Frequently Asked Questions about Classic Car Shipping

As the number of investors in the classic cars field increases gradually, the need for transporting these vehicles is on the rise. Classic and collectible car owners might need to get their car shipped to an auto show, auction, or even a buyer, which raises many questions and concerns about auto transport companies and their services. This article will answer all the questions that might cross a client’s mind about classic car shipping.

Why Should I Ship My Classic Car?

You should ship your classic car because it’s a valuable belonging. Driving it from one place to another might reduce its value due to any damage caused by various circumstances on the road, like weather conditions, accidents, scratches, and others. Classic car maintenance isn’t easy because finding replacement parts is nearly impossible, let alone finding an expert who knows how to handle vintage vehicles professionally.

Furthermore, classic car shipping saves the owner time and energy since driving a classic car for long distances might not be that convenient.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship My Collectible Car?

There’s no fixed answer for such a question because many factors contribute to the classic car shipping cost. For example, when you contact an auto transport company to get a quote, they’ll ask about the car’s model and weight, pick-up location, delivery destination, timeframe, insurance status, etc. The shipping company will quote accordingly depending on the overall situation of the trip and the collectible car.

Some companies offer a free online car shipping cost estimator so clients can immediately calculate how much they need to pay to get their vehicle transported.

You can learn more about the Factors Affecting Car Shipping Cost.

What’s the Difference between an Enclosed and an Open Trailer. Which is better?

The difference between an enclosed and an open trailer is in the service each one provides based on its specification.

An open trailer

It’s an open-air trailer where a car will be exposed to all weather conditions, like dirt, dust, sunlight, etc. The open auto transport method is the most common due to its reasonable price and acceptable quality. Many companies recommend this kind of trailer if the delivery destination is close.

An enclosed trailer

It has four walls and a roof, in a way or another, it looks like a container on wheels, which means that nothing from the surrounding environment will be able to reach the car and cause any damage. This service is highly secure and guarantees a high level of protection. So, it’s more expensive and takes a long time to prepare, haul, and deliver the vehicle.

An enclosed trailer is the unnegotiable answer for classic car shipping. This kind of trailer guarantees the best protection to the collectible car from road hazards and harsh weather conditions that a vehicle might encounter throughout the trip.

Read about the Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport.

Can I Ship My Inoperable Classic Car?

Yes, you can ship your inoperable classic cars. Most classic car shipping companies provide transport services for cars that don’t run. The carrier asks about the car’s state and why it doesn’t run; is it because of a flat tire, flat battery, or is it entirely wrecked, so they figure out how to handle the transportation without causing any damage to the car. But, transporting an inoperable classic car requires extra care; consequently, additional fees.

How Can I Guarantee My Classic Car’s Safety?

It’s all about hiring a trustworthy classic car shipping company. A client has to conduct comprehensive research on the selected company by reading previous clients’ reviews, checking the quality and efficiency of its equipment and vehicles, and how long they have been in the field. 

Tempus Logix is a vehicle transportation company with a massive network of over 25,000 shippers and a proven record of success delivering over 30,000 cars nationwide. The company has over 1000 reviews online from satisfied clients.

Read more about the Tips to Safely Transport Your Classic Car.

How to Prepare My Classic Car for the Shipment?

To prepare a classic car for shipment, you must follow these steps:

1. Clean the car inside out, so it becomes spotless.
2. Remove all belongings and valuable items.
3. Check out the fluids.
4. Charge the battery.
5. Document the car’s state.

How Can I Document the Car’s Condition Before the Shipment?

To document a car’s condition before shipment, take photos, and record videos of the classic vehicle to confirm its condition before shipping. The car should be clean and sportless, so all the scratches and existing damage are visible in the photos/videos.

Is My Vehicle Insured during the Shipment?

All classic car shipping companies cover the damages that might occur during the load and unload of the car. Insurances differ from one company to another. In addition, the coverage amount will be divided among all the vehicles in the trailer. So, the more the cars, the less the coverage. You should always check the insurance conditions with the carrier.

Can a Transport Company Deliver My Classic Car to My Home?

Most companies provide door-to-door service, and they pick up the car right from the client’s door and deliver it to the new owner. However, this service isn’t applicable in all cases since there’re a lot of restrictions on large trucks as they’re huge and might not be able to access residential areas and turn into narrow streets.

But this service is better than terminal-to-terminal shipping service if the car is inoperable. 

How Far in Advance should I Book a Shipper?

If it’s the first time a client is shipping their classic car, they should book the shipper two weeks in advance to have enough time to figure out their options and prepare the vehicle properly. On the other hand, suppose the owner is familiar with the classic car shipping process; 5-7 days is enough. After all, it depends on the destination and how far it is.

In Short

It’s hard to trust a classic car transport company as the risks are many and the car is precious. However, when a client gets an answer to all their questions and is well-informed about the whole process and the car shipping steps from A to Z, it might give them peace of mind and the courage to hire a trustworthy classic car shipping company.

Auto Shipping for College Students in the USA

High school is over, applications were sent, and college admissions were received. Now, it is time to move on to the next level, and with packing things, the same question arises: “should it stay, leave, or come?”.

High-value belongings such as cars need some planning to move from your hometown to the campus. Taking your auto with you to college facilitates your transportation in the new city and improves your lifestyle. In addition, it means keeping some of your old memories and sweet moments with you.

Car shipping for college students is a reasonable option because it saves time and effort and provides a safer method than driving to the new destination. Here are some tips from an auto transport company about car shipping for college students in the USA.

Why Do College Students Need Their Cars?

College students need their cars for various reasons. For example, it comes in handy to travel around a new area with a car or go for a hustle-free grocery shopping. Even better, having a car gives the student more freedom to choose where to live, as they won’t have to live on campus with a roommate.

Why Choose Auto Shipping for College Students?

Some might think a road trip to the campus could be quite an adventure before starting the semester and consider driving their vehicle rather than shipping it. But conversely, auto shipping for college students is more convenient and essential than people think:

Time

Driving your car to the campus is not as easy as you think, especially if your hometown is not close to your school. Sometimes, the trip would take days, and the weather might not suit a long journey. Shipping your car gives you more time to spend with your family and friends before you leave. You can also travel to the campus ahead and start exploring the place until your car arrives.

Safety

No one likes surprises on the way to a new life, and driving for a long distance has many. It is also safer and more secure, avoiding accidents or unpleasant malfunctions.

Flexibility

Suppose you can’t decide whether you need your car on campus or not; you can decide at any time with auto shipping. After arriving at the new place, settle down, tour around and get to know the campus well; then, if you decide you will need your car, the car shipping for college student services will cover all the details.

When to Use Auto Shipping for College Students

August is the peak season for auto shipping for college students as they prepare to move out of their parent’s homes. Therefore, it is best to consider scheduling a car shipping earlier than your arrival date to ensure that no delay will occur.

Tips for Auto Shipping for College Students

Auto shipping for college students might seem complicated if you’re doing it for the first time. Because it is a single delivery and you want it delivered to the campus on time. We present you with several tips about auto shipping for college students in the USA.

What to do before shipping a car for a college student?

After you have chosen a carrier for your car, it is time to prepare the vehicle:

1. Conduct general checkups and ensure all parts are functional, no oil leakage, and the breaks are in good shape. It protects your car from getting damaged on the road.
2. Wash the car interior and exterior as you want to receive a clean auto ready to roll, not wasting your time finding a nearby car-washing service when you receive it.
3. Empty your personal belongings of the storage compartment, door side, backseat, and trunk. Do not leave any important documents, money, jewelry, or any valuable item that can be stolen.
4. Contrary to expected, it would help if you left the gas tank only a fourth full because it is safer to transport a car without filling the tank.
5. Do not forget to fold the mirrors, secure all attached parts, and retract the antenna.

Here is a detailed Guide to Car Shipping for College Students.

How to Schedule Car Shipping for College Students?

Enquire about the approximate time of your arrival on the campus and leave a day or two for the car shipping because you do not want to add another stress factor since you’ll have enough to worry about.

Inform about the distance between your home and campus, then calculate the days needed for transporting your vehicle, as according to the DOT in the USA, car shipping drivers are not allowed to drive more than 500 miles per day.

For example, if you need to arrive on campus on August 20, the car must be received on August 21 or 22. And if the distance between home and the university is 3500 miles, then auto shipping will take approximately seven days, which means the shipping date should be August 14.

Stay in Touch with the Auto Transport Company

Keep in contact with the shipping company, so you would have an update on the time and know if anything happens, such as a delay or an accident, to have enough time to make changes to your plans.  

Conclusion

Car shipping for college students has never been easier, and nowadays, many companies offer this service on a professional level. Tempus Logix has years of experience in transporting vehicles across the states. You can check the company’s website online to learn more about car transportation services and read over 1000 reviews from satisfied customers.

Boat Transport Companies: Everything You Need to Know

Sailing is exciting, but boat transportation is not. There are a lot of times when boat owners need to transport their boats to a different port or a storage facility to keep them safe till the next sailing season.

However, thanks to boat transport companies, the process is no longer complicated, especially if you fully understand everything that has to do with it. This article will introduce boat transportation, its advantages, and some practical tips for choosing the best boat transport company.

Boat Transport Methods

Whatever the reason to transport your boat, deciding the transportation method depends on your boat size and transport requirements:

Transport the boat using its trailer

Although you can do it yourself if you have a boat-motor-trailer and a suitable vehicle to haul the load, we don’t recommend this option unless you have excellent experience shipping boats because it’s not as easy. 

Sail the boat to the new port

Sailing the boat is also an option. It actually depends on the destination and whether or not it can be reached by sailing. However, you can consider hiring a professional sailor if you’re unsure about doing it yourself.

Hire a boat transport company

Hiring the services of a boat transport company is a good option in many circumstances. Auto transport companies have the required trailers, equipment, and experience in handling such shipments.

What is a boat transport company?

Boat transport companies are responsible for transporting boats by hauling them overland. These companies have their trailers, professional drivers, and dedicated expert staff for loading and unloading processes, including picking up the boat and taking all the safety measures to deliver the boat on time. Usually, boat transport companies are familiar with available routes and knowledgeable of all boat transport regulations.

Why get a boat transport company?

Boats are often categorized as large cargo, which requires an expert to transport across the states. Although it might seem simple, the process embodies various difficulties and concerns that must be addressed for a safe and legal transport.

Auto transport companies have the knowledge, equipment, and skills in large cargo transportation and can handle it better than inexperienced individuals.

Following are the advantages of a boat transport company:

Professionalism

Boat transportation requires preparing essential documentation about safety measures and insurance policies. Besides that, special tools shall be utilized to firmly hold the boat’s position on the trailer and ensure nothing could go wrong during transportation.

Worry-Free

A boat transport company will relieve you from the burden of transportation. Choose the right service provider, and they will handle everything, from loading the boat on a suitable trailer to unloading the boat at your preferred destination. They will take the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth process from A to Z.

Insurance

Auto transport companies provide insurance policies to cover unanticipated events through the boat transport process. However, it’s important to check the insurance policy yourself and confirm what it covers and what it doesn’t cover.

Cost-Effective

Transporting a boat requires renting a boat trailer if you don’t have one, fuel, a truck that can haul the boatload, and sometimes additional taxes and fees. Meanwhile, an auto transport company could offer an affordable solution.

Tempus Logix offers a boat shipping cost calculator that can calculate the cost in a matter of seconds.

How to choose a boat transport company?

Avoid trouble by choosing a good service provider to transport your boat. Here are the fundamental criteria to consider when selecting a boat transport company:

Legal authorization

Reputable companies must be legally authorized and licensed to handle similar shipments. Usually, such documentation can be found at the bottom of the company’s website. If you can’t find it, you can ask for it straightforwardly.

Boat transport company experience

Experience sets companies apart. Look for a company with a proven record of success in boat transportation. When you talk to them, ask the following questions to verify their skills.

1. How long has the company been in the industry?
2. How many boats has the company transported?
3. Have they ever transported a boat like yours?

Insurance policy

Handling such a valuable vehicle requires having a good insurance policy. Despite hiring a professional company, never underestimate the importance of a firm insurance policy. No one knows what might happen unintentionally during the transportation. Check the procedure yourself, and negotiate the terms if you think something is not as good.

Outstanding Communication

Customer support plays a vital role in boat transportation, from answering questions to regular updates about the shipping progress. Choose a company with a responsive and reliable customer support team. Check their website and find out what channels they offer in this regard, online chat, phone calls, emails, etc.

Customer reviews

Evaluate the company’s services by checking customer reviews online. Nowadays, you can find reviews easily with a single click. Moreover, you can try contacting some of them and directly ask about their experience with the company.

Conclusion

Auto transport companies are usually available for boat transportation. Check all the details about the company to ensure you’re hiring the right service provider to transport your beloved boat.

Tempus Logix is an experienced auto transport company with years of experience, and over 30,000 delivered vehicles across the United States. The company ships all vehicles regardless of their shape or weight. Heavy-duty vehicles, cars, classic cars, sports cars, boats, motorbikes, etc.

Tips on What to Look for in Enclosed Auto Transport Companies

Have you ever tried to type “Enclosed Auto Transport Companies in my city” in your search engine? If yes, you were surprised by tons of results, making it more challenging to decide what company to hire.

Searching for a trustworthy auto transport company is challenging, especially if you are moving a classic and collectible car from one place to another. So, you must be puzzled and overwhelmed. However, we will make that job easier for you by providing the top 7 tips on what to look for in Enclosed Auto Transport Companies.

Make sure the company is registered

The auto transport industry is one of the most regulated industries, watched over by (DOT) the Department of Transport, and (FMCSA) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Enclosed Auto Transport Companies must follow all safety and insurance regulations by FMCSA.

Once the company completes the registration process, it will be issued an MC number and DOT number to operate its work legally.

Although it seems obvious to check whether the vehicle transport company you want to deal with is registered, many people forget to confirm this before booking the service. If the company doesn’t provide you with their MC number or is “not authorized,” it is better to get them off the list and look for a registered company.

They must be insured

Selecting a registered company is essential, but it is not enough to ensure the adequate protection you seek for your car. Enclosed auto transport companies must maintain insurance to clarify what damage or accident they will cover and be responsible for.

Ask for a copy of the insurance papers and verify if it is up to date with the service provider. Ensure the transport company can file a claim on your behalf when needed; this way, you won’t be responsible for anything during the car shipping. 

Choose a company with relevant experience

Enclosed auto transport is often used to move classic and collectible cars (Read more about Advantages of Enclosed Auto Transport). Therefore, a wide experience and qualified staff are required to ensure the transported vehicle’s safety.

Experience is a critical factor when comparing different Enclosed Auto Transport Companies; it is the best way to verify if the company is eligible enough to carry the shipping task.

It is not a good idea to go for a company that doesn’t have an excellent track record of successful transport operations; since the record is proof of their accomplishments through the years.

Read other customers’ reviews

Customer reviews can reveal a lot about the service. Fortunately, people no longer need to look for someone who has hired a specific company and call them to ask about the details. Social media platforms and specialized websites can save you time and effort by presenting you with tons of reviews written by customers who have received the transport service you want to use.

Enclosed Auto Transport Companies usually reply to reviews written on their websites; you can benefit from this by looking at their responses to negative comments; if they ignore it or don’t give a proper explanation, then it is more likely that you will be treated the same way if you go for their service.

Check the payment options

Payment methods say a lot about the company; several options mean that the company does care for its customer’s satisfaction. Professional Enclosed Auto Transport Companies offer payment options such as credit cards, cashier’s checks, and debit cards. You have to be careful not to deal with service providers who only accept wire transfer methods since it is challenging to trace compared with other choices.

Look for a company that suits your needs and budget

All Enclosed Auto Transport Companies provide the leading service, shipping vehicles, and equipment from point A to B. Still, you might have noticed that each offers different prices because complementary services are not everywhere.

When looking for a reliable car shipping company, it is essential to consider the whole service package, including tracking and delivery options, e.g., door-to-door service, delivery time, and insurance. After getting enough information, you will evaluate the quotes and make the right decision.

Don’t choose a company just because the price is low; similarly, a high price doesn’t always mean the service will be better, find the correct balance between what you want and what you are willing to pay. Find out What Factors Affect Car Shipping Costs.

Too-good-to-be-true deals don’t exist

Trustworthy Enclosed Auto Transport Companies care a lot about their reputation; they will always provide the best service for the right price. Auto transport is not easy since it takes time, effort, proper vehicles, and qualified employees. Thus, auto transport companies can’t offer their services for a low price.

If a company offers to transport your vehicle for a very low price, they are not trustworthy; it may take them a long time, or they use low-quality tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Now you are aware of the basis to compare Enclosed Auto Transport Companies. It is the time to make the right decision and hire a company you can trust with your vehicle.   Tempus Logix is a vehicle transportation company with years of experience across the United States. The company has delivered over 30,000 vehicles of different types—a reliable and affordable auto-transportation company with over 1000 reviews from satisfied clients.

How to Haul Collectible Cars Across the States: Best Advice

Suppose you want to haul your classic and collectible car across the states for any reason. In that case, you have to ensure that a professional shipping company performs the hauling process. It helps avoid any risks and ensures your car will arrive at its destination undamaged and in the best condition. Considering the basic ins and outs, you can rest assured that your car shipment will go smoothly.

Pick the Best Classic Car Transport Company

Hiring a reliable classic car transport company is not an easy task. There are many aspects to consider before deciding on the perfect choice for your vehicle safety:

• Professional team specialized in collectible vehicle hauling: you can verify the company’s efficiency through their classic and collectible car transporting track record. You will get an idea whether it is a reliable classic car transport company or not.
• Insurance: all classic car transport companies should provide insurance proof, including what damage they will cover if anything happens during the transportation and what damage to cover yourself. They make this decision depending on the collectible car’s value.
• Delivery options: each company has delivery options, such as door-to-door delivery and expedited shipping.
• Other services: A reliable classic car transport company should offer you the ability to communicate with the carrier and order GPS tracking to check your car location. 

Tip: Tempus Logix is a reliable classic car transport company and an experienced service provider across the states. From shipping boats and luxury yachts to heavy-duty vehicles and collectible cars.

Choose the Best Collectible Car Transport Method

There are two methods used to transport vintage cars from one place to another; it is essential to know the difference between them so you can choose the right type for your vehicle:

• Open auto transport is the most used method to transport cars, several cars –usually 8 to 10 are secured on an open trailer. Open classic cars’ shipping cost is more economical than enclosed classic cars’ transport. But, road and weather conditions will affect the vehicle. However, the chance for even minor damage is rare, but many classic and collectible car owners don’t prefer to use this type of shipment. Another disadvantage of open trailers is that most of them don’t have a winch for inoperable cars, so it is essential to ask about such details before deciding what transport method to approve.
• Enclosed auto transport: this method of classic car shipping costs more than the latest, but it adds more protection to collectible vehicles; it carries a few vehicles. Suppose you consider your car investment and are concerned about external elements, e.g., rain and dust. In that case, we recommend going with enclosed classic cars transport to avoid any damage caused by outside debris and bad weather.

Be Aware of Shipping Price Calculations

Remember to choose the appropriate shipping service for your budget. Some companies like Tempus Logix offer instant calculations on their websites. However, there are several aspects to consider for the shipping equation.

• Transport type: as mentioned before, the transport method affects the classic car shipping cost. Enclosed transport is more expensive because it provides the perfect protection for your car.
• Vehicle model and state: shipping an operable car is cheaper than moving an inoperable one. The latter requires special tools in addition to loading and unloading your vehicle. 
• Delivery option: door-to-door transport cost isn’t the same as terminal-to-terminal; you can decide what delivery option to choose depending on your budget.
• The distance: another factor you have to consider is the distance between point A and point B; the longer the journey, the more it will cost.

Get to Know What Hauling Tools the Company Uses

There are a few things every collectible car owner should know about hauling equipment.

1. Classic car transport companies have many types of car haulers:
   1. Car hauler: is used to transporting only one car from one place to another, usually within less than 100miles; it’s perfect for inoperable cars. Some of these haulers have chains, and others are equipped with straps to prevent any damage during the shipping process.
   2. 2-3 and 4-6 car haulers: the first option isn’t for long-distance shipment, while regional transporters use 4-6 haulers. Its small size gives the driver a flexible driving ability.
   3. 7-8 and 9-8 car haulers are shipping companies’ most commonly used. The large capacity makes the classic car shipping cost more reasonable for both company and customers. It is also the best choice for long-distance journeys.
2. Winches and Cables: the most popular items in the shipping industry are winches and cables; it is crucial to check the availability of these tools with your service provider, especially if your car is inoperable.
3. Straps and Chains: transport service companies use belts and chains to keep all vehicles in place; make sure that your car won’t have any materials in contact with its frame or body.

Double-Check Your Collectible Car Insurance and Pre-Shipping Condition

Even though the shipping companies provide their insurance for your vehicle, this is not enough to ensure the car’s safety; call your insurance company to get more details. Before transporting it, take some pictures or even a video of your vehicle, and write down any significant damage or mechanical issues. Then, after the delivery, check the car carefully and report any new damage if found.

Prepare Your Car for the Trip

Now that you are ready to ship your car, a few more steps are beneficial:

• Remove any personal and valuable belongings
• Fully charge the battery
• Empty the fuel tank for less than ¼
• Check other liquids levels

Conclusion

People usually invest a considerable amount of money in their collectible vehicles, which makes its transportation process require extra attention and a lot of experience in the field. Classic car owners who want to haul their vehicles must look for reliable classic car transport companies to guarantee the safest shipment possible.

Risks of Shipping Classic Cars in the USA

Most classic car owners value their precious vehicles greatly; why wouldn’t they when it costs a fortune to buy a collectible car and take care of it! There will be a time when the owners need to transport their vehicles, and the last thing they want to happen is to find some damage when they receive them.

Auto transport companies offer professional services and insurance coverage for damage related to the shipping process. However, this article will introduce vintage vehicle owners to all the risks associated with shipping classic cars in the USA.

Booking an Unsuitable Transport Method

Auto transport companies offer two primary vehicle shipping services: open transport and enclosed transport. Each technique can be used in specific circumstances. However, the latter is the best choice for shipping classic cars since it provides complete protection to the vehicles on board. Read more about When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport.

Cars transported via open trailers are exposed to external elements; they may get dirty in dusty weather or rainy days, and even worse, they may be at risk of actual damage due to road hazards. Anyway, if you choose this method, read about How to Protect your Classic Car While It’s on Open Trailers.

Failing to Choose a Reliable Auto Transport Company

There are many things to say about how essential it is to hire a trustworthy company to prevent potential damage.

License

The auto transport company must be licensed by the transport department and assigned an MC number to operate legally. Suppose the company isn’t licensed, or their MC number was invalid. In that case, it’s more likely the company is not trustworthy for shipping classic cars because they don’t follow the safety and insurance regulations set by FMCSA. 

The tools and equipment

The equipment used in the transporting process differs from one company to another; trailers and trucks’ models aren’t the same everywhere. Enclosed trailers are often provided with a hydraulic lift that can go down to the ground allowing horizontal load for the vehicles; the lift guarantees a safe load for all vehicles, especially the low-clearance types.

The tools used to secure vehicles can put them in danger. Sometimes, chains are used to keep the car steady, which might cause some damage, especially if it’s warped closely to the car’s body. Auto transport companies specializing in shipping classic cars use nylon straps to secure the vehicles and prevent damage. 

Auto-transport team 

A professional team is also an essential factor to consider when choosing the shipping company since they will be in direct contact with the transported vehicles; drivers, for example, play a prominent role in protecting shipped cars.

If the trailer driver is skilled enough, they will reduce the chances of an accident. Most accidents occur because of driving mistakes, like exceeding speed limits, driving too closely to others, narrow focus, and fatigue.

You can check online reviews about auto-transport companies to learn more about their teams and how professional they are. Tempus Logix has over a thousand reviews from satisfied clients across the United States. A record that’s good enough to state how professional and trustworthy the company is.

Costs 

Shipping classic cars often impose additional costs to ensure the vehicle is safe and the transportation process is risk-free. Although everyone wants that for their vehicles, whether collectible or not, the insurance and equipment might differ for classic cars.

Collectible car owners often hire an enclosed transport service that is quite expensive compared with open auto transport. However, the cost varies from one company to another because the complementary services differ, and the quality may not be the same.

Before deciding what company to go with, it is recommended to evaluate the quote and measure whether it is compatible with the provided service or not. It helps avoid paying an extra fee for shipping classic cars when it is possible to get a similar service or even a better one for the same price. 

Payment methods

As for the payment method, auto transport companies offer their clients multiple payment choices, including credit cards, cashier’s checks, and debit cards. Companies that are only allowed to pay the fees via wire transfer can’t be genuinely trusted since this method is challenging to trace compared to other available options. Hence, shipping classic cars with an untrusted company means a risk of losing the transportation money or, worse, the vehicle itself.  

The Risks Related to Improper Pre-Shipping Preparation

Not all risks are related to what others have to do with the transportation process; The classic car owner is responsible for the vehicle’s safety as much as the auto transport company. So, before shipping classic cars, there are a few things to avoid:

Keeping the personal belongings inside the car: One of the mistakes no one wants to make is forgetting to remove personal and valuable items before shipping; these belongings may get stolen or damaged during the transportation process. Moreover, the company insurance doesn’t cover this sort of damage, and therefore they won’t be responsible for it.

Shipping classic cars without documenting their current condition: Auto transport companies will only pay for proven damage due to the shipping process. The car owner must document every single detail and submit it to the company so they can compare the car’s arrival condition with recorded documents.

Conclusion

Shipping classic cars involve various types of risks. That is why the owners must be cautious when choosing a reliable company. They should prepare the vehicles the best they can before the shipping to ensure the safety of their valuable collectible cars.

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.

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.

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.

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.