Is Shipping Your Car Across the Country a Better Choice?
Moving across the country can be an emotional and adventurous experience. There are a dozen things to consider, and transporting personal property is at the top of almost everyone’s list. Naturally, vehicles can be one of the most valuable items to bring with you when relocating to a new area.
Given that we are not wizards and do not have access to a magical flying car, we must consider more mundane alternatives like shipping or driving the vehicle. And the difficult part is determining which option is more convenient and preferred, taking into account a variety of criteria such as travel time, the distance between locations, and other aspects.
Distance between the destinations
We recommend checking the driving distance between the locations to resolve the dilemma of shipping or driving your car. Please keep in mind to calculate the actual road distance between states/cities rather than the approximate mileage between the destinations.
In addition, it can be beneficial to examine the specifics of the planned journey. Road conditions and road infrastructure, weather complications, roadside amenities are just a few of the things to think about before hitting the road.
Safety and convenience
For some people, driving across the country can be seen as an opportunity to have an exciting experience with friends or family. Though, ideal road trips are seldomly realistic. Firstly, driving long hours can cause fatigue and back strains. While hiring a vehicle shipping company allows you to avoid the risks involved with road transport accidents. The shipping company will deliver the vehicle to your location. And you would be more ensure that you and your family arrive safely.
Furthermore, logistical issues may arise if you have more than one car, which is quite common in most families. When selecting an auto transport shipping company, you can request that they coordinate the transportation of all the vehicles.
Timeframe Consideration
A road trip across the United States can take anywhere from a few days to a week. It depends whether you are planning to travel from coast to coast or if you’re driving simply between states. Meanwhile, as mentioned previously, you will also need to stop more frequently to make the trip safely if you can’t rotate shifts with another driver.
Therefore, if you have any limited timeline and commitments shortly after the travel, shipping your car across the country and flying to your final destination is the advised option.
Costs and expenses
Driving is usually assumed to be the most cost-effective way to transport a car across the country, but this isn’t always the case when considering the expenses associated with the trip.
The final cost can vary depending on the amount of time spent traveling, the number of people in the car, and other aspects. We suggest that you include not only the cost of fuel. But also the cost of road tolls, parking tickets and fees, meals and accommodation prices, vehicle maintenance, and so on.
The presumption of the damage of the wear and tear on your car must also be kept in mind. After all, a cross-country trip will add an extra thousand miles to your vehicle’s driven mileage number. Not to mention minor accidents can always happen. A reasonable chance of incurring unexpected costs remains as well. Some of the most common incidents are a flat tire or the need to tow the car along the way.
Please keep in mind that the cost of cross-country shipping is directly related to the size and weight of your vehicle, the type of insurance you select, and the rates of the auto shipping company you choose.
Thus, try to get quotes from a few different shipping companies and compare their shipping costs. Tempus Logix, with its extensive experience in car shipping, is one of the most cost-effective and secure organizations in the industry.
How Auto Transport Companies Ship Non-Running Vehicles
There are several occasions when there is a need to ship non-running vehicles. Many auto transport companies have the required facilities for shipping non-running vehicles. Nevertheless, it can be a slightly complicated process for both the service providers and the clients. Therefore, we will share some tips and information to simplify the procedure of shipping non-working transports.
Non-Running Transport Distinction
Non-running vehicles usually have functional issues or missing essential components that make them unsafe to drive. Some typical cases are cars with missing engines, dead batteries, flat tires, structural malfunctions, etc. For auto transport companies, cars that can’t be driven to the shipping truck and need to be transported by a specific mechanism are considered inoperable and non-running. In some cases, the car can be rolled onto the shipping truck, though it’s not safe to move due to safety precautions. Usually, it’s because of problems regarding the steering mechanism or brake functionality. Nevertheless, an experienced auto transport company can always arrange logistics to carry any car in any condition.
Choosing the Shipping Company
Firstly, it is essential to note that not all carriers can provide auto transport shipping for non- running vehicles. Some shipping provider companies do not possess the required equipment to transport the inoperable cars as the standard accessories on shipping trucks are not sufficient for the process. Commonly auto shipping companies are not willing to handle the shipment of the non-working vehicle due to a lack of experience and trained specialists. Tempus Logix took this into account and created a task force in charge of shipments of inoperable motor vehicles.
Before placing an order or making a payment, you need to provide your carrier with a vehicle condition report specifying the car’s condition and possible complications that may jump up during the auto transport. Additionally, we recommend using enclosed car shipping if the car in question is a high-value classic car or holds sentimental importance.
Cost of the Shipping Service
Shipping inoperative vehicles are more expensive because of extra work and pricey equipment used to load and unload them. To transport your non-running car, the shipper may request more money for winching your vehicle and rolling it onto the truck. Please be informed that this is an additional service, and standard trucks don’t feature such specialized equipment to ship your non-running car. The truckers and the shipping staff must pass specific training courses to handle the essential steps of the loading/unloading procedure. We strongly recommend trying to fix some of the malfunctions and make the necessary improvements, which can be less costly than hiring auto transportation services to haul non-functional automobiles. Therefore, compare the service prices from several companies to ensure the shipping cost will not be over-budget.
Check Reviews and Permits
Firstly, check the reviews and recommendations to understand whether the company can ship non-running vehicles safely and on time. By quick research, you can evaluate the company’s experience and the common complaints from the customers. Afterward, check the licenses to make sure whether you want to cooperate with that particular company. Auto transport companies must have the certifications and licenses to ship vehicles. Also, make a note that not all companies are allowed to transport cars between states or countries.
Car Shipping Laws
The auto transport industry is being controlled and regulated by governmental institutions. Each country has its regulations and laws that both the service provider and the client must follow. Even though auto transport companies are more likely to be under the spotlight, the clients must also be aware of transportation laws which are mostly related to the shipped car’s age/condition, dimensions, import goods restrictions, etc. Accordingly, the basic knowledge will help you to avoid potential issues. Therefore, we are going to present the essential car shipping rules and restrictions.
Weight Restrictions
There is often a fixed weight limit that auto transport drivers can carry per trip. By adding up the estimated weight of each vehicle, they can calculate the shipping truck’s load. It is important to note that car shipping companies do not weigh your vehicle during the pickup while loading it onto the vessel. The weight depends on the make and the model of the car. In most cases, the companies also add extra weight to the car’s factory weight, such as 100 lbs.
The drivers need to weigh their trucks at several weigh stations to check whether the cargo’s weight complies with auto transport rules and regulations. We advise against packing your automobile to the brim with personal belongings.
Height Restrictions
The vehicle’s height is also a defined limit. The standard car’s height is usually up to 7 feet or less. Therefore, transporting such vehicles on conventional trucks can cause minimum delays and additional fees. In case your car is taller than the permissible height, we suggest using specialized carriers.
Required Documentation
Car shipping involves lots of paperwork and documentation. As a first step, the client needs to provide documents proving the ownership or authorization for shipping the car. If you plan to move a newly purchased car, you will need to present a Receipt of the Purchase and an Original Certificate of Origin from the dealership/previous owner from where/whom you have bought the car.
Driving Hours
Auto Transport companies are often in tight competition with the market’s players. To gain customers, some companies tend to promise unrealistic shipment conditions and timelines. So be conscious of the typical limitations and rules of not paying an additional fee or waiting for delayed transportation.
Be informed that a shipper may postpone an agreed delivery window because of federal laws regarding driving hours. Per day, truckers are allowed to go on the road only for a certain amount of hours. These limitations are more likely to concern interstate transportation to maintain security, commercial, and health requirements. The fixed driving hours naturally affect the delivery speed, and you should plan your shipment keeping in mind the information mentioned above.
Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car
It doesn’t matter whether you ship your car interstate or internationally; there are too many auto transportation and brokerage services you may choose to opt-in. Although most car shipping companies work for the same purpose, you need to beware of many differences in service quality when shipping your car. We have made up a list of the most common mistakes you need to avoid to have a hassle-free car shipping experience. Let’s take a closer look at our checklist.
Check Out the Shipping Company
Before choosing the transport company, you need to check whether your carrier has national registration with the US Department of Transportation (DoT). If a company offers out-of-state car shipping, you also need to check its registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Be aware that a reputable company should provide you with both of these registration numbers based on your primary request. We strongly advise not to deal with a shipper that is either not registered or otherwise doesn’t want to present you DoT or a Motor Carrier number (MC). Any information related to the registration numbers the company should provide you in writing. Don’t trust promises or verbal agreements, as none of them may become legally binding.
Incorrect or Missing Documents
Before you get your car loaded onto the truck, you need to present the insurance certificate and vehicle registration. These are mandatory to have on hand to prove that you own the car. Before loading your vehicle, the transporter needs to carry out a car inspection and make applicable notes on the inspection report. This document is the only record of the car’s condition before you have it loaded. Please ensure that a carrier fills out the inspection report accurately and signs the document in case of any damage. Otherwise, you cannot fill a freight claim against the hauler and get compensation for damages.
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
If something goes wrong during transport, the movers have to provide you with insurance to cover the damage. To check the sufficiency of insurance coverage, you can request an insurance certificate online from the carrier. Please note that you may receive additional insurance coverage from your insurance even though you are not obligated to have it insured while having it shipped.
Empty Your Car of Personal Items
Although many auto shipping companies allow for 100 lbs. of personal or household items packed in the vehicle, we advise freeing up your car of personal belongings before having it shipped. Keep in mind that a carrier has no responsibility for damage or loss of your items inside the vehicle; thus, it would be impossible to claim any compensatory damage for them.
Read about Tips on Packing a Car When Shipping It
Not Getting Shipping Quotes
Car transportation terms, especially shipping costs, may vary from shipper to shipper. Thus, it’s essential to find one that will provide superior value for your money. If you want to know exactly how much you will end up paying for car transport, a free quote is what you need to request. Initial quotes may vary depending on shipping destination, mode of transportation, vehicle size/weight, and so forth.
Opting for the Cheapest Service
Unfortunately, the auto shipping industry is full of scammers that will always try to sway you by rock-bottom prices or force you into paying an upfront deposit that you will never get back. Therefore, a big jump down in the price may mean a red flag that you will likely end up getting scammed, as none of the legitimate companies will work at a loss.
Shipping Your Car vs Driving Your Car When Moving
Sometimes the circumstances dictate to change the permanent place of living. Either you have a new job offer from a company with an establishment in another state, or you need to join your family living in another state other than you are, the moving process may not be that easy. Even though driving is much more beneficial from the economic point of view, this might not be the most convenient option if you deal with a long distance. Here the car relocation through a company with a reputable and good standing in the field of auto relocation services will work for your case at its best. Tempus Logix offers you its shipping services in compliance with the car shipping industry standards, plus with a motto of making your move easier.
Why Shipping Your Car is a Better Choice?
Cross-country auto shipping is a type of service to move cars from state to state or from city to city. You may ship your vehicle across the country either on an open trailer or on the closed one. It mainly depends on your personal preference and the factors such as your vehicle status and the conditions thereof. However, there is a lot to consider if you need to ship your car cross- country. Drawing your attention to such factors as transparency of the moving process, timing, and the insurance policy offered by the carrier company will help you make your experience successful. The driving distance is one of the dominant factors impacting the choice of the option of car shipping. The longer your way is, the more you will benefit if not driving on your own. Another factor that may affect your choice of contacting the auto transport professional services is the seasonal condition. Driving across the country in winter is a real challenge. On the contrary, shipping your car will conclude in the safety and convenience of your vehicle moving issue.
Car Transport Costs
The actual costs for shipping your car may range between 600USD – 1500 USD. Depending on the weather, distance, preferred shipment method, service type (door-to-door service or terminal-to-terminal service), the prices may vary. You will benefit much if you consciously compare and weigh your shipping options and stop on the one that matches your needs (including but not limited to the budget volume) the best. So if you are on your way to move and need an effective solution for your car to get to the place of your new permanent or temporary establishment, then Tempus Logix is your professional friend within this journey.
Best Summer Car Care Tips
When the sun is heating up like a frying pan, it’s time for a vacation road trip. It can seem surprising, but the intense season may present difficulties in car maintenance. Stranding with a broken-down car in a remote location and waiting for a tow truck is the last thing you want to happen during your trip. Thus, before you hit the road in hot weather, run through your car maintenance checklist and make sure your vehicle is working at top-notch. We have made up a list of car care tips that may help you get your vehicle ready for your trip. Let’s check them out!
Keep The Car Engine Cool!
Engine coolant is what prevents your car’s engine from overheating. Coolant is a chemical substance, also referred to as antifreeze, that regulates the engine’s operating temperature and prevents it from overheating. If the engine coolant level in the reservoir is below or near the minimum mark, there is a considerable risk of engine overheating and warping the cylinder heads. In addition, be informed that a low level of engine coolant may be due to a coolant leak. Thus, to avoid challenges related to engine overheating, drive to maintenance service and pass a complete vehicle inspection.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated!
Many people are careless about the condition of tires when driving long trips; however, it may cause serious problems, especially in the summertime. For instance, going with underinflated tires may cause a quick overheat and blowout, resulting in early breakdown or loss of control. Therefore, we strongly advise checking the pressure in tires regularly to follow up on a manufacturer’s recommendation. To have the exact PSI for your tires, please peruse the owner’s manual.
Additionally, check your tires for uneven or excessive wear, as worn-out tires may not only make your road trip annoying but also reduce the grip on the road and lead to hydroplaning or skidding.
Five Fluids to Check
Aside from engine coolant, there are four more fluids (serving as lubricants) that you need to check periodically. Here are the most common car fluids: engine oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Please be informed that car fluids change intervals may depend on various factors, such as car model, engine type, etc. For example, many offer to change the vehicle’s brake fluid every 20,000 miles. However, don’t hurry to follow up “armchair” experts’ recommendations and firstly, check out your car owner’s manual.
Test The Car Battery
You may have heard that cold reduces the life expectancy of a car battery; meanwhile, the summer heat can do pretty much the same thing. Hot temperatures can make the battery swell as the heat activates the acids inside and causes the battery to lose its charge. So occasionally test your car battery at the nearest service center to ensure that your car engine won’t refuse to start during the intense season.
Tire Alignment
At first sight, the car wheels look as if they are perfectly straight and vertical. However, to improve the vehicle performance, car manufacturers determine some specific angles to the car wheels. If your car pulls to one side, or the wheel vibrates when driving straight, your car needs a wheel alignment. Misaligned wheels may reduce the lifespan of your tires, make you spend more money on gas and finally guarantee you an unpleasant road trip.
Bounce Tips
We all know that parking a car in the sun will result in a burning steering wheel in the end. So how to avoid burning your fingers if no parking space is available in the shade. Once you park your car, roll the steering wheel 180 degrees, and you will get a cool-to-touch top when you are back.
You don’t just need to warm up the car engine in the winter; it’s mandatory for summer as well. When you start the car engine, it takes time to get hot enough. Thus, starting the engine and driving off doesn’t allow oil to reach all motor parts. So warm up your car for at least thirty seconds before you take off.
To protect your car paint from hot temperatures and add some extra protection, you can cover your vehicle with a polish coating at the beginning of summer. You may even make the coating on your own at home using soup, beeswax, and jojoba oil.
Top 8 Cars to Drive in Hawaii
Many Americans dream of living on a tropical island and enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. Living on a small island separated from the continent, on the other hand, is very different from living on the mainland. Hawaii is one of the least stressed states in the US, where you can observe paradisiac landscapes and ease the stress of big cities. To get the most out of your stay in Hawaii and keep up with the hassle-free and relaxed life, you’ll need an automobile that fits your new way of life. If you are considering relocating or just visiting Hawaii, we have made up a list of the most popular cars people prefer to drive in Hawaii.
Toyota Tacoma
This midsize pickup truck is known as one of the favorite vehicles on the island. In Hawaii, the Toyota Tacoma sells about eight to ten times quicker than in other states in the US. As one of the top cars to drive in Hawaii, a four-cylinder, V-6 engine under the hood of this monster produces more than 270 HP and over 260 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the trim levels & configurations, the price for Toyota Tacoma varies between $26,000 and $44,000. Of course, this is not a budget car, but it’s affordable enough not to drain your bank account.
Jeep Wrangler
Driving around the island in style is all about considering a Jeep Wrangler as a primary choice, especially when taking it off-road. This cube-style SUV offers optimum comfort whether you voyage alongside the beach or try to handle the harshest terrain. However, if you look for open-air freedom, the new generation of Jeep Wrangler with a removable hardtop and doors is worth examining.
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota, along with Ford, is the top automobile make in Hawaii. The Toyota 4Runner is one of the best multifunctional full-size SUVs. It is ideal for large families and those who enjoy traveling in a big-group bubble. It prides itself on being suitable for all types of road situations, including off-road driving. Plus, the 4Runner can handle ruggedness, making it an ideal vehicle for exploring Hawaiian nature.
Ford Explorer
Next up, we have an iconic car from one of the leading manufacturers in the US – Ford Motor Company. Ford Explorer is one of the best midsize sport utility vehicles manufactured by a legendary carmaker titan. Ford Explorer pairs a 3.3-liter motor with an electric engine generating an impressive 400 HP. Usually, Explorer features a towing system with more than 5.500 pounds of towing capacity.
Nissan Frontier
Nissan Frontier is popular among enthusiasts as a hard-working pickup truck featuring a huge premium-equipped cabin. Frontier has Nissan’s legendary naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V-6 engine for a combined output of 310 HP. Featuring a high-quality stereo system and premium leather-wrapped interior, the Nissan Frontier will make you feel at home across the infinite ocean.
Honda Ridgeline
Ridgeline is a top-ranked midsize pickup truck from famous Japanese carmaker Honda that combines the functionality of an off-roader and a luxury SUV. Ridgeline features a powerful 3.5-liter, I-VTEC® Direct-Injection engine that produces more than 280 HP and makes 262 lb-ft of torque. With five passenger seats and a
stunning audio system powered with more than 25 connection highlights, Honda Ridgeline, will make your Hawaiian excursion a disco on the wheels.
Ford F-150
It’s not a surprise that Ford’s F-Series is one of America’s best-selling vehicles, especially the F-150, first introduced in the early 1940s. The price of this full-size pickup truck starts at around $30,000 and hits the highest price tag of $70,000 for the limited edition. As stated by the USA Today newspaper, the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Tacoma were the best-selling cars to drive in Hawaii as of 2016. Starting from 2019, Ford offers the F-150 in six different engine lineups, including the Power Stroke engine (diesel engines produced by Ford Motor Company).
Smart
If you are looking for a cheap-to-drive car with the most fuel efficiency, Smart is what you need to consider. Smart is a German carmaker company specializing in small-sized car production. Smart is a subsidiary of a German giant automobile manufacturer- Mercedes-Benz. The most notable thing about Smart is that it offers eco-friendly electric cars. These vehicles personify the productivity and modern ideology of the company.
What Happens If a Vehicle is Damaged During Transport?
It’s tough to envision our lives without our four-wheeled companion in today’s fast-paced world. One of the first things we want to bring with us is our vehicle, especially when going on vacation. If you’ve ever been in a scenario like this, you’ve probably considered moving your car. And you probably have tried to select between two options: to do it yourself or hire pros. When you examine all the car shipping benefits, picking a decision won’t be so difficult: you save time and energy and avoid tiring and often dangerous journeys. You can certainly hand over your keys to a vehicle shipping company instead.
Do Your Research!
Now that you’ve learned about the incomparable benefits of vehicle shipping businesses, it’s time to gather as much information as possible. You should check all the information before signing the contract. Choose experienced auto transportation companies that only work with insured carriers, which is undoubtedly necessary by law for them to have it. Sometimes, however, the companies fail to verify expired insurance. By the time the carrier is liable for your vehicle, your insurance policy may no longer cover it. As a result, the haulers have their mandatory insurance coverage. Feel free to inquire about the transaction’s details and obtain a shipping quote from the shipping agent.
Have You Noticed Any Damage?
But first, let’s find out what kinds of damages your vehicle might face. Scratches or dents, truck rollover, breaking of car parts, and theft are all probable damages during vehicle transportation. After you get the vehicle, thoroughly inspect all the details and compare them to the photographs taken before the delivery. Take a look at the roof and the undercarriage as well. After the external inspection, check for fluid leaks and start the automobile to ensure the engine is in good working order and there are no strange noises that could cause harm. Carriers picking up a vehicle will write a report on BOL. After delivery, you can compare any damages noticed with the record previously taken. BOL will prove and be solid evidence for your claim if anything happens to your car. It is essential to check the BOL before and after the transportation transaction.
So Which Are Your Steps?
So, when you examine your car and see newly caused damages, take some photos, especially from the same position as the one taken before delivery. Let your vehicle transportation company representative know of the mishap. They will fill out the vehicle condition report and notify the carrier to take responsibility for the insurance coverage. Examine the inspection documentation and look through all the details before signing. Before you drive your car away, double-check that a representative from the transport company has contacted the hauler. After that, you should go to your mechanic to find out the actual cost of repairing the damage. Then obtain the assessment by email or printed copy. Give all these materials to the company, which they will need to continue negotiating for your reimbursement or advise you on your claim in court. Good companies, such as Tempus Logix, will do everything in their power to help you because satisfied customers are attesters of their service.
Common Problems during Auto Transport
Shipping a vehicle across the country is a very stressful and worrisome deal as it’s hard to anticipate all problems that may occur during transit. However, you may still take some steps to understand the ins and outs and minimize the risk associated with the shipping process. It’s hard to cover all possible problems, but here are some commons you need to consider while transporting your car.
Vehicle Damage
Having your car damaged during the transportation process is one of the most common mishaps that you are likely to encounter. Everything from severe damages to minor dents and scratches may occur during auto transport. Thus, make sure to inspect your vehicle meticulously after you have it shipped. Don’t miss areas that are most commonly overlooked, such as under the bumpers and roof. If you have your car damaged after having it loaded onto the hauler truck, you need to fill out a complaint against your shipper and make applicable notes on the inspection report (known as a bill of lading). Make sure to have the driver’s signature on the document to avoid difficulties in the future when filling in your complaint form.
Incorrect Car Shipping Quote
Occasionally, auto carriers provide customers with an incorrect car shipping quote to estimate the shipping cost. It may mostly happen because of a misunderstanding related to a car drop-off location. For instance, two different cities in different states bear the same name but are a couple of hundred miles apart. To avoid such unpleasant situations and get a correct car shipping quote, please ensure to reiterate the postal codes of both pickup and drop-off locations.
Late or Delayed Auto Delivery
Late delivery is one of the last things you want to come across when shipping your vehicle. Although delays in auto delivery may happen because of the trucker’s negligence, the most common reasons continue to remain out of human control. Traffic jams, extreme weather conditions, mechanical troubles, and even late acceptance of delivery create a domino effect and lead to late delivery. That’s why many respectful auto transport services offer a delivery window of one to six business days to avoid delivery delays.
Poor Communications
Poor communication and bad customer service are what may push you to find a new company to ship your car. To make the auto shipping process quicker and easier, consider working with an auto transport broker. Although brokerage companies don’t own their trucks and have no control over them, they cooperate with a more extensive network of auto carriers that don’t deplete the capacity of shipping orders nationwide.
Off-Route Destinations
Most auto carriers use common routes for auto transport trips. If you want to have your car delivered to an off-route destination, you may incur additional fees and have late or delayed delivery. Thus, before you hire a shipping company, it’s always good to review the terms and conditions to avoid unexpected delays and hiked prices.
How Can You Avoid These Problems?
To insure yourself against these problems when dealing with auto transport, you need to carefully research the carrier/broker company and consider all pros and cons. Check online reviews, get recommendations from other customers, check records with Better Business Bureau (BBB) and use the company’s Motor Carrier number to verify it with FMCSA. Nothing is for sure in this industry; however, the above-stated steps may help you find a reputable carrier or broker to ship your car safely and quickly anywhere in the US.
How Does Car Shipping Work from Start to Finish?
When driving your vehicle long distances is impractical, car shipment is the best and most convenient option. If you are new to this field, you probably think that the shipping process is quite complicated. For sure, you will change your mind after doing research and receiving answers to your questions. Let’s go through the main aspects of car shipping and find out how it works.
What is Auto Transport?
Auto transport is a service that people apply to move their vehicles to any location in the United States. This service is available to get either by an auto transporter or an auto transport broker. In both circumstances, the organization is responsible for transporting your vehicle securely. You can benefit a lot by entrusting the transportation of your car to a reliable and reputable company. It can assist you in avoiding a variety of stressful situations.
What Are Your Choices?
Once you’ve decided to ship your car, you’ll need to choose between the services offered by the various companies. Here they are:
- Open-air auto transport vs. enclosed auto transport: The first option is very safe, and around 95% of all customers select it. But if your car is rare and luxurious, you should choose the enclosed shipping option. It is capable of providing complete protection to your vehicle. But the price is much higher.
- Door-to-door shipping vs. terminal-to-terminal shipping. The door-to-door shipping option is the most convenient for the customers. The truck driver tries to get as near as possible to both of your addresses. However, it costs a bit more than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
- Delivery time. If you want to get your vehicle much faster, you can choose an expedited shipping option. Although this option is more expensive, it may be a good alternative for those who require quick delivery.
What do you have to do?
Firstly, do your research to select the best shipping company. When comparing the advantages of the shipping companies, pay great attention to the following tips:
- Ensure that they have the proper licenses to operate.
- Read online reviews from past customers.
- Check insurance coverage.
- Learn about the driver’s experience.
- Get a pricing quote.
How much will it cost to ship a car?
Every customer wants to ship the vehicle at a reasonable price. But note that paying a lower price sometimes can be very risky. There are, however, some factors that influence the price. Such factors are vehicle type, type of transport, season, distance, condition of the car, and time frame. Obtain at least three different pricing quotes before making your ultimate decision.
How to prepare the car for shipping?
You should prepare your car for transport before giving over the keys. It’s an effortless task. Let’s go through several actions you should do:
- Thoroughly clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle and take good photographs from every angle.
- Remove all your items.
- Cut your fuel use by a quarter of a tank.
- Look over your car for any damage and inform the truck driver.
There is nothing other than to wait for your car’s safe delivery. Only remember to sign the condition report after receiving and inspecting your vehicle.
