Larger and heavier vehicles require more fuel to pull, occupy more deck space, and demand heavy-duty equipment.
Read what other customers say about their experience with one of the best rated car transport companies:
Steve H.
D.N.
Great and fast service! Second time using their enclosed transport. Driver thoroughly checked my vehicle and delivered it across the US without issues.
Steve H.
My Packard was delivered in an enclosed trailer by a driver who knew his business very well and was extremely helpful. I have used Montway’s services in the past, none of this was surprising.
What is oversized vehicle shipping?
In the auto transport industry, a vehicle isn't classified as "oversized" just because it feels big on the road. While standard auto carriers easily accommodate regular cars, full-sized SUVs, and light trucks, oversized vehicle shipping requires specialized logistics, heavy-duty trailers, and unique compliance measures.
According to guidelines set by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a transport load is generally classified as oversized or overweight if the vehicle or its hauling equipment exceeds any of the following standard thresholds:
- Width: over 8.6 feet
- Height: over 13.6 feet
- Length: over 53 feet
- Weight: Over 80,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
If your vehicle meets or exceeds these dimensions, it cannot travel on standard multi-car haulers. Instead, it requires a specialized carrier equipped to handle heavy freight.
How much does oversized vehicle shipping cost?
Because oversized shipments may require specific trailers and routing, pricing is customized for every haul. Just like standard car shipping, your final rate depends on a combination of variables:
Size and weight:
Distance and route:
Longer distances increase the base cost, though the price-per-mile scales down. Additionally, complex routes that require avoiding major metropolitan bottlenecks or specific terrain can impact the price.
Permits and escort fees:
States charge specific legal fees for oversize/overweight permits. If your vehicle’s dimensions require pilot cars (escort vehicles), these labor costs will be factored into your quote.
Seasonal demand:
Transport prices fluctuate throughout the year based on carrier capacity, weather conditions, and seasonal shipping surges.
How long does oversized vehicle shipping take?
For a general estimate of how long it will take to ship your vehicle, refer to our chart. Keep in mind that while distance is a major factor in transit times, carrier availability is also a variable for oversized transport.
Because specialized trailers (like lowboys and heavy flatbeds) are less common than standard open haulers, it takes additional coordination to align your route with a highly vetted driver who possesses both the proper equipment and the specific expertise required for heavy hauling.
Additionally, transit times may be slightly extended because oversized loads are legally required to stick to designated, permit-approved routes.
Examples of oversized vehicles
Unsure if your vehicle falls into this category? Here are the most common types of oversized or heavy vehicles Montway regularly coordinates for transport:
- Dual rear wheel (Dually) trucks:
- Ford F-350 Dually, F-450
- Ram 3500 Dually
- Chevrolet & GMC: Silverado 3500 HD (Dually), Sierra 3500 HD (Dually)
- Select full-size trucks
- High roof and extended cargo/passenger vans:
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and extended models
- Ram ProMaster with high roof variants
- Medium-duty and commercial pickups:
- Ford F-550, F-650, F-750
- Chevrolet/GMC: Kodiak and TopKick series (C4500, C5500, C6500)
- Extra-large Class A, B, and C motorhomes & RVs:
- Fifth-wheels, boat trailers, campers, and travel trailers—especially those exceeding 22–25 feet in length
- Heavily modified vehicles:
- Featuring aftermarket modifications like suspension lift kits, oversized tires, dually conversions, or permanent rooftop utility accessories.
- Tractors & agricultural equipment:
- Industrial farming machinery, balers, utility tractors, and light construction equipment.
Montway navigates oversized permits and compliance logistics
Navigating the legal landscape of oversized vehicle shipping can be a headache for individual owners or businesses. When you partner with Montway, our team takes the logistics workload off your shoulders by coordinating all necessary compliance details:
Oversize/overweight permits:
Every state operates under its own Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. We coordinate the specific permits, allowed routes, and state fees required for your vehicle's journey.
Strategic route planning:
Oversized loads can't just follow a standard GPS. We ensure carriers utilize routes that purposefully bypass low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, and tight, congested urban spaces.
Escort vehicles (pilot cars):
If your load is exceptionally wide or tall, state laws may mandate certified pilot cars to clear the way safely. We arrange these support vehicles as required by local regulations.
Vetted carrier qualifications:
We don't partner with just anyone. Every heavy-haul carrier in our network is thoroughly screened for proper safety ratings, active DOT/FMCSA compliance, and comprehensive cargo insurance policies to protect your assets.
How does oversized vehicle shipping work?
Unlike standard car shipping, which can be instantly booked online, oversized vehicle shipping requires a hands-on, consultative approach. Because our online quote calculator generates rates based on standard, non-modified (factory) versions of each make and model, it cannot account for the unique dimensions of a highly modified or exceptionally large vehicle.
To get your shipment moving, you will need to speak directly with one of our oversized vehicle shipping specialists. Call our team at (888) 666-8929 and share the exact height, width, length, and weight of your specific vehicle. From there, we will build a customized quote—manually factoring in state permit regulations, specialized trailer availability, and custom route planning to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and legally.
How to prepare an oversized vehicle for transport
Preparing an oversized vehicle is very similar to standard car shipping, but due to the sheer scale of the vehicle, a few extra steps from the customer's perspective ensure a smooth trip:
- Retract or remove accessories: Remove non-permanent exterior items such as oversized side mirrors, magnetic flags, temporary roof racks, or antennas.
- Check clearances: If your vehicle has a lift kit or aftermarket modifications, note down the exact highest point and widest point to ensure our dispatch team matches you with the right trailer bed height.
- Clean the exterior: A relatively clean vehicle allows for a fast, accurate inspection at pickup and delivery.
- Clear out personal items: Keep the interior clear of loose items to comply with transport weight limits and insurance regulations.
- Fuel levels: Try to keep the gas tank at roughly a quarter-tank or less. If an electric vehicle, aim for a battery charge between 45 and 65%.This significantly reduces unnecessary weight on an already heavy shipment.
How does oversized vehicle shipping work?
Unlike standard car shipping, which can be instantly booked online, oversized vehicle shipping requires a hands-on, consultative approach. Because our online quote calculator generates rates based on standard, non-modified (factory) versions of each make and model, it cannot account for the unique dimensions of a highly modified or exceptionally large vehicle.
To get your shipment moving, you will need to speak directly with one of our oversized vehicle shipping specialists. Call our team at (888) 666-8929 and share the exact height, width, length, and weight of your specific vehicle. From there, we will build a customized quote—manually factoring in state permit regulations, specialized trailer availability, and custom route planning to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and legally.
How to prepare an oversized vehicle for transport
Preparing an oversized vehicle is very similar to standard car shipping, but due to the sheer scale of the vehicle, a few extra steps from the customer's perspective ensure a smooth trip:
- Retract or remove accessories: Remove non-permanent exterior items such as oversized side mirrors, magnetic flags, temporary roof racks, or antennas.
- Check clearances: If your vehicle has a lift kit or aftermarket modifications, note down the exact highest point and widest point to ensure our dispatch team matches you with the right trailer bed height.
- Clean the exterior: A relatively clean vehicle allows for a fast, accurate inspection at pickup and delivery.
- Clear out personal items: Keep the interior clear of loose items to comply with transport weight limits and insurance regulations.
- Fuel levels: Try to keep the gas tank at roughly a quarter-tank or less. If an electric vehicle, aim for a battery charge between 45 and 65%.This significantly reduces unnecessary weight on an already heavy shipment.
Oversized vehicle shipping FAQ
Ready to get a car shipping quote with Montway?
My Packard was delivered in an enclosed trailer by a driver who knew his business very well and was extremely helpful. I have used Montway’s services in the past, none of this was surprising.