Typically, driving a car is the most economical way to get it from one place to another. However, there are times when it makes more sense to ship your car. Before you jump into the often overwhelming process of finding a shipper and prepping your car for its journey, read on for a simple, straightforward guide to hiring someone to relocate your car.
What do I need to know before shipping a car?
Shipping a car is different from shipping your other belongings, if only because it is the biggest and most expensive item you are likely to take with you on your move. There are a few things you will need to know before you take the plunge:
Don’t ship based solely on price.
You will have a lot of options when it comes to car shippers, and some of them may woo you with bargain basement prices on their services. Beware: Price is not the best way to find a reliable transporter for your vehicle. Better determinants of a company’s ability to safely carry your car to your new destination?
- Experience
- Reviews
- Licensing and insurance
- Stellar Better Business Bureau ratings
Make sure shipping makes the most sense.
Shipping doesn’t always make sense, depending on your circumstances. You may save money by driving the car. On the other hand, if you have to make a long move, then gas, hotels, food, and wear and tear on your vehicle may cost you more than shipping. Consider a vehicle transport under these circumstances:
- You are moving across the country (or the world).
- You and your car are in different locations.
- You are moving on a deadline and do not have the time to drive your car.
- You are driving the moving truck
Book your car transport early.
The best shipping companies often fill their available slots quickly, particularly during the summer, when more people are moving.
As a result, try booking your transport company ahead of time. And plan enough time to get your car from Point A to Point B: It could take up to 10 days to move your car across the country.
Compare quotes.
You don’t necessarily want to go with the cheapest shipping company, and you don’t want to go with the first company you talk to, either.
Instead, make sure you are getting the best deal by talking over your needs with at least 3 moving companies. And make sure you get quotes that are comparable so you can see which business is giving you the best possible deal.
How do you ship a car when moving?
Shipping a car when moving can feel like a big deal, but it does not have to be complicated. Follow this process for getting your car secured with a reliable moving company:
Choose your shipment method.
You can choose from two modes of car transport for your vehicle: An open carrier and an enclosed trailer.
An open carrier exposes your car to the elements, but is less expensive, while an enclosed trailer gives you the opportunity to secure your vehicle in a closed space, but is more expensive.
Typically, an open carrier will be the most budget-friendly way to move your car, while still keeping it secure, but if you own a new, high-end, or specialty vehicle, an enclosed trailer may give you more peace of mind for your move.
Find the right moving company.
Check out at least three moving companies before making your choice. They should all meet the following requirements:
- Have the appropriate licensure and insurance
- Possess at least 10 years of experience in shipping vehicles.
- Have strong reviews from customers
- Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau
Then make sure they can meet your other requirements:
- They fit your budget
- They can ship your car your preferred way
- They are responsive and professional
- They answer all your questions
- They can move your car on your deadline
Prepare your car for transport.
Your shipping company will take care of the nitty gritty details of moving your car. However, you can take a few steps to make the process go more smoothly. Try taking these steps to get your car ready to move:
- Leave only a quarter tank of gas in the car.
- Empty your belongings from the car.
- Remove any attachments, such as bike racks.
- Get a mechanical check up for the car before you move.
- Wash your car.
- Inspect the car and take photos of any damage.
- Deactivate your electronic toll pass.
- Disable your car alarm.
Is vehicle shipping safe?
One of the most common FAQs about vehicle moving that we hear is whether shipping a car is safe. It is natural to worry about the safety of a possession as valuable and integral to daily life as you car.
However, car shipping is usually very safe, as long as you choose a reliable, licensed, insured, and experienced transport company. Their track record of safety and success can give you peace of mind.
In addition, you can take the time to inspect your car for damage after it is dropped off. Your transport company should cover any damage incurred during the drive – And if they don’t, then find another transport company.
What happens when you ship a car?
Once you select a car transport company and prepare your car for shipping, the process is relatively easy. The transport company should come to your home and load your car for you. Then, you go about the rest of your move while the transport company safely carries your car to your new location.
The company will either drop the car off at your new home or bring it to a terminal or pickup location where you will meet the transport and pick up your car. In either case, you and your driver will go over the car to check for any damage and to ensure that everything is to your satisfaction.
Whether you are shipping a car across the country or just across the state, the key to a safe and successful move is to hire the right transport company. Here at Ward North American, we can help you find the best auto transporters while providing top-of-the-line moving services for all of your belongings. Trust the professional-strength movers for a stress-free relocation. Trust Ward North American.
