Moving for a new job, buying a car from out of state, or just wanting to transport your car from one place to another? Whichever region you’re looking to cross, scheduling a cross-country car shipment is one of the most vital steps. Walking through the entire process of having your vehicle shipped can be a bit nerve-racking, especially if its your first time doing something like this. Knowing how to properly schedule your cross-country car shipment will help ease the burden whether you intend to ship your car from California to New York or Florida to Texas.
In this guide, we will cover everything needed for scheduling a cross-country car shipment, including vehicle shipping methods and meeting vehicle preparation standards.
Establishing the Most Relevant Car Shipment Method
Prioritize the method of shipment with regards to your needs when it comes to car shipment. Different methods have their different pros, and common methods of shipment are listed below.
1. Open Car Transport
Open car transport is the method with the greatest range, and it is also the cheapest for car shipping. Vehicles are driven onto an open trailer which has several cars loaded where it is transported around the country. The downside is, the vehicle is exposed to harsh weather conditions like rain or snow, and other vehicles on the road might hit the transport truck. Other than being cost effective, this method works best for standard vehicles that do not require any special servicing.
2. Enclosed Car Transport
The enclosed method provides greater care to the vehicle being shipped. This is done by fully enclosing the vehicle inside the trailer, which encases them, protecting the vehicle from bad weather as well as other road hazard. Luxury, exotic, vintage and other high-end cars which require protective measures during transit are advised to be sent using enclosed transport. This method is more expensive than open transport, but greatly outweigh the cost when used for high-end vehicles.
3. Door-to-Door Shipping
In this type of shipping, the transportation company picks your car from your house and delivers it to a location of your choice. It makes the whole car shipping process comparatively easier for busy individuals. Many people prefer this method simply for convenience. Although this is comparatively more expensive than terminal-to-terminal shipping, it reduces the time spent dropping off or picking up the vehicle at the terminal.
4. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
If you are looking for cheap alternatives, then terminal-to-terminal shipping would be the best option for you. This entails driving to a terminal from your location to drop off the car, from which it will be transported to a proximity terminal closer to your desired destination. Although this option will save you some money, it requires more effort as compared to door-to-door shipping.
When Should You Plan For Your Cross-Country Car Shipment?
Asking for car shipment services, the query that seems to stick is what date/business timeline to schedule the vehicle for shipment. With regards to the discussions happening within the organization, the timing may be a cost and time determinant as far as vehicle shipment is concerned. In this case, it is always beneficial to plan for the shipment early enough.
1. Schedule During Busier Times Forward
During certain times of the year and around holidays, there is an increase in demand as far as car shipment is concerned. The scheduled period usually falls during winter and summer breaks alongside school semester’s starting and ending dates. As far as school breaks are concerned, finding transport is going to be increasingly complicated and expensive. In order to avoid a traffic jam delay as well as expensive rate, schedules need to be set as early as possible. The scheduled time should be during 2-3 weeks prior to the expected days.
2. Off-Peak Month Shipping
During fall or winter months which tend to be off-peak months in the calendar, prices charged and speed of shipment offered improve significantly. There is less movement as far travel and relocation is concerned, making it easy for shipment companies to obtain less business activity. During that period, flexible travel off the clock is a great advantage if the aim is to spend less.
3. Flexibility and Expedited Shipping
With flexible shipping windows, pickup and delivery dates can be adjusted to get the best rates. There are also options for expedited shipping for those who need quick delivery. These options, although pricier, ensure that delivery is done more quickly. Make sure to ask the transport company about expedition strategies and costs when scheduling shipment.
How to Prepare Your Car For Cross Country Shipping
Timely delivery and vehicle safety can be ensured with proper preparation. To get your vehicle ready for shipping, take the following steps:
1. Clean Exterior and Interior of Vehicle
It is ideal to clean both the exterior and interior of the vehicle before any shipping takes place. For example, the cleaning of a vehicle makes it easier to inspect scratches, dents, or chips, and also helps in documenting damage during transport. Take capture the vehicle from different angles before shipping in order to avoid disputes later on.
2. Remove Attachments of a Personal Nature
When making use of a car shipping company, steps will need to be taken in removing personal items from the car. All personal belongings kept within the trunk and glove compartment face should be removed before shipping. This will aid in lowering the vehicle weight and preventing personal items from being damaged during shipping.
3. Inspect and Check The Condition Of The Vehicle
Check that the vehicle is functional and operational so that the vehicle can be shipped. It is also highly recommended to check the state of the tires, amount of fuel and the charge on the battery. If the vehicle cannot be moved, please communicate this in advance with the shipping company as they will need to create a special scheme to load and transport it.
4. Safeguard Relatively Small Non-Fixed Parts
Lock mirrors, roof racks, antennas, and other loose parts in safe places or tether them securely to ensure their safety. Action must be taken to safeguard parts that are offset from the main body of the vehicle to prevent movements during hauling.
Getting Affordable Cross Country Car Shipping Quotes
As a vehicle proprietor, value is definitely enhanced by looking at multiple estimates and choosing one with the favorable pricing. Here are ways to ensure you address the needs of cost effectiveness while cross country car shipping:
1. Request for Multiple Estimates
Contact several car shipping companies and ask for an estimate for your shipment. Do not forget to give the correct details about your car’s year, make, model, and its condition, and the preferred shipping method. Make it a point to scrutinize the estimates you receive for possible additional or hidden charges.
2. Ask For Discounts
For some car shipping companies, discounts are offered to specific categories of clientele, such as: students, military personnel, or those shipping multiple vehicles for instance, as part of marketing. What other discounts are likely to be provided that would lower the overall shipment cost?
3. Verify Other Possible Extra Costs
While obtaining the estimates, make sure to ask some of the estimated add-on costs such as fuel surcharge, terminal charge, or expedited shipping charge, which might be put in place that would eventually defeat the purpose of estimate shopping. Being prepared for such estimates will help plan to eliminate unwelcome surprises.
4. Assessing the Reputation of a Company
Selecting the cheapest quote, at times, could mean cutting corners unfairly. It is imperative to partner with a reputable car shipping company that has a history of timely and damage-free vehicle transport. Look up for reviews, ratings, and the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau BBB. This assists in making informed judgments.
Conclusion: Car Shipment Cross Country with Confident Precautions
The steps involved in cross country car shipment need the same level of meticulous planning and care. Selecting the most appropriate transport option, vehicle preparation, and scheduling for off-peak periods in advance are all essential to ensure successful shipment sernsiement and trouble-free proceedings.
At Carson Shipping, we offer reliable, professional, and economical long-distance and cross-country car shipping services. No matter where in New York, California, or Florida, we are always ready to help you.
Contact us now, obligation-free, to get a quote for your vehicle shipment, and let us ensure every detail of transporting your car nationwide is taken care of!
