A trip from Remington, Virginia to Crofton, Maryland, moving a 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, exemplified the shipping routes that can transport classic cars to where they are needed, without the waiting around that is typically involved. The customer made the booking on the 22nd of January, receiving same-day pickup and delivery on the 28th of January.
Quick Turnaround on Regional Routes
This trip consisted of approximately 80 miles between Remington’s rural location in Fauquier County and Crofton, near Annapolis. The customer called in to book their pickup on January 22nd, which was also entered as the first available pickup date. It took five days to find a carrier, which is quite normal for open transport bookings. Once matched up with a carrier on January 27th, the driver completed the pickup and delivery in one day, January 28th. This is a same-day service, but everything has to fall into place.
The Timeline
The January 22nd booking with same-day FAD indicated the customer could be moved right away. The five-day assignment period allowed the broker to assign the shipment to a carrier already scheduled for the Virginia-Maryland route. The assignment on January 27th indicated the carrier was ready to roll the next day.
The pickup occurred on January 28th, likely in the morning. The delivery completed the process the same day, likely in the afternoon. This is possible because the route is short and direct. Cross-country shipments take seven to ten days because of the distance and the number of stops. The rapid transit in this case illustrates how regional transport differs from long-haul transport. The shorter distance means there is less to coordinate and fewer variables. Customers who ship within the state or to adjacent states typically receive similar turnaround times.
What is The Advantage of Short-distance Transportation
Regional transport between Virginia and Maryland takes advantage of existing carriers that transport goods along these routes. There are many carriers that transport goods along the Washington and Baltimore region all the time. Thus, there is little waiting around for carrier assignment, unlike in less traveled routes.
The process of Bill of Lading followed standard protocol. The truck driver took photos and wrote down notes regarding the state of the Monte Carlo when the goods were picked up in Remington. The same process was followed when the goods were delivered in Crofton to ensure that the goods were not damaged in the process. The shipper and the truck driver signed off in both cases. The distances were less, reducing the chances of road hazards. An 80-mile trip does not cover nearly as much ground as some of the routes that are taken in cross-country transport. The vehicle had minimal time spent on the highway and minimal exposure to weather changes and road debris.
Route Considerations Between Virginia and Maryland
The Remington to Crofton route likely takes Interstate 66 East, then I-495 South, and finally Route 50 East. This keeps the big rigs on highways designed for commercial traffic. The total drive time should take about 90 minutes in normal driving conditions. Carriers avoid residential streets if possible. If one of the locations was difficult to access with a full-size truck, a meeting place was arranged. This is usually a large parking lot or commercial area, away from traffic. There is no mention in the booking notes of any access problems at either location.
Open Transport for Third-Generation Monte Carlos
The 1987 Monte Carlo is part of the third generation of Chevys that bear this name. This series of Monte Carlos had the aerodynamic look that GM mid-size coupes were known for throughout the 1980s. An open transport is sufficient for cars of this time because these cars do not have the crazy value that often necessitates the expense of an enclosed transport. Open transport allows for the transport of seven to ten vehicles on a double-deck carrier. This method of transport is 30-40% cheaper than the enclosed method because it allows multiple vehicles to be transported at once. The Monte Carlo was on a standard open hauler, but it was going in the same direction as other cars.
Classic Cars on Open Trailers
The 1987 Monte Carlo is in a strange sweet spot for classic car transport. It’s old enough to be considered a classic, but not rare enough to require enclosed transport. Most people who transport 1980s American coupes choose open transport. Saving a buck is more important than worrying about possible damage.
Open transport holds cars in place with heavy-duty straps at multiple points. The Monte Carlo would have been placed to not touch other cars. The driver checks the straps before leaving and at stops. The biggest difference between open and enclosed transport is weather protection. January weather in Virginia and Maryland might be rainy or chilly. Open transport leaves the car out in the weather for the short drive. A 37-year-old Monte Carlo, which is of daily driver quality, can handle this.
Transport Summary
- Origin: Remington, VA, 22734
- Destination: Crofton, MD, 21114
- Vehicle type and condition: 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Operable, third-generation coupe)
- Distance: Approximately 80 miles
- Primary routes: I-66 E from Remington; I-495 S (Capital Beltway); US-50 E into Crofton
- Trailer type: Open multi-level carrier
- Season: Late January (winter)
- Total transit time: Same day (less than 8 hours)
- Price: $300 ($3.75 per mile)
See also: Virginia to Maryland Car Shipping
