Are you planning to move to a new state, or have you just bought a car that’s located far away from your current location? If so, you may be wondering how to transport your car from one state to another without driving it yourself.
The solution is to hire a long-distance car shipping company. In this article, we will discuss what to expect when shipping your car long-distance in the US.
Table of Contents
Why use a car shipping company?
Driving your car long-distance can be both time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, if you are moving to a new state, you may not have the time or resources to drive your car to its new location. This is where a car shipping company comes in. These companies specialize in transporting cars over long distances, which means that they have the equipment and expertise to do so safely and efficiently.
Types of car transport services
There are several types of car transport services available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
Open vs. Enclosed Transport
Open transport involves shipping your car on an open trailer, which exposes it to the elements. Enclosed transport, on the other hand, involves shipping your car in a closed trailer, which provides more protection from the elements.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal
Door-to-door transport involves the car shipping company picking up your car from your current location and delivering it to your new location. Terminal-to-terminal transport involves dropping off your car at a designated location, such as a shipping terminal, and picking it up at another designated location.
Expedited vs. Standard Shipping
Expedited shipping involves transporting your car as quickly as possible, often for an additional fee. Standard shipping, on the other hand, involves transporting your car on a more flexible timeline.
How to Choose a Car Shipping Company?
Choosing a reputable car shipping company is essential to ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and on time. Here are some tips for choosing a car shipping company:
Check the company’s license and insurance
Make sure that the company you choose is licensed and insured to transport cars. You can check their credentials with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Read customer reviews and ratings
Read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the company’s reputation. Look for companies with high ratings and positive feedback.
Get a written contract and estimate
Make sure to get a written contract and estimate from the company before you agree to work with them. The contract should outline all the details of the transport process, including the pick-up and delivery dates, the type of transport service, and the price. Make sure to read the contract carefully before signing it.
Ask about delivery times and methods
Ask the company about their delivery times and methods. Find out if they offer expedited shipping and if there are any additional fees for this service. Additionally, ask if they offer real-time tracking so that you can monitor your car’s location during the transport process.
Preparing Your Car for Transport
Before shipping your car, there are several steps you should take to ensure that it is ready for transport:
Clean and inspect your car
Clean your car thoroughly before shipping it. This will make it easier to inspect for any damage after transport. Take photos of your car from all angles to document its condition before shipping.
Remove personal items
Remove any personal items from your car before shipping it. This includes things like GPS systems, car seats, and other personal belongings. The car shipping company is not responsible for any items left in the car during transport.
Secure loose parts
Make sure to secure any loose parts on your car, such as spoilers or antennas. This will prevent them from getting damaged during transport.
Check your car’s fluids and battery
Check your car’s fluids and battery before shipping it. Make sure that your car has enough fuel to get to and from the shipping terminal, but not too much as it could create a fire hazard during transport.
During the Transport Process
Once your car is on its way, there are several things you can do to ensure a smooth transport process:
Stay in contact with the driver
Stay in contact with the driver who is transporting your car. This will allow you to get updates on the transport process and ask any questions you may have.
Track your car’s location
If the car shipping company offers real-time tracking, make sure to take advantage of it. This will allow you to monitor your car’s location during the transport process.
Inspect your car upon delivery
Inspect your car carefully upon delivery. Make sure to document any damage and take photos of your car from all angles. If there is any damage, make sure to report it to the car shipping company as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Shipping your car long-distance can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By choosing a reputable car shipping company and preparing your car for transport, you can ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and on time. Make sure to stay in contact with the driver and inspect your car carefully upon delivery to ensure a smooth transport process.
FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a car long-distance?
The cost of shipping a car long-distance can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the distance of the shipment, the type of transport service, and the size and weight of the vehicle. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for long-distance car shipping.
How long does it take to ship a car long-distance?
The length of time it takes to ship a car long-distance can also vary depending on the distance of the shipment and the type of transport service. On average, it can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days for a car to be shipped long-distance.
Is it safe to ship a car long-distance?
Yes, it is generally safe to ship a car long-distance as long as you choose a reputable car shipping company and take steps to prepare your car for transport. Make sure to choose a company with a good reputation and read reviews from other customers before making your decision.
What should I do if my car is damaged during transport?
If your car is damaged during transport, make sure to document the damage and report it to the car shipping company as soon as possible. The company should have insurance to cover any damages that occur during transport.
Can I leave personal items in my car during transport?
It is generally recommended that you remove all personal items from your car before shipping it. The best vehicle shipping company is not responsible for any personal items left in the car during transport, and they could potentially cause damage or be lost during transport.
