Are you interested in shipping your modified car across the US?
Whether you’re moving, showcasing your vehicle at an auto show, or selling it to an out-of-state buyer, shipping a modified car across the country poses unique challenges requiring careful planning.
These challenges often include:
Potential damages to modifications
Difficulty meeting company transport policies
Organizing proper documentation
—and more.
Below, we’ll examine the unique nature of these challenges and highlight their solutions so you can approach the booking process with more confidence.
Understanding the Unique Challenges of Shipping Modified Cars
A modified car is any vehicle altered from the automaker’s original specifications. Drivers modify vehicles to improve their performance, appearance, or both—and the practice is especially popular among auto enthusiasts. While modifications can carry steep costs, they can also save drivers money in the long run. Examples of these investments could include upgrading a car’s brakes, tires, or fuel efficiency.
Given the range of work available, modifications’ impact on shipping costs can vary. A primary factor affecting cross-country shipping costs is a modified vehicle’s size and weight, which can increase with changes like adding larger tires or a rear spoiler.
Special handling considerations can also increase shipping prices since a car might be more difficult to load on a carrier. One of the most significant risks of shipping a modified vehicle cross-country is not informing a transport company of special handling needs for components like delicate aftermarket parts.
Preparing Your Modified Car for Shipping
Documenting your car’s modifications and current condition is vital to preparing for cross-country shipping since you’ll reference the report when picking up the vehicle and verifying its condition. Photographs should accompany any written condition observations, and cleaning your vehicle beforehand, inside and out, will help make your assessment more accurate. Don’t wait until a transport service picks up your modified car to make a condition report. You’ll want to take your time.
You also need to remove and securely store loose parts and accessories. Fragile parts removed should receive additional care, like covering in bubble wrap. Depending on a shipping company’s policies and practices, you can store removed components in your vehicle, use additional crating, or ship components separately.
Drivers with significantly lowered suspensions should consider temporarily raising their ride height before shipping, as the low suspension can increase risks of scraping on areas like bumpers or side skirts. Raised suspension is less hazardous, but you should still inform the transport company of your vehicle’s ride height.
Selecting the Appropriate Shipping Method
Auto transport is a growing industry, and that’s great news for drivers of modified vehicles, as you’ll have more providers to choose from. Some services specialize in handling these cars using tailored equipment accommodating factors like unique dimensions.
While looking for companies with experience handling modified vehicles, evaluate their reputations through reviews and seek word-of-mouth recommendations if possible. For weather and road element protection, you’ll likely want to reserve an enclosed auto transport carrier instead of an open carrier.
Enclosed carriers also tend to have specialized equipment capable of safely loading and unloading modified cars with custom bodywork such as liftgates.
Insurance Considerations for Shipping Modified Cars
Standard insurance might not cover all potential damages for shipping a modified vehicle across the country since modifications can increase a car’s value and exceed the limits of a standard policy. Transporting a modified luxury vehicle increases the likelihood of exceeding a standard policy’s limits.
However, you can purchase additional coverage or a custom policy accommodating your car’s unique needs. Shipping companies offer cargo insurance for damage or loss during transit, but you must verify the policy’s protection limits and terms. You’ll also need to confirm whether you need additional insurance for stored components. Documenting your vehicle’s modifications before contacting a company will help streamline the insurance process.
Communicating Effectively With Your Transporter
We’ve highlighted how vital it is to provide transporters with information on your car’s modifications, but the way in which you communicate these details is equally as important. Ensure that you document every modification—no matter how small. Any communication gaps could affect how transporters handle your vehicle, increasing damage risks.
While documenting a specific modification, clarify its type. Modification varieties can include but aren’t limited to, wider fenders, custom shocks, and aftermarket exhaust. You should also communicate the part’s make, model, weight, and dimensions.
Shipping a modified car cross-country can be nerve-wracking since many drivers invest substantial amounts of money in alterations. You can give yourself more peace of mind while your vehicle’s in transit by working with a transport company that offers tracking services, options for contacting a driver, and a plan if problems occur during shipping.
Modified Car Cross-Country Shipping FAQs
Enhance your knowledge of what goes into shipping modified cars cross country with answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic below.
How Do You Protect a Custom Paint Job or Vinyl Wrap During Shipping?
In addition to booking an enclosed transport service, you can apply a ceramic coating for additional scratch resistance, use temporary adhesive-backed plastic film, a non-adhesive wrap, and a clean cotton car cover for vinyl-wrapped exteriors.
Do Car Shipping Companies Have Weight Limits?
Yes, auto transport services have weight limits. You can find out your vehicle’s weight by visiting a truck weigh and inspection station, which can accommodate private cars as well as commercial vehicles.
Can You Ship Your Car Cross-Country With a NOS (Nitrous Oxide System) Installed?
Yes, but you’ll generally have to empty and remove the NOS bottle before transport. Removal is necessary since the bottle contains compressed, flammable gas.
Does ECU Tuning or Performance Chips Affect Transport Costs?
Engine Control Unit (ECU) tuning and performance chips often don’t impact shipping costs, but you must inform a transporter of any special start-up considerations.
Can You Ship a Car With a Lowered Suspension?
Yes, but cars with less than three inches of ground clearance typically need enclosed transport carriers using specialized equipment like lift gates or extended ramps.
How Do You Take Photos of Your Car for a Condition Report?
Before shipping, use a high-resolution camera to take photos of your vehicle’s condition from multiple angles, and write an inventory list for reference during pickup.
