Compared with a standard car, moving a large pickup truck is usually a little harder. Owing to the size and weight of pickup trucks, all transport options are not practicable. It doesn’t matter if you are moving, buying an out-of-state truck, or shipping a big vehicle for your business; the right pick of the shipping mode will make it possible for your truck to be gotten at the destination safely and on time.
This blog will acquaint you with the best freight combinations for large pickup trucks. Moreover, it will discuss the factors that affect the cost of shipping and how to get your car ready for shipping so that the least damage will be done to the car during the delivery stage.
Why Shipping Large Pickup Trucks Requires Special Consideration
Large pickup trucks are not only bigger but also heavier than most cars; as such they need special handling when they are shipped. In contrast to regular cars, trucks can present unique problems, for instance, they might require more room, a vehicle with greater lifting capacity, and some kind of an apparatus to manage their size. Therefore, it is imperative to choose the proper shipping method that will not only transport your car safely but also give you peace of mind.
The large pickup truck shipping process differs from the regular shipping of a car in several ways that are highlighted below.
Weight and Size: Indeed, if we talk about a pickup with an extended cab or larger bed, it may not only be heavier but also taller than a regular car. Consequently, the way it is transported is affected as most standard car carriers cannot hold such vehicles.
Specialized Equipment: The size of the truck is such that special equipment may be required for the unloading and loading process, e.g. a flatbed trailer or a higher weight carrier may be needed to handle such a heavy large truck.
Protection During Transit: The reason is that a pickup truck may be less protected from road debris, weather conditions, or other elements during delivery. Hence, choosing the appropriate shipping for the truck will keep it safe and see it without any injury at the destination.
Best Shipping Methods for Oversized Pickups
You can move a large pickup truck by various shipping methods, each of which has some benefits and disadvantages. Firstly, we shall discuss the various shipping solutions that are used the most as well as their suitability regarding heavy trucks.
1. Open Auto Transport
Open car transport is a well-known and the cheapest way of vehicle shipment of large pickups, among others, the most used method. In open transport, the cars are carried on a trailer that is left open to the weather but is a standard and inexpensive way for the shipment.
Why Should You Opt for Open Transport When Shipping Large Pickup Trucks?
Cost-Effective: A open auto transport is the cheapest way by which several vehicles, large trucks included can be moved on the same trailer, thus the cost is divided among all the customers making it the least expensive method.
Availability: Open transport is accessible in any place of the country and is perfect for non-luxury trucks or those that don’t need additional protection against the elements.
Most suitable for the majority of pick-up trucks: The majority of pickup, most especially those withoutfeatured equipment, can be transported in an open auto transport without any safety concerns.
Yet, the biggest con of open transport is that your vehicle will be vulnerable to weather and debris on the road during the whole process. For this reason, people who have a new or an expensive truck may be worried about it.
2. Enclosed Auto Transport
In case you decide to secure your large pickup truck with additional safeguarding while it is being shipped, the best way will be an enclosed auto transport. This way your truck is transported in a closed trailer, which makes a kind of barrier between it and bad weather, leftover or even a small damage from another car.
Why Would One Use Enclosed Transport for Large Pickup Trucks?
Maximum Protection: No point of the truck is left exposed to road debris, rain, snow, dirt, or any other environmental factors that could cause damage during transport.
Perfect for Value Tracked Vehicles: If your pickup is a high-end or custom-made one like a luxury truck or a collector’s item, then enclosed transport is the most assuring method as it lowers the chance of damage.
Plus Security: The enclosed transport is one more security barrier, as the car being in a locked trailer rack is less susceptible to getting stolen or vandalized.
Even though this method provides more confidence in the safety of your vehicle, the cost will still be close to open auto transport as the price you have to pay for the extra security and protection.
3. Flatbed Transport
If the pickup truck is extremely big or has special requirements (e.g. large tires or additional weight), then flatbed transport will be the right choice. Flatbed trailers are unclosed but give a stable, roomy platform for vehicles of bigger sizes.
Why Choose Flatbed Trasport for Large Pickup Trucks?
More suitable for oversized trucks: The flatbed trailers ideally can fit the oversized vehicles which cannot be put into a standard open carriers especially if the trucks are modified or have extra attachments.
Convenient Loading: Flatbed trailers allow for easy loading and unloading, especially when it is a bigger or modified truck.
Perfect for Custom or Specialty Trucks: In case your vehicle is a custom-built one or has some special handling requirements, flatbed transport would be the right option having the necessary space and flexibility to deliver it safely.
The major disadvantage of flatbed transport is that it is usually more expensive than open transport, and it’s not as easily accessible as open carriers.
4. Driveaway Service
If your large pickup truck is simply not drivable and you want it moved to a not-too-far place, driveaway service may be the answer for you. What happens in this method is that a driver is hired to drive the car to its destination.
Why Choose Driveaway Service for Large Pickup Trucks?
Short Distance Moves are Safe with Driveaway Service: Driveaway services are the best solution for short moves provided the truck is in good condition. In most cases, the price is lower than that of a carrier for local moves.
Not Even a Transport Trailer is Needed: Due to the fact that the truck is driven to its destination, there is no transport trailer, which makes it a very easy and quick option for shorter distances.
On the other hand, driveaway services may not be an option for long-distance or cross-country moves, and the possibility of the vehicle getting old due to drive and so being a problem for vintage or custom trucks always exists.
5. Expedited Shipping
If you want your large pickup truck to be shipped in a hurry, an option of expedited shipping will be a choice that will give your vehicle the transport ‘prior to.’ Although this way can be more expensive, it is made sure that your truck will be taking off to its destination at the earliest time possible.
Why Choose Expedited Shipping for Large Pickup Trucks?
- Fast Delivery: If time is against you, then the car will be given a go-ahead with priority under the expedited shipping option, which will shorten the transport time drastically.
- Preferred for Urgent Moves: In case you are relocating, reselling the truck, or moving for work, expedited shipping will be the method that will allow the vehicle to reach the destination in a short time.
Still, expedited shipping is the quickest method, but it is expensive, so it is the best choice when speed is the major concern.
Tips for Shipping Large Pickup Trucks
If you want to transport your big pickup without getting a scratch, then it is a good idea to keep these few simple tips in mind:
1. Prepare the Truck for Shipping
- Cleaning a vehicle has the advantage that any damage that may have been there before can be noticed.
- Take away any personal belongings that may be inside the vehicle to prevent it either getting damaged or stolen.
- Make sure that your pickup is operating properly and has enough fuel for the loading and unloading process.
2. Verify Insurance Coverage
It is important that the shipping company has the right insurance coverage. If your truck is pricey or has been specially made, it would be wise for you to get some additional coverage.
3. Think About the Route
Choose a freight company that has the knowledge to manage big vehicles and is acquainted with the best routes for oversized trucks. A route with less traffic and no barriers will assure a trip without any troubles.
Generally, shipping bulky pickup trucks overseas is a process that necessitates special dealing, but through choosing the right shipping way, it’s totally possible that your truck will get to his place, safe and in time. You can either take advantage of open transport that is usually more affordable or go for the enclosed one to have that extra safety; the main thing is to find a transporter that is not only located near you but also the one who has the knowledge and experience in the field of large vehicle transports.
We, at Automobile Shipping, are the best in the business when it comes to transporting big pickups and other large vehicles. Reach out to us today to learn about the different ways we can serve you and get a personalized estimate for your truck’s freight!
