Shipping a Pickup Truck: Size, Mods and Prep

Pickup trucks ship on the same carriers as cars, but they take up more of the trailer. Size, weight and modifications all change which spot a truck can take and how a carrier prices it. Here’s what matters, and how to prep a truck so pickup goes smoothly. For the service itself, see truck and SUV shipping.

Size and Weight Set the Price

A car carrier has limits on length, height and total weight. A compact pickup fits like a large car. A full-size crew cab with a long bed takes noticeably more deck space, and heavy-duty trucks like a 2500 or 3500 add weight that counts against the carrier’s limit. Duallies are wider at the back. That’s why trucks usually cost more to ship than sedans on the same route.

Lift Kits and Big Tires

Height is the big one. A loaded carrier has to clear bridges and overpasses, so a tall truck may only fit in certain spots on the trailer, or need a different trailer. Tell us the lift height and tire size up front. A truck that turns out taller than the carrier planned for can mean a missed pickup.

Empty the Bed and the Cab

• The bed: take out anything loose, like tools, straps, an unmounted spare, firewood and gear.
• Toolboxes: empty them, or ask us first. Contents generally aren’t covered.
• Bed covers: latch hard tonneau covers closed. Secure or remove soft roll-up and folding covers so they can’t lift at highway speed.
• Racks and light bars: make sure ladder racks, roof racks, light bars and antennas are tight, and tell us about anything that adds height.
• The cab: take out personal items and toll tags.

Work Trucks and Fleets

Moving several work trucks at once? Multi-vehicle moves can often share a carrier. See fleet management and vehicle relocation for businesses.

Trucks That Don’t Run

A truck that doesn’t run, but rolls, steers and brakes, can be winched onto a carrier. Tell us when you ask for a quote, because not every carrier has a winch, and a heavy truck needs one that can handle it.

Before Pickup

• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
• Check for leaks, and tell us about any.
• Take dated photos of every side, the bed and the wheels.
• Make sure existing damage goes on the inspection report at pickup.

Questions