quotes on CariLori
Post a request under Container haulage (or Machinery & lifting for a lowloader or crane) with the container size or machine, its weight, pickup and drop-off, and the date. Suppliers who cover the route contact you with their price.
Questions
How much is container haulage from Port Klang to Shah Alam?
About RM350–RM750 for a 20 ft and RM500–RM1,000 for a 40 ft, one way (2026 published rates), plus tolls and a fuel surcharge.
How much does it cost to move an excavator on a lowloader?
Within about 50 km, roughly RM250–RM400 by published rates, or about RM600–RM800 for a 2- or 4-axle lowloader in the Klang Valley; beyond 150 km about RM3.50–RM4.50 per km. Very heavy multi-axle moves start around RM5,000.
Do I need a permit for an over-size load?
Yes. A load beyond the legal width or length needs JPJ's written permission before it moves, and a police escort where required. Your haulier usually arranges both.
Post a haulage request Container haulage suppliers in Malaysia