Transporting custom or modified vehicles through standard shipping methods can be a risky endeavor. Lower cars may require special loading methods, aftermarket parts must be secured to prevent movement in transit, and, for these reasons you need a shipping partner that manages customized car needs.
Preowned Auto Logistics recognizes that custom and modified vehicles are unique, and their trained staff provides a thorough inspection before and after transportation. As part of PAL’s commitment to protecting your vehicle, they will also document any existing condition.
Here are some of the risks of transporting custom or modified vehicles and the ways you can significantly reduce those risks for safe delivery.
Understanding the Risks Involved with Custom Vehicle Transport
Damage during transportation can ruin your investment in a custom-built vehicle. Lowered suspensions and custom wide-body kits are especially susceptible to bumps and scrapes. Aftermarket parts may also suffer vibration damage more than original equipment manufacturer parts.
Height/ground clearance issues in loading and unloading
Transporting a raised truck or slammed ride is challenging. If ground clearance is low, your lowered car may hit loading ramps. Loading properly without damaging your undercarriage requires specialized equipment with long, progressive ramps. Height limits are the main difficulty with lifted trucks, will your monster truck fit on the carrier? Standard clearance measures do not apply to your customized vehicle, so verify with your shipping provider first.
Increased risk with open transport if not chosen carefully
When you choose open transport for your custom car, you are taking a chance with your most valuable asset. Your customized car is vulnerable to weather, road debris, and spectators. Even though open transportation is less expensive, your modified car has unique vulnerabilities that regular cars do not have. Compared to factory parts, those aftermarket parts might not be as resilient to environmental stresses. Extreme temperatures, rain, and road salt all present more hazards to your custom car than to factory-built models.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
For your custom ride, choosing the incorrect carrier could cost you more than $10,000. Here’s what you should know:
- Â Enclosed carriers protect your customized car from weather, road debris, and onlookers.
- Â Due to exposure, open carriers account for nearly 65% of custom vehicle damage during transit.
- You need additional protection from road hazards for a lowered car with custom body kits.
The additional $400–600 for enclosed transport is inexpensive insurance after spending thousands on modifications. Consider this: fixing a single rock chip on your custom paint job might end up costing more than the difference in shipping.
Door-to-door delivery
The statistics show that your modified vehicle’s risk of damage considerably increases with each additional handling. Door-to-door delivery:
- Gets rid of several loading/unloading cycles
- Â Protect your vehicle from strange curbs and ramps.
- Â Gives your car the individualized attention it needs.
You do not have to face random terminal driveways with your custom air suspension or exhaust system. At pickup, you can speak with the driver directly about any special handling needs.
Access to terminals
Terminal-to-terminal makes sense in certain situations, especially when:
• The delivery schedules you work with are flexible.
• Truck access is restricted at your pickup and delivery locations.
• You want to reduce your transportation expenses by 15% to 20%.
However, keep in mind that terminal storage entails your car being left in a yard, sometimes unattended.
PAL’s transport options
For specialty vehicles, PAL doesn’t think there should be a one-size-fits-all approach. Their strategy consists of:
• Driver matching based on prior experience with comparable vehicles;
• Detailed evaluation of your modifications before booking
• Personalized loading schedules for cars with wide-body kits or extreme lowering
You deserve better than ordinary shipping for your pride and joy. PAL will suggest the best transport option if you tell them about your mods.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Safe Shipping
Take thorough pictures of your modified vehicle from every angle before it is loaded onto the transport truck. Believe us, if something goes wrong, having a visual record of your car’s condition is invaluable. Take close-ups of your car’s unique modifications, aftermarket wheels, and custom paint jobs as you walk around it.
Do not stop with pictures. Complete a comprehensive inspection form, making note of any dents, scratches, or other flaws. Transport companies will usually provide you with these forms, but if necessary, you can make your own. Be very specific; “some scratches” is never as good as “small scratch on rear quarter panel below driver’s side taillight.”
Remove loose parts
Did you spend a lot of money on that carbon fibre spoiler? Remove it before shipping. This also applies to any aftermarket accessories that could catch wind while being transported, such as detachable antennae and personalized badges.
Keep these components with you and wrap them individually in bubble wrap. There is nothing worse than seeing your pricey lip spoiler get ruined because it was left on during a rough ride. Do not forget about the interior modifications; take off your steering wheel, shift knob, and anything else that might come loose.
Verify ground clearance
Do you have a lifted monster truck or a slammed ride? Your transportation provider must be aware! Give your carrier the measurements of your car’s ground clearance.
You are looking at possible loading ramp problems for vehicles that are lowered. To load your car without causing damage to the undercarriage, your transporter may require specialized tools like wooden blocks or long ramps. Height restrictions apply to lifted trucks; extreme lift kits are simply not compatible with certain enclosed trailers.
Secure all add-ons
Verify again that the parts of your body kit are securely fastened. Before your vehicle is loaded onto the transport truck, the front lips and custom side skirts must be securely fastened. Reinforce or remove any parts that appear loose.
Make sure all wiring for LED lighting systems or under glow kits is securely fastened and not hanging down where it could catch on something during loading or transportation. To avoid battery drain or electrical problems during shipping, think about unplugging these accessories’ power sources.
Insurance and liability coverage
Expensive aftermarket wheels, custom paint jobs, or performance upgrades are vulnerable during shipping because most basic policies only cover the vehicle’s factory value.
Imagine spending thousands customizing your vehicle only to find out that your $5,000 carbon fibre hood is not covered if it gets damaged in transit. Many owners of custom cars discover this painful lesson too late.
PAL’s insurance policies
We at PAL understand that your customized car is an investment and an effort of devotion, not just a means of transportation. Our customized insurance plans are made especially for expensive, customized cars like yours. Among our options for premium coverage are the following:
• Complete protection of valuation for recorded aftermarket changes
• Full valuation protection for documented modifications
• No depreciation deductions for custom parts
• Comprehensive coverage during all stages of transport
• Higher liability limits for exotic and heavily modified vehicles
Review the fine print.
Get a magnifying glass and scan those policy documents before signing with any transport company. Here’s what you need to check:
• Particular disclaimers for altered parts
• Value caps that could restrict how much you get paid
• Documentation requirements for changes before transportation
• Deductible sums for personalized automobiles
Too many customers neglect this step, only to find out later that the standard policy did not cover their wide-body kit modifications or lowered suspension.
Verification of customer signatures
PAL has developed a double-check signature procedure that safeguards your valuable car and you. Before transportation, you will:
• Fill out a thorough modification documentation form.
• Examine and confirm that everything has been covered.
• Get confirmation of your coverage limitations.
• Obtain a photo proof of your car’s pre-transport state.
When unexpected shipping incidents happen, this extra step has saved customers thousands of dollars and countless headaches.
Working with an Experienced Auto Transport Company
With more than 25 years of experience, PAL is an expert in shipping customized cars, employing specific methods to ensure transit safety and prompt resolution of any possible problems.PAL’sprofessional drivers receive additional training on how to handle cars, including ramp installation, handling low-clearance vehicles, and properly securing vehicles of odd sizes.
Customer reviews & trust, establishing confidence
Do not rely solely on our word. Similar to you, auto enthusiasts have shared their experiences and trusted PAL with their custom rides:
“I was anxious about shipping my lowered GTR across the nation, but PAL’s staff handled it expertly. No scratches!” Mike T. from California
“My truck has 35-inch tyres and a 6-inch lift kit. Throughout the trip, the driver kept me informed and took extra time to secure it correctly. Sarah L. from Texas
These reviews show that people have built up a lot of trust over the years of successful deliveries. The modified car community is close-knit, and news spreads quickly when a business always provides good service.
Regular updates for your peace of mind
When you are driving, there is nothing worse than not knowing where your beloved car is. PAL understands this stress and offers you regular updates during the shipping process. You will get updates when your car is picked up, when it is on its way to its destination, and when it is getting close.
You can check on your vehicle’s status at any time with their tracking systems, which gives you extra peace of mind while your custom ride is on the road. Their customer service team is only a phone call away if you have any questions or concerns while your vehicle is being transported. They are ready to answer your questions right away.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Custom Car
• Selecting the cheapest quote: Choosing low-cost carriers might not have the necessary tools or expertise for handling modified cars, which could result in incorrect handling.
• Failing to disclose modifications: Employing a vehicle that has been modified may result in problems, like scraping loading ramps or needing to be positioned differently on the trailer.
• Ignoring enclosed transport: Shipping expensive cars on open trailers makes them vulnerable to weather, road debris, and prying eyes.
• No proof = no insurance claims: Insurance claims may be rejected in the absence of adequate documentation.
Final Thoughts
It takes a specialized approach to transport your ideal car, particularly if it has special features like custom paint jobs and lowered suspensions. Putting your investment at risk by relying on just any transportation provider can result in costly mistakes. The safety of your valuable vehicle is our top priority at Preowned Auto Logistics, where we use specialized tools for modified cars and carefully record every detail. Our passionate group of auto transport enthusiasts makes sure your vehicle is treated with the utmost care and performs extensive inspections when it arrives to keep it in perfect condition.
Are you prepared to move your precious vehicle? Select expert professionals with knowledge about your custom build instead of settling for ordinary shipping. For a free, customized quote right now, give us a call at (978) 313-5841 or fill out our online form!
