Truck shipping cost depends on several factors, including transportation distance, pickup truck size and weight, route, carrier type, vehicle condition, and current carrier availability. Because trucks vary significantly in size and configuration, there isn’t one transportation price that applies to every pickup.
The best way to determine the cost to ship your truck is to provide its exact year, make, model, modifications, route, and preferred dates when requesting a quote.
Here’s what can affect your pickup truck transportation price.
What Determines Truck Shipping Cost?
Several factors work together to determine truck shipping cost.
The most important can include:
- Transportation distance
- Truck size and weight
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Open or enclosed transportation
- Running or non-running condition
- Vehicle modifications
- Carrier availability
- Seasonal demand
- Fuel costs
- Scheduling flexibility
- Special loading requirements
A standard midsize pickup and a heavy-duty crew-cab truck have very different dimensions. Consequently, they may have different transportation requirements even when traveling the same route.
Does Pickup Truck Size Affect Shipping Price?
Yes. Size and weight can have a significant influence on truck transport cost.
Auto carriers have limits on both available space and total weight. A larger pickup can occupy substantially more carrier space than a compact passenger car.
When requesting transportation, provide the exact:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Cab configuration when relevant
- Significant modifications
Providing the exact model is especially important because trucks from the same manufacturer can come in several sizes and configurations.
Accurate information helps determine the space your truck may require on the carrier.
Do Lift Kits and Oversized Tires Affect Truck Shipping Cost?
They can. Modifications that change a pickup’s dimensions may affect truck shipping cost and loading requirements.
Tell the transportation provider about modifications such as:
- Lift kits
- Oversized tires
- Custom wheels
- Lowered suspension
- Running boards
- Aftermarket bumpers
- Roof accessories
- Other significant modifications
A modified truck may be taller, wider, or heavier than its original factory configuration.
Don’t wait until pickup to mention these changes. Providing modification details when requesting your quote allows the transportation requirements to be evaluated beforehand.
How Does Distance Affect Truck Transport Pricing?
Distance is an important part of truck transport pricing, but mileage isn’t the only consideration.
The route itself also matters.
Carrier traffic and availability can differ between major interstate corridors and remote areas. Pickup and delivery accessibility can also affect transportation arrangements.
Therefore, two trucks traveling approximately the same number of miles may not necessarily receive identical transportation quotes.
Open vs. Enclosed Transport for Pickup Trucks
Your choice of carrier can also influence truck shipping cost.
Open Truck Transport
Open carriers are commonly used for everyday passenger vehicles, including many pickup trucks.
The vehicle travels on an exposed carrier and encounters normal weather and road conditions during transportation.
For many standard pickups, open transportation can be a practical choice.
Enclosed Truck Transport
Enclosed transportation provides additional protection from direct weather and road exposure.
However, truck dimensions become especially important when considering enclosed transportation because the vehicle must fit the carrier’s available space and clearance.
Enclosed transportation may be considered for certain:
- Collector trucks
- Restored pickups
- Custom trucks
- Particularly valuable vehicles
Discuss the truck’s exact dimensions and configuration when considering this transportation option.
Can You Ship a Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck?
Transportation may be possible, but larger pickups require accurate vehicle information.
Heavy-duty trucks can be longer, taller, and heavier than standard passenger vehicles. These differences can affect available carrier capacity and pickup truck shipping prices.
Provide the exact year, make, model, and configuration rather than simply describing the vehicle as a “pickup truck.”
If you’re unsure whether a modification changes the truck’s dimensions, mention it anyway.
Does a Truck Have to Run?
Vehicle condition can influence truck shipping cost because a non-running truck may require different loading arrangements.
When requesting transportation, explain whether the pickup:
- Starts
- Drives
- Steers
- Brakes
- Rolls
A vehicle that doesn’t run isn’t necessarily the same as one that can’t roll or steer.
Providing a clear description helps determine what may be required for loading and unloading.
Do Pickup and Delivery Locations Affect the Price?
Yes. Location and accessibility can affect vehicle transport pricing.
Car carriers are large commercial vehicles that need adequate space to maneuver.
Potential accessibility issues include:
- Narrow residential streets
- Low-hanging trees
- Tight turns
- Weight restrictions
- Steep grades
- Gates
- Limited parking
- Local restrictions
When a carrier can’t safely access an exact address, a nearby accessible meeting point may need to be coordinated.
Carrier availability can also vary between heavily traveled transportation corridors and remote areas.
Does Season Affect Truck Shipping Prices?
Carrier demand and availability can change during the year, which may influence truck shipping prices.
Weather, holidays, seasonal relocation patterns, and demand along particular routes can all affect transportation conditions.
If you have flexibility in your pickup dates, mention that when discussing your shipment.
Flexibility doesn’t guarantee a particular price, but it provides useful information when transportation options are being evaluated.
How Do I Get an Accurate Truck Shipping Quote?
To better understand your expected truck shipping cost, provide complete and accurate information from the beginning.
Have these details ready:
- Truck year
- Make and model
- Pickup location
- Delivery location
- Preferred transportation dates
- Running or non-running condition
- Significant modifications
- Open or enclosed transport preference
Don’t identify a full-size or heavy-duty truck as a smaller vehicle in an attempt to obtain a lower initial estimate.
The carrier ultimately needs the correct vehicle information to determine space, weight, and loading requirements.
How Should I Prepare My Truck for Shipping?
Before transportation, photograph your truck from several angles and keep those pictures until delivery is complete.
You should also:
- Remove valuables and unnecessary belongings.
- Check the tires.
- Look for significant fluid leaks.
- Secure loose accessories.
- Have the necessary keys available.
- Confirm your contact information.
- Disclose mechanical problems.
- Report modifications accurately.
If the pickup has aftermarket accessories or equipment, make sure they are discussed before transportation.
Proper preparation can make pickup easier and prevent last-minute surprises.
Don’t Compare Truck Transport Quotes on Price Alone
Although truck shipping cost is important, price isn’t the only factor worth considering.
Make sure the transportation provider has accurate information about your truck and route, and research the company before making your decision.
Webster Hauling has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Consumers can also research motor carrier information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and find additional information through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Independent research can help you evaluate transportation options beyond simply choosing the lowest quoted price.
Truck Shipping Cost FAQs
Does a full-size pickup cost more to ship than a car?
It can. Full-size pickups are generally larger and heavier than passenger cars and can require more carrier capacity. The actual truck shipping cost depends on the complete shipment.
Can you ship a lifted truck?
Transportation may be possible, but the lift and other modifications must be disclosed. Increased height and oversized tires can affect loading and carrier requirements.
Can a non-running pickup be transported?
It may be possible, depending on its condition and available loading arrangements. Explain whether the truck starts, rolls, steers, and brakes when requesting transportation.
Can you transport a heavy-duty diesel truck?
Transportation requirements depend on the exact vehicle. Provide the year, make, model, configuration, and modifications so its size and weight can be considered.
Is open or enclosed transport better for a pickup?
Open transportation can be practical for many everyday pickups. Enclosed transportation provides additional protection, but vehicle dimensions and available carrier clearance need to be considered.
For more information, visit Webster Hauling’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
Get a Truck Shipping Cost Quote
Your actual truck shipping cost depends on the pickup’s size, weight, condition, modifications, transportation distance, route, timing, and carrier requirements.
Webster Hauling helps customers discuss transportation options based on their specific vehicle and route.
Have your truck’s year, make, model, pickup location, destination, preferred dates, and modification information ready when you contact Webster Hauling about transportation.
