Shipping a Lowered or Modified Vehicle
Lowered cars, lifted trucks, and modified vehicles require special carriers and liftgate loading. Here's how to ship a modified vehicle safely and what to disclose when booking.
Why Modified Vehicles Need Special Handling
Standard car haulers use loading ramps at a fixed angle. For vehicles with low ground clearance (under 4 inches), body kits, air suspension at full-drop, lift kits, or wide-body modifications, standard ramp loading can cause scraping or bumper damage. The solution is a carrier equipped with a hydraulic liftgate or extended low-angle ramps.
What to Disclose When Booking
| Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Ground clearance (inches) | Determines ramp vs. liftgate need |
| Total vehicle height | Affects trailer fit and DOT clearance |
| Total vehicle width | Wide-body kits may exceed standard trailer slots |
| Front lip / splitter | Must be accounted for in loading angle |
| Lift kit height | Lifted trucks need oversized trailer slots |
| Photos of the vehicle | Best way to ensure proper carrier assignment |
Recommended Setup by Modification Type
Lowered Cars (under 4" clearance)
- Required: Liftgate or low-angle ramp
- Recommended: Enclosed transport for additional paint/bodywork protection
Air Suspension Vehicles
- Raise suspension to maximum height for loading/unloading if possible
- Disclose the air suspension system and its range of motion
Lifted Trucks (4"+ lift)
- Required: Oversized trailer slot
- Trucks over 7 feet tall may require a flatbed or specialized carrier
- Disclose: Exact lifted height, any roof-mounted accessories
Wide-Body Kits
- Disclose: Total width including kit
- Very wide vehicles take up 1.5+ trailer slots, increasing cost
Cost Impact
Modified vehicles typically cost 15-40% more than a stock equivalent due to specialized carrier requirements, additional loading time, and reduced trailer capacity.
Q&A
Q: What happens if I don't disclose my car is lowered?
The standard carrier may attempt to load with normal ramps and cause damage. Undisclosed modifications may also affect insurance coverage.
Q: Can I ship a car with a completely slammed air suspension?
Yes, as long as you notify us. We'll assign a liftgate carrier and may ask you to raise the car for loading.
Q: Do lifted trucks cost more to ship?
Yes, typically 20-40% more than a stock truck.
Modified vehicle? Tell us the specs when requesting your quote. Call (760) 932-2886 / (760) WEB-AUTO, use LiveChat, or email info@webautotransport.com. USDOT# 4574725 | FMCSA Licensed and Bonded. Get a free quote at webautotransport.com