Smart things to consider when shipping your car
How to Transport a Car
Are you buying or selling a home and moving long distance? Do you need to transport your car? Are you looking for a reliable car transport company?
As you prepare for that big cross-country move, you may be wondering what to do with your car. Auto shipping is a great way to transport your car safely to your new home without having to drive across multiple states.
Let's take a closer look at what you need to consider when transporting a car. When it comes to something as expensive as a car, preparation is essential. Our car transport tips should help.
A Safer Option
Transporting your car long distances is safer for both you and the car. There are plenty of do-it-yourself moving services out there, like renting a moving truck, but driving across the country is tiring. You have to deal with slightly different traffic laws in every state you visit. There are also interstate highways that have a higher than normal accident rate.
If you choose to transport your car instead of driving it, you will be handing your vehicle over to experienced professionals in car transport.
Protect your car
If you have a newer car, this may not be something you need to worry about too much, but traveling across the country means extra miles will put more wear and tear on your car. If you own a classic or older car, this can be even more of a concern.
Even if you don't need to move your car, long-distance travel can increase the risk of your car breaking down. Road trips can be fun, but adding the added stress of travel pressures is no fun.
Car shipping cost comparison
While the cost of transporting your car may seem high, it can actually end up being cheaper than driving. If you choose to drive, you'll have to pay for gas, lodging, eating out, tolls, and wear and tear on your vehicle.
When you add up all the driving expenses, you may find that it's a lot more expensive than you expected. A common mistake when moving is underestimating the costs.
Shipping costs may vary
The cost of transporting a car depends on the vehicle. Cars that are immobile, have lowered suspensions, or have other modifications can be more expensive to transport. Moving a car on an enclosed trailer will also increase the cost. Of course, the biggest factor is the distance you have to travel.
If you want to save money, you can also have your car picked up in town, which may be cheaper since the truck will likely be coming into town to pick up the car for loading onto the trailer.
Being flexible with shipping dates can often save you money. Time of year can also affect costs.
Choosing a car transport company
Choosing the right car transport company is important
If you care about your car, you want to make sure it's well taken care of during its journey to your new home, and researching car transport companies can help you weed out less reliable options.
Check out the websites of the car transport companies to see if they offer clear prices and online quotes. Once you find a few companies that you think offer great services at affordable prices, check further. Maximum Real Estate Exposure has done a great job reviewing some of the best car transport companies in the references above.
In addition to reading reviews, you can also look at other customers' experiences. This will tell you if they experienced the type of service most people expect with your car. There are independent review sites where you can read feedback, and you should also check sites like the Better Business Bureau.
Call a car transport company
If you have questions about the services offered by one or more auto transport companies, you can call them, and if the representatives can't answer all your questions satisfactorily, you can move on to another company.
Don’t decide based on price alone
While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest quote, that may not be the best choice. The cheapest option may be cutting corners somewhere to lower costs, which could mean your car is put at further risk or that you can't have your car delivered when you want it.
Low-cost companies also likely won't offer the best customer service, so you might have to spend a bit more if you want to have less trouble transporting your car.
Don't leave car transportation until the last minute
It takes some time to choose a shipping company, and even after you select it, it takes time to deliver your car. It can take more than a week to deliver a car across the country, and the collection date may not be what you want.
Typically, trucking companies won't be able to collect your vehicle on the exact date you specify. You'll probably be given a three or five day grace period. The trucks also collect many other vehicles, so you can't expect them to match your plans exactly.
For this reason, you should consider delivery times when choosing a collection date – you want your car to be collected before your move and arrive after your move.
Preparing the vehicle for transport
Your car must be in good mechanical condition, leak-free and have a reliable battery. Make sure your fluids are topped off and your tires have the proper air pressure. If we are unable to get your car off the trailer, there will be an additional charge.
It's best not to fill your gas tank to the brim – keep it less than a quarter full – not only does a full tank add unnecessary weight, it can also be dangerous.
Also remove any personal items and toll tags. If you only have one set of keys, make another set.
Pickup and delivery
Upon collection, your driver will inspect the car for any existing scratches or dents, and upon delivery, you will be asked to inspect it for any new damage. If you're happy, you can drive away.
Very little paperwork is required, only the bill of lading, which acts as a receipt for the vehicle and stipulates the terms of shipment.
When moving to a new home, transporting your car can make a few things easier. Doing a little preparation before transporting your car can make moving day less of a worry.
Final thoughts
As with any business, it is important to carefully consider the car transport company you hire. The moving industry is filled with “one-night stands” that will try to rip off unsuspecting companies. You should never let your guard down when transporting your most prized possessions.
About the Author: The above article on “Things to Consider When Transporting a Car” was written by Bill Gassett. Bill has worked in the real estate industry for the past 33 years. He is employed by RE/MAX Executive Realty in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. Bill is passionate about providing reliable information to help buyers, sellers, and fellow Realtors make the best decisions. His writing has been featured in RIS Media, National Association of Realtors, Inman News, Placer, Today.com, Credit Sesame, and more.
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