Shipping your car across the country can be a convenient and stress-free way to transport your vehicle, but it’s important to be well-prepared. From selecting the right transport method to understanding costs, there are several factors to consider before entrusting your car to a shipping company. Here are five essential car shipping tips to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth cross-country move.
1. Choose the Right Transport Method
One of the first things to know before shipping a car is the difference between the two primary transport methods: open and enclosed transport.
- Open Transport: This is the most common and affordable option for shipping vehicles. Your car will be transported on an open-air carrier alongside other vehicles. While open transport is safe and widely used, it does expose your car to the elements, such as rain, dust, and road debris. For most standard vehicles, this is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
- Enclosed Transport: If you own a high-end, classic, or luxury vehicle, enclosed transport offers additional protection. Your car will be placed in a fully enclosed trailer, protecting it from weather and road hazards. While this method is more expensive, it’s ideal for cars that need extra care during cross-country car shipping.
2. Understand the Cost Factors
The cost of cross-country car shipping can vary depending on several factors, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of what influences the price. Some of the key car shipping tips to keep in mind when budgeting for transport include:
- Distance: The longer the distance, the higher the cost. Shipping from coast to coast will naturally be more expensive than shipping within a single region.
- Type of Vehicle: Larger, heavier vehicles like trucks or SUVs tend to cost more to ship than smaller cars due to the space and weight they occupy on the carrier.
- Shipping Method: As mentioned earlier, enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport.
- Time of Year: The demand for shipping services increases during certain times of the year, such as the summer months and the snowbird season (fall and spring). Shipping during off-peak times may save you money.
By understanding these pricing factors, you can choose the right options for your needs and avoid unexpected costs.
3. Plan Ahead and Schedule Early
Timing is crucial when it comes to cross-country car shipping. Many auto transport companies operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and during peak seasons, their schedules can fill up quickly. To ensure you get the desired pick-up and delivery dates, it’s important to book your shipment well in advance, ideally a few weeks before your move.
Scheduling early also allows you to secure better rates, as last-minute bookings can sometimes come with additional fees or limited availability.
4. Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Proper preparation is key to ensuring that your car is shipped safely and without issues. Before your car is loaded onto the transport carrier, follow these steps to get it ready:
- Clean the Car: Washing your car before shipping allows you to spot any pre-existing damage like dents, scratches, or dings. This is important for documentation and post-delivery inspections.
- Remove Personal Items: Auto transport companies generally do not allow personal belongings in the vehicle during shipping. Remove all valuables and personal items from the car’s interior and trunk.
- Check for Leaks: Make sure your car has no fluid leaks and is in good mechanical condition. If your vehicle is inoperable, notify the shipping company in advance as special equipment may be needed for loading.
- Disable the Alarm: Ensure that your car’s alarm system is disabled to avoid it going off during transport.
By following these preparation tips, you’ll help protect your vehicle and streamline the shipping process.
5. Inspect Your Car Upon Delivery
Once your car arrives at its destination, perform a thorough inspection to ensure it arrived in the same condition as when it was picked up. Use the documentation and photos you took before shipping to compare for any potential damage.
Most transport companies will provide a Bill of Lading, which outlines the condition of the vehicle upon pick-up and delivery. If you notice any new damage, document it immediately and report it to the transport company. It’s essential to file any claims promptly, as delays may affect the resolution process.
Shipping your car across the country doesn’t have to be a stressful experience if you’re well-prepared. By understanding the car shipping tips discussed here—choosing the right transport method, budgeting for the cost, scheduling early, preparing your car, and inspecting it upon arrival—you can ensure a smooth and successful transport. With the right planning and approach, cross-country car shipping can be a convenient and hassle-free way to move your vehicle wherever you need it to go. Search for insurance that is right for your needs.
