Moving a vehicle from one city or state to another takes a lot of planning and finding the best provider. However, the transport process can become more complicated if the vehicle in question has been modified. Vehicle alterations can impact how transport companies evaluate risks, configure logistics, and determine costs.
Whether it is a modified lifted truck or a customized exotic car, vehicle alterations impact how a car is placed into carriers, how it is secured, and car weight. Each of these factors influences transport quotes. This blog will walk you through the impact of modifications on car transport costs, what to expect from a cars transporteur, and how to plan to avoid surprise costs.
Vehicle Modification 2023
“Before we discuss costs, let’s understand what a ‘modification’ means. A modification is any change from a vehicle’s original factory condition. This may include:
- Suspensions lifted, body kits lowered
- Custom paint or wraps
- Tires or wheels that are oversized
- Aftermarket exhaust systems
- Spoilers, racks, or roof attachments
- Extended body or chassis adjustments
Each modification alters how a transporter handles your vehicle. Some affect height clearance, others impact weight or dimensions. Since carriers are designed for standard vehicle sizes, modifications can mean special accommodations are necessary — usually, at a premium.
Impacts of Mods on Shipping Vehicle Logistics 2023
A professional car transporter will always ask for a vehicle’s dimensions and condition prior to sending a quote. This is to provide an appropriate quote and make sure that the car can be safely loaded and transported. Below are examples of how some mods affect the process.
Lifted Trucks and SUVs
Vehicles with raised suspension systems are taller than average, and often exceed the standard 7-foot height limit for most carriers. Transport companies may need to use special trailers or single-car carriers to avoid damage. And, of course, the additional space will cost more.”
Low and Wide Body Cars
Custom sports cars or any vehicles engineered with low ground clearance or with extended bumpers will require hydraulic lifts or flatbed loading. Since these tools prevent damage to the undercarriage, the process takes longer with specialized handling, which contributes to the overall cost.
Modifications and Added Weight
Weight adjustments are additional parts and reinforced frames, heavy audio systems, and oversize tires. Vehicles with significant added weight are more expensive to transport because they reduce the number of cars that can be shipped.
Outside Additions
For example, roof racks, spoilers, or oversize mirrors may increase the required padding and spacing during loading. Even small additions can restrict the closeness of cars, which decreases the number of cars that can be loaded on a trailer, increasing the cost per car.
Why Modified Vehicles Need Special Transport
When a modified vehicle does not adhere to standard dimensions, there are more issues than just space; there are issues of safety and protection. Modified vehicles will require special handling. Cars transporteur vehicle will need to plan how to safely load, transport, and tie down the vehicle to prevent damage to sensitive parts.
For high-end customized cars or custom builds, it’s recommended to use enclosed transport. Even though it’s more expensive than open carriers, it’s transported safely and avoids road debris, as well as extreme weather, so the finishing touches won’t get ruined.
This is similar to the services used by owners of performance or collector cars, especially those who buy rare models through the best online used car sites, where the car’s condition and originality are the most important factors.
What Determines the Price?
There are many reasons why the price of shipping a modified vehicle changes so much.
Dimensions (Height, Width, and Length)
All vehicles have required dimensions, and for each. Even the smallest dimensions can lead to the need for another type of carrier. For example, a lifted truck probably won’t be able to fit on a standard two-tier trailer.
Weight
All shipping companies have required weight limits. Heavier vehicles also mean there’s less free space, and fuel costs go up, which means the shipping costs go up.
Operational Condition
A vehicle’s modifications can also affect its drivability (for example, a show car that doesn’t start), and, in these scenarios, transporters need to use winches or other special methods, which increases the costs.
Transport Type (Open vs. Enclosed)
Open transport is cheaper but less protective. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, shields the car from external elements – ideal for luxury or heavily modified vehicles.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
Remote or hard-to-reach destinations increase fuel and time costs. Modified vehicles also may not be suitable for narrow streets or steep driveways, requiring special coordination.
Communicating Modifications to Your Transporter
One of the most common mistakes vehicle owners make is failing to disclose modifications upfront. Transport companies need accurate information to allocate the right equipment and space.
Here’s what you should provide when getting a quote:
- Updated vehicle dimensions (height, width, weight)
- Photos of modifications
- Details on ground clearance
- Any issues with starting, rolling, or steering
Transparent communication prevents misunderstandings and unexpected price increases later in the process.
Insurance Considerations for Modified Cars
Insurance coverage during transport is another area where modifications play a role. Transport companies typically offer limited coverage for standard vehicles. However, custom parts or upgrades may not be fully covered unless declared beforehand.
Custom parts should have an insured value added to the owner’s policy. Also, it’s good to take pictures of the condition of the vehicle from various viewpoints. Before a vehicle is picked up, pictures of the vehicle should be taken, and the condition noted and inspected. Also, the insurance value for the transport should be verified to the value of the vehicle being shipped.
All these steps give a person what is called peace of mind. This is especially true for people living with costly, rare, and illiquid assets.
The Chicken Tax and Its Relation to Modified Vehicles
It is also necessary to talk about the “chicken tax.” The so-called “chicken tax” is a tariff that the U.S. has imposed on imported vans and trucks. This has also changed the way some modified vehicles are exported and imported across the border.
Some importers modify the vehicle before it’s shipped to change its classification under the chicken tax so it is cheaper, and then they modify it back after it has arrived. This shows how these government taxes affect the way vehicles are shipped and change costs.
How to Obtain a Good Shipping Quote for Modified Vehicles
In order to provide an accurate shipping estimate, request extensions that document all details about the modifications. Then, seek out multiple transport cost estimates.
This is for a transport company, so…
- Compare open vs enclosed transport options.
- Schedule your transport during quieter times for better prices.
“Just like when shopping for cars at the used car dealerships online, a little research and transparency will point you towards people who appreciate your concern and value your business.”
Conclusion.
Vehicle Modifications. While you transport a vehicle, it is the characteristics of the car that add complexity. From oversized tires to custom body kits, each modification will add to the complexity of transport.
With complexity comes the need to communicate. Have car transporters who will educate you about the parameters of transport, like weight, shape, and extra features. Knowing your car is modified will help you avoid last-minute frustrations regarding pricing.
Modified vehicles include vehicles like show cars, off-road trucks, and classic cars. You need to maintain safety and a professional approach for transport. A vehicle transport does need to compromise or lose the elegance of the car. The principles of quality transport apply to each mile of the journey, and they will defend the value contained in transport. This is evident with the chicken tax.