Have you ever wondered about shipping your car across the country? If you’re planning a move and want to transport your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. This article is a comprehensive guide, providing you with everything you need to know about cross-country car shipping, from the process to finding a reliable car transport company and even tips on shipping a car across the country.
Different Methods of Shipping A Car
There are several ways of shipping a car, but when it comes to shipping a car across the country, the two most popular and important methods are open and enclosed transport.
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Open Transport
This is the common and cost-effective method of shipping. Your vehicle will be shipped in an open trailer and loaded with other vehicles, and then the driver will transport your vehicle to your given delivery address. It is a safe transport option, but your vehicle will be exposed to external elements.
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Enclosed Transport
It is the most expensive car transport option because it is a closed trailer with high-security features, and in this transport type, your vehicle will be shipped in an enclosed trailer, protecting it from external elements and preventing it from getting damaged.
Best Way To Ship Your Car Across The Country
If you own a classic or luxury vehicle, you should choose an enclosed transport. It is the best and safest trailer for shipments of high-value vehicles. This closed trailer protects your vehicle from damage, external elements, and climatic conditions such as snow, rain, etc., preventing it from getting damaged. It means you can take a deep breath and enjoy peace of mind with stress-free shipping.
Cost of Cross-Country Car Shipping
The cost of shipping a car across the country depends on several factors, such as distance, vehicle type, time, etc. The average cost ranges from $500 to $1500. It is most important to get a quote from a different car shipping company and select the best one according to your budget and requirements. Below, we have shared the factors that affect the shipping cost.
- Type of vehicle you are shipping.
- Shipping time frame.
- Transport type you select between the open and enclosed transport.
- Fuel cost.
- Distance between the pickup and delivery locations.
Process Of Cross Country Car Shipping
If you want to ship a car across the country without any stress and want to experience smooth car shipping services, just follow these steps to book the shipment of your car.
- Choose the reputed auto transport company.
- Choose the transport type or trailer type.
- Decide the pickup and delivery addresses.
- Confirm the pickup and delivery dates.
- Get the auto transport quote.
- Book the shipment.
- Prepare your car.
- Get your car picked up.
- Get your car delivered to your address.
How To Choose The Trustworthy Auto Transport Company?
When you look for an auto shipping company online, you will get more suggestions. We know that it’s not easy to select an auto transport company. Here, we have shared a few points that will help you choose the best and most reliable auto transport company. Now, let’s discuss how to choose a trustworthy auto transport company. This is crucial in ensuring a smooth and safe car shipping process.
- If you have selected the auto transport company online, take the time to research it.
- You have to ensure that the company is registered and licensed.
- Read the feedback and reviews of the customers to know about the company’s support and services.
- You have to look for a professional, experienced company with a track record of successful shipping.
- You should not have to settle down for the first company or quote. You should look for different shipping companies, get quotes from multiple car shipping companies, and choose the best one based on experience, rating, services, etc.
- You have to choose the company that offers the insurance coverage.
- You have to ask for the estimated time for the delivery of your vehicle.
- You must know about their shipping services and read the company’s terms and conditions carefully.
- You have to choose the company with the verified payment options.
How To Prepare Your Car For The Shipment?
Once you have selected the car transport company, the next step is to prepare your car for shipment. Before handing your car to the driver, you have to make sure that you have checked and inspected it. Here are a few points that will help you prepare your car.
- Wash and clean your car properly from inside to outside. This will help you inspect your car before loading.
- You must remove all your personal belongings from inside your car. Auto transport companies do not allow you to ship personal items inside a car. The company will not be responsible if anything is lost or damaged. So don’t forget to remove all your items.
- You must reduce the fuel tank by about a quarter or empty the tanks and check for leaks and other machinery issues before the shipment.
- You have to check for your car’s tires, batteries, etc.
- Close the door and windows of your car and cover it properly.
- Inspect your car, complete the documentation, take photographs of your car, and keep it as proof to inspect it after the delivery.
- Lock the car and have a key with you.
Mistakes To Avoided When Shipping A Car Across The Country
If you are shipping your car for the first time, you don’t have to stress. Here are a few common mistakes you must avoid while shipping a car across the country. These expert tips will help you ship your car easily and without stress.
- Not doing the complete research about the car shipping company.
- You should not have to leave your items inside a car.
- Not preparing your car before the shipment.
- Not having the proper documentation and not checking the insurance coverage.
- Running behind the cheapest car shipping company.
- Trusting the auto transport company that is too good to be true and offering huge discounts and too low prices.
- Not communicating with the auto transport company and drivers during the shipping journey.
- Some of them did not inspect their cars before and after the delivery. So, inspect your car before and after the delivery.
- Paying too much and not verifying the payment options.
Conclusion
We know that car shipping is challenging. If you are shipping your car across the country, you need to be prepared, and sometimes, it might be daunting. To make the shipping process easy and smooth, you should hire an experienced auto transport company, and they will ship your car safely to your address. When shipping your car, remember all the points we shared in the above section.
