It can be terrifying to transport a vehicle over a long distance, like during an interstate move. Shipping a valuable vehicle, such as an old sports car, makes the experience even more traumatic. Such vehicles frequently have sentimental value, which makes them irreplaceable in addition to their cost.
Another possibility is that you made a distant purchase of a collector car, perhaps online. When it comes to figuring out how to get that car to you, some sellers may not have connections to reputable auto transport companies, so you are on your own.
Start with an experienced car shipping company
Finding an auto shipping company by word of mouth is difficult. Despite its increasing popularity, car shipping is still a relatively new concept for most people. When looking for the ideal shipper, there are a few things to consider.
– Only an experienced shipper should be used; you want someone who is experienced in shipping classic cars in addition to having a long history in business. Allow new businesses to learn on someone else’s less expensive vehicle. Only skilled shippers should transport your vehicle.
– Verify the insurance: Find out if the shipper has coverage in the unlikely event that your car is damaged during transit.
– In order to protect it from the elements, potential hazards on the road, vandalism, and theft, you should transport your car in a closed trailer. If the vehicle is being transported on an open trailer, make sure it is being transported on the top rack.
– Again, in a perfect world, your car would be picked up at the door and delivered right away to its destination. In order to ensure that there are enough vehicles traveling in the right direction, some shippers place cars in storage yards. It is out of your control and subject to theft or damage while the car is being stored.
Prepare the car for transport
There are some fundamental actions to take before shipping a car. For any vehicle, these are a smart idea, but they are essential for an expensive or collectible car.
– Before shipping, wash and inspect the car, making sure to carefully record any damage. Take pictures so you have an unbiased record of the car’s condition
– Remove personal items: For transportation, many aftermarket additions on classic cars can be taken off. Everything that can be quickly removed should be done so to prevent loss or theft.
– Have 1/4 of a tank of gas: It takes a little gas to get the car on and off the trailer, but too much poses a safety risk. Gas is obviously unnecessary if your car doesn’t work, but there will be an additional fee for winching your car onto and off of the trailer.
Shipping is comparable to sending your child on an airplane by themselves for the owner of a classic car. Both you and your baby will make it through the experience if you ship with a reputable company and follow some simple safety guidelines.
