We transported a matte black Lamborghini from Los Angeles’s San Fernando Valley, to Bozeman, Montana, using a tilt-bed rollback loading method that is a specialized process designed for ultra-low-clearance sports cars to avoid damages.
Most carriers see this kind of clearance and decline the job immediately because standard loading ramps would scrape it before the car even reached the halfway point. The solution is to extended ramp configuration.
The experienced carrier used wooden plank extensions placed in front of the metal ramps to create a more gradual loading angle. This reduced the approach angle from the typical 14 to 18 degrees down to approximately 10 to 12 degrees which enabled the Lamborghini to drive onto the deck without any damage. The whole process took about 25 minutes.
Why Standard Equipment Can’t Be Used for Low-Clearance Exotics
Lamborghini models sit between 3.0 and 3.5 inches off the ground which creates challenges when loading cars on auto haulers.
Standard loading ramps create angles that guarantee front splitter contact and the carbon fiber scrapes across metal.
Repair costs range from $3,000 to $15,000 for front-end damage alone. Sometimes you get lucky and only damage the splitter. Other times the suspension takes a hit too.
Related: How to Ship a Lamborghini?
Exotic cars account for only about 2% of total vehicle shipments but represent the highest risk category for loading damage. That’s why most carriers either decline these jobs or attempt loading with race ramps that still carry scraping risk on vehicles this low.
FMCSA regulations require $1,000,000 minimum public-liability insurance for vehicle transport. Carriers handling exotic cars maintain higher coverage limits. The cargo insurance on this shipment covered the Lamborghini’s declared value with appropriate protection for six-figure vehicles.
Extended Ramp Configuration for Gradual Loading
The carrier used wooden plank extensions to reduce the loading angle. The planks extended the ramp length which is creating a more gradual transition from ground to deck level.
The driver positioned the planks carefully in front of the metal ramps. This created a two-stage loading process which ensures safe loading of the car on the hauler.
There is anlternative methods for extreme low-clearance vehicles such as tilt-bed rollback trucks. They use hydraulics to lower the entire deck to near-ground level, creating 3 to 5-degree angles which enables cars to drive onto the deck without any undercarriage contact. These specialized methods cost significantly more because hydraulic system adds $15,000 to $25,000 to equipment costs.
The Importance of Hard-Sided Protection
The Lamborghini was loaded into a hard-sided, enclosed trailer with a two-car capacity and aluminum and steel walls, providing protection from road debris and weather. The reduced capacity allows for careful positioning and adequate clearance around high-value vehicles.
Multi-car enclosed trailers typically haul 5 to 7 vehicles. The two-car configuration gives exotic cars significantly more space. This prevents any contact during transport and allows for easier loading and unloading at both pickup and delivery locations.
Payment Structure and Costs
Enclosed exotic transport is roughly 180%–400% more per mile than standard open transport.
The premium reflects:
- Specialized equipment costs
- Ruced trailer capacity
- Expert handling requirements
The $4,000 transport cost was processed via full credit card payment at booking. And with 1,100 miles of transportation, this puts the delivery cost per mile at $3.6.
How to Calculate Sport Car Transportation Price
Understanding the cost of vehicle transport doesn’t need to be complicated. At Tempus Logix we offer an AI-powered car transport calculator that provides instant and guaranteed pricing for sport cars.
Trust Requires Proper Equipment
Vehicle owners shipping exotic cars should verify carrier capabilities before commitment. Ask specifically about loading methods for low-clearance vehicles. Confirm the carrier owns tilt-bed equipment or Go-Jaks dollies. Request photos of the actual trailer configuration. Verify insurance coverage amounts match vehicle values.
The premium pricing for exotic car transport reflects real costs associated with specialized equipment and expert handling. Those extra dollars prevent damage repairs that exceed the entire transport fee multiple times over. When you’re dealing with a car that sits 3.5 inches off the ground, the right equipment isn’t optional.
Transport Sumamry
- Origin: San Fernando, LA, CA 91436
- Service Cost: $4,000 (full credit card payment)
- Vehicle: 2022 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Coupe
- Ground Clearance: 3.5 inches
- Loading Method: Tilt-bed rollback with hydraulic deck
- Trailer Type: Hard-sided enclosed, 2-car capacity
- Loading Time: ~25 minute
