Our carriers move lowered cars, lifted trucks, dually pickups, limousines and other non-standard vehicles regularly. What matters is that the carrier knows before it arrives, because the equipment and the loading plan are different.
What counts as non-standard
Under our Terms and Conditions, that includes vehicles modified from factory condition (aftermarket spoilers, lowered or raised suspension, height changes), vehicles that are oversized because of dual or oversized wheels, extra-large tires or racks, and large vehicles such as limousines or hearses.
What it changes
A lowered car needs a liftgate or extended ramps so the front splitter clears the trailer. A lifted truck or a dually takes more height and width, which limits where it can sit on the trailer and how many other vehicles fit. The carrier may charge an additional fee for the space and handling, or decline the vehicle if its truck cannot take it safely.
What to do at booking
Give us the modifications, the overall height and width if you know them, and photos. We match you with a carrier that has the right equipment and quote the move on that basis, so there are no surprises at the truck.
Non-permanent racks and loose accessories should be removed before pickup in any case. Permanent modifications just need to be declared.
Why a few inches change the truck
An open car hauler's ramps meet the ground at an angle, and a car with a low front splitter or long overhang scrapes before its wheels reach the deck. The upper deck of a two-level trailer has limited height under overpasses, because the loaded rig has to stay under the 13 feet 6 inch to 14 foot limits states set, and a lifted truck or a roof-racked van may not fit up there at all. Width matters because trailer decks and the federal 102-inch vehicle width limit in 23 CFR 658.15 leave little margin for dually fenders or wide tires.
None of this makes a vehicle unshippable. It means the carrier needs to know in advance so it brings a liftgate, extended ramps or a trailer with the right slot free, and prices the space the vehicle takes.
What to measure and send
Overall height from the ground to the highest fixed point, overall width including mirrors or fender flares, overall length including any hitch or bumper extension, ground clearance at the lowest point, and curb weight if you know it. A photo from the front and side with a person or a tape measure for scale helps the carrier judge the ramp angle. For a lowered car, note whether it has adjustable suspension that can be raised for loading.
What the Terms say: the customer must inform Rivalane of the vehicle's size and condition at booking and before pickup; a vehicle modified from factory condition, oversized because of wheels, tires or racks, or large such as a limousine or hearse may carry additional carrier fees or be refused (Section 3c). Non-permanent racks and loose accessories must be removed before shipment (Section 3b).
Lowered cars and the enclosed option
Enclosed carriers nearly always have a hydraulic liftgate, which lifts the car level onto the deck with no ramp angle at all. For a car with less than about four inches of clearance, or one with an expensive front splitter, enclosed is usually the safer and sometimes the only option. Our enclosed transport page and white glove page describe the service, and the enthusiasts page covers how collectors approach it.
Lifted trucks, duallys and vans
These usually ride on the lower deck of an open trailer or on a specialty carrier that moves fewer vehicles. The carrier may charge for taking two spaces or for the extra weight. Remove light bars, aftermarket roof racks and bed accessories that are not permanent, because Section 3b requires it and because they are what gets caught under a bridge. Oversized tires should be at normal pressure, not aired down.
Limousines, hearses and conversion vehicles
Length is the issue. A stretch limousine may not fit a standard slot and often goes on a flatbed or a dedicated carrier at a higher rate. Hearses and ambulance or camper conversions are tall and heavy. Give us the exact length and weight and we will quote the right equipment rather than a standard slot that will be refused on the day.
What goes wrong when details are missed
A driver arrives with a standard trailer, cannot load the car without damage, and either declines or charges a fee for a workaround. A declined pickup after a carrier has accepted counts as a cancellation under Section 10a, with the minimum fee and the carrier's dry run fee. All of it is avoided by five minutes with a tape measure at booking.
Securement on a non-standard vehicle
The FMCSA cargo securement rules for automobiles, light trucks and vans in 49 CFR 393.128 require the vehicle to be restrained at front and rear to prevent movement in every direction. On a lowered car with no exposed frame points, or a lifted truck with aftermarket control arms, the driver needs to know where those points are. Mark them or describe them on a sheet left in the car.
Related questions
- Can Rivalane ship a car that does not run?
- What is an order confirmation and what should I check on it?
- Can you ship a classic or exotic car?
Go deeper: Simplify Your Oversized Vehicle Shipping.
