You’ve probably heard about a used Honda Accord being shipped from one coast to the other or maybe have a friend who sends their Toyota RAV4 ahead when taking a long vacation. What you may not have heard is that vehicles beyond cars can be transported.
What cars can be shipped is much broader than many customers realize. A standard auto carrier can handle everything from large SUVs to electric vehicles. Specialty carriers can work with different-sized options like golf carts, UTVs, and even boats.
It’s now less about whether your vehicle can be shipped and more about what special equipment, loading methods, and carrier capacities are available.
What Cars Can Be Shipped?
There are over 284 million passenger vehicles in the USA, and all of them likely can be shipped using standard open or enclosed auto transport. That includes delivering:
- Sedans
- Coupes/Hatchbacks
- SUVs
- Pickup Trucks
- Minivans
- Electric Vehicles
- Classics/Antiques
- Luxury/Exotics
- Modified Cars
Open carriers are often the most popular option for shipping a car. Prices are slightly lower, and carrier availability is more open, especially if you have a flexible pickup and delivery window. Going with enclosed increases the price a little, but you get more protection. Both provide options for other types of vehicles.
Can You Ship a Motorcycle?
Yes. As far as what do shipping companies ship, motorcycles are included in that equation. They are two-wheeled, so the trailer is different for positioning and strapping the bike down. It needs to stay upright, not leaning, so it isn't affected by forward, backward, or lateral movement.
Most carriers will use skis, pallets, straps, and other anchor points for motorcycles. This not only stops the motorcycles from moving around but prevents damage to sensitive bodywork or components.
How Are Golf Carts Shipped?
Golf cart shipping is much more common than you may think. The Villages in Florida, for example, has over 85,000 registered golf carts that can be shipped up north for snowbirds or sold to a buyer in California.
Golf carts require a bit more preparation. All accessories must be secured, and the engine must be completely off. Check gas-powered rides for leaks to avoid damaging the carrier’s truck and other vehicles on the trailer. Some heavier carts, or those with many modifications, may need different equipment because they could be wider than a standard car.
Can You Ship ATVs and UTVs?
ATVs, four-wheelers, side-by-sides, and UTVs can be delivered. What cars can be shipped needs to cover everything from a small ATV that fits on an open transport trailer to a large side-by-side with a roll cage and oversized tires.
Cargo securement systems must be in place. The ATVs and similar devices cannot move around while in transit. That usually means a more specialized carrier with specific anchor points on the trailer to accommodate different-sized vehicles.
Can an Auto Transport Company Ship a Boat?
Some vehicle transport providers can also arrange boat transportation. For boat shipping, the vessel's total dimensions and weight strongly affect what type of trailer is available. This’ll likely require a more specialized carrier, which may be slightly more expensive. The larger the boat gets, the more likely that will be.
It helps a lot to give the broker accurate measurements. That gives the carrier time to secure special permits or plan a route or escort based on highway height, width, and weight restrictions. Secure any loose gear in the boat, including covers or outrigging.
Vehicle Transport Quick Reference Guide
Vehicle Type |
Preferred Transport Mode |
Main Shipping Prep |
Primary Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
Boats and Yachts |
Specialized boat trailer or flatbed |
Secure loose equipment and provide accurate dimensions |
Size, weight, and required permits |
Golf Carts |
Open or enclosed transport |
Remove personal items and secure detachable accessories |
Size, modifications, and transport type |
Motorcycles |
Enclosed or specialized motorcycle transport |
Remove loose accessories, check for leaks, and keep fuel low |
Distance and transport type |
ATVs and UTVs |
Open or enclosed transport |
Remove detachable gear and provide accurate dimensions |
Size, weight, and modifications |
Mobile Homes |
Specialized heavy-haul transport |
Disconnect utilities and prepare the structure for relocation |
Size, distance, permits, and route requirements |
How Are Vehicles Secured During Transport?
The trick to what do shipping companies ship besides cars is matching each unique vehicle to the right trailer. It must stay secure throughout the journey, minimizing movement or road vibrations during braking, acceleration, curves, or changing road conditions.
Federal rules also apply. Any automobiles or light trucks that weigh 10,000 pounds or less may require additional front and rear securement or tiedowns. Always communicate your needs as early in the booking process as you can. Some cargo, like a Jeep Wrangler, may need specific ramps or securement due to oversized tires and lift packages. You don’t want to delay the trip because the carrier doesn’t have the right equipment.
What Information Should You Provide Before Booking?
Start simple with the basics. Provide the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Let the carrier know if it fits into a standard category like “boats” or “ATVs.” Next, offer up the pickup and destination locations. Include any issues about narrow roads, weight limits, tight turns, low bridges, or other local restrictions on the truck actually getting to your driveway. Otherwise, you may have to meet up at a local parking lot for delivery.
Next, tell the shipping experts at Nexus Auto Transport what cars can be shipped in terms of operability. You can ship an inoperable vehicle, but the carrier needs to know ahead of time. That includes low ground clearance issues, whether the vehicle is lifted, or accessories that need to be tied down.
If possible, provide any measurements about the boat, golf cart, UTV, or other specialty vehicle to the carrier. That tells them whether they need to alert local authorities when traveling a smaller route or have an escort to clear traffic ahead of time.
All those details go into the equation, and a shipping expert at Nexus Auto Transport finds an appropriate match. With over 500,000 door-to-door deliveries nationwide, Nexus has a massive carrier network that can support a wide range of vehicles. Learn more by reading our guide on car shipping.
Ship More Than an Everyday Car
What cars can be shipped? It really depends on your needs. A quality car shipping service like Nexus Auto Transport provides carrier access and fully coordinated door-to-door support, even for boats or an ATV.
Contact us as early as you can, at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead of your anticipated pickup date, and you should have no problem shipping that boat or luxury vehicle.
FAQs
What documentation is required to ship a boat across state lines?
You need documents confirming the vessel's ownership and identity (like a boat registration). The Bill of Lading will cover most of these details as well as the condition of the boat before it is shipped. Oversized boats require some state-specific permits.
Can personal items be left inside a golf cart during transport?
Some carriers will allow up to 100 pounds of personal items, but you’re better off having no gear in the car. It won’t be covered by cargo insurance and can add weight to the overall delivery.
Do I need to empty the fuel tank of my motorcycle before shipping?
A quarter tank is fine. That is enough for the carrier to load, unload, and reposition the motorcycle during transit, but not enough to affect overall shipping weight.
How do transport companies handle transit insurance for expensive yachts?
Always confirm insurance for any expensive vessel before shipping. Specific policy limits, exclusions, or deductibles could change the equation.
