What is Tesla Transport Mode?

Transport Mode is a Tesla setting (Controls → Service → Towing) that disables the parking brake so the car can be loaded onto a carrier. It must be enabled before pickup or the carrier cannot safely load the vehicle.

Can you ship a Tesla on an open carrier?

Yes — open transport is safe for Tesla and is what most owners choose. Enclosed is recommended for new-delivery vehicles, high-trim variants, or long cross-country lanes where weather exposure is a concern.

— Vehicle · ev

Ship your Tesla anywhere in the US

Battery-safe transport with Tesla-experienced carriers. Transport-mode loading, soft-strap only.

Open or enclosed
From $895
Vetted brand specialists
4.9 / 5 (1,200+ reviews)

Or call a specialist · (888) 555-1234

Brand intel

What to know about shipping a Tesla

Tesla shipping is the highest-volume EV shipping segment on our network. We recommend open transport for most Tesla shipments — the battery, drivetrain, and panel construction are designed to handle highway-grade exposure, and the cost difference vs enclosed is meaningful. Choose enclosed for new-delivery vehicles where paint protection film hasn't been applied, for long cross-country lanes where weather exposure is unpredictable, or for high-trim variants (Model S Plaid, new Roadster). The single biggest carrier-prep step for any Tesla is enabling Transport Mode — without it, the parking brake auto-engages and the car cannot be safely loaded.

Pre-ship checklist

Five steps before pickup day

These are the prep steps every Tesla owner should complete before the carrier arrives. Skipping them is the #1 cause of pickup delays.

1
Enable Transport Mode in the Tesla app or touchscreen (Controls → Service → Towing) — this disables the parking brake.
2
Charge to between 20% and 50% — full charge is unnecessary and adds weight; under 20% risks shutdown during transit.
3
Disable Sentry Mode and PIN-to-Drive so the carrier can move the vehicle on/off the trailer without alerts firing.
4
Provide the carrier with your mobile-app-generated key card or temporary PIN if you're not present at pickup.
5
Remove personal items from the frunk and cabin — carriers don't insure personal property.

Handling

How carriers handle a Tesla

Soft-strap loading only — no chains or hooks on the chassis or battery pack.

Confirm the carrier has the Tesla wheel-strap kit (standard for any Tesla-experienced carrier).

Air suspension models (Model S, Model X): set to Standard or Low ride height for loading clearance.

Questions

Questions about shipping a Tesla

Direct answers from our dispatch team.

No. Tesla batteries are designed for transport and are completely safe at 20-50% charge during shipping. Sentry Mode and PIN-to-Drive should be disabled so the battery isn't drained by alerts during transit.