When planning to how to ship a car, the first thing to consider is destination, and the cost usually depends on the distance it will have to travel. It will cost about 60% more to protect your vehicle by shipping it in an enclosed truck rather than an open truck, and this is definitely recommended for a new or high-end model. Your vehicle will be safer on the whole and it will certainly be protected from the elements.
You may want to ship a car in the winter, because rates may be lower then, and, if you send one north in April or May from Arizona or Florida, you may get a better rate from carriers who drop off cars for “snowbirds” that move south for the winter and want to prepare for a return trip.
All auto transport companies are required to carry insurance, but you will also want to check how much coverage your personal insurance offers in order to avoid any problems if the vehicle is damaged in transit. Read the policy with care, find out if there is a deductible, and request a copy for yourself.
Finding a Company to Ship a Car
The amount of people arranging to ship a car has increased because about 75% of the automobiles sold on eBay are interstate transactions. When you purchase a car online, a number of consumer-oriented auto shippers are ready to help you transport it from some distance location. To get free quotes to ship a car from licensed, bonded, and insured car shippers, fill out the form above.
Speak with several car shipping companies. Personal referrals are always a great way to start. Once you’ve narrowed your list down to three or so top picks, look for information on these companies with the Better Business Bureau. Describe the car you want to ship, the starting and stopping points, and when you plan to move it. Set up the move two weeks before the scheduled date (or earlier if possible) and find out the company’s preferred method of payment.
On moving day, the carrier will complete a bill of lading that includes a report on your car’s condition at that time. If there is a transfer en-route when you ship car, such as to an airline, train, or another mover, make sure the bill of lading reflects each movement. Check that times are specific and for a backup plan in case any one element is late to a destination point during the car shipment. More than one shipper will complicate your car shipping process, but it is not a deal breaker. You should also receive an estimate of the arrival date of your vehicle.
Preparing to Ship a Car
Depending upon which company you use to ship your car, you will have different drop-off options for how to ship a car. In determining how to ship a car, remember that a car carrier is approximately 75 feet long, and, if adequate parking space is a concern, the most practical step to take may involve meeting your mover at a local parking lot. Before they ship a car, movers make certain that their car carriers are full, and they work with transport brokers to fill any empty slots they may have. Cars are generally carried between major hubs, and they are sometimes held at a terminal. Most of the car shippers on CarShippingQuote.com offer door to door service in addition to terminal to terminal service, so be sure to discuss the differences with the company that you chose to ship your car.
When deciding how to ship a car, you can work with a shipper or broker to find a carrier slot for you. You will have to weigh your options, because a broker may negotiate a low price for you with the carrier, but things should go smoothly regardless of the method you use. In either case, you will always have the contact information for your auto mover that you need.
Always keep a spare set of keys available for yourself, just in case something goes wrong and the keys are lost in transport. This is an important thing that many people don’t account for, but it burns them later on.
One thing to remember when you ship your car is that one of the major determinants of the cost is how much the vehicle weighs. This means that you should remove anything heavy in the car, including the spare tire. Many people recommend having less than half a tank of fuel in the vehicle, because that helps to keep the weight down. This will bring your costs down considerably. In addition, you will want to remove valuables from the car before shipping. If it’s being hauled on the road, you never know when someone might try to break in and take your items.
Finally, make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Before you move a car, make sure all its fluids are topped off, the battery is charged, and all the tires are well inflated. Note if your car is leaking any sort of fluid. The car shippers needs to know this to avoid placing your car above any others. If you can fix any of these leaks before the car moves, obviously, that is preferable.