How to Ship an Exotic Car Safely: Ferrari, Lamborghini & More

Shipping a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, or McLaren is fundamentally different from shipping a daily driver. This guide covers what you need to know to ensure your exotic car arrives in the same condition it left.

Why Open Transport Is Not Recommended for Exotics

Open transport exposes your vehicle to road debris kicked up by other vehicles, weather, UV exposure, and bird droppings. For a $200,000+ exotic, the risk isn't worth the savings. Enclosed transport keeps your vehicle in a fully covered trailer — completely protected from the elements for the duration of the journey.

Choosing the Right Enclosed Carrier

Not all enclosed carriers are equal. When shipping an exotic, verify:

• Hydraulic lift gate — Most exotics have 3–5 inches of ground clearance. Drive-on ramps can scrape low vehicles. A hydraulic lift gate is essential.
• Soft tie-down straps — Wheel-net systems that grip the tire, not the chassis. No chains or hard straps that can scratch.
• Experience with your specific brand — Ask if the carrier has shipped your make before. Ferrari and Lamborghini require specific handling.
• Insurance limits — Verify the carrier's cargo insurance limit. For a $300,000 exotic, you want coverage that matches the value.

Preparing Your Exotic Car for Transport

1. Document everything — 360° photos and video before pickup. Note every existing chip, scratch, and scuff on the Bill of Lading.
2. Enable transport/valet mode — Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche have specific transport modes. Confirm with your carrier.
3. Fuel level — Keep it under 1/4 tank for weight reduction and safety regulations.
4. Disable alarms — Transport can trigger motion sensors. Disable car alarms before pickup.
5. Remove loose items — Remove floor mats, dashcam, radar detector, and anything in the trunk or frunk.

Cost of Shipping an Exotic Car

Enclosed exotic car shipping typically runs $1,200–$3,500 depending on route distance. Coast-to-coast shipments (e.g., Miami to Los Angeles) run at the higher end. Shorter regional routes (e.g., Dallas to Houston — though usually not worth shipping) start around $600–$800 for enclosed.

What to Do at Delivery

Never accept delivery in a rush. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly in daylight before signing. Check every panel, the roof, the bumpers, and under the vehicle for any new damage. If anything is found, note it on the delivery receipt immediately — this is your strongest protection for a claim.