Heavy duty or lifted pick-up trucks, off-road trucks, special configuration trucks, and full-size diesel trucks are especially challenging to ship, because they are outside the size, weight, and configuration considered standard by most auto transport methods. Specialized handling may be required. Thus it is important that business owners, dealerships, relocation movers and owners of private pickup trucks understand what the best shipping options are.
Automobile Shipping focuses on helping people locate the most effective method to ship oversized trucks from one state to another or throughout the nation. This guide will cover the top choices available for shipping your oversized vehicle, what creates a difference in oversized vehicle shipping and how to pick the correct choice.
Why Large Pickup Trucks Require Special Transport Solutions
Additionally, large trucks are generally not standard cars or SUVs under normal carrier limits and may exceed them, making the shipping process more difficult.
Weight and Size Variations
Heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 3500, Ford F-450, GMC Sierra HD, lifted pickups, and similar vehicles can often weigh more than expected at times.
Aftermarket Modifications
Lift kits, oversize tires, roof racks, toolboxes, and improved bumpers all are non-stock height and/or length modifications requiring specialized tools to install.
Longer Wheelbases and Wider Stance
These features also render them unable to fit on standard ramps or trailer slots.
Commercial or Work Equipment
Trucks can be sold along with utility beds, ladder racks, or towing packages, requiring special load handling.
The carrier matches the truck to a trailer, makes the load secure, and moves the load fast.
Best Shipping Options for Large Pickup Trucks
Oversize trucks can be transported in various ways, according to size, modification, value, and destination location.
Open Transport for Large Trucks (Most Common and Cost-Effective)
Even if enclosed in the truck’s shell, the enclosed trailer is generally considered to be the best choice for the most valuable or modified pickups.
Benefits:
- Most affordable method
- Widely available nationwide
- Handles standard and slightly oversized pickups
- Fast scheduling and delivery
Ideal For:
- Unmodified or moderately modified trucks
- Standard F-series, Silverado, Dodge Ram, or Toyota Tundra
- Budget-conscious customers
Open transport is less expensive and more reliable.
Enclosed Transport for Premium or Customized Trucks
Trucks can be sold along with utility beds, ladder racks, or towing packages, requiring special load handling.
Benefits:
- Protection from weather, debris, and road elements
- Enhanced security and privacy
- Hydraulic liftgates for low-clearance or lifted vehicles
- Preferred for custom, lifted, or show trucks
Ideal For:
- High-end luxury trucks
- Classic or restored pickups
- Heavy modifications or oversized tires
- Trucks traveling long distances
Enclosed transport allows for the utmost care and protection during the pickup, transport, and delivery.
Flatbed Transport for Oversized or Heavy Trucks
Flatbeds are used for oversized vehicles that wouldn’t fit in a normal auto carrier, such as extremely heavy, long, or tall trucks.
Benefits:
- Supports extreme weight and height
- Flexible loading for wide or awkwardly shaped trucks
- Perfect for commercial equipment or utility trucks
Ideal For:
- Ford F-450, F-550, F-650
- Ram 4500/5500
- Oversized commercial pickups
- Trucks with toolbeds or utility attachments
Flatbed shipping is an option to safely transport trucks that exceed size limits.
Lowboy or Step-Deck Trailers for Extreme Loads
Long-wheelbase high-capacity heavy-duty truck tractors move lowboys or step-deck trailers across country. These trucks serve when the equipment that they tow is higher, wider, or outweighs what a standard truck trailer carries.
Benefits:
- Ideal for tall trucks or added equipment
- Handles heavy-duty commercial units
- Prevents over-height or overweight violations
Ideal For:
- Heavy commercial pickups
- Trucks with large aftermarket kits
- Fleet vehicles
This is mainly used for special transport needs.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping Large Pickup Trucks?
Special handling means that there can be specific pricing considerations:
Size and Weight
Larger trucks cost more for shipping. They take up more space. They require larger trailers.
Modifications
That rate might rise along with lift kits, oversized tires, and custom parts.
Transport Method
- Open transport = most affordable
- Enclosed or flatbed = higher cost
Distance and Route
Traveling for longer distances costs more, but is cheaper on a per mile basis.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
In remote or hard-to-reach areas, rates may be higher.
Running vs. Non-Running Condition
- Trucks that do not move require a winch, adding cost.
- Ask for a quote so you know exactly what you should pay for the transport cost.
How to Prepare Your Large Pickup Truck for Shipping
Proper preparation ensures loading is smooth and safe.
Remove Personal and Loose Items
Loose tools, accessories or cargo must be removed.
Measure Your Truck if Modified
Measure the height, width and length for you to choose the right trailer.
Document the Vehicle’s Condition
Photograph all damages, scratches, and marks, and document them.
Check Fluids and Battery
Make sure the truck is running unless shipping non-running.
Reduce Fuel Level to 1/4
- This complies with DOT regulations and reduces weight.
- These steps help prevent delays and ensure safe transport.
Why Choose Automobile Shipping for Large Pickup Truck Transport?
Transporting oversized trucks is no easy task. Fortunately, at Automobile Shipping, we are experienced in, and have the right equipment for, transporting oversized and heavy duty vehicles across the country.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Nationwide open, enclosed, flatbed, and lowboy transport
- Skilled carriers experienced with large trucks
- Full insurance coverage for peace of mind
- Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery
- Fast scheduling and dedicated support
- Custom solutions for commercial, lifted, or modified trucks
We will deliver your truck safely and quickly regardless of whether the truck is a daily driver or a completely customized off-road machine.
Choose the Right Shipping Option for Your Large Pickup Truck
Learning about the choices for shipping a large pickup truck helps ensure the job is done right with safety and the correct equipment. Open car carriers, flatbeds, and enclosed cars all work in different degrees. This depends on the truck’s size, modifications, and value.
Automobile Shipping focuses on the transport of large and special trucks across country. We will provide the best service for particular needs when you relocate, sell, buy, or ship a work truck.
Have a full-size pickup truck to ship? Automobile-Shipping.com will provide a free car shipping quote and a safe, easy car shipping experience.
