Truck
Shipping
Pickup trucks, lifted trucks, dually trucks, work trucks, and large SUVs — shipped nationwide by FMCSA-licensed carriers.
Standard half-tons to commercial 1-ton configurations. Open and enclosed. No upfront payment. All 50 states.
Get a Truck Shipping Quote
Fast, safe, and transparent car shipping.
Quick Answers
Common Truck Shipping Questions
What is truck shipping?
Professional transport of pickup trucks, work trucks, lifted trucks, dually trucks, and large SUVs by FMCSA-licensed carriers — open or enclosed, coast to coast.
How much does truck shipping cost?
Standard half-tons: $400–$2,150 depending on route. Dually trucks add 10–25%. Lifted trucks add 15–40%. Enclosed adds 40–80% above open.
Can you ship a lifted truck?
Yes — lifted trucks are common. Lifts over 6 inches may need flatbed or step-deck carriers. Provide lift height and total vehicle height for accurate matching.
Can you ship a dually truck?
Yes — dually trucks ship regularly. Width (96–98 inches) may require specific carrier deck spacing. Provide the exact dually configuration when quoting.
Is open or enclosed better for truck shipping?
Open is right for most trucks — professional, reliable, less expensive. Enclosed for high-value/collector trucks if dimensions fit (~84 inch height limit).
What details are needed for an accurate quote?
Year/make/model, cab size, bed length, lift height, tire size, total height, any modifications (toolbox, service body, racks), and running condition.
What Is Truck Shipping?
Truck shipping is the professional transport of pickup trucks, work trucks, commercial trucks, and large SUVs using open multi-car carriers, flatbed trailers, step-deck trailers, and specialty equipment — rather than driving the vehicle to its destination. EZ Auto Movers coordinates truck transport nationwide, matching each truck's specific size, weight, modification profile, and loading requirements to the right carrier and equipment.
Pickup truck transport covers the full spectrum from compact trucks (Ford Maverick, Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma) through full-size half-tons (F-150, Ram 1500, Silverado 1500), heavy-duty 3/4-tons (F-250, Ram 2500), and 1-ton trucks (F-350, Ram 3500, Silverado 3500HD). Standard configurations in these classes ship on standard open carriers. The rate reflects the truck's footprint on the carrier deck — larger trucks cost slightly more per-unit.
Lifted truck transport introduces height as the primary carrier matching variable. A stock F-150 at 6'4" factory height is well within standard carrier clearance. The same truck with a 6-inch lift is 6'10" — approaching standard carrier limits. A 10-inch lift on a factory-tall truck may require step-deck or flatbed equipment. The exact lift height, combined with factory roof height and tire size, determines the total transport height and the equipment tier required.
Dually truck transport adds width as the primary matching variable. A dually F-350 or Ram 3500 runs approximately 96–98 inches wide at the rear axle. Standard open carriers are designed for vehicles up to approximately 80–84 inches wide. Dually trucks may require specific carrier deck configurations or flatbed assignment. The weight of dually HD trucks (7,500–9,500+ lbs curb) also factors into carrier weight distribution planning.
Work truck shipping encompasses trucks with service bodies, utility beds, contractor beds, toolboxes, ladder racks, and commercial upfits. These configurations add weight, sometimes add height, and sometimes affect loading approach. Operational work trucks typically load via ramp onto standard or flatbed carriers. Non-operational or heavy-equipment-mounted work trucks may require alternative loading methods.
Every truck shipment requires accurate disclosure of dimensions and modifications. The same make/model can have dramatically different transport requirements depending on cab configuration, bed length, lift, tires, and attached equipment. Dimension-verified quotes prevent carrier mismatches and last-minute pricing changes at pickup.
Which Trucks We Ship
| Truck Type | Examples | Carrier Type | Cost vs. Sedan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact pickup | Maverick, Ranger, Tacoma, Colorado, Frontier | Standard open | +0–10% |
| Half-ton (1/2-ton) | F-150, Ram 1500, Silverado 1500, Tundra | Standard open | +5–15% |
| 3/4-ton | F-250, Ram 2500, Silverado 2500HD | Standard open | +10–20% |
| 1-ton (SRW) | F-350 SRW, Ram 3500 SRW, Sierra 3500HD SRW | Standard open | +15–25% |
| Dually (DRW) | F-350/450 DRW, Ram 3500/4500, Silverado 3500 DRW | Specialty / flatbed | +25–45% |
| Lifted truck (4"–6") | Any make with moderate suspension lift | Standard or step-deck | +15–35% |
| Lifted truck (8"+) | Heavily lifted trucks on 35"–44"+ tires | Step-deck / flatbed | +30–50% |
| Lowered truck | Slammed or static-drop pickups | Flatbed / rollback | +15–30% |
| Work / utility truck | Service body, contractor bed, utility upfit | Standard or flatbed | +15–30% |
| Commercial pickup | F-450, F-550, Ram 4500, Ram 5500 | Flatbed / drive-away | Quoted individually |
| Large SUV | Suburban, Expedition, Sequoia, Yukon XL, Armada | Standard open | +5–15% |
| Diesel pickup | All diesel half-ton through 1-ton | Standard (per size class) | Same as class |
Same make/model can be standard or specialty: A stock F-350 SRW long-bed crew cab ships on a standard carrier. The dually version of the same truck may need flatbed. The lifted version may need step-deck. Year/make/model alone is not sufficient — modifications and configuration determine the carrier requirement.
How Truck Shipping Works — 8 Steps
Quote request with truck details
Contact EZ Auto Movers with your truck's year, make, model, cab configuration, bed length, lift height, and any modifications. A coordinator reviews the details and provides a dimension-accurate rate.
Dimensions and modifications reviewed
Your coordinator verifies that the truck's specifications — especially height, width, and any specialty equipment — match available carrier types. Specialty trucks (dually, lifted 8"+) are flagged for appropriate carrier network.
Carrier matched to your truck
The right carrier and equipment type are matched to your truck: standard open for most trucks, flatbed or step-deck for dually and heavily lifted trucks, rollback for non-running configurations.
Pickup scheduled
The carrier contacts you 12–24 hours before pickup to confirm the arrival window. Pickup is at your specified address or an agreed nearby staging point if access is constrained.
Pre-transport condition inspection
At pickup, the driver and you jointly complete the Bill of Lading — documenting all pre-existing exterior condition notes. Photograph your truck from all sides before handover.
Truck loaded and secured
Your truck is driven up the carrier ramps (or winched for non-running) and secured with chains and load binders at the approved tie-down points. The driver verifies all tie-downs before departure.
Transit to destination
Your truck moves toward delivery along the planned route. You can contact your carrier directly for status updates. Transit time varies by route: 1–3 days for regional, 5–10 days cross-country.
Delivery and condition verification
At delivery, inspect your truck against the pickup BOL before signing. Note any new condition discrepancies on the delivery BOL. Payment (cash or certified funds) is made to the carrier at delivery for balance due.
Information Needed for a Truck Shipping Quote
Accurate details prevent carrier mismatches. Provide as many of these as possible when requesting a quote.
Year / Make / Model / Trim
Required for base dimension lookup
Cab configuration
Regular, extended/super cab, crew/double cab
Bed length
Short (~5.5ft), standard (~6.5ft), long (~8ft)
Lift kit height in inches
Above factory — e.g., 4", 6", 10"
Total height with lift
Ground to highest fixed point in inches
Tire size
e.g., 35x12.50R20 — especially if non-factory
Dually or SRW?
Dual rear wheel vs. single rear wheel
Roof equipment
Toolbox height, ladder rack, camper shell, racks
Service body or utility bed?
And total height with body
Running condition
Drives normally, or describe any issues
Ground clearance
Especially for lowered trucks — in inches
Photos if modified
Help confirm carrier eligibility for lifted/specialty
Truck Shipping Cost Guide
Truck shipping costs more than standard sedan transport because trucks occupy more space on the carrier deck, weigh more, and specialty configurations require specialty equipment. Pricing is determined by a combination of fixed factors (distance, route) and truck-specific factors (size, modifications, equipment type required).
| Pricing Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Distance | Longer routes cost more — but cost per mile decreases. Cross-country is less expensive per mile than short hauls. |
| Truck size and class | Compact < half-ton < 3/4-ton < 1-ton. Each class takes more deck space and costs proportionally more. |
| Dually configuration | Adds 10–25% due to width and need for specific deck spacing. |
| Lift height | 4–6" lift: +15–25%. 8"+ lift: +25–40%. May require specialty equipment tier. |
| Open vs. enclosed | Enclosed adds 40–80% above open carrier baseline. |
| Modifications and attachments | Service body, ladder rack, roof racks, camper shell — each may affect carrier eligibility and cost. |
| Route demand | High-volume corridors (TX↔FL, CA↔TX, IL→FL) have competitive pricing. Remote or low-demand routes cost more. |
| Pickup / delivery access | Difficult access may limit available carriers, affecting pricing. |
| Expedited booking | Rush dispatch within 24–72 hours adds 20–50% premium. |
| Non-running condition | Winch surcharge $100–$350 on top of standard rate. |
Open vs. Enclosed Truck Shipping
Open transport is the right choice for most trucks. Enclosed is worth considering for high-value or collector trucks — with an important caveat about dimensions.
| Factor | Open Transport | Enclosed Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Baseline | +40–80% above open |
| Availability | Highest — largest carrier network | Limited — smaller pool |
| Height capacity | Standard open: ~84"; flatbed: no limit | ~84" interior clearance max |
| Best for | Standard, lifted, dually, work trucks | Luxury/collector trucks in factory dims |
| Lifted trucks (6"+) | Step-deck or flatbed — standard approach | Often exceeds clearance; verify first |
| Dually trucks | Flatbed if width requires; otherwise standard | Limited by width — verify carrier |
| Lead time | 3–10 days standard, 1–3 weeks specialty | Longer — smaller enclosed carrier pool |
| Weather protection | Exposed — industry standard, well maintained | Fully enclosed from weather and debris |
Lifted truck + enclosed caveat: Most lifted trucks exceed enclosed carrier clearance. A truck lifted 4+ inches on factory-tall tires often reaches or exceeds the ~84-inch enclosed trailer clearance. Always confirm exact vehicle height before booking enclosed for a lifted truck.
Door-to-Door Truck Shipping
Door-to-door service is the standard for truck shipping — the carrier picks up at your address and delivers to the destination address. Most truck shipments are completed door-to-door without complications. The practical limitation is carrier access: a multi-car auto carrier is 60–75 feet long. It needs a wide street, a long driveway, or a commercial-style approach to safely maneuver.
Flatbed carriers used for dually and heavily lifted trucks are similarly large commercial vehicles. For residential areas with narrow streets, cul-de-sacs, low tree canopy, or other access constraints, the carrier coordinates a nearby accessible meeting point — typically a large parking lot, commercial street, or truck-accessible area within a few miles of your address.
Describe your pickup and delivery access situation accurately at booking. If you know your street is narrow, has low-hanging trees, or is a private road with weight limits, note this specifically. The coordinator logs it for the assigned carrier to review before dispatch — preventing day-of surprises.
Lifted & Dually Truck Shipping
Lifted and dually trucks are the most common specialty truck shipping configurations. Understanding why these trucks require additional consideration helps set accurate expectations for timing and pricing.
Why lifted trucks are harder to ship
- Height is the primary variable — not the lift alone, but factory height + lift + tire diameter combined
- Standard carrier upper deck has limited clearance — lifted trucks may not clear
- Loading ramp angle changes with increased height — affects loading safety
- Step-deck or flatbed required for lifts 8"+
- Specialty carrier pool is smaller = longer booking lead time
- Exact measurements (not estimates) are required to match the right carrier
Why dually width matters
- Dual rear wheels add 6–8 inches of width beyond SRW equivalent
- Standard carrier deck wheel grooves are spaced for narrower vehicles
- Dually trucks may need wider deck spacing or flatbed platform loading
- Dually trucks weigh 7,500–9,500+ lbs — carrier weight ratings matter
- Long-bed dually crew cab configs approach maximum carrier length limits
- Pricing 10–25% above SRW equivalent due to equipment considerations
Oversized tires and their impact
- Larger tires increase overall height — a 35" tire vs. factory adds 2–3 inches of height
- Wide tires (12.5"+ tread width) on a dually can push total width beyond standard limits
- Tire size must be disclosed for accurate height and width calculations
- Spinning tires or directional tires should be noted for loading crew
When flatbed or specialty equipment is needed
- Lifts 8" and above — step-deck or flatbed typically required
- All dually trucks — confirmed carrier deck width or flatbed
- Non-running lifted or dually trucks — winch-equipped flatbed
- Extremely low ground clearance — ultra-low ramp or rollback
- Commercial pickups with mounted equipment
Non-Running Truck Shipping
Non-running trucks can be transported using winch or rollback loading equipment. The carrier uses a winch cable attached to the truck's frame to pull it onto the carrier deck without the truck's drivetrain. For trucks without wheels or with severe suspension damage, a rollback tilt-bed or forklift loading may be required.
When booking a non-running truck, disclose the specific reason: dead battery (often the simplest — the truck may be push-started or jumped on-site for loading), seized engine or transmission, locked differential, missing wheels, no steering, or no brakes. Each condition has different loading approach implications and the carrier needs accurate information to bring appropriate equipment.
Non-running surcharge: $100–$350 depending on truck size and loading complexity. The non-running surcharge applies in addition to the standard truck shipping rate. Plan for 1–2 extra weeks of booking lead time — the winch-capable carrier pool is smaller than the standard pool.
Popular Truck Shipping Routes
High-volume corridors offer strong carrier availability and competitive pricing for both standard and specialty truck configurations.
California → Texas Truck Shipping
Highest-volume truck corridor. Lifted trucks, dually trucks, work trucks — excellent specialty carrier availability.
Texas → Florida Truck Shipping
Major snowbird and relocation corridor. Competitive pricing, strong carrier availability year-round.
Florida → New York Truck Shipping
Snowbird return corridor. NYC metro requires staging area planning for flatbed/specialty trucks.
California → Florida Truck Shipping
Cross-country corridor. Good carrier availability in both directions. Book 2 weeks ahead for specialty trucks.
Texas → California Truck Shipping
Reverse of the highest-volume corridor. Strong return-load availability for competitive pricing.
Illinois → Florida Truck Shipping
Busy Midwest snowbird route. Chicago to Miami/Orlando sees peak demand November–January.
How EZ Auto Movers Handles Truck Shipping
Dimension-verified before quoting
We collect exact truck dimensions before providing a rate — cab size, bed length, lift height, total height, dually or SRW. Dimension-verified quotes prevent carrier mismatches and last-minute price changes at pickup.
FMCSA-licensed carrier network
All carriers hold active FMCSA authority. We verify MC numbers, USDOT numbers, cargo insurance certificates, and safety ratings before dispatch. Your carrier's USDOT number is provided for independent verification.
Equipment matching for specialty trucks
Lifted and dually trucks are matched to carriers with the right equipment — not just any available carrier. Flatbed, step-deck, and rollback carriers for specialty configurations; standard open for standard trucks.
Active cargo insurance on every shipment
Every carrier maintains FMCSA-mandated cargo insurance covering transit damage. For high-value custom trucks, we confirm the carrier's per-vehicle coverage limit before dispatch.
Bill of Lading documentation
Pickup BOL documents condition before transit. Delivery BOL is your delivery verification. For custom and collector trucks with complex pre-existing profiles, we emphasize thorough pickup BOL documentation.
No upfront payment
You don't pay until a carrier is matched to your specific truck shipment. This protects you from booking fees for shipments that can't be matched and aligns our incentive with successful carrier dispatch.
Truck Shipping Knowledge Center
Everything pickup truck owners need to know — lifted, dually, diesel, service body, and commercial truck shipping, dimensions-based pricing, and popular routes nationwide.
Pricing & Quotes
5 topicsSpecialty & Modified Trucks
8 topicsTruck Types & Sizes
6 topicsBooking & Scheduling
3 topicsPickup, Delivery & Tracking
4 topicsPrep, Insurance & Documents
5 topicsPopular Routes
4 topicsTruck Shipping Quote
Get Exact Dimensions Ready
Have lift height, cab size, bed length, and any mods ready for the most accurate quote.
☎ (888) 508-2175Online Quote FormOn This Page
Truck Types We Ship
- Compact pickups (Maverick, Tacoma)
- Half-ton pickups (F-150, Ram 1500)
- 3/4-ton pickups (F-250, Ram 2500)
- 1-ton pickups (F-350, Ram 3500)
- Dually trucks (DRW)
- Lifted trucks (any lift height)
- Lowered trucks
- Work & utility trucks
- Commercial pickups (F-450, F-550)
- Large SUVs (Suburban, Expedition)
- Diesel trucks (all classes)
- Non-running trucks
Related Services
- Oversized Vehicle Transport
- Open Car Shipping
- Enclosed Car Shipping
- Door-to-Door Car Shipping
- Cross-Country Car Shipping
- State-to-State Shipping
- Expedited Car Shipping
- Non-Running Car Shipping
- Car Shipping Calculator
- Car Shipping Cost Guide
- FMCSA & Carrier Licensing
- Car Shipping Insurance
- Premium Vehicle Protection
Ready to Ship Your Truck?
Standard half-tons, lifted trucks, dually pickups, or work trucks — have your dimensions ready and call for a quote matched to your exact configuration.
