Shipping a car: daunting, right? How can someone manage to transfer it when relocating, buying a new one from across the country or even transporting a classic for a special occasion? Worry not, as everything will be made easier in this guide for the best car transport service and options, carrying preparation needed to ship your car cross country.
Look Into The Best Priced Car Shipment That Works Best For You
The years 2022 and 2023 brought a dramatic increase in the prices of shipping cars internationally and domestically. The price ranges from four to twelve hundred dollars depending on vehicles and type of transport, encapsulated with a standard delivery timeframe of seven to ten days needing a deposit upfront to reserve a space. Regardless of your preferred option, it is important and absolute that you conduct the right preliminary research.
Before anything, it’s important to get informed of the types of transport. There are two main types – open transport and enclosed transport. Both are efficient and share the same pros in value, yet each has their own share of uniqueness which allows fulfilling different needs and make them equally viable and suitable.
Open Car Transport: The Most Common Option
You will always find open car transport being the best rated and having the lowest review score for price and popularity. Its main attraction are vans and standard cars like trucks, buses, sedans and SUVs which is only accessible using open trailers. However, a hitch will arise when shipping sized cars as they cannot be shielded from natural elements during the drive.
Pros:
– Cost-Efficient: As compared with other options, Open Transport is the least expensive one.
– Accessibility: Open transport carriers can be easily found, which allows for quicker pickups and easier scheduling.
Cons:
– Exposure: Your vehicle is vulnerable to weather elements and road debris.
– Security Risks: There is a marginally higher risk of damage since the vehicle is not enclosed.
Enclosed Car Transport: The Premium Option
Enclosed transport is a more secure and protected method of shipping. It is ideal for luxury, classic, or exotic cars which require extra protection during transport as your vehicle is placed inside an enclosed trailer that shields it from weather and road debris.
Pros:
– Maximum Protection: The vehicle is completely shielded from dust, debris, or any other objects outside.
– Security: There is lesser risk of exposure to theft or damages of the vehicle.
Cons:
– Increased Expenses: The extra protection and specialized equipment make enclosed transport more costly.
– Less Availability: There is a smaller number of enclosed carriers which can lead to delays for pickup.
How To Pick the Best Car Shipping Company
When it comes to selecting car shipping services, they put as much thought into selecting the transport method. These tips can assist in helping you make the right decision:
Research Reviews and Reputation
Reading what customers have to say about a company is a good starting point to gauge the overall reputation of that company. A lot of people that have used a particular service will write reviews concerning how they felt about the service. Competent companies have proven track records of not only delivering vehicles on time but also in a safe manner. So look for a reputable car shipping company long distance services.
Check for Insurance and Licensing
Insurance is a big deal and needs to be factored in when selecting a car shipping business. They ought to be licensed and covered. Under the USDOT number, number one department of transport, the company should have a valid contract that has insurance which covers the vehicle while in transit. Companies that guarantee on cases of theft or damages while transporting claim during transit need to be evaluated.
Get Multiple Quotes
Contact every company that claims to offer these services and see the cover they have on offer. If transporting the car is being done within the states, then having contracts with an insurance company is advisable. An individual should compare prices with other service providers. Although price shouldn’t be the main indicator, comparing easily accessible quotes will aid in identifying the rate set on fair quotes. A good number of these service providers will give you step by step guidance on how to apply for these services.
Inquire About Tracking and Communication
With a shipping company, monitoring options should be available to track your vehicle in real time. Check the communication routes to ensure they are available in case you wish to inquire about your shipment.
Getting Ready to Ship Your Car
Having your vehicle prepared in advance is crucial when planning to relocate it within the country. The following steps can be taken to optimally prepare a vehicle for shipping.
- Wash the Vehicle
Cleaning the vehicle of dirt and other substances should be done before shipping. This facilitates the identification of scratches and other marks like dents that are present on the vehicle. Observing the condition of a vehicle after cleaning should assist the vehicle shipping company in taking necessary considerations before a vehicle is shipped. Some companies might want their vehicles cleaned for inspection purposes.
- Take out all Items Related to the User
Clearing all personal belongings of an individual constitutes essential preparations. These items are not accepted when cabinets and compartments of the vehicles are sealed due to the company policies for liability and safety issues that are in place to protect a company’s interest. Else, items left inside the vehicle or cabin during transport risk shifting and causing damage which can be termed as misplaced risk.
- Inspect for Leaks and Other Mechanical Problems
Make sure to check for any leaks and mechanical problems prior to shipping your car. If you do notice any problems or if the car is not running, be sure to let the shipping company know in advance. There could be extra costs associated with cars that don’t run, and sometimes special handling is needed for both loading and unloading the car.
- Capture Images
Be sure to capture the condition of your car by photographing it from various vantage points. This action will capture the state of the car prior to shipping, which will proactively mitigate any damages that may be incurred during transit.
Anticipating the Shipping Process Steps
Now that you have selected the transport company and the steps involving your vehicle are completed, the shipping process will then commence. Here is what is in store for you:
- Arranging Pickup and Loading
The shipping company will set a date for picking up the car for open transport, meaning you would be driven to the loading site where your car would be placed on an open trailer. If you paid for enclosed transport, your car would be securely placed in a trailer that would shield it from view.
- Transit Time
The time it takes to ship a vehicle across the country depends on the distance, location, and transport type. On average, shipments traveling cross country take 5-10 days, but this constantly varies.
- Delivery and Inspection
The shipping company will get in touch to schedule delivery after the car has been shipped to the destination. The car will be in exactly the same condition as it was when it was picked up. Ensure that the vehicle is inspected and if it is damaged in any way, it is important to state that on the bill of lading and take pictures.
Why Choose Car Shipping Source?
At Car Shipping Source, we specialize in reliable, safe, and timely car shipping services. We offer both open and enclosed transport options whether you are shipping your car across the country or need to transport a luxury vehicle. We are proud to state that your vehicle will always reach the intended destination on time and, most importantly, safely thanks to our commitment to customer service and transparency.
To have your car shipped over in a simple, reliable, and efficient manner, visit Car Shipping Source today to get your instant quote and start the process of shipping your car across the country.
Conclusion
Car shipping across the country is convenient and easy if you select the best transport option and company. Open car transport is economical for the majority of cars, while enclosed car shipping offers additional protection for vintage or high-end cars. To guarantee that your vehicle will be safe during the trip, make sure to prepare the car correctly, choose the best company, and have thorough knowledge of the shipping particulars.
