Thanks to their heavy duty compatibility, powerful engines, and ability to haul, pickup trucks have become one of the most popular vehicles on the road today. These high utility vehicles come in a variety of sizes, weights, and dimensions, which can make them slightly more difficult to ship than the average car. Unlike compact cars and sedans, pickup trucks do not necessarily have a standard size and the additional weight and dimensions can be a factor when it comes to transporting a pickup truck. While smaller pickup trucks may fit just fine on a standard auto transport truck, others are too large  and require the use of a flatbed truck. Here are a few tips for choosing the right auto transport company and properly preparing your pickup truck for shipment.  

Research Auto Shipping Companies

The first step in shipping a pickup truck is to research a couple of auto shipping companies to find one that can offer the services you need. Since there is such a variation in the size of these vehicles, you need to find a company that can accommodate your exact truck. You need to choose a company that has the right equipment  to properly load and transport your truck safely. In addition, you want to compare pricing as shipping a large pickup truck is more expensive than shipping a compact car. Shipping costs are determined in part by the weight and size of your vehicle so you expect to pay a higher price for a pickup truck. Finally, you want to check the reviews to make sure the company is reputable and ask for license and registration verification. 

Plan in Advance

Make sure you plan several weeks in advance to find a carrier that is best suited for your needs. When shipping a large pickup truck, carriers might not have space on their haulers and it could take a few weeks to find space for your truck. If your truck is too large for a standard carrier,  it will require a flatbed truck for shipment and this could take even longer to find. You can talk to your auto shipping representative to get the specific information on what kind of carrier your truck requires. Planning in advance can also save you money if you are willing to be flexible on shipping dates. 

Prep Your Truck for Shipment

After your transport has been booked, you need to prep your truck for shipment. It is recommended to wash your truck so you can better document any scratches or dings. Next, you will need to take time stamped pictures of the exterior of your truck so you have evidence of your truck’s condition prior to shipping. You should remove any extra accessories that can easily be taken apart so they don’t get damaged during transport. Finally, you want to make sure the fuel tank is only a quarter full.

Shipping a pickup truck is not necessarily more complicated than shipping a regular car, but there are certain things that need to be taken into account to ensure your truck arrives safely. By doing adequate research, planning ahead, and properly prepping your vehicle, you will ensure your pickup truck is safely transported to its destination.