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Shipping a pickup truck can feel challenging. Between fluctuating fuel prices, oversized vehicle dimensions, and the difficulty of finding a reliable carrier, many owners face uncertainty about how to move their trucks safely and affordably. Knowing your vehicle is handled with care and protected during shipping is a priority.
This guide explains how pickup truck shipping works, so you know exactly what to do. You’ll learn what affects pricing, how to choose the best transport option for your budget and schedule, and what steps to take to prepare your vehicle for a smooth, stress-free shipment.
What You’ll Learn
In this guide, we will answer:
How much does it cost to ship a pickup truck like a Ford F-150 in 2026?
What’s the difference between open and enclosed truck transport, and which should you choose?
Is it better to rent a car trailer or hire a professional auto transport company?
Overview
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Pickup Truck in 2026?
Estimated shipping costs for pickup trucks may start around $400 for short trips, with long-distance moves potentially reaching $900 or more, depending on various factors.
Here are factors that affect pricing:
Distance and Route: Longer routes offer a lower per-mile rate but a higher total cost. Non-major routes are often pricier.
Size/Weight: Oversized, lifted, or heavy-duty trucks cost more than standard trucks.
Open vs. Enclosed: Enclosed transport can add 30 to 70 percent to the price.
Running Condition: Shipping a non-running truck requires a winch and special handling, adding extra cost.
Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (summer) and holidays are usually more expensive.
Location: Remote pickup/delivery locations cost more than major city terminals.
Open vs. Enclosed Truck Transport
Choosing between open and enclosed transport directly affects the final price of your shipment.
Auto Transport Broker vs Carrier: Pros and Cons?
When shipping a pickup truck long distance, you’ll work with either a broker (like AmeriFreight Auto Transport) or a carrier (the trucking company that moves your vehicle). Here’s how they differ:
Decision Checklist
Consider the following when choosing between a broker and a carrier:
Budget: Brokers often secure lower, more competitive rates through market access.
Timeline Flexibility: Carriers may be quicker if you land on one with a truck nearby, but brokers can find you a carrier much faster.
Geography: For remote or niche routes, a broker is far more likely to find a truck than a single carrier.
DIY vs. Pro Transport: When a U-Haul Car Trailer Makes (or Doesn’t Make) Sense
Suppose you’re deciding between hiring a professional carrier or renting a car trailer to move your pickup truck. In that case, the choice depends on distance, liability, and your vehicle’s towing ability
Hiring a Professional Carrier (Pro):
Carrier’s cargo insurance provides protection during transport, according to the terms of their policy.
No wear or added miles on your personal vehicle.
The quoted price includes all transport costs.
You only need to prepare the truck and provide a key.
Using a Car Trailer (DIY):
Your personal auto insurance is primary, which increases liability.
Towing adds wear and tear to your vehicle and increases fuel use.
Extra costs can include gas, hotels, meals, tolls, and time off work.
Requires a car with high towing capacity, a brake controller, and towing experience.
DIY towing can work for short, local moves with light trucks and towing experience. Still, for long-distance or heavy pickups, professional transport is usually safer, easier, and often more affordable.
Insurance for Custom & High-Value Trucks
If you’re shipping a custom, lifted, or expensive truck, it’s important to know what your insurance covers before transport. Understanding coverage helps you prepare for a safe, worry-free shipment.
Carrier Cargo Insurance
Every licensed carrier is required by federal law to carry cargo insurance. This cargo insurance provides protection during transport, subject to the specific terms of each carrier's policy. Review the carrier’s terms and conditions to verify the insurance coverage.
Your Own Auto Insurance
Some personal auto insurance policies may include extra coverage for damage to your vehicle while it is being shipped, especially for weather-related damage. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if your coverage applies during transport.
Supplemental Coverage
For trucks with custom paint, aftermarket parts, or high values, AmeriFreight offers the AFTA optional gap plan.
Verify Your Transporter: DOT & MC Number Lookup
To ensure your truck is shipped safely and legally, always check your carrier’s credentials before booking. Use this checklist as your guide:
Look for the carrier’s DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC (Motor Carrier) numbers.
Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to search for the carrier’s information.
Make sure the carrier has an active operating status.
Confirm they have valid public liability and cargo insurance filings.
Check that their safety rating is satisfactory or conditional, which means they meet federal transport standards.
How to Prepare Your Pickup for Transport
Preparing your truck properly helps ensure a smooth process and may help avoid delays or additional costs.
Universal Prep Checklist
Fuel: Leave about a quarter (1/4) tank of fuel, enough to get it on and off the carrier.
Valuables: Remove all personal items and valuables from the cab and bed. DOT regulations prohibit putting personal items in vehicles. The carrier’s cargo insurance does not apply to these items.
Keys and Alarms: Provide a spare key and deactivate all alarms.
Photos: Take detailed, date-stamped photos of the truck from all angles before loading.
Final Thoughts: Move Your Truck the Smart Way
When it comes to transporting a truck, knowledge is your best protection. Understanding your options, comparing service types, and verifying insurance and credentials can turn what feels like a stressful move into a smooth, confident experience from pickup to delivery.
Ready To Ship Your Pickup Truck?
For more than two decades, AmeriFreight Auto Transport has helped customers coordinate vehicle shipping through a network of fully licensed, insured, and carefully vetted carriers.
Our team screens carriers for strict safety and compliance standards. Get your free, no obligation quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to ship a truck from NY to TX?
The transit time from New York to Texas typically ranges from three to six days after pickup.
Can you ship a non-running Ram 2500 from CA to FL?
Yes, but it requires a winch-equipped carrier, and costs are higher due to the truck’s size and condition.
What is the best way to move a pickup truck cross-country?
The best way to move a pickup truck cross-country is to hire a professional auto transport company for safe, insured shipping without adding mileage.
Is AmeriFreight a broker or a carrier?
AmeriFreight Auto Transport is a trusted auto transport broker that connects you with top-rated carriers for the best pricing and service.
How do I verify a carrier’s DOT/MC number?
Use the FMCSA website to look up a carrier’s DOT and MC numbers and confirm their authority, insurance, and safety status.
Can I pack items in my pickup bed or cab?
No, per DOT regulations, packing personal items in the truck bed or cab is prohibited, as they are not covered by insurance and can affect the vehicle’s transport weight.
Can I ship a lifted truck via open carrier?
Yes, you can ship a lifted truck via an open carrier, but you’ll need to confirm its height and weight since oversized vehicles may require special equipment or a flatbed trailer.
