There is nothing quite like sitting inside a well-maintained Ferrari and hearing that first engine purr. The power and control of a high-performance machine is a thrill. Whether that’s the 296 GTB or an F8 Spider, you still need to get that exceptional piece of engineering home.
It’s never really comfortable handing the keys to your luxury car to another person. A Ferrari car transporter should be someone who has the experience, tools, training, and understanding to carefully move your vehicle from a dealer, auction lot, private seller, or when you’re relocating to a new home.
Without that trusted car carrier, you can run into issues with unloading/loading clearance, proper insurance coverage, and many other highly stressful concerns. That’s why going into the situation with your eyes wide open to what you should be looking for when shipping a Ferrari matters.
What Makes Ferrari Car Shipping Different?
Did you know the average ground clearance of a Ferrari sports car is about 4-5 inches? That is significantly lower than a traditional sedan like a Toyota, Mazda, or Ford. Those are 4.7-7 inches. That single fact changes the type of Ferrari car shipping you need to hire.
Exotic cars have different needs. It’s just the reality. You can spend years tracking down the perfect model and trim, but if the car carrier doesn’t have experience with that type of vehicle, there could be issues that include:
- Low front splitters and undercarriage clearance
- Carbon-fiber aerodynamic components
- Large wheels with low-profile tires
- High-value or specialty paint finishes
- Modified suspension or aftermarket components
- Vehicle values that may require higher cargo insurance limits
- Precise loading and securement requirements
- Pickup from auctions, dealerships, private collections, storage facilities, or automotive events
To be blunt, if you’re going to ship a luxury, sports, collector, or antique vehicle with challenging dimensions or higher risk of expensive repair, you want to work with an experienced provider. Someone like Nexus Auto Transport, which has a massive network of vetted, professional drivers, is your better option, especially for higher-end cars.
Why Enclosed Transport Makes Sense for a Ferrari
The easiest decision you can make about shipping a Ferrari is to pay a little extra for enclosed auto transport. Most carriers, including Nexus, offer open or enclosed shipping. Open car delivery is usually the tractor-trailer truck with 6-9 vehicles stacked on two tiers flying down the freeway.
Open auto shipping is easier to book, as there are more carriers, and it tends to be a little cheaper. The downside is your car is exposed to road debris, weather changes, prolonged UV light, and potential unwanted attention.
Enclosed auto delivery is different. Your beautiful Ferrari will typically be inside a fully enclosed trailer with maybe 1-3 other vehicles. There are special soft straps, loading equipment, and other gear to get your car inside that trailer, and you don’t have to worry about common issues like:
- Rocks and other debris kicking up from the side of the highway
- Rain, snow, hail, dust storms, and other weather issues
- Dirt and airborne contaminants like recent storms and nearby wildfires
- Loose tree branches from heavy winds
- People wanting to snap a selfie while leaning on your Ferrari
Your best bet is a hard-sided carrier with liftgate loading that will reduce the risk of damage to your vehicle while on the road.
Low Ground Clearance Changes How Your Ferrari Should Be Loaded
It’s important to consider ground clearance when using a Ferrari car transporter. When you drive a high-end car up a ramp, it puts the front splitter, rocker panels, or undercarriage dangerously too close to the ramp’s surface. A hydraulic liftgate works better. That keeps the Ferrari level while it’s raised into the trailer floor.
You should also look for specialized ramps. Anything that gives your luxury vehicle the clearance it needs to get into the carrier without risking damage. You should feel empowered to ask the Nexus coordinator you work with if they understand how to manage side skirts, oversized wheels, or any aftermarket mods you may have added.
Insurance Should Match the Ferrari, Not Just the Truck
Car shipping carries a risk because your car is in someone else's hands. To help mitigate that risk, make sure the carrier is fully insured. Nexus already vets each professional carrier to ensure they comply with current FMCSA insurance or USDOT requirements. However, that may not be enough.
A new Ferrari can easily be between $260,000 and $450,000 depending on the model. That means the carrier’s cargo insurance needs to cover such a high value. More if that enclosed carrier has multiple vehicles on the same trip.
Before you sign any contract, make sure the carrier you’re using has the cargo insurance coverage for your specific Ferrari model. You should also check with your private insurer to see if they offer temporary delivery or shipping coverage.
Exotic Vehicle Transport Option Comparison
Service Tier | Ground Clearance | Weather Exposure | Security | Vehicle Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Open Multi-Car Hauler | Standard ramps | Fully exposed to rain, snow, road debris, dust, and other environmental conditions | Standard | Everyday and lower-value vehicles |
Standard Enclosed Trailer | Better suited to low-clearance vehicles when appropriate ramps and loading equipment are available | Fully enclosed from weather and road debris | High | Luxury, exotic, classic, and collectible vehicles |
Premium Enclosed Trailer with Hydraulic Lift | Highest protection; hydraulic liftgate allows the vehicle to remain level during loading | Fully enclosed from weather and road debris | Very High | High-value exotics, rare Ferraris, and other concours vehicles, |
How to Prepare Your Ferrari Before Shipping
Shipping a Ferrari is a tried-and-true way to get it from where you bought it back to your home, vacation property, or new city of residence. While a team like Nexus will handle the door-to-door shipping coordination, there are a few things you should do before handing over the keys.
- Wash the Ferrari so the condition is clearly visible
- Take high-resolution video or photos of all interior and exterior components
- Record the odometer and turn off the alarm
- Remove personal belongings and leave about a ¼ tank of fuel
- Check for any fluid leaks, tire pressure levels, and battery charge
You also want to be specific about the pickup and drop-off locations. Many Ferraris come from private collectors, specialty dealers, and auction lots. You may need to provide the seller or facility contact info, buyer number, gate/security procedures, acceptable pickup hours, and specific startup instructions.
All of this information is copied into the bill of lading. That is the document that accompanies your Ferrari, documenting the vehicle’s condition for pre- and post-delivery inspections, as well as the pickup spot and your home address.
Choose a Ferrari Car Transporter Based on the Car, Not Just the Quote
It may be a good business move to go with a lower bid when you’re buying a Ferrari at auction, but not when shipping it across the country. The right Ferrari car transporter should have full insurance coverage, easy-to-verify histories, proper equipment, and experience with your specific vehicle model.
Working with Nexus Auto Transport means matching up with a carrier who is vetted, professional, and understands the nuance of shipping high-end and luxury vehicles like Ferraris. They have the communication and clear procedures that mean when it’s time to send that sweet machine home, it’ll arrive safely. Learn more about getting a free car shipping quote from our team.
FAQs
How do you prepare a low-clearance luxury vehicle for a cross-country haul?
Always make sure the carrier knows about any modifications, lowered suspensions, or other concerns ahead of time. That ensures they’ll arrive with the right gear for loading. Before pickup, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning, document its condition, and double-check the bill of lading.
Are transport trailers equipped to handle wider-than-average supercar tires and custom body panels?
Yes, many carriers specialize in high-end vehicles. They have the clearance on their enclosed trailers as well as extra ramps, liftgates, and other equipment to ensure safety.
What specific cargo insurance documentation must a carrier present before loading a high-value vehicle?
You want to verify any certificate of insurance that explains the policy limits, effective dates, insurer, and total coverage. Make sure you look for per-vehicle coverage and whether aftermarket components are included.
