How Do Auto Transport Companies Handle Vehicle Modifications Like Lift Kits and Lowered Suspensions?
Shipping a modified vehicle can be a bit more complex than moving a standard car. You've invested time and money into making your ride unique. Now you need to get it from point A to point B. This isn't just about finding any car shipping services Texas. It's about finding the right one. Let's break down what you need to know.
What Counts as a Vehicle Modification for Transport?
Basically, anything that changes the vehicle from its factory specifications. This includes lift kits, lowered suspensions, custom bumpers, oversized tires, roof racks, and even some aftermarket spoilers. These changes can affect how a vehicle loads onto a carrier. They can also impact overall dimensions and ground clearance. This matters for transport.
Why Do Modifications Impact Auto Transport?
There are a few key reasons. First, safety. A lifted truck might not fit under bridges or tunnels on an open car carrier transport. A lowered car might scrape on ramps or other vehicles. Second, logistics. Carriers have specific dimensions and weight limits. Modified vehicles can exceed these. This requires specialized handling.
Ground Clearance: The Biggest Factor
Lowered vehicles are particularly tricky. They need extra care to avoid damage during loading and unloading. Carriers specialized for classic car transport enclosed carrier situations are often better equipped. These often have hydraulic lift gates. This smoothly raises and lowers the vehicle. This prevents scraping. If you're shipping a non-running vehicle what to know is even more critical. Modifications worsen the problem if it can't move under its own power.
Height and Width: The Open Carrier Challenge
Lifted trucks and SUVs with oversized tires can push dimensions past standard limits. This means they might not fit on traditional open car carriers. An open car carrier transport cost might go up. Or, you might need an enclosed auto transport for luxury cars if your modified vehicle is also high-end. This is crucial for cross-country car transport from coast to coast.
Pricing: The Cost of Customization
Naturally, modifications often mean higher shipping costs. Why? Because carriers have to take extra precautions. They might need specialized equipment. Or, they might have fewer options for loading other vehicles with yours. This reduces their efficiency.
Factors Affecting Cost
- Vehicle Size: Lift kits and large tires increase size. Shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference is already a factor. Add mods, and it definitely increases.
- Ground Clearance: Very low or very high vehicles require special care.
- Enclosed vs. Open Transport: Enclosed carriers offer more protection. They are often necessary for highly modified or show vehicles. They also cost more than open carrier car shipping pros & cons.
- Non-Running Status: If your modified vehicle is also inoperable, that's another surcharge. Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know is vital for accurate quotes.
At AMG Transport Co., we provide honest quotes. We consider all these factors upfront. We want to avoid surprises. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? It depends. Especially with modifications.
Insurance and Modified Vehicles
This is where an auto transport broker Texas proves invaluable. Your standard carrier insurance might have limitations. Specific clauses often apply to modified vehicles. A good broker clarifies this explicitly. We ensure the carrier we partner with has adequate coverage for your specific vehicle. We only use vetted, insured carriers. This is part of being an experienced car shipping broker you can trust.
Why Use a Broker for Modified Vehicle Transport?
This is where we shine. As AMG Transport Co., we're a broker. Our parent company, AMG Endeavors, is a carrier. So we know both sides. Carriers often don't want to deal with the complexities of modified vehicles directly. It's more hassle. They prefer straightforward jobs.
- Expertise: We understand the nuances. We know which carriers have the right equipment for lifted trucks or lowered cars. We know the right questions to ask.
- Network: We have a vast network of carriers. This means we can find the right fit for your specific modified vehicle. We find solutions for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.
- Customer Service: Carriers are focused on the road. They don't want to play customer service. We handle the frontend sales, coordinating, and backend systems. We solve the problems. That's why they rely on us.
- Fair Rates: Carriers know they can charge regular people more for difficult jobs. Brokers have relationships. These ensure fair pricing for you. It'll never be cheap to get the job done right. But a good broker makes sure carriers are invested in taking care of their clients.
- Fraud Protection: The industry can be tough. We're a guiding light. We vet carriers. We use secure payment methods like Stripe deposits. We offer transparency. When you are relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, you need a broker you trust.
Let's say you're shipping a car from Houston to Los Angeles. With a modified vehicle, that journey becomes even more complex without a broker. We remove that complexity. Multi-car transport for families with a modified vehicle? We handle it.
The AMG Transport Co. Process for Modified Vehicles
1. Detailed Quote Request: You tell us about your modifications. Be specific. Lift height, tire size, custom bumpers, everything. This helps us get an accurate transport quote. We also get the VIN. This helps verify. We offer affordable car shipping without hidden fees.
2. Carrier Matching: We tap into our network. We find carriers experienced with your type of modification. We look for those with the appropriate equipment. This extends to luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open carriers.
3. Clear Communication: We relay all details to the carrier. We ensure they know exactly what they're transporting. This minimizes issues at pickup. We specialize in door pick-up and delivery car transport service.
4. Vetted Carriers: Every carrier in our network is thoroughly vetted and insured. You get peace of mind. Auto transport safety record and reputation are paramount for us.
5. Transparent Pricing: Our quotes are upfront. No hidden fees. We work to keep rates reasonable.
6. Reliable Schedules: We aim for 72-hour pickup windows. We communicate any changes promptly. How long does car shipping take cross country? We provide estimates based on carrier routes.
Conclusion: Don't Go It Alone With Your Custom Ride
Shipping a modified vehicle is not a DIY project. The risks are too high. Damage, delays, unexpected costs – these are common without the right partner. Many people couldn't work with most carriers directly, even if they wanted to. It's close to impossible to find a carrier with the right truck for your modified vehicle when it also needs to be available in your area at the right time.
AMG Transport Co. simplifies this complex process. We're your expert vehicle logistics company Texas for more than just standard sedans. We handle modified trucks, lowered sports cars, and everything in between. We understand the auto transport quotes how to compare game. We help you choose a reliable auto transport broker. We are a Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. Let us protect your investment. Get a personalized quote today and see what an experienced car shipping broker you can trust can do for you.
Get your free, no-obligation quote today and let us handle your modified vehicle transport.
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Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.