The 1970 Ford Thunderbird is no ordinary vehicle. It is a member of the fourth generation of one of the most iconic nameplates from Ford, a personal luxury coupe that was a serious player in its time. When a customer required the delivery of this collector’s item from Frisco, Texas to Houston, the task required some planning and the right transportation company.
The Route: Frisco, TX to Houston, TX
Frisco is located north of Dallas in one of the fastest-growing routes in the state. Houston is approximately 280 miles southeast and accessible via I-45. This route is regularly serviced by carriers because the DFW Metroplex to Houston route has steady volumes of freight. This makes it a lot easier to find capacity than if it were routed through non-urban areas. The customer booked on February 11th with the first available date on February 13th. A carrier was assigned on February 12th. Pickup occurred on February 17th, and the truck was delivered on the same day it was picked up. In a route this short, it is truly possible to deliver the same day if the carrier and timing are right.
Open Transport for a 1970 Ford Thunderbird
The type of trailer chosen in this case was open, which is the most common approach in the business. Open carriers carry multiple vehicles simultaneously and operate on a regular basis on busy routes such as this one. They are less expensive than enclosed carriers and easier to locate on busy lanes with high demand for freight.
In the case of a 1970 Thunderbird, open transportation can be a consideration worth exploring. Classic cars are typically better served by enclosed trailers, which protect against road debris, the elements, and the type of cosmetic damage that can occur with open transportation. Open transportation is not necessarily dangerous, however. Many classic cars are transported in this manner without problem if the carrier is experienced and the pre-loading inspection is thorough.
If you are considering both options for a similar move, a few things come into play. How far is it going to? What kind of weather is it going to be along the route? What kind of condition is the finish of the vehicle in? For a Texas to Texas move in February, with decent weather and a short drive, container transport may be a good decision. Just be sure that your insurance coverage reflects the value of the vehicle before the truck arrives.
Before a car such as the 1970 Thunderbird is loaded onto a carrier, preparation is important. At Tempus Logix, we ensure that every consignment is preceded by a pre-shipment inspection to safeguard our clients and their vehicles. The condition of the vehicle is recorded at the time of pickup, and the Bill of Lading is signed to provide a documented record of the vehicle’s condition. This document is used as a reference point at the time of delivery.
A few prep steps are in order for any classic or collector car. Take photos of the car from all sides before the carrier shows up. Document any existing chips, scratches, or damage in writing. Drain the gas level to about a quarter of a tank. Disable any alarm systems so they don’t trigger during shipping. And remove all personal effects from the interior and trunk, as carriers are not liable for anything left inside. These are important steps regardless of whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Frisco, TX 75036
- Destination: Houston, TX 77078
- Vehicle: 1970 Ford Thunderbird (Operable)
- Distance: ~280 miles
- Primary routes: I-45 S → Sam Houston Tollway/Beltway 8
- Trailer type: Open trailer
- Season: Mid-February (mild winter)
- Price: $260 ($0.93 per mile)
