There are many reasons why people opt to ship their cars instead of driving to their destinations. For starters, there is the risk of depreciation and resale value. If you buy a vehicle out of state, you may cover thousands of miles driving it. But that’s why car shipping companies exist in the first place; to make sure that your ride arrives at its destination in tip-top condition.
Shipping your car is also convenient. It’s just like ordering stuff online rather than walking to the store to get them yourself. It saves time. Plus, you could do other activities without worrying if your car will arrive safely.
Whether you’re shipping a car across the country after buying it off-state or you’re moving for work-related reasons, the basics of successful car shipping remain the same.
Let’s look at the five key factors to consider when shipping your car.
Your Vehicle Type
Your car type will affect your shipping quote. For example, you will pay more to ship an SUV compared to a sedan. This is because size matters. Sedans are smaller and will occupy less space than larger autos like SUVs. Weight is also a cost determinant. Heavier cars fetch more shipping fees. So you might want to think twice before shipping your SUV or van. If you’re going to pay more for shipping expenses than fuel, you are then better off driving to your destination.
Shipping Options
How do you want your car shipped? Look for a carrier that suits your car type. There are mainly two carrier options.
● Open carrier: It’s the more popular option because it’s pocket-friendly. However, it ships dozens of vehicles while exposing them to bad weather, theft, and damage. Open trailers usually secure cars on transit using chains.
● Closed carrier: This option offers protection against damage and bad weather. They use wheel nets or nylon straps to secure the car and prevent possible damage. The extra security will have you pay more. It’s suitable if you plan on shipping high-end vehicles.
Time of the Year
Winter, summer, autumn, or spring —- wondering which is the best season to ship your car? If you want your vehicle delivered quickly, summer is the best time.
There’s usually a higher supply and demand rate during summer. Of course, June and July signify vacation months. People travel a lot during this time, so car shipping companies transport cars quickly in summer. But it will cost you more.
If you have a tight budget, you can wait for winter to ship your car. There’s less demand during this season, so you may save some money on shipping costs.
Shipping Company
A car is a valuable asset, so you want to place it in the hands of a reputable shipping company. Before you choose any shipping provider, check out customer testimonials. You can find these online on their respective websites.
You can ascertain the credibility of any shipping company based on the experiences of previous customers. Ask friends and colleagues if they have used their services before to hear about their experiences first-hand. Plus, never turn a blind eye to negative feedback about a company.
Because price varies from one shipping firm to another, you can compare quotes from different car shipping firms. But price shouldn’t be the only decisive factor. The idiom “quality over quantity” rings true in the vehicle shipping industry. As far as car shipping cost is concerned, the cheapest doesn’t usually translate to be the best or safest option. Pricing reflects the quality of the company’s equipment, level of service, and experience.
Verify that the company’s license is visible on their website for all to see before using their services. Go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website and check the safety history of the auto shipping company.
Insurance Coverage
Consider the safety of your car before shipping it. Damage during auto transportation is highly unlikely. However, there’s a chance that something could go wrong between the departure and the intended location. This is why your transport company should offer you shipping insurance. However, many people don’t know what coverage policy they should opt for while shipping their whips.
Here are two main car shipping insurance policies:
● Transit coverage: It protects you only when your car is damaged or stolen while on transit. Any damage before or after car shipping is not covered.
● All-inclusive coverage: This insures the whole shipping process even when your vehicle suffers damage when loading or off-loading.
Ask your auto shipping company to show you a Certificate of Insurance. It should include insurance amounts for liability, cargo limits, workers, and any deductible. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your car is protected in the event of any unforeseen accidents.
Bottom Line
Weighing in on the factors mentioned above will lead to an excellent experience when shipping your car. Whether you’re shipping an exotic car or an ordinary car, knowing the intricate details of car shipping is essential. It will help you choose a reputable shipping company to transport your vehicle.
Remember, reputable vehicle carriers will not ask you for a deposit but rather request payment during pickup and delivery to the agreed location.
