Something modern might not interest you as much as something classic and time-honored. Many people worldwide are fond of collecting antiques, classics, and collectible cars, which is true for cars. Many car lovers are fond of looking for collectible vehicles, buying them, and participating in auto shows and auctions.
However, what if the masterpiece that fascinated you to buy is in another state? It needs transportation. But, transporting collectible vehicles is not as easy as transporting any goods. In this article, the reader will find the ultimate guide to collectible car transportation.
Search for a Reliable Classic Car Transport Company
The carrier is the first thing you should think about if you want to transport your classic and collectible car from one state to another. It would help if you searched online for a highly rated and reliable classic car transport company regarding the quality of transportation service, costs, fees, and insurance.
Vehicle Fleet Management Company vs. Classic Car Transport Broker
When you think of moving your car from one place to another, you have to remember there are two types of carriers to communicate with. Either through a broker or a company that owns a fleet. Transporting the car through a broker means the broker acts as a mediator. In addition, brokers are experts in classic car transport logistics and know many fleet-owned classic car transport companies.
Or you communicate from the beginning with one of the best collectible car transport companies that own a transport fleet, meaning that it possesses several transport trailers or a transport vessel with containers. Transportation brokers are excessively available online than car carriers, so you can easily pick up a well-reputed broker to transport your collectible car.
Furthermore, working with a broker can save time since the broker knows a lot of connections with classic car transport companies and knows how to handle things with them. When contacting a broker, you will be comfortable because brokers are responsible for all the details, from picking up your vehicle to the final moment of delivery. For example, Tempus Logix is a top-rated brokerage company in the vehicle shipping industry with a vast network of over 30K shippers and 45 million miles driven.
On the other hand, contacting a fleet-owned company require effort and plenty of time because you will be responsible for looking for the best collectible car transport company, and make a long search on the internet to reach it. In addition, you should understand all documents and regulations related to transportation. The positive side of contacting a fleet-owned company is its low cost compared to the broker. You contact the carrier directly without an intermediary, and the ability to take information directly from the carrier’s dispatcher or even the driver is more accessible.
Types of Car Transportation
There are two common types of transportation to transport a vintage car from one place to another. However, they differ in the classic car shipping cost, method, and protection.
What is Open-Air Transportation?
The open-air or uncovered method of transport means the car is placed on an open trailer and transported to the desired place. This method has low classic car shipping costs but less protection than the enclosed method of transportation because the car is subject to any scratches, abrasion, or damage.
It is also subject to adverse weather conditions that can cause damage to the vehicle, which makes it a less reliable classic car transport method. But, if you want to move your car from one place to another in the same city or state, this method might be appropriate because it will save money, only make sure the weather conditions are in your favor.
What is Enclosed Transportation?
The secure method guarantees a reliable classic car transport. The car is placed within a closed container and transported to the final destination, whether on a box trailer or a marine transport vessel. The container is well closed and made of steel, and its size is usually 40 feet, which will protect your collectible car value.
The enclosed auto transport method is more expensive than the open method of classic car transport, and it is highly protective because the vehicle is completely covered and shielded from bad weather factors. Therefore, if you want to move your car to a distant state, this method is most suitable because it will provide complete protection for the vehicle.
When you transport your vehicle with a reliable classic car transport company, they will advise about the better option to use in your case.
Protect the Collectible Vehicles with a Classic Car Insurance
When someone thinks of moving their car, the first thing that comes to their mind is to protect it from any damage that might occur during transportation. So, before transporting the vehicle, check the car’s condition because if any damage occurs after the transport, the owner can claim the transportation company for compensation under the insurance.
Collectible car insurance is different from typical car insurance. In a classic car contract, the car owner and the insurance company agree on the car’s value, which is how much it is insured. Then, the carrier will base the approved value on the collectible car’s value as determined by the appraiser.
Check Your Car Carefully Before and After Transportation
Before transporting the collectible cars, be aware of all maintenance issues and check the fuel tank status to see if there is any leakage. Check the car, take pictures and videos from different angles, and ensure that the license plate is clear and well-fixed. After transportation, you have to check the vehicle and ensure nothing has happened to it.
Conclusion
Transporting collectible cars is different from transporting ordinary cars, and there are conditions and rules that transport companies follow to preserve the collectible car. Reliable classic car transport companies treat these collectible vehicles as antiques or works of art, so you should be careful in your choice of car transport company.
