Tips & Tricks About Hauling Collectible Cars

Transporting a collectible vehicle from one place to another is a massive source of stress for the owner. Hauling collectible cars adds to this worry, as owners keep fretting about each stage and measuring the risks their irreplaceable car might face during the shipment.

For the owners, classic and collectible cars aren’t only vehicles; they’re a passion. Many believe the transport process will be challenging, and cars might get entirely damaged, scratched, or rusted. This belief makes collectible car owners hesitate and have second thoughts before booking a classic vehicle transportation service. But the truth is, that’s not the case at all. Many people have easily transported their classic and collectible cars without minor damage. Follow this advice, and your car transport will be a peace of mind.

Find a Reliable Classic Car Transport Company

The more experienced and skilled the transport team is, the safer your collectible move will be. So, ensuring the company’s reliability should be the first step when you decide to transport your classic car.

You have to do comprehensive research on the probable transport companies by reading past clients’ reviews; they will help. However, that’s not enough to hire a classic car transport team. Check the company’s safety record and insurance coverages before making a purchase. In addition, the company should be licensed by the transportation department.

Tempus Logix is a licensed brokerage company in the vehicle transportation industry. The company specializes in all vehicle transportation services, from something as small as a motorbike to heavy-duty vehicles like bulldozers and trucks. Classic cars are not an exception, and Tempus Logix offers all types of transportation options for valuable collectibles.

Choose the Best Transportation Type

Classic and collectible car transportation has two types, either open or enclosed. The open auto transport will move your classic car as safely as possible. Remember that the truck won’t be able to secure your vehicle from the surrounding circumstances, such as weather conditions which might cause rust and many other issues to your car.

On the other hand, an enclosed carrier will protect the collectible vehicle from the uncontrollable circumstances mentioned above. So, pick the transport type depending on the level of protection you want for your car. Find out the Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Consider Your Budget

You have to remember that classic car transport cost differs whether you go for an enclosed or an open truck. The enclosed trailer will guarantee a safe trip, especially since the transport will last for hours. But, it might cost double that of the open truck.

If your budget is tight, the open transport type will be an excellent option to consider. And it’s mainly about the reliable classic car transport company. Even the open truck will be a good option if it’s trusted.

Select Door-to-Door Transport If Possible

As you’ll be hauling your classic car from one state to another, driving to the transport company will be inconvenient, posing additional damage risks to your collectible vehicle. So, door-to-door service will save you all the trouble.

Document Everything

Your classic car’s safety relies on you as much as it does on the transport company. So, you have to observe all the precautions by taking clear pictures and videos of your car from all angles. By that, you’ll be able to compare the previous state of your vehicle with its form after the shipment. In addition, spotting any new damage the shipping team caused during the transport will be easier.

Prepare Your Car for Shipping.

There’re many steps to ensure the safest journey to your collectible vehicle:

Empty your car

Many collectible car transport companies have strict restrictions regarding personal items. They’re not responsible for any possession loss, and you have to empty your car of all valuable items.

Wash the vehicle inside out

Whether you will transport your car on an open or enclosed truck, cleaning the car is a crucial step to do before the shipping. Because by doing that, all the dust and dirt that might have covered previous rust or damage will be revealed. Consequently, you’ll get a complete idea about your car’s state before the transport.

Fill the tank

Before filling your car’s tank, you have to consider the company’s guidelines. The majority of shipping companies will only accept 1/8 to 1/4 full tanks, and that’s to reduce the vehicle’s weight and facilitate the load and unload of the classic car.

Read the insurance thoroughly

An accident might happen no matter how cautious the transport team is, and they can’t consider all factors, so all transport companies arrange insurance for the shipping process. That’s why you must read the insurance carefully and discuss the terms with the manager; don’t be shy about this step because your collectible car’s safety will be on the line.

Examine the battery charge

You have to get your classic car’s battery fully charged before the shipment because the carrier might need to move your vehicle from one place to another. It would be a massive problem if the car didn’t start. Remember that a flat battery is one of the most prevalent reasons a car won’t start up and charge the battery fully.

In a Nutshell

Following the tips mentioned above, your car transport will be a peace of mind, and it will arrive at the destination safely without a scratch. It’s all about the classic car transport company; if they’re trusted and experienced, you can rest assured your vehicle is in safe hands.

What Factors Affect Car Shipping Cost in the USA

Cars are the primary means of transportation worldwide, but what if they need to be transported from one point to another for trading or personal purposes? Car shipping cost in the USA varies across states and cities, depending on many factors.

When deciding on a car shipping company to transport vehicles from one location to another without the need to drive it yourself, consider not only the budget but the provided quality and many other factors we’ll discuss in this article. 

Why Shipping a Car?

Many reasons may prompt you to hire a car shipping company, and besides commercial reasons like shipping for car dealers and traders, other reasons could be:

• Collecting cars that are far away. 
• Individuals purchase automobiles online.
• Individuals are moving across the country. 

In these situations, vehicle shipping is the best option, which provides several advantages, such as: 

• Save the time and energy of going and picking it up, then drive back.
• More convenient for maintaining the condition of the car and avoiding damage. 
• Provides complete luxury that facilitates your moving process or integrates your purchase. 

What Factors Affect Car Shipping Cost

Factors that affect car shipping costs in the USA are numerous, many of which vary according to the client’s preferences. While care transport prices vary significantly, the main factors that affect car shipping costs in the USA include: 

Time frame 

The fastest you want your car to be delivered, the more you will have to pay. Therefore, if the timeline is not strict, your shipment could take weeks but cost less. Furthermore, appoint your car shipping date as early as possible to allow plenty of time for you and the car shipping company to prepare the shipment and reserve a spot on the carrier.

An additional factor that could affect car shipping costs in the USA is the urgent situations where you will need to pay extra fees to get your vehicle picked up, documented, and loaded correctly on the chosen carrier in no time. The more you need to get it shipped quickly, the more it’ll cost.

Transporting options

There are many ways to get your car shipped, such as trains, port-to-port, air freight, and road trucks. There are two main types to choose from, open or enclosed. While the open shipping carriers have lower costs, they tend to have higher risks. Find out How to Protect Your Classic Car on an Open Trailer.

A carrier will carry your car and many other vehicles due to the carrier design; it will also be exposed to environmental elements and road hazards. On the other hand, enclosed carriers provide a safer trip for your car, protecting it from possible damages. But it also has limited capacity regarding the number of loaded cars and is more expensive.

Read more about Why to Choose an Enclosed Auto Transport.

Car type, status, and size 

Rates will also differ depending on the space your vehicle will take and the demanded amount of care. Not all cars are the same size or weight, as the smaller and lighter cars will bill less, and bigger and heavier cars could cost more, especially if specific machines are needed to load and unload your vehicle.

Moreover, luxury and new cars need more care to protect them from possible scratches for several reasons. Therefore, they may require specific modifications on the carrier, enabling the company to add to the bill.

Here is a Guide to Collectible Cars Transportation.

The start and final location 

Car shipping companies’ job is to transport vehicles from where it is located and deliver them to the desired location without even having to start them. Hence, mileage plays an essential role as one of the main factors that affect car shipping costs in the USA. Therefore, it is obvious that car transportation fees between states are entirely different from those between cities. Of course, when requiring a door-delivery service, the price will automatically increase.  

The season of the year 

Weather can significantly affect your vehicle’s shipment because if it rains, snows, or the road ices during winter, the car shipping company will take massive measurements to ensure that your car is safe and delivered on time, as driving under these conditions is much more challenging. Conversely, summer can give a hard time when transporting cars because you do not want the temperature or dry environment to tamper with your shipment. 

Besides that, summer is considered a peak season in the car shipping business, where schools are closed, and people try to move before they reopen. Another peak season arises during winter, as many individuals travel to warmer places, then when spring comes, they relocate back home. 

Tracking additional services

As mentioned earlier, home delivery for car shipping companies is classified as an extra service, impacting shipment quotes. Another additional service that could be provided and affects car shipping costs in the USA is top-loading when your vehicle is placed on the upper level of a two-store carrier.

It helps avoid road debris and the other cars’ conditions because your car will be loaded with many other vehicles that may or may not be old or damaged. Having your vehicle placed underneath means facing the possibility of leakage or falling parts from the upper cars.

Conclusion

After getting a clear idea of the reasons that contribute to the transporting service cost, you will be able to determine whether the quote you were offered is good or you should keep looking for a better one. However, a trusted automobile transport company will always offer competitive quotes. So, make sure you’re dealing with a reliable one. Some vehicle transportation companies like Tempus Logix offer a free online calculator to estimate the car shipping costs in the USA.

When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport

Using auto transport services is the most reliable and effective way to avoid all the trouble of shipping a vehicle from one place to another; there is no need to waste time and energy driving the car personally. In addition, the carrier will not expose the vehicle to any risk that might emerge from driving it for long distances. Auto transport companies take care of the shipping process from A to Z.

The first step is choosing a suitable shipping method. Auto transport businesses offer two main types of services: open auto transport and enclosed auto transport. Choosing the carrier type is not easy; each method has its features and suits specific conditions. With that in mind, it is important to know which service to book depending on the various circumstances.

Open Auto Transport and Enclosed Auto Transport

Knowing the critical difference between the two transporting methods is necessary before deciding when to use one of them.

Open Auto Transport

It is more affordable, easier to arrange, and economical, but it doesn’t provide complete protection for shipped vehicles. Moving the car on an open trailer makes it vulnerable to external factors such as dust and weather conditions.

Enclosed Auto Transport

This type of service ensures safety by providing additional protection; enclosed trailers mean 360 degrees of security, giving car owners the peace of mind they want for the right price.

Below we review the essential cases when it’s advisable to use enclosed auto transport:

When Shipping a Collectible Car

The owners of these vehicles consider their cars a vital investment; they spend a considerable amount of time and money to keep their unique cars in the best shape possible. Thus, they refrain from using open trailers that allow external factors to affect the cars. 

Enclosed auto transport –without a doubt- is the best way to expensive classic car transport as they require high levels of protection and security. It is worth mentioning that it comes along with better insurance coverage. 

If there is a need to ship the car in bad weather

There are some transportation factors that auto transport companies can’t control. The weather condition is one of them. Car owners may have to move their precious vehicles on rainy or snowy days, and therefore, their cars may get dirty. 

In addition, the transport operation may take a few days. Enclosed auto transport will ease everyone’s life; it provides complete protection against external elements that may cause some unpleasant grime to be stuck on the car’s surface.

When shipping an expensive brand new car

It is reasonable to book an auto transport service instead of driving your expensive vehicle because driving for long distances will cause some damage to the car wheels, and it will add a lot of additional miles to its mileage.

When it comes to a high-end luxury model vehicle, enclosed auto transport should be seriously considered the only available option to ensure the car is completely protected inside the enclosed carrier from dirt and other natural elements that can cause harm to it.

If the vehicle is newly painted

Undoubtedly, getting the car a proper paint job can cost a lot of money; however, it is well known that freshly painted vehicles require special care to prevent ruining them.

It is not recommended to expose the newly painted car to harsh conditions shortly after the work is done; it should be kept in the garage for about 60 days before driving it since tree sap, acid rain, and many other things can ruin the paintwork. Furthermore, temperature changes can also affect it from relatively hot afternoons to cool evenings.

Transporting the car for long distances means it has to be on the roads for a few days; therefore, going with enclosed auto transport is the best choice to avoid repainting the car or getting the painting money wasted in a blink of an eye.

If the vehicle has a low ground clearance

Ground clearance is the distance between the ground and the lowest point on the car’s underbody. The shorter the length, the better stability the vehicle has. However, low-ride-height vehicles have the risk of constantly hitting their underside.

Supposed that a low ground clearance car is being transported using an open trailer, then if the driver exceeds a high and wide speed bump, the vehicle will be affected the same way as if they have driven it on the roads. Hence, open auto transport is not even a choice when talking about this type of car.

The only method to move a low-ride-height vehicle is enclosed auto transport since enclosed trailers are equipped with special tools to lift cars onto the carrier where they will be safe for the whole journey.

Read more about Open vs Enclosed Auto Transport.

Conclusion

All car owners want to guarantee the safety of their vehicles. So, it is essential to learn how to choose a suitable car shipping company. Enclosed auto transport is the correct choice to move classic and expensive cars; it is also the only option for newly painted and low ground clearance vehicles.

Tempus Logix offers a comprehensive set of services using enclosed auto transport carriers. The company provides all kinds of transportation and has a professional team to follow up with every detail.

Types of Trailer and Trucks Used for Shipping Cars

Are you planning to ship your car? The transport companies usually offer more than one option for their customers to choose from, but the problem is that many people don’t know much about the different types of trailer and trucks used for car shipping. The reason is pretty simple; auto transport service is to some extent unknown to people unless they need to use it. There are two types of carriers you should know about.

Open Trailers

An open carrier is a trailer with no sides; transporting vehicles will be exposed to external elements such as rain, dust, and weather conditions. This type of truck transport is safe to use, and it is the most commonly used method in the shipping industry. The truck’s capacities vary from one to ten cars, and it is the best choice to move vehicles from a manufacturer to a consumer or other location. People also use open carriers to transport their cars from one place to another if they travel by plane, bus, or train.

Open Trailer Types

Wedge Trailer

This trailer shipping cost is very affordable. It can hold up to four cars on it, but wedge trailers transport may not be your best choice to ensure your car safety; although the carrier will secure the vehicles, the damage risk is a bit more than other open carriers type.

Flatbed Trailer

These trailers don’t have a cage to protect the load it carries; it is the best trailer because it is easy to load vehicles into and practical with a reasonable service cost. While this type of trailer transport offers many pros, it also has some cons. The flatbed trailer’s size is limited, requiring clearance for large loads, and it lacks protection from external damage.

Flatbeds Trailers Come with Different Capacity Choices

1. Single Vehicle Flatbed Trailer: It is large enough to load only one car or truck, as you can tell from its name. Companies use it to transport vehicles for short distances, but they can also use it for longer trips.
2. Single-Level Multi-Car Flatbed transport trailers can haul up to four cars; though it’s bigger than the former type, this trailer is still small enough to be driven on narrow roads.
3. Gooseneck Trailer: they are pretty similar to flatbed trailers; the main difference is their open bed is fixed on a backside axle, allowing them to move quickly and provide a much more secure drive. This type of truck transport is suitable for loading larger loads that can’t fit on flatbed trailers, but at the same time, those loads mustn’t be oversized. Due to its large size, no one can drive Gooseneck trailers on narrow streets; it requires going through specific roads to reach their final destination, which results in expensive truck shipping costs. Learn more about Flatbed Trucking.
4. Drop Deck Trailer: shipping companies use these trailers to transport large vehicles and heavy mechanical equipment from one place to another; the trailer bed can drop down to allow more effortless loading and unloading. It also adds more protection from the backside and front for transported cars since the trailer’s end part can be locked upwards to afford a guarding for vehicles rear side. Drop deck truck shipping costs more and doesn’t provide complete protection from external damage.

Both gooseneck trailers and drop deck trailers can be single-level multi-car and multi-level multi-car, the most common trailer type you often see on streets.

Enclosed Trailers

It is the perfect choice if you are looking for reliable trailer transport that protects your car from all elements, so your car trip will be safe and sound. Professionals use this type of carrier to transport unique, luxury, or sports cars that people invest a lot of money on. People prefer enclosed trailers to valuable cars because these vehicles are nearly impossible to repair. Some parts are rare and hard to find; furthermore, fixing if something happens may cost a fortune.

Enclosed Trailers Tome in Several Capacities

• One-Level, One-Vehicle enclosed trailer: is used to haul one unique and valuable car or truck for short distances.
• One-Level, Multi-Car enclosed trailer: this type of carrier allows transporters to load more than one car; the maximum capacity is three cars per trailer, and semi-trucks usually pull it.
• Multi-Level, Multi-Car enclosed trailer: this enclosed transportation carrier can haul up two rows of vehicles, usually between six to eight cars. Semi-trucks pull it, and their back can move down to make it more accessible.

The enclosed auto transport trailer can protect your car from all possible threats. It’ll be safe regardless of weather conditions or other road hazards; it also provides more privacy if you don’t want your car to be looked at or touched by other people. But these pros do come with higher costs for this transport service; using this type of trailer transport costs more than open carriers.

Some car transportation companies have different kinds of open and enclosed trailers. Tempus Logix, for example, has a vast network of over 30K shippers across the US. They ensure covering all clients’ requirements no matter what, when, and where.

Learn more about the Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Conclusion

Trailers and trucks used for shipping cars come in different shapes and sizes; there are many options if you want to transport your vehicle. Open carriers are economical and easy to find, but they don’t provide 360-degree protection during the shipping process. Meanwhile, enclosed trailers afford total security at a higher cost. No matter what shipping carrier you use, make sure you are aware of all pros and cons of your choice.

Expert Advice: Transferring Collectible Cars

Do you want to travel somewhere with your collectible car effortlessly? Then, you don’t need to stress yourself about driving anymore. Move whenever you want by train, bus, or plane. Your car might arrive there even before you do with the help of a classic car transport service. The latest are numerous nowadays; all are ready to serve you and your collectible car the way you want. But, there’re many things to do before you decide to transport your classic and collectible car safely. Follow these tips, and guarantee that your vehicle will arrive in the best condition.

Know your Options

Is this the first time you transport your classic car? You need to understand the available options. You can transport your collectible vehicle by open or enclosed auto transport methods. Both options have many advantages but you have to consider the classic car shipping cost.

Your classic and collectible car should be transported in controlled and safe circumstances, protected from all outside elements. If you want our advice, an enclosed classic car shipping costs 50% more than an open carrier, but it’s worth it. So, maybe you should consider a closed carrier.

Open carriers protect your collectible car from getting exposed to dangers as well, they take care of it as much as possible, and it saves you some money. But both weather exposures and street rubble aren’t something to be controlled by the transportation company.

Collaborate with a Trusted Company

One of your dearest treasures is moving away from you, and that’s why you should know who can take responsibility for your classic car. Unfortunately, many people have gotten their cars harmed because of the lousy transportation process.

The best way to decide on a reliable classic car transport company is to look for a license. Every trusted company should have certified permission to ensure they can do their job legally. Another way is to read reviews. Some classic car transport companies are the best; they’re cautious and trustworthy, and their classic car shipping costs are reasonable, while others are not eligible for the job. The practical experiences of other people might help you in your puzzle.

Tempus Logix has been shipping vehicles all over the states with hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients. Both open and enclosed trailers are available with fair pricing and professional staff to handle all operations.

Read the Agreement in Detail

The reliable classic car transport company should guarantee your rights and promise to protect the vehicle from possible harm when transporting your car. Some auto transporters might assure you everything will be okay and you don’t have to worry about anything. Although they might be honest, a physical agreement will better guarantee your rights.

There should be an actual agreement from the company. It’s a contract between the customer and the carrier or the broker. So, you should get a copy of that agreement and read it thoroughly because your best collectible car is part of the deal. This paper has everything about the transportation process, what the company is responsible for and what they’re not. Reading the policies will help you understand how things are going to work. It’ll help you know about the company’s insurance, what’s the limit of their insurance, and if it covers any damage that might happen or not. You might ask for another agreement with your terms and policies, which helps both parties.

Prepare Your Car for Transportation

Before transportation, you have to check gas, car oil, and everything about your car. Maybe you don’t know about that, but your car’s gas tank shouldn’t be full. That’s to avoid additional weight. Make sure that you don’t hand your only copy of keys to the driver, keep one set with you.

Another thing you should consider is that you can’t send your car dirty. Cleanse it inside out as much as possible to show any dings. Maybe your collectible vehicle isn’t perfect and has some scars and scratches here and there, and it’s okay, but no one wants more damage to their cars; clean deeply to clear up everything, and take pictures of every part of your car to make sure the carrier does no new damage. Although damage doesn’t occur frequently, there’s no harm in more precautions. However, inside cleaning is essential as well, and you have to get rid of any unnecessary objects inside your car.

Lock Your Vehicle

You and the carrier are the only responsible people for your car during transportation. You have your keys, and you’ve handed a copy of your car keys to the carrier, and everything is excellent. But leaving the car unlocked is not safe at all, and it won’t save your collectible car value.

No matter how reliable the classic car transport is, there’re many threats; someone might steal items from your vehicle during the transportation. So lock all of the doors and the gas trunk. Some car systems might be sensitive if someone tries to close them when they’re on the carrier, and it alters the theft threat immediately. If your car doesn’t have such a system, ask the carrier to lock its doors when possible.

Conclusion

Your car journey won’t be short, and many obstacles might get in the way. So, all five tips above are equally important to ensure your calm car delivery. However, the second tip includes all the rest. A reliable classic car transport company won’t let your car get hurt, it’ll give you an explicit agreement, an affordable classic car shipping cost, and it will fill you up with all available options.

Planning to Ship a Truck? Consider These Tips First

Shipping a truck is not easy because not all transport companies are qualified enough for such a job. It requires having experience, equipment, and a capable team. Therefore, finding the right company is an essential step in the process. Moreover, multiple other factors affect heavy-duty transportation, including some client responsibilities. This article will introduce the practical tips for shipping any heavy-duty vehicle or truck.

Pick the Suitable Transportation Company

It is your responsibility to do some research and narrow down the options. This step helps to select the most reliable one. A good vehicle shipping company must meet the following standards:

1. The company must be licensed by the Transport Department and have all the legal permits to ship trucks across the states since there are many legal restrictions.
2. The company must have all the needed equipment to transport heavy trucks; they usually use a trailer with a semi-truck as a transport method. A skillful team is also required; they will be responsible for your truck shipping process, from loading it on the trailer to delivering it to its destination.
3. Good feedback from other customers is a must. The best way to find out more about a company is to check other customers’ experiences online.

Tempus Logix is an automobile transportation company that combines all the above standards. A licensed and experienced shipping provider with over a thousand positive reviews online.

Know the Difference between a Shipping Company and a Broker

Brokers don’t own the trucks used for transportation; they only work as an intermediate between clients looking for the shipping service and those who can provide this type of service. So when dealing with a broker, it is more likely that you will have to pay a bit more. However, brokers facilitate the whole process for their clients and can connect with many shipping professionals nationwide.

While on the other hand, shipping companies own everything and have complete control over the whole process; you won’t face any communication issues because you are dealing with the transporter directly. It is an advantage for sure, but it bears more responsibilities because the client has to ensure everything else is correct, like the insurance policy.

Know How Much Does It Cost to Ship Your Truck

Automobile transportation companies price their services depending on:

• The live market data on the day of booking
• The time of year when the shipping is taking place
• What type of vehicle is required to be shipped
• The truck’s condition, measurements, and weight
• Distance also plays a vital role in pricing; longer distance means more costs.
• Another important detail about the shipping is the delivery time. It is better to schedule the transportation a few weeks earlier to get the best price offer. If someone asks for their truck to get shipped in a few days, they will have to pay extra for the short notice.

There are many factors included in the pricing process. So, contact the shipping company and provide them with all details. Some companies offer online shipping cost estimators on their websites for quick calculation.

Read about Things Affecting Truck Shipping Cost.

Learn How to Prepare Your Truck for Shipping

After deciding what company to deal with and knowing the approximate price, you must prepare your truck before the transporting process. This step is crucial to ensure your truck’s safety and avoid potential damage.

Start with removing all personal and valuable items

There are two primary reasons you have to make sure the truck is empty. The first one concerns safety since shipping companies don’t take responsibility for lost or damaged items left inside the truck.

The second reason is the cost; the items will add more weight to your truck, and some of these belongings may be pretty heavy, which will increase the shipping cost.

Document the truck condition

Examine your truck carefully and look for any scratches or damage; write down every detail and support it with pictures. Send a copy of the documents to the shipping company to make sure they are fully aware of the vehicle’s condition. Ask for the insurance policies to know what type of damage they will be responsible for in case of unwanted accidents during the process.

Fix the leaks or any other deterioration that may cause trouble

Although it is not critical to repair the truck or fix everything before the shipping, it is still essential to ensure that the truck is working. If the battery is damaged, you better replace it first; if there are any leaks, it should be fixed first, or at least let the transporter know so they can take the necessary precautions.

Get to Know About Shipping Options

There are two options for transporting vehicles, enclosed transport and open transport; each suits a specific type of vehicle. While enclosed trailers are the best choice to ship a collectible car due to their high level of protection, open trailers are the suitable method to transport trucks and other heavy equipment. It’s not difficult to get an open auto transport service. Still, as mentioned earlier, not all companies can handle shipping a truck because it requires more experience to complete the process safely.

Learn about the Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Conclusion

If you want to ship your truck, you must choose the transport company with the utmost care and get more information about the shipping method and how much it will cost. To avoid unexpected results, you also have to prepare your truck properly before shipping.

The Pros and Cons of Investing in Classic Cars

The average cost of a new car was $1,510 in 1950 and by the end of the decade was $2,200. A car was only considered a method of transport; some could afford it, and some couldn’t. As for now, the same cars that used to cost a maximum of $2,200 have skyrocketed to more than $7,500.

They became antiques and masterpieces that only the affluent could own. This enormous rise is attributed to the rarity of these vehicles nowadays. The manufacturing companies either dissolved or stopped producing the old copies.

Many people have taken advantage of the uncommonness of vintage vehicles and started a business out of them. However, just like any investment, there’s a good side and another inconvenient one. So, here, we’ll spotlight some of the pros and cons of investing in classic cars.

Pros of Investing in Classic Cars

Classic and collectible cars have recently gained colossal acceptance, and motoring enthusiasts strive for classic car ownership. Consequently, an investment in such a field has emerged as a promising and encouraging one. Here are the top advantages:

Brings in huge profit

When someone owns a scarce item, and the manufacturer company isn’t willing to produce any more copies of it, that’s when the collectible car’s value rises. An investment in something unique and irreplaceable is an intelligent step.

The collectors obsessed with owning a vehicle that only ten or twenty human beings on the earth might possess are willing to pay as much as the price escalates. According to statistics, the international classic car market is expected to grow firmly from roughly $30.9 billion in 2020 to some $43.4 billion in 2024.” Not a small number; maybe it’s worth a shot!

Uniqueness

That golden era, where many classic cars belong, is when car designers weren’t following any rules by the government; they were free to be as creative and original as they pleased. So, the cars’ design, engine, and operating characteristics were nothing like the modern cars everyone drives nowadays. Classic and collectible cars are an industrial art, and the tasters of that art are many.

Manageable fees

Even though purchasing collectible cars, let alone investing in them, is a costly process, it also imposes fees, as with any investment. But in the case of collectible cars, there’s a solution to reduce some of the costs. (Read about Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Classic Car)

Purchasing license plates for classic vehicles older than forty years will reimburse the fee. However, policies differ from one state to the other. So, you have to acknowledge your state’s restrictions to avoid more fines and taxes.

Cons of Investing in Classic Cars

Investing in collectible cars isn’t only about purchasing the vehicles and looking for buyers. Classic cars are fragile; they’ve been operating for more than thirty years. As a result, many risks come with such an investment. Here are the top disadvantages to keep in mind when you decide to invest in classic cars:

Limited and costly repairs

Because antique cars have been off the market for a long time ago, most mechanics have humble or even no experience repairing these kinds of vehicles. So, finding someone who knows how to deal with such unstable cars will be a challenging task.

In addition, these few experts know they’re the only ones qualified for such a job. So, they set very costly fees for any repair. Just like the experienced mechanics are rare, original replacement parts are too, especially if the car’s manufacturing company has long been out of business.

Waste risk

Many investors purchase many cars they think will become collectible one day. Some might get lucky, and their prediction comes to be correct. Others might have wasted their time and money in vain. In most cases, investors make the wrong prediction and spend a fortune on many classic and collectible cars that don’t trigger the interest of any collector. These investors will be spending a lot of money on repairs and maintenance processes for nothing. (Read about Future Classic Cars)

The need for storage facilities

Because your garage isn’t the most suitable residence for the collectible vehicles, and classic cars’ insurance policies are stringent, your classic cars should be accommodated in a storage facility.

But the scary part is that driving the car to the unit will be a massive threat to the weak body, engine, and painting, especially if the car isn’t fully prepared to function. However, some collectors contact a classic car transport company to get the job done safely; it’s a secure option, but the classic car shipping cost is high.

Professional companies like Tempus Logix offer various shipping options with different price plans. For example, an enclosed trailer will cost much more than an open one. Other services also affect the pricing, like the insurance policy, delivery service, and others.

In a Nutshell

Every investment has its pros and cons; collectible cars are no different. But vintage automobile investors should be cautious because it’s also risky and unpredictable, as profitable as this business might seem.

People’s tastes and the economic situations are constantly changing, and the items investors are betting on aren’t affordable. So, before getting into the field, research the pros and cons, returns, and risks, then decide accordingly.

How to Protect my Classic Car on an Open Trailer?

Transporting a collectible car is one of the terrible fears of owners. These cars are sensitive to the slightest damage and not easy to deal with. Many collectors try to avoid such an option as much as possible. But, sometimes there’s no chance but to trust a classic car transport company and hand them the car’s keys. However, reaching that decision should go through comprehensive thinking about whether to go for an enclosed or open auto transport method. (Also check out our Classic Car Transportation Guide for help)

Even though the enclosed trailer is the safest choice for collectible vehicles, some circumstances might compel the owners to choose what they think is the less safe option, the open trucks. The truth is, open trucks could be a secure option if the owner knows how to prepare their collectible car well.

Planning to transport your vintage car? Here is everything you need to know:

Prepare the Collectible Vehicle for Shipping

Remove your personal belongings

Empty the car of all unique and valuable items; classic car transport companies don’t take responsibility for lost or damaged items. Don’t forget that open trailers don’t offer the proper protection from any possibility of theft.

Check all fluids levels

Starting with fuel level, some may think that a full tank is better, but it is not. The recommended fuel level is about one quarter only; it is enough for the load and unloads to reach a nearby gas station. A higher fuel level can cause unwanted problems and increase classic car shipping costs. As for the other fluids, you must fill them. 

Tires and battery

The battery should be fully charged before the shipping to ensure that your classic and collectible car will be ready to start when it arrives. It is also essential to check the tires and inflate them to the proper level so you won’t face any troubles if you want to drive the car for a while.

Take care of all custom items

If your car has a convertible top, make sure to secure it as tight as possible, fold the side view mirrors, remove the antennas to prevent it from getting any damage, and disable the alarm to avoid any unnecessary nuisance during transportation.

Document your vehicle condition

The most important thing to do before the shipping is to document the car’s condition and take notes of every single detail; we also recommend taking some pictures or even recording a video and sending it to the classic cars transport company, so they take responsibility for all new damages if something happens.

Don’t cover the car

Even though open trailers don’t provide complete protection from dust, rain, and other external elements, covering your classic and collectible car isn’t the best thing to do if you want to add more protection. The speed will add more force to the cover resulting in some damage to the vehicle paint; that’s why using a car cover is not a wise choice; you can use it only while the collectible vehicle is in the garage.  

Load the Classic Car

After preparing your car for the transportation process, it is essential to load it safely on the trailer by following these steps:

1. The trailer should be parked on the flat and level patched ground, and the emergency brake should be on. The loading team has to extend the rear ramps to the ground, and two ramps usually provide trailers to load cars more safely.
2. As for the collectible car, you have to line it up behind the trailer with its wheels lined up with the ramps and start driving slowly. Make sure to move with your car front facing the trailer, don’t back it up to the carrier. It may cause some swaying problems. But, you don’t have to bother about these details if you choose a reliable classic car transport company, they will do all the work for you.

Secure the Classic Car

Now the vehicle has been loaded safely on the trailer, the next thing to do is secure it; there are a few things you need to learn about:

Secure the tires

Classic car transport companies use tire straps suitable for small vehicles and keep cars steady using the trailers’ weight. The first one to secure is the left front tire. The belt must be opened, warped around the tire, and then pulled tight while paying extra attention, so the traps don’t get in touch with the car body or any crucial parts.

Axle straps

This type of strap is the best option for large vehicles and collectible cars made before 1990; the straps use the vehicle’s weight to keep it in place, unlike the tire straps, which depend on the trailers’ weight.

It may cause some damage to modern and small vehicles. Right to its name, axle straps must be wrapped around cars’ rear axles and then connected to the back sides of the trailer. Make sure the straps aren’t over-tightened to avoid damaging your car axle.

Choose a Trustworthy Company

The essential factor in guaranteeing your vehicle’s safety is to choose a reliable classic car transport company that can make the whole process easier and safer. Good companies have suitable equipment and a professional team to ensure the job is done the best way possible. They also provide insurance to cover all damage caused by the transportation process.

Conclusion

You might have heard that an open trailer is not safe to transport classic cars, which is not the whole truth; even with open trailers, your vehicle is still safe. It needs some preparation and a trustworthy company to perform secured transport operations and give your car all the attention and care required for a safe trip.

Classic Car Transportation 101 Everything You Need to Know

Classic and collectible cars of all types and models are precious to their owners, and therefore classic car transport requires more attention to guarantee their safety. Whether it is for repair work or to participate in a collectible car show, it is necessary to transport the vehicle. Classic car transportation ensures that these valuable vehicles are moved with the utmost care and protection.

When it comes to moving your classic car, there are only a few choices: either drive it to a distant location or arrange for an auto transport company to handle this mission for you. Regardless of the choice, it is crucial to understand the shipment process to make an informed decision.

There are two main shipment types. The first thing you need to know before calling a classic car transport company is the two available options for shipping your vehicle.

Open Auto Transport

It is easy to get this service since it is an economical method and it is available almost everywhere. This open auto transportation is done using open trailers with no sides. Therefore, the vehicles will be exposed to all outdoor elements and weather conditions, which means your collectible car won’t be completely safe from external damage.

Enclosed Auto Transport

This option is safer than the first one. The classic and collectible cars are loaded into enclosed trailers that look like a box trailer with all vehicles inside, guaranteeing the collectible cars’ value and a safe trip. With the additional safety comes a higher price; the enclosed classic car shipping cost is more expensive and harder to find. Not many companies have enough experience in this field since it requires special tools and a professional team to apply.

Although both methods effectively transport collectible vehicles, many vintage vehicle owners prefer to use enclosed vehicle transport. They don’t want their investment to be harmed by being exposed to unnecessary risks.

Read about the Top Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Reliable Classic Car Transport Company

There are many collectible car transport companies, and comparing them can be confusing and challenging. To find a suitable one, look for companies that meet specific conditions to be considered reliable.

The transport department must license a reliable classic car transport company; you can’t trust unlicensed companies, check their websites, find the legal information at the bottom of the home page, and contact the transport department to make sure everything is okay.

A professional and experienced team is dealing with the transport process for collectible vehicles. They should also have the necessary equipment like nylon straps instead of chains that might cause some damage to your car.

Check customers’ feedback, comments, and shipment records. All this information is available on the company website.

Tempus Logix is a licensed best-in-class auto shipping company. With 1000+ positive reviews from satisfied customers and a rich portfolio of 30,000+ vehicles delivered. The company offers automobile transportation and pays significant attention to classic car transportation. The professional team and trustworthy drivers and trucks nationwide will facilitate the transportation process.

Transport Companies and Transportation Brokers Are Not the Same

There is a big difference between the two approaches:

• Transportation brokers don’t own the trucks used in the shipment process and can’t manage them directly. They are pretty similar to middlemen, they can handle the shipment process, but they don’t do it themselves. You might face some difficulties since you can’t communicate with the logistics team. Instead, the communication will be only with the broker, who will contact them on your behalf.
• Classic car transport companies own the trucks and have overall control over the transport operation. They allow clients to have a lot of details and more control over your classic car shipping process.

Pre-Shipping Preparation

Many people don’t know much about preparing their classic cars before the transportation process; there are a few things to do to ensure your vehicle’s safety during the shipment.

• Remove all personal belongings: some companies impose a few restrictions on personal items inside the cars; you, too, don’t want to leave your valuable items in the collectible vehicle since companies usually don’t take responsibility for any personal belongings lost.
• The fuel tank: leaving the tank full is not a good idea; companies charge depending on the car weight. The recommended amount of fuel is 1\4 of the tank; it is more than enough to load and unload the car.
• Battery charge: the battery must be fully charged before the transportation process.
• Document the car pre-transport status: the classic car safety responsibility is its owner’s in the first place; companies don’t cover damage costs if the owner doesn’t provide detailed documentation about the car status before the transportation. It is essential to write everything down, take some photos or even record a video and submit it to the company.

Insurance

It is crucial to know everything about classic car insurance. First, you have to call your car insurance company and get all details about shipment insurance. The second step is to ask the transportation company for a copy of the insurance paper they provide as a part of their services.

Conclusion

It is not easy to transport a classic car, and this process requires a lot of preparation and attention from both the owner and the classic car transport company. You have to know everything and find a high-quality service that pays more attention to details. 

Top 5 Tips to Safely Transport Your Classic Car

Do you want to travel somewhere with your collectible car effortlessly? Then, you don’t need to stress yourself about driving anymore. Move whenever you want by train, bus, or plane. Your vehicle might arrive there even before you do with the help of a classic car transport service. The latest are numerous nowadays; all are ready to serve you and your collectible car the way you want. But, there’re many things to do before you decide to safely transport your classic and collectible car. Follow these tips, and guarantee that your vehicle will arrive in the best condition.

Know Your Options

Is this the first time you transport your classic car? You need to understand the available options. You can transport your collectible vehicle by an open trailer or an enclosed one. Both options have many advantages but consider the classic car shipping cost.

Your classic and collectible car should be transported in controlled and safe circumstances, protected from all outside elements. If you want our advice, an enclosed car transport costs 50% more than an open carrier, but it’s worth it. So, maybe you should consider a closed carrier.

Open carriers protect your collectible car from getting exposed to dangers as well, they take care of it as much as possible, and it saves you some money. But both weather exposures and street rubble aren’t something to be controlled by the transportation company.

Collaborate with a Trusted Company

One of your dearest treasures is moving away from you, and that’s why you should know who can take responsibility for your classic car. Unfortunately, many people have gotten their cars harmed because of the lousy transportation process.

The best way to decide on a reliable classic car transport company is to look for a license. Every trusted company should have certified permission to ensure they can do their job legally. Another way is to read reviews. Some classic car transport companies are the best; they’re cautious and trustworthy, and their classic car shipping costs are reasonable, while others are not eligible for the job. The practical experiences of other people might help you in your puzzle.

Tempus Logix has been shipping vehicles all over the states with hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied clients. Both open and enclosed trailers are available with fair pricing and professional staff to handle all operations.

Read the Agreement in Detail

The reliable classic car transport company should guarantee your rights and promise to protect the vehicle from possible harm when transporting your car. Some auto transporters might assure you everything will be okay and you don’t have to worry about anything. Although they might be honest, a physical agreement will better guarantee your rights.

There should be an actual agreement from the company. It’s a contract between the customer and the carrier or the broker. So, you should get a copy of that agreement and read it thoroughly because your best collectible car is part of the deal. This paper has everything about the transportation process, what the company is responsible for and what they’re not. Reading the policies will help you understand how things are going to work. It’ll help you know about the company’s insurance, what’s the limit of their insurance, and if it covers any damage that might happen or not. You might ask for another agreement with your terms and policies, which helps both parties.

Prepare Your Car for Transportation

Before transportation, you have to check gas, car oil, and everything about your car. Maybe you don’t know about that, but your car’s gas tank shouldn’t be full. That’s to avoid additional weight. Make sure that you don’t hand your only copy of keys to the driver, keep one set with you.

Another thing you should consider is that you can’t send your car dirty. Cleanse it inside out as much as possible to show any dings. Maybe your collectible vehicle isn’t perfect and has some scars and scratches here and there, and it’s okay, but no one wants more damage to their cars; clean deeply to clear up everything, and take pictures of every part of your car to make sure the carrier does no new damage. Although damage doesn’t occur frequently, there’s no harm in more precautions. However, inside cleaning is essential, and you have to get rid of any unnecessary objects inside your car.

Lock Your Vehicle

You and the carrier are the only responsible people for your car during transportation. You have your keys, and you’ve handed a copy of your car keys to the carrier, and everything is excellent. But leaving the car unlocked is not safe at all, and it won’t save your collectible car value.

No matter how reliable the classic car transport is, there’re many threats; someone might steal items from your vehicle during the transportation. So lock all of the doors and the gas trunk. Some car systems might be sensitive if someone tries to close them when they’re on the carrier, and it alters the theft threat immediately. If your car doesn’t have such a system, ask the carrier to lock its doors when possible.

Find out also which are the Top Mistakes When Buying a Classic Car.

Conclusion

Your car journey won’t be short, and many obstacles might get in the way. So, all five tips above are equally important to ensure your calm car delivery. However, the second tip includes all the rest. A reliable classic car transport company won’t let your car get hurt, it’ll give you an explicit agreement, an affordable classic car shipping cost, and it will fill you up with all available options.