Published November 14, 2025

How Do Auto Transport Companies Handle Vehicle Modifications During Shipping?

Learn how vehicle modifications like lift kits, lowered suspensions, and custom parts affect auto transport pricing, insurance, and loading requirements.

How Do Auto Transport Companies Handle Vehicle Modifications During Shipping?

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How Auto Transport Companies Handle Modified Vehicles

Shipping a car is straightforward for most. It's usually a standard sedan or SUV. But what if your vehicle isn't standard? What if it’s got a lift kit? A lowered suspension? Custom parts? These modifications change things. As a Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co., I see this daily. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, operates as a carrier. So I know both sides. Here’s what you need to know about shipping modified vehicles.

Modifications Affect Everything

Vehicle modifications aren't just cosmetic. They impact transport significantly. Think about it. A truck with a 12-inch lift kit won't fit on every open car carrier transport. A lowered car might scrape on ramps. These aren't minor details. They affect how the vehicle loads. They affect carrier availability. And yes, they affect the cost.

Size and Weight

This is the big one. Lift kits and oversized tires increase height and width. This reduces the number of other vehicles a carrier can fit. It can even push a standard open car carrier transport into needing a specialized rig. That impacts the open car carrier transport cost. We factor this in for every quote. We aim for honest quotes. We don't like surprises any more than you do.

Ground Clearance

Lowered suspensions create challenges. Loading ramps can be a real issue. Standard ramps might be too steep. This increases the risk of damage. Carriers prefer not to take on these risks. It's why an experienced car shipping broker you can trust is essential. We work with carriers who have the right equipment. Folks who know how to handle these situations. An enclosed auto transport for luxury cars or modified vehicles often offers low-clearance ramps. This reduces risk substantially.

Custom Parts and Value

Custom parts add value. They also add fragility. Expensive rims, custom paint, or aero kits need extra care. While our carriers are vetted and insured, detailing these modifications helps. It ensures proper handling and adequate insurance coverage. When you're asking how much does it cost to ship a car cross country with custom work, know that these details matter for an accurate price.

Pricing Modified Vehicles

"How much does it cost to ship a car cross country?" is a common question. For modified vehicles, the answer is more complex. Several factors drive the price up. You're paying for specialized equipment. You're paying for reduced load capacity. You're paying for increased risk. We won't sugarcoat it; it won't be cheap to get the job done right. But a good broker ensures you get a fair price for the service required.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

Carrier Availability

Not all carriers can handle all modifications. Our job as an auto transport broker Texas is to find the right carrier. One with the right equipment and experience. This takes time and a strong network. We're a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. We have these connections. Whether you need to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, or are relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, we find the best fit.

Insurance and Documentation

Insurance is critical. For modified vehicles, ensuring all modifications are declared is paramount. Standard auto transport insurance might not cover custom parts unless specifically noted. We work with vetted insured carriers. But honesty from your side is key. Take photos. Document everything. We perform VIN scans to help confirm vehicle details, but modifications are on you to communicate.

The Booking Process with AMG Transport Co.

We make the process as smooth as possible. We streamline what carriers don't want to do. The frontend sales, the coordinating, the backend systems. All the things outside of driving. Carriers have enough problems on the road. That's why they rely on brokers to solve yours.

1. Get a Quote: Start with our online quote tool. Be detailed about your modifications. We need to know. Things like "what affects car shipping cost per mile" include these details.

2. Provide Details: We'll ask for specifics. Lift height, lowering amount, custom body kits. Photos help tremendously. This lets us find the right equipment and carrier.

3. Carrier Matching: We connect you with a carrier equipped for your specific vehicle. This isn't always easy. People couldn't work with most carriers directly, even if they wanted to. It's almost required to use an experienced broker. We ensure a trusted car shipping broker reviews your needs.

4. Scheduling: We typically provide a 72-hour pickup window. This flexibility allows carriers to optimize routes. Our goal is door pick-up and delivery car transport service for you. That applies whether it's shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference. Or a multi-car transport for families. We cover nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

5. Payment: We use Stripe for secure deposits. We believe in affordable car shipping without hidden fees. We give you a straightforward price up front.

Why Choose an Auto Transport Broker like Us?

Carriers are not saints. Their main reason for not working with people directly isn't laziness. There are a lot of instances where people don't pay. The ones that do take the risk know they can charge regular people more money. That's one of the few reasons they don't like brokers. Brokers have their margin too. But we provide value.

Customer Experience

We offer a stronger customer experience. We are a guiding light in a fraud-filled industry. We are your buffer to keep rates reasonable. We handle the headaches. We provide a single point of contact. This is critical for complex shipments like modified vehicles. It can be hard to know how to choose a reliable auto transport broker. Look for communication and transparency. AMG Transport Co is a vehicle logistics company Texas based, serving nationwide.

Vetted Carriers and Fair Rates

We only work with vetted and insured carriers. This ensures your vehicle is in good hands. We negotiate on your behalf. This helps keep your price fair. We ensure carriers are invested in taking care of our clients. Your modified vehicle needs special attention. We make sure it gets it. We prioritize auto transport safety record and reputation.

Logistics Expertise

A vehicle could be anywhere in the country at any point in time. Our expertise simplifies this. From single-car transport vs multi-car load cost questions to shipping a non-running vehicle what to know. We handle it all. Our team knows the ins and outs of cross-country car transport from coast to coast. We know how long does car shipping take cross country. We manage every detail.

Modifying Your Journey: The AMG Advantage

Shipping a modified vehicle doesn't have to be a nightmare. It just requires the right partner. At AMG Transport Co., we understand the complexities. We've built the relationships. We have the systems in place. Our knowledge of both the broker and carrier side gives us an edge. We provide clarity in a often confusing industry. We offer real solutions. From car shipping services Texas to nationwide door-to-door delivery, we're dedicated to making your transport seamless, even for your one-of-a-kind ride. Don't leave your cherished, modified vehicle to chance. We're the best auto transport company for out-of-state moves and for specialized shipping needs. Get peace of mind with AMG Transport Co.

Ready to ship your modified vehicle? Get a personalized quote today and experience the AMG difference. Visit https://amgtransportco.com/get-quote.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.

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