Owning a Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, or a limited edition hypercar is a different kind of responsibility. These are not everyday vehicles. They carry low ground clearance, delicate carbon fiber body panels, temperamental electronics, and price tags that can run from six figures well into the millions. So when it comes time to move one, whether you are relocating, buying from an out of state dealer, heading to a track day, or sending a car to auction, you cannot treat it like a standard sedan on an open trailer.
Shipping an exotic or supercar is a specialized job. The margin for error is small, and the wrong carrier or the wrong method can turn a simple transport into an expensive mistake. This guide walks through everything you need to know before you hand over the keys, from choosing the right transport method to preparing the vehicle and confirming the right insurance is in place.
Why Exotic and Supercar Shipping Is Different?
A supercar is engineered for performance, not for being loaded onto a truck. Several features that make these cars special also make them harder to transport safely.
Ground clearance is the first issue. Many exotics sit only three to four inches off the ground, which means standard ramps can scrape the front splitter or undercarriage. Wide track widths, aggressive aerodynamic body kits, and delicate front lips all add to the challenge. On top of that, the paint and finishes on these cars are often custom, ceramic coated, or wrapped, and any road debris, weather exposure, or careless handling can cause damage that costs thousands to correct.
There is also the simple matter of value. When a vehicle is worth as much as a house, every step of the process needs documentation, specialized equipment, and drivers who understand what they are handling. This is why experienced owners rarely cut corners on exotic transport.
Read more: How to Transport Luxury Vehicles Nationwide?
Enclosed Transport Is the Standard for Exotics
For high value vehicles, enclosed auto transport is the accepted standard, and for good reason. An enclosed trailer fully protects your car from rain, snow, road salt, dust, flying rocks, and prying eyes during the entire journey.
Open carriers, the double decker trailers you see hauling multiple cars down the highway, are perfectly fine for most standard vehicles and cost less. But they expose the car to the elements and to debris kicked up by traffic. For a daily driver that is an acceptable trade off. For a McLaren 720S or a classic Porsche 911, it usually is not.
Enclosed transport also offers a few practical advantages that matter for supercars. Trailers typically use hydraulic liftgates instead of steep ramps, which eliminates the scraping risk for low clearance cars. Many enclosed carriers carry fewer vehicles per load, which means more careful handling and often faster, more direct routing. Soft straps and wheel nets are used instead of chains so the suspension and body are never stressed.
Read more: 8 Benefits of Enclosed Truck Auto Transport
If you are weighing the two options side by side and want a clearer breakdown of the differences, this comparison is a helpful starting point.
Read more: Difference Between Open and Enclosed Car Carriers
Understand Loading Methods: Liftgate and Top Load
How your car gets on and off the trailer matters just as much as the trailer itself. For low slung exotics, ask specifically about the loading equipment before booking.
A hydraulic liftgate raises the vehicle smoothly onto the trailer at ground level, with no angle to clear. This is the safest option for cars with minimal ground clearance or with aggressive front splitters. Steep ramps, by contrast, can catch a low front lip even with careful driving.
Positioning inside the trailer matters too. Top load car shippingplaces your vehicle on the upper deck of the trailer rather than the bottom. This keeps it away from any fluid drips, debris, or issues from the vehicle above it, which is a small but meaningful layer of protection for a prized car.
Read more: Which Car Carrier Is Best Open, Enclosed or Top Load?
Special Considerations for Lowered and Modified Cars
Many exotics and supercars are modified beyond their factory specs. Lowered suspension, aftermarket splitters, widebody kits, and coilovers all reduce clearance and complicate loading. If your car is modified, tell the transport company exactly what you have before the truck arrives. A carrier equipped for lowered vehicles will bring the right ramps, low angle approach boards, or a liftgate to load it without contact.
Never assume a driver knows your car is lowered. Surprises at pickup lead to delays or damage. Clear communication up front is the single easiest way to protect a modified vehicle.
Read more: How to Transport Lowered or Custom Cars?
Insurance and Documentation: Protect Yourself
Reputable carriers carry cargo insurance, but the coverage limits on standard auto transport may not come close to the value of an exotic. Before you book, request the carrier’s insurance certificate and confirm the per vehicle coverage amount in writing. For a high value car, you may need a carrier that offers higher limits or you may want to arrange supplemental coverage through your own insurer for the transit period.
Just as important is the bill of lading and condition report. When the driver arrives, walk around the car together and document its exact condition with detailed, timestamped photos and video from every angle, including close ups of wheels, splitters, and any existing marks. Both you and the driver should sign the inspection report. This documentation is your proof if a claim ever becomes necessary, so do not skip it or rush through it.
Read more: Does Insurance Pay for Auto Transport Companies
How to Prepare Your Supercar for Transport?
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, damage free move. Before pickup day, work through the following steps.
- Wash the car so any existing scratches, chips, or blemishes are clearly visible for the inspection report, and photograph everything in good light.
- Keep the fuel tank at about a quarter full, enough to load and unload but light enough to avoid adding unnecessary weight.
- Disable or provide instructions for any aftermarket alarm system, battery cutoff switch, or special startup procedure unique to the model.
- Retract aftermarket antennas, fold in the mirrors, and remove all personal belongings and loose valuables.
- If your car has an adjustable or lift front suspension, tell the driver how to raise it for loading.
- For custom or heavily detailed cars, consider a soft car cover for an extra layer of protection inside the enclosed trailer.
Read more: What to Remove from Your Car Before Shipping It?
For a full walkthrough of prepping a vehicle correctly before it goes on the truck, this guide covers the details.
Read more: Guide to Packing Your Car for Auto Transport
Shipping Electric Exotics and Hypercars
Electric supercars like the Tesla Roadster, Rimac, or Porsche Taycan Turbo S add another layer of consideration. Battery weight, regenerative braking behavior, and the need to keep some charge for loading all factor in. Confirm the carrier has experience with EV supercars and knows how to move the car into neutral or transport mode without draining or damaging the battery pack.
Read more: How to Safely Transport Your Tesla?
How Long Does Exotic Car Shipping Take?
Transit time depends on distance, route, and season. A cross country move typically runs from seven to ten days, while shorter regional routes may take two to four days. Enclosed carriers sometimes have slightly longer lead times to book because there are fewer of them on the road, so plan ahead, especially around auction season, major car shows, and the winter snowbird months when demand spikes.
Read more: How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car? Transit Time Guide
Choosing the Right Exotic Car Shipping Company
Not every auto transport company is equipped to handle a supercar. When you vet carriers, look for a proven track record with high value and exotic vehicles, verified enclosed transport capability, adequate insurance limits, soft strap tie down methods, and transparent, written quotes. Ask how many cars share the trailer, what loading equipment they use, and whether the same driver handles the car door to door.
Read reviews specifically from other exotic owners rather than general auto transport feedback. A company that regularly moves Ferraris and Lamborghinis will understand the stakes in a way a budget broker may not.
If you want to compare cities or plan a specific route, ABC Auto Shipping serves major markets nationwide, including car shipping in New York City, Miami car transport, car shipping in Los Angeles area cities, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is enclosed transport really necessary for a supercar?
For most exotics and high value vehicles, yes. Enclosed transport shields the car from weather, road debris, and dust, and uses gentler loading equipment. The added cost is small relative to the value of the car and the potential repair bills from open transport exposure.
How much more does enclosed exotic shipping cost?
Enclosed transport generally costs more than open transport because of the added protection, lower vehicle counts per trailer, and specialized equipment. The exact difference depends on distance, route, and vehicle specifics, so request a written quote for your specific move.
Can you ship a lowered or modified supercar?
Yes, but the carrier needs to know about the modifications in advance so they can bring a liftgate or low angle ramps. Always disclose lowered suspension, splitters, and widebody kits when booking.
What insurance covers my car during transport?
Carriers carry cargo insurance, but you should confirm the per vehicle coverage in writing and verify it matches your car’s value. For very high value vehicles, consider supplemental coverage during transit.
Ready to Ship Your Exotic or Supercar
Moving a supercar is not the place to gamble on the cheapest option. The right carrier, enclosed transport, proper insurance, and careful preparation are what keep a six or seven figure vehicle exactly as it left your garage. Take the time to vet your carrier, document everything, and communicate every detail about your car up front.
When you are ready to move your exotic, you can get a free quote or contact the ABC Auto Shipping team to discuss enclosed transport tailored to your vehicle.
