All the classics have a special kind of allure, including cars. They have an appeal that draws people in, and once someone enters the field, it is difficult to leave for many reasons, whether rational or emotional.
Generally speaking, a classic car is one that is at least twenty-five years old with a collectible or historical value. However, the exact definition of a classic vehicle varies depending on the criteria and context used to define it.
Some may consider any old car a classic car. In contrast, others have more particular and defined criteria, like cars belonging to a specific era or produced by a distinct manufacturer. Classic cars are loved and admired for certain aspects, such as their craftsmanship, style, and design, and many people have a hobby of collecting and restoring them.
This article will answer some of the most common questions about classic car shipping, discuss how private collectors can ship their classic cars safely and damage-free, and how to keep these precious assets away from harm during the journey.
What is Classic Car Shipping?
Classic car shipping has many names, like antique, luxury, exotic, and expensive car transport. It is an auto transport service designed especially for valuable vehicle owners. This premium service promises extra care and protection for the vehicles and ensures the safety of the classic, exotic, and luxury vehicle.
What is the Best Way to Ship a Classic Car?
In most cases, open car shipping is the most common auto shipping service due to its convenience, affordability, and speed. However, this option has a downside since it provides decreased protection for transport vehicles.
Owners of expensive, rare, classic, and more valuable cars prefer to transport them in an enclosed vehicle since it offers extra protection. This car shipping option gives the owner peace of mind, knowing their precious asset is secure and safe during the journey.
Why is Enclosed Auto Transport Considered the Safest Way?
Enclosed carriers can be either soft-sided or hard-shelled and offer maximum protection against damages that can occur to the car during transit from varying road and weather conditions.
A scratch on a classic car is not a simple issue that can be easily handled, as repairing it can cost a fortune. This is not something that the owner or the shipping company can afford to risk, which is why enclosed auto shipping is the most recommended modality for classic car owners to transport their precious vehicles, particularly if they’ve purchased them online.
Not to mention that buying a car online, while a convenient option for many, comes with the downside of being unable to inspect the vehicle in person fully. As a result, the new owner relies on the shipping company to deliver the car in the same condition it was when it left the previous owner.
Therefore, Logistics experts advise owners of vehicles worth fifty thousand dollars or more to transport them in an enclosed carrier. While this option may come at an extra cost, the peace of mind that comes with knowing the vehicle is being handled with care is invaluable. In addition, drivers assigned to enclosed trailers are typically more experienced in handling classic and high-end vehicles.
On the other hand, open auto transport is not recommended for shipping classic cars due to the increased risk of exposure to elements that can cause damage. An open trailer makes the vehicle more susceptible to chips, dents, and other types of harm. That is not to say that open trailers are not bad or that people should not use them as they are secure enough. In fact, they are the standard and most commonly used modality in the auto shipping industry.
What is the Cost of Shipping a Classic Car?
Many factors are considered when calculating the cost of a classic car shipping, to mention a few:
- The size of the vehicle
- The distance the vehicle is being shipped to
- The delivery time frame
- The condition of the vehicle
- The time of the year
- The chosen type of auto transport (enclosed auto transport or open auto transport)
It is worth noting that choosing enclosed car transport, for instance, usually costs around thirty to forty percent more than open transport.
Tips for Preparing an Antique Vehicle or Classic Car for Transport
- If you are not dropping off your classic car at the shipping warehouses, booking classic car shipping services in advance is best to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- For an added sense of security, consider extra insurance coverage for the classic car before shipping it.
- Contact the shipping company in advance to confirm whether undercarriage cleaning is required before transporting the classic car. It will help prevent any issues or delays during the shipping process.
To conclude
It’s essential to handle classic cars carefully during shipping, as even the slightest mistake can result in significant financial loss. Hence, selecting a shipping company that is attentive to the smallest details and communicates clearly with the owner throughout the shipping process will make all the difference. By taking these steps, classic car owners can have peace of mind knowing that their valuable possessions are in good hands.
Tempus Logix has already moved over 45,000 vehicles across the United States. The company specializes in all types of vehicles, including sports cars, classics, and heavy-duty vehicles.
