Shipping your car can be an expensive endeavor. Therefore, it’s essential that when working with car transport companies you make informed decisions and trustworthy brokers will inspire confidence with clear explanations of costs and transport schedules as well as positive customer reviews.
Cost
Costs can differ significantly, depending on the type of vehicle being transported and where pickup and delivery locations are. Additional services, such as expedited auto shipping or additional insurance may increase this expense further, so if you plan on hiring a car transport service it’s advisable to book it as early as possible in advance.
Costs increase when traveling over long distances, due to additional logistics involved with cross-country and international transport as well as its increased distance traveled. Use the Roadrunner shipping cost calculator which will take things into consideration. Weather, road closures and traffic jams could all play a factor.
As well as vehicle type and distance considerations, seasonal factors also play a part in costs. Prices tend to increase during peak season which runs typically from May-September.
Just as there are multiple methods for transporting cars, there are also other methods such as freight trains or shipping containers available to you when transporting your vehicle. Each method offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages when selecting the optimal method for you – so be sure to consult an expert beforehand so they can give a more informed view of costs associated with transporting it.
Time
Numerous variables affect the length of time required to complete a car transport process, including waiting on drivers or trucks to become available and weather and road conditions which could delay your pick-up date. Therefore, booking early gives you the best chance at scheduling a pickup date that works for you.
Your pick-up and delivery location is also key in terms of timelines. In general, urban locations are easier for carriers than remote or rural ones as car carriers prefer traveling along main highways and interstates instead of deviating off them and experiencing additional traffic jams.
Keep in mind that any timeframe quoted by a company should only ever be treated as an estimate and not guaranteed date. Carriers are independent owner-operators, making it virtually impossible for them to guarantee a specific pickup or delivery date in advance of collecting your vehicle. Any company promising you such dates should raise red flags.
When booking these shuttling services, it’s generally wise to book reservations two weeks ahead. This gives the auto transport company ample time to find an appropriate carrier while also helping reduce overall transport costs.
Professional auto shippers offer many advantages over DIY transporting of your car or other vehicle, saving both time and effort. When researching various shipping companies before selecting one as your partner, be sure to compare their rates so as to gain a better idea of the average rates applicable in your situation. It is also essential that they are reliable with top quality services regardless of which transport option you select.
Security
When shipping a car or other vehicle, it is vitally important to take extra security precautions: https://www.reddit.com/car_transport_the_ultimate_guide_when_shipping/. Always remove personal items before shipping, drain the gas tank, disconnect battery, drain fuel tank and disconnect battery for added safety. Consider working with a company which has in-built security measures such as locking vehicle after loading and inspecting for signs of tampering before leaving vehicle at destination.
Ecommerce consumers have become more sophisticated, expecting to be delighted at every stage of the shopping experience. Shiply can help simplify large item shipping for businesses by finding carriers suitable for them and finding their carriers faster.
Insurance
Insurance should always be an important consideration when shipping car and large item shipping services. Some auto shippers include waivers in their contracts releasing them of responsibility for damage that occurs during transport, so it is wise to review all insurance policies prior to signing any service contracts.
When considering adding extra coverage, ask about which damages it covers as well as any possible deductibles; this will allow you to assess whether additional protection warrants its additional cost in relation to your car’s value – something a dealer can estimate for you.
All auto transport companies are required to offer basic liability coverage – which you can read about here – and many also provide optional extras that go beyond basic collision coverage, such as full, total loss or enclosed shipping policies. As these policies will vary between companies and may include full coverage or total loss policies as well as enclosed shipping protection – it’s wise to carefully read them and understand all details prior to making a decision.
Make sure your auto insurer will cover any damage incurred during transport, as this could save money. Some insurers even provide extra insurance coverage which can come in handy if your high-value vehicle requires added protection. Always remember to take pictures of everything on and in your vehicle.