Preparing Your Modified Car for Safe Transport
Over the years, countless vehicle owners have turned to our team for help transporting modified cars. Some were enthusiasts moving rare Japanese imports across state lines, while others were families relocating cross-country with a lifted SUV. Regardless of the type of modification, the core concern remains the same: protecting the investment. Each custom feature represents time, effort, and expense, and shipping companies must handle them with care.
We are a fully licensed and insured transport provider, trusted by collectors, dealerships, and everyday drivers nationwide. With years of experience coordinating transport for cars that do not fit the standard mold, we understand the details that make the difference. Preparing a modified vehicle correctly allows owners to enjoy the convenience of open transport without unnecessary stress, while ensuring peace of mind from pickup to delivery.
What Is Open Transport for Modified Vehicles
Open car transport is the industry standard for moving cars across states and even across the country. This method uses a multi-car open trailer, usually carrying up to ten vehicles, and it is the most visible type of auto carrier on American highways. It is a proven solution for everyday drivers, but when the vehicle has been modified, several important factors must be addressed.
For a lowered car, the most pressing challenge is ground clearance. Traditional loading ramps may be too steep, and without proper planning, the underside of the car could scrape as it moves onto the carrier. On the other hand, lifted trucks or SUVs can exceed the maximum height allowed on standard carriers, creating clearance problems under bridges or overpasses. Body kits, spoilers, or custom exhausts may not align with traditional tie-down points, requiring specialized securing techniques.
Unlike enclosed transport, which shields a vehicle from the elements, open carriers expose vehicles to weather, dust, and road conditions. For modified cars, this means proper preparation is essential. Protective measures, accurate communication with the carrier, and thorough documentation all ensure that the vehicle arrives safely, regardless of its unique specifications. Open transport works effectively for modified cars, but only when handled by professionals who anticipate these challenges and plan for them.
Benefits of Using Open Transport for Modified Cars
Owners of modified vehicles sometimes assume that enclosed transport is the only option available. While enclosed carriers offer additional protection, open transport provides distinct benefits that should not be overlooked.
The first advantage is affordability. Open carriers are more common and less expensive than enclosed trailers, making them accessible for owners who need safe shipping without a premium price. They also offer greater availability. Since open carriers run far more frequently than enclosed carriers, pickup times are often faster, and the network of routes is wider. This means that an owner can arrange shipping for a modified car on short notice without being limited by carrier availability.
Open transport also makes sense when more than one car needs to be moved. Families relocating with multiple vehicles often include a modified car alongside standard sedans, and loading them together on one open carrier is convenient. Car enthusiasts transporting both a show car and a daily driver may also find this solution practical.
Finally, safety is a major point of reassurance. Every year, thousands of modified vehicles travel successfully on open carriers. The key lies in communication and preparation. When a carrier is informed of modifications in advance and proper steps are taken to secure them, open transport remains a safe and reliable choice.
How the Process Works
The process of transporting a modified car begins well before the truck arrives. The first step is assessment. The transport coordinator needs to know every detail about the vehicle. For a lowered car, the exact ground clearance must be provided. For a lifted truck, height and width are crucial. For custom exhausts, bumpers, or spoilers, their placement and vulnerability must be explained. This information allows the coordinator to match the vehicle with a suitable carrier.
Once the carrier is selected, preparation begins. Owners should carefully document the condition of the vehicle, paying close attention to aftermarket parts. This record is essential for insurance and for peace of mind. On pickup day, the driver performs an inspection as well. Together, the owner and driver agree on the vehicle’s condition before it is loaded.
Loading a modified vehicle is where expertise truly matters. A lowered car may require extended ramps or wooden planks to create a gradual angle that prevents scraping. A non-running modified car may need a winch to pull it safely onto the trailer. Oversized vehicles must be positioned carefully to comply with height regulations. Each of these scenarios illustrates why carrier selection is critical.
During transit, the car travels on the open trailer with other vehicles. It is secured with straps designed to hold it in place without damaging custom wheels or undercarriage components. Throughout the journey, communication remains open. Owners receive updates, and in some cases, tracking systems provide real-time progress. Upon delivery, another inspection is completed. This step confirms that the vehicle has arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up.
Common Questions About Modified Car Open Transport
Will lowered cars scrape while being loaded?
Professional carriers address this by using extended ramps or special loading equipment that reduces the angle. Providing accurate clearance measurements to the transport coordinator in advance ensures the right equipment is arranged.
Can non-operational modified cars be shipped?
A vehicle that cannot be driven can still be shipped, provided the carrier has a winch. However, this requires additional planning, and owners must inform the company well in advance.
What about oversized modifications?
Lift kits, oversized tires, and roof racks all impact the dimensions of a vehicle. Since federal regulations limit the maximum height and weight allowed, this information is necessary to plan safe transport.
Is insurance coverage available for aftermarket parts?
Aftermarket exhaust systems, spoilers, and body kits can be covered under the carrier’s insurance policy, but only if they are properly documented during the inspection process. Owners should always take comprehensive photographs before shipping.
Should detachable parts be removed?
While it may be tempting to leave them in place, the safest option is to remove anything that is not permanently secured. Roof racks, custom lights, or lightweight spoilers are better transported separately to eliminate risks.
How are custom wheels and tires secured?
Carriers use soft straps instead of chains, which prevents scratches and bending. This method is industry standard and ensures that aftermarket wheels remain unharmed throughout the trip.
Who Should Use This Service
Open transport for modified cars appeals to a broad range of owners. Car enthusiasts preparing for a show or relocating across the country often prefer the balance of affordability and reliability. Families moving for work or military assignments find open carriers convenient when transporting both standard and modified vehicles together.
Dealerships and collectors also rely on open carriers. Moving customized inventory requires consistent scheduling and cost-effective solutions, both of which are provided by the availability of open carriers. Even casual drivers with only minor modifications benefit from this service, as it provides a straightforward way to relocate without sacrificing safety.
The reality is that most modified vehicles do not require enclosed shipping. Unless a car has extremely low clearance or highly fragile parts, open transport provides the right combination of cost savings, efficiency, and protection.
Preparing a Modified Car for Open Transport
Preparation is the step that ensures peace of mind. Before the vehicle is loaded, owners should create a detailed photographic record of the car, including all modifications. This protects them by providing proof of condition.
Measuring ground clearance and sharing this with the transport coordinator is another critical step. If a car sits lower than average, additional equipment will be required for loading. Oversized vehicles, meanwhile, need exact height and weight measurements so the carrier can comply with regulations.
Mechanical readiness matters as well. Cars should have charged batteries, topped-off fluids, and working brakes. Even when a car cannot be driven, making sure it can roll and steer properly is essential for safe loading. Alarms should be disabled to avoid unnecessary complications during the journey.
Every carrier requires a full set of keys, which should be prepared in advance. Detachable accessories such as roof racks or custom lighting should be removed to avoid damage. By addressing these details, the owner ensures that both the carrier and the vehicle are prepared for a smooth experience.
Trust and Credibility in Modified Car Transport
Trust is the foundation of shipping a modified vehicle. Owners invest significant time and money in their modifications, and they need assurance that those investments will be protected. Our company is fully licensed and insured under MC 718856 and DOT 2247104. This provides proof that we meet all federal requirements and operate with accountability.
With more than a decade of experience, we have successfully transported thousands of modified cars, from rare imports and performance vehicles to oversized trucks and custom builds. Each client works directly with a logistics coordinator who provides clear communication throughout the process. From the first phone call to the final delivery, the goal is to provide confidence and clarity.
Real-time tracking and status updates are available to keep owners informed during transport. Insurance protection is standard with every shipment, covering both stock components and aftermarket modifications. Payment is never required upfront until a carrier is assigned, ensuring customers only commit once transport is confirmed.
The best way to begin is by requesting a free quote. Speaking with a specialist who understands the unique requirements of modified cars ensures that no detail is overlooked. Whether your vehicle is lowered, lifted, or fitted with custom parts, our team is prepared to provide the expertise and care it deserves during transport.
