Pickup truck being loaded onto open car carrier for shipping
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Truck Shipping

Pickup trucks are the most popular vehicle in America -- and we ship thousands every year. Mid-size, full-size, heavy-duty, and lifted trucks, all handled by experienced carriers.

From $0.58/miopen transport
5-7 Per Carrier
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We had an easy and successful experience with Scott's! Great drivers and excellent communication. Affordable and professional!

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Vehicle types

Truck Shipping: Pickups & Full-Size

Pickup trucks are the best-selling vehicle segment in the United States, and shipping them requires carriers who understand their unique dimensions. Trucks are heavier, taller, and longer than sedans -- meaning fewer fit per carrier and pricing runs 15-40% higher depending on the configuration.

Whether you're shipping a mid-size Tacoma, a full-size F-150, or a heavy-duty Ram 3500 dually, the key factors are cab style, bed length, overall height, and any aftermarket modifications like lift kits or oversized tires. Standard open carriers fit 5-7 pickup trucks per load compared to 8-10 sedans.

At Scott's Auto Carrier, we ship thousands of pickup trucks every year and work with carriers specifically equipped for oversized vehicles. This page covers everything you need to know: pricing by truck class, open vs. enclosed options, lifted truck requirements, and how to prepare your truck for transport.

Mid-size, full-size, and heavy-duty pickup trucks ready for auto transport

5-7

Trucks per carrier

$0.58

Per mile from

8K+

Trucks shipped

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Pickup trucks cost more than sedans but less than you think. Get a real, locked-in price in under 60 seconds.

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Shipping by truck class

Truck Shipping Costs by Vehicle Class

Cab style, bed length, and modifications are the biggest pricing factors for truck shipping. Here's how each class compares for a 1,000-mile open transport shipment.

Mid-Size Trucks

Best Value

Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline

Closest to sedan pricing. Lighter weight and shorter bed length keep costs down.

Weight

4,000-4,800 lbs

Length

210-225" L

1,000 mi

$450-$900

Full-Size Trucks (Regular Cab)

Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tundra

Most commonly shipped truck class. Standard pricing. Regular cab is shortest length option.

Weight

4,500-5,500 lbs

Length

220-235" L

1,000 mi

$550-$1,100

Full-Size Trucks (Crew Cab)

F-150 SuperCrew, Silverado Crew Cab, Ram 1500 Crew Cab, Tundra CrewMax

Longer than regular cab. 6.5-foot beds push total length near carrier limits. Very common.

Weight

5,000-5,800 lbs

Length

230-250" L

1,000 mi

$600-$1,200

Heavy-Duty (HD) Trucks

Ford F-250/F-350, Chevy Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, Ram 2500/3500, GMC Sierra HD

Significantly heavier. May take 2 carrier spots on a standard trailer due to weight and dimensions.

Weight

6,000-7,500 lbs

Length

240-265" L

1,000 mi

$750-$1,400

Dually Trucks

F-350 DRW, Silverado 3500HD DRW, Ram 3500 DRW

Dual rear wheels = wider than standard carriers. Often requires flatbed transport or edge-loaded spots.

Weight

7,000-8,500 lbs

Length

250-270" L

1,000 mi

$900-$1,800

Lifted Trucks

Any truck with 3"+ lift kit, 35"+ tires, or over 7 feet tall

Height is the biggest factor. Over 7 feet may need flatbed or specialty low-clearance carrier. Always disclose exact height.

Weight

5,500-8,000+ lbs

Length

Varies by build, 82-96" H

1,000 mi

$800-$1,600

What affects your truck shipping price

Truck shipping pricing varies more than sedan pricing because trucks come in far more configurations. Your final quote depends on these factors:

Cab & bed configuration

Regular cab/short bed is cheapest. Crew cab/long bed adds 15-20%. Total length determines carrier slot allocation.

Lift kits & modifications

Lifts over 3" add $100-$400. Oversized tires, wide fender flares, and bull bars affect height and width clearances.

Distance & route

Longer routes cost less per mile. 200-mile moves average $1.00+/mi while 1,500+ miles drops to $0.58-$0.75/mi.

Vehicle weight

Heavier trucks cost more. A 4,500-lb Tacoma ships for less than a 7,500-lb F-350 because weight affects fuel costs.

Transport type

Open carriers are standard. Enclosed adds 40-60% and is recommended for custom trucks valued over $75K.

Pickup location

Metro areas have the best rates. Rural pickup adds $50-$200 and may require a shorter carrier for narrow roads.

Time of year

Summer and snowbird season see 15-25% higher rates. Early spring and fall offer the best truck shipping pricing.

Bed accessories

Tonneau covers, toolboxes, and bed racks may need removal or can limit carrier stacking. Disclose everything when booking.

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Get an instant quote for your exact truck -- make, model, cab, bed, and any modifications included.

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Distance pricing

Truck Shipping Cost by Distance

Prices below are for a standard full-size truck (F-150, Silverado 1500) on open transport. Mid-size trucks run 10-15% less. Heavy-duty and dually trucks run 20-40% more.

Under 500 mi$450-$600
Per Mile

$0.85-$1.20

Transit

1-3 days

Example

Dallas to Houston

500-1,000 mi$550-$900
Per Mile

$0.65-$0.90

Transit

3-5 days

Example

Chicago to Nashville

1,000-1,500 mi$700-$1,200
Per Mile

$0.58-$0.80

Transit

5-7 days

Example

NYC to Miami

1,500-2,000 mi$850-$1,400
Per Mile

$0.55-$0.75

Transit

6-8 days

Example

Denver to Atlanta

2,000-2,500 mi$1,050-$1,600
Per Mile

$0.52-$0.70

Transit

7-9 days

Example

NY to LA

2,500+ mi$1,250-$1,800
Per Mile

$0.50-$0.65

Transit

8-10 days

Example

Miami to Seattle

Why Trucks Cost More Than Sedans

Trucks are 20-100% heavier, take up more carrier space, and fewer fit per load. A carrier that holds 10 sedans may only fit 5-6 trucks, so cost per vehicle increases.

Best Time to Ship a Truck

Late winter and early spring (Feb-Apr) offer the best truck shipping rates. Avoid summer peak season and holiday periods when demand and pricing spike.

Truck-Heavy Routes Are Cheaper

Routes with high truck volume (TX-MI, TX-FL, MI-AZ) have more carriers equipped for oversized loads. Pricing on these corridors is typically 10-15% lower.

Not Sure What Your Truck Will Cost to Ship?

Every truck is different -- cab size, bed length, lift kits, and tonneau covers all affect pricing. Our agents calculate real pricing based on your exact vehicle.

Carrier types

Open vs. Enclosed Truck Shipping

Open transport handles 90%+ of truck shipments. Enclosed is reserved for custom builds, show trucks, and high-value specialty vehicles.

Open car carrier loaded with trucks on highway
Standard for 90%+ of trucks

Open Truck Transport

Your truck is loaded onto a multi-vehicle open carrier alongside 5-7 other vehicles. The same method dealerships use to ship brand-new trucks from the factory.

$0.58-$1.20/mi for pickups
5-7 trucks per carrier load
Fastest pickup: 1-3 business days
Standard 2-deck and single-deck options
Flatbed available for oversized builds
$750K+ cargo insurance per carrier

Best for:

Daily driver pickups, work trucks, fleet vehicles, standard F-150/Silverado/Ram 1500, mid-size trucks, pre-owned purchases.

Learn more about open transport
Enclosed carrier for premium truck shipping
Premium protection

Enclosed Truck Transport

Your truck ships inside a fully enclosed trailer. Total protection from weather, road debris, and UV. 2-4 trucks per carrier. The gold standard for custom builds and high-value trucks.

$0.95-$1.80/mi (40-60% more than open)
2-4 trucks per enclosed carrier
Total weather and debris protection
Ideal for custom paint and wraps
Higher insurance coverage available
White-glove loading and unloading

Best for:

Custom builds over $75K, show trucks, trucks with specialty paint or wraps, classic trucks, lifted builds with expensive modifications.

Learn more about enclosed transport
Who we serve

Shipping Solutions for Every Situation

Whether you are relocating for a new job, buying a car online, or heading south for winter -- we have tailored shipping solutions for your specific needs.

Truck-specific

Special Considerations for Truck Shipping

Trucks have unique shipping requirements compared to sedans and SUVs. Here's what affects your quote and carrier selection.

Lifted Trucks & Oversized Builds

Trucks over 7 feet tall (stock full-size trucks are 75-78") may not fit on a standard 2-deck carrier. Lifts over 6" typically require a single-deck carrier or flatbed, adding $150-$400. Oversized tires (35"+) add width that affects loading. Always provide exact height when booking.

Bed Accessories & Tonneau Covers

Hard tonneau covers, toolboxes, bed racks, and camper shells should be removed before shipping when possible. If they can't be removed, let us know -- they affect the truck's total height and may prevent upper-deck loading. Soft tonneau covers can usually stay on.

Dually Width Requirements

Dual rear wheel (DRW) trucks are 96"+ wide vs. 80" for standard trucks. They often need to be edge-loaded (last on, first off) or shipped on a flatbed trailer. This limits carrier options and adds $100-$300 to standard pricing.

4WD & Transfer Case

If your truck is 4WD, ensure the transfer case is in 2WD or neutral for transport. Some carriers require 4WD trucks to have the driveshaft disconnected for towing. Automatic 4WD systems should be set to 2HI mode.

Tailgate & Bed Security

Lock your tailgate and secure any loose items in the bed. Carriers are not responsible for items in the truck bed. Remove any aftermarket hitch accessories, mud flaps that hang below the frame, and tow hooks that could catch on carrier equipment.

Aftermarket Bumpers & Bull Bars

Heavy aftermarket front bumpers, bull bars, and winch mounts add weight and can complicate loading clearances. Steel bumpers can add 200-400 lbs alone. These rarely need removal but should be disclosed so the carrier plans loading accordingly.

Before pickup

How to Prepare Your Truck for Shipping

Trucks need a few extra preparation steps compared to sedans. Follow this 12-step checklist for a smooth pickup.

1

Wash your truck so existing scratches and dents are visible for the condition report

2

Take timestamped photos of all sides, bed, roof, and any existing damage or modifications

3

Remove ALL personal belongings from the cab and bed -- carrier insurance does not cover them

4

Remove or secure bed accessories: toolboxes, bed racks, loose tonneau covers, cargo nets

5

Leave fuel tank at 1/4 full (enough for loading/unloading, reduces weight on the carrier)

6

Disable aftermarket alarms, remote start systems, and anti-theft devices

7

Fold in tow mirrors and remove any extended mirror attachments

8

Ensure tires are properly inflated and the battery is fully charged

9

Set 4WD trucks to 2HI mode and ensure transfer case is not in 4WD lock

10

Lock tailgate, remove hitch balls/receivers, and secure any loose exterior accessories

11

Check for fluid leaks -- fix active leaks before the carrier arrives

12

Provide the carrier driver with one set of working keys at pickup

Scott's Auto Carrier transporting pickup trucks
The Scott's difference

Why Ship Your Truck with Scott's

Trucks require carriers who know how to handle oversized loads, lifted builds, and heavy-duty weight. We work with carriers specifically vetted for pickup truck transport -- not just any available carrier.

Get your free quote
ScottPrice Lock -- price never changes after booking
Carriers vetted for oversized vehicle handling
Flatbed and specialty carrier access for lifted trucks
Real-time GPS tracking on every transport
Dedicated coordinator for your shipment
$750K+ insurance per carrier, verified
24/7 U.S.-based phone support
Free cancellation before carrier dispatch
8,000+ trucks shipped nationwide
4.9/5 rating across 2,500+ verified reviews

8,000+

Trucks shipped

4.9

Average rating

$0

Hidden fees, ever

Good to know

5 Things to Know Before Shipping Your Truck

Trucks ship a little differently than sedans. Here's what every truck owner should know before booking transport.

01

Your truck takes up more carrier space than a sedan

A full-size crew cab F-150 is 230-250 inches long and 5,000-5,800 lbs -- compared to 190 inches and 3,500 lbs for a typical sedan. Open carriers fit 5-7 trucks vs. 8-10 sedans. This reduced capacity is the primary reason truck shipping costs more.

02

Lifted trucks over 7 feet need specialty carriers

Standard 2-deck open carriers have about 80-84 inches of clearance per level. If your truck exceeds 7 feet (84"), it typically can't ride on the upper deck and may need a single-deck or flatbed carrier. Always measure and disclose the exact height including any roof racks or light bars.

03

Dually trucks are wider than standard carrier lanes

Dual rear wheel trucks are 96+ inches wide vs. 80 inches for standard pickups. They may need to be edge-loaded (last on, first off) or shipped on a flatbed. Limited carrier positions mean slightly longer wait times for pickup. Plan 1-2 extra days for dually shipments.

04

Remove bed accessories before shipping when possible

Hard tonneau covers, bed-mounted toolboxes, bed racks, and camper shells add height and weight that affect carrier loading. Removable accessories should be taken off. Non-removable items like spray-in bedliners and fixed headache racks are fine. Disclose everything when booking.

05

Truck-heavy routes offer better rates and faster pickup

Routes between truck-heavy markets (TX, MI, OH, FL) have more carriers equipped for oversized loads. A truck shipment from Texas to Michigan will typically be cheaper and faster than the same distance between two smaller markets. Ask about corridor pricing when getting your quote.

Truck shipping FAQ

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about shipping pickup trucks, answered by our team.

Still have questions?

Call (940) 468-0895 or get a free quote.

Get your exact price

Pickup truck shipping costs $0.58-$1.20 per mile for open transport. A 1,000-mile full-size truck (F-150, Silverado 1500) runs $750-$1,100. Mid-size trucks (Tacoma, Ranger) run 10-15% less. Heavy-duty trucks (F-250/350, 2500HD/3500HD) cost 20-40% more due to weight and dimensions. Enclosed transport adds 40-60%.

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Pickup trucks are our specialty. Get a free, no-obligation quote with our ScottPrice Lock Guarantee. Reserve your spot free -- you only pay when your carrier is confirmed.

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