Shipping a Lifted or Modified Truck: Height Limits, Costs and Carriers

In most states, a loaded truck and trailer can't exceed about 13 feet 6 inches tall, and the federal width limit on interstates is 8 feet 6 inches. A car carrier has to fit every vehicle inside those limits.

A lifted truck usually can't ride on the top deck, which means it takes a lower position a sedan could have used. That lost space is what you pay for. Lifted trucks often cost roughly 20–30% more than a comparable stock truck, and more for extreme builds.

Stock to about 2-inch level: Usually treated like a stock truck.

3–4 inch lift: Often needs a lower-deck position; modest surcharge.

5–6 inch lift with larger tires: Lower deck only; some trailers can't take it.

Over 6 inches or very tall overall: May need a specialty trailer, such as a lowboy or step-deck.

Extreme height or width: May require an oversize permit. Read oversize vehicle permits.

• Standard open carrier (lower deck): Works for mild to moderate lifts.
• Enclosed carrier with a lift gate: Interior height limits apply — confirm before booking.
• Hotshot or wedge trailer: Usually one to three vehicles; flexible for tall trucks.
• Flatbed, step-deck or lowboy: For very tall, heavy or wide builds. See lowboy trucking.

Measure the truck as it sits today — current lift, tires and accessories — not the factory spec sheet.

• Height: From the ground to the highest point, including light bars, racks or antennas.
• Width: Including mirrors and fender flares.
• Length: Bumper to bumper, including hitches or tire carriers.

Give us these numbers at booking. An accurate measurement now prevents a re-quote at pickup.

If the driver arrives and the truck doesn't fit the spot it was assigned, you'll usually face two choices: pay a higher rate on the spot for a different position, or wait for a different carrier. Both are avoidable with accurate measurements and photos at booking.

Duallies add width from dual rear wheels and wider fenders. Long beds and crew cabs add length. Both carry surcharges for the same reason lifted trucks do — they take more space. Our truck shipping page covers every configuration.

• Remove or secure light bars, roof racks and antennas that add height.
• Lower air suspension to its lowest setting if your truck has it.
• Remove loose items from the bed or secure them with a tonneau cover.
• Note aftermarket bumpers, winches and tire carriers that add length.
• Leave about a quarter tank of fuel.
• Photograph the truck from every side, including the roof.

Most lifted trucks ship on open carriers in a lower-deck position. Enclosed trailers have strict interior height limits, so a tall truck may not fit at all. If your build has custom paint or is worth protecting, ask about enclosed trailers with extra clearance, or a single-vehicle hotshot trailer.

Lifted trucks often cost roughly 20–30% more than stock trucks. For a 1,000-mile trip, a stock half-ton pickup might run about $850–$1,250 on an open carrier, while the same truck with a 6-inch lift and 35s might run about $1,050–$1,550. Very tall or wide builds that need a step-deck or permits are priced individually. See why SUVs and trucks cost more to ship.

These ranges are rough guides; actual fit depends on the trailer and position.

• Under about 6 feet 6 inches tall: Fits most positions, including some upper-deck spots.
• About 6'6" to 7'2": Usually lower deck on a standard carrier.
• About 7'2" to 8': Lower deck only on carriers with enough clearance, or a hotshot/wedge trailer.
• About 8' to 9': Hotshot, flatbed or step-deck, depending on the trailer's deck height.
• Over 9': Step-deck or lowboy, and possibly permits.

Measure from the ground to the highest point, including light bars and roof racks.

1. Standard car carriers with lower-deck space: Most affordable; works for mild to moderate lifts.

2. Hotshot and wedge trailers: One-ton pickups pulling trailers for one to three vehicles. Lower deck heights and flexible routing make them popular for tall trucks.

3. Flatbeds and step-decks: For very tall builds, duallies and trucks with wide fender flares.

4. Lowboys: For extreme height or weight, or show trucks that need maximum clearance.

• Park on level ground with tires at normal pressure.
• Measure height to the highest fixed point — roof, light bar, rack, antenna base.
• Measure width at the widest point, usually mirrors or fender flares.
• Measure length bumper to bumper, including hitches, tire carriers and winch bumpers.
• Note tire size and lift height.
• Take photos from the front, side and rear with a tape measure visible.

Send these with your quote request. Accurate numbers are the best protection against a price change at pickup.

Low bridges, overpasses and wires are a real hazard for tall loads. A truck that clears 13'6" may still hit an older bridge on a local road. Carriers plan routes around known low clearances, but they can only do that if they know the real height of every vehicle on the load. Hitting an overpass can destroy the vehicle, damage the bridge and lead to large fines — another reason honest measurements matter.

Dual rear wheels typically make a truck about 8 feet wide at the rear fenders, close to the 8'6" legal width limit for the whole load. Some carriers can't fit a dually alongside other vehicles. Long-bed crew cabs can stretch beyond 20 feet. Wide fender flares and extended mirrors add more width. Each of these narrows the options and adds cost, so include them in your request.

Show trucks with custom paint, airbrushing or chrome deserve the same care as a classic car. Enclosed trailers with tall interior height and lift gates exist, but they're limited — book early. For trucks headed to SEMA or other shows, see collector and show car transport.

• Have the truck parked where a long trailer can reach it — lifted trucks often load from the rear of the trailer.
• Lower air suspension if equipped.
• Remove removable light bars, flags and antennas.
• Make sure the truck starts easily; a tall truck that won't start is hard to winch.
• Walk around the truck with the driver, including the roof, and note existing marks on the Bill of Lading.

• Remove height-adding accessories before measuring.
• Be flexible on dates so the broker can match you with a hotshot or carrier with an open lower-deck spot.
• Ship off-peak, avoiding summer and the snowbird rush.
• Meet near a major highway if you're rural.
• Combine with another vehicle on the same booking if you're moving more than one.

Lifted and modified trucks ship every day. The keys are accurate measurements, the right trailer type, and booking early enough to get a suitable spot. Share real numbers and photos, remove what you can, and your truck will ship without surprises.

How much extra does it cost to ship a lifted truck?: Often roughly 20–30% more than a stock truck, depending on height, tires and accessories.

What is the maximum height for shipping a lifted truck on a carrier?: Most states limit the loaded truck and trailer to about 13 feet 6 inches, so the vehicle's height determines which trailer position or trailer type it needs.

How do I measure my modified truck for shipping?: Measure height, width and length as the truck sits now, including lights, racks, mirrors and hitches.

Are duallies charged like lifted trucks?: They carry similar surcharges, but because of width rather than height.

Will my lifted truck fit on an enclosed trailer?: Possibly, if its height is within the trailer's interior clearance. Many tall builds need open hotshot or step-deck transport instead.

Should I remove my light bar before shipping?: If it's easy to remove, yes. It lowers the height and reduces the chance of damage.

Does a leveling kit change the price?: Usually only slightly. Larger lifts and tires have more effect.

Can you ship a lifted Jeep Wrangler?: Yes. Lifted Jeeps usually ride on the lower deck or a hotshot trailer depending on height and tire size.

Do lifted trucks need oversize permits?: Usually not. Most lifted trucks stay within legal limits when loaded on a lower deck or a low trailer. Extreme builds may need a step-deck, lowboy or permit. See oversize vehicle permits.

How far in advance should I book shipping for a lifted truck?: Two to three weeks is ideal, because suitable lower-deck and hotshot spots are limited. In summer, allow a little more time.

Can I ship a lifted truck enclosed?: Only if its height fits inside the trailer. Very tall trucks usually ship on open hotshot or step-deck trailers.