A modular home can be moved as far as 6,000 miles, though this distance varies from one manufacturer to another. Every modular home manufacturer has the capability to cover a specific travel distance and is equipped to offer a complete service within that area. Still, the farther the modules have to travel the higher the delivery cost will be. For example, Connect Homes can deliver their modular homes as far as 3,000 miles. However, they charge additional transportation costs when the modules are delivered to locations that are based farther than 60 miles away [1].
The following chart is a list of modular home manufacturers based in different areas of the U.S. and the distance to which they can deliver their modular homes. While this can be very helpful to give an idea about how far can a modular home be shipped, in most cases, manufacturers don’t define their service area by distance traveled but by states or areas served.
| Where are they based? | How far do they deliver? | |
| Meka | Based in San Jose, California | As far as 6,000 miles. |
| Impresa Modular | Based in Martinsburg, West Virginia | As far as 6,000 miles. |
| Method Homes | Based in Seattle, Washington | As far as 4,000 miles. |
| U.S. Modular | Based in Redlands, California | As far as 4,000 miles. |
| Dvele | Based in San Diego, California | As far as 3,000 miles. |
| Connect Homes | Based in San Bernardino, California | As far as 3,000 miles. |
| Plant Prefab | Based in Ontario and Rialto, California | As far as 3,000 miles. |
| Ma Modular | Based in Austin, Texas | As far as 2,000 miles. |
| Idea Box | Based in Salem, Oregon | As far as 2,000 miles. |
| Custom Modular Direct | Based in Taneytown, Maryland | As far as 2,000 miles. |
| Kasita | Based in Austin, Texas | As far as 2,000 miles. |
| Avalon Building Systems | Based in Massachusetts | As far as 700 miles. |
| Blu Homes | Based in San Francisco, California | As far as 600 miles. |
| TLC Modular Homes | Based in Goldendale, Washington | As far as 600 miles. |
| Westchester Modular Homes | Based in New York | As far as 600 miles. |
| Structural Modulars, Inc. (SMI) | Based in Strattanville, Pennsylvania | As far as 500 miles. |
| Next Modular | Based in Goshen, Indiana | 250-mile radius |
| Go Modular | Based in Needham, Massachusetts | As far as 250 miles. |
| Florida Modular Homes | Based in Middleburg, Florida | About 200 miles. |
| Advantage Modular Homes | Based in New York | As far as 100 miles. |
Modular home transportation logistics
Modular homes are always shipped from the manufacturing plant to the property where they will be permanently assembled. The transportation of the modules is one of the most delicate stages of the modular home construction since the house cannot be completed if the modules can’t be delivered or get damaged during their shipment. To ensure the success of the modular construction process, the logistics of the module’s transportation should be properly coordinated with every stage of the building process. Generally, the modules’ transportation is already taken into consideration in the design stage.
Defining the size of the modules
The modules should always be designed and built with transportation in mind and one of the main things that should be considered is their size. The dimensions of every module are usually limited by the form of transportation and the characteristics of the shipping course and since most modular homes are delivered by road, the most common limitations come from state and federal highway regulations.
In order to comply with most U.S. regulations, the modules measure approximately 12 to 15,9 feet wide, 60 to 72 feet long, and 11 feet high [2]. These dimensions allow the modules to be loaded on flatbed trucks and shipped through most roads and highways while ensuring the structure is capable of withstanding the stress suffered during this movement.
Protecting the modules for the shipment
The modules are built with transportation in mind and therefore their size and structure are designed to withstand the stress suffered during the shipment. However, in most cases, this is not enough and additional protection wrapping the module is the safest approach to ensure successful delivery. This approach is especially important for those modules traveling longer distances or more complicated paths since the threats they are exposed to could deteriorate them.
There are different ways to protect the modules, though the most thorough procedure includes protecting the corners, sealing every window and door opening, and wrapping the whole volume with a shrink wrap. This type of wrap seals the module completely offering a tight cover that grants efficient protection against any weather adversities as well as possible thieves [3]. Additionally, this thorough protection offers a solid barrier against flying debris or any possible light obstacle encountered along the road [4].
Possible route obstacles
Regardless of the transportation course taken by the modules, it is essential to properly plan the route in advance. Given the vast dimensions of the modules, it is highly common to encounter obstacles that could damage the modules or prevent them to keep their course toward the final destination.
These obstacles are more commonly found on roads: low bridges, tunnels, power lines, or trees are some of the most common elements obstructing the truck’s path [5]. Also during the route planning, it is key to take into consideration the width of the road and the tightness of the turns to ensure the sides of the modules are not scratched and the truck driver can maneuver if necessary [6].
References:
- FAQ – Where can I build a Connect Home? Connect Homes https://connect-homes.com/faq#where-can-i-build-a-connect-home
- Gianino, A. Modular Size: Maximum Length, width, and Height The Home Store https://www.the-homestore.com/blog/2013/03/modular-size/
- Modular Buildings – Case Studies Rhino Shrink Wrap https://www.rhinoshrinkwrap.com/case-studies/modular-buildings/
- Considering Modular Construction. Here is how shrink wrap can help Pacific Scaffold Company https://www.pacificscaffold.net/considering-modular-construction-here-s-how-shrink-wrap-can-help
- Semler, K. Can you get a modular home to my site? Impresa Modular https://impresamodular.com/how-can-you-get-modular-home-to-site/
- Standard Unit Geometrics Section Traffic and Safety Division (1969 May) Turning Path Determination Procedure. A study to verify Predicted Turning Paths TSD-G-115-69 Traffic and Safety Division. Michigan Department of State Highways LANSING
