Shipping Your Car Safely: Do's and Don'ts for a Hassle-Free Experience

Transporting a vehicle, whether across the country or internationally, can feel daunting. Ensuring your car is shipped safely requires a clear understanding of the process and attention to details.

Here are the key “Do’s and Don’ts” to ensure your car arrives at its destination safely.

Do’s for Shipping Your Car Safely:

Research the Shipping Company
Always work directly with a reputable carrier rather than through brokers. Brokers can complicate the process by passing your car onto third parties without prior notification, which might lead to delays and higher costs. By going directly to a carrier, you can verify the company’s credibility and ensure the best handling of your car.
Book in Advance
When planning to ship your car, booking early is crucial. This ensures that you get a convenient pick-up and delivery schedule. Ideally, booking a month in advance gives you ample time to make any necessary adjustments.
Prepare Your Car for Transport
Before the pickup, clean your car both inside and out. This makes it easier to identify any pre-existing damage during the carrier’s inspection. Additionally, remove all personal belongings, as they won’t be covered by transport insurance. Ensure your car is in good working condition, with minimal fuel in the tank to reduce weight.
Understand the Insurance Coverage
Confirm what the carrier’s insurance covers. Auto transport companies generally offer limited coverage, so verify the details and consider additional insurance if needed.

Don’ts for Shipping Your Car:

Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone
While tempting, the cheapest option may not always be the safest. Carriers offering significantly lower rates might use subpar equipment or inexperienced drivers, putting your vehicle at risk. Opt for a balance of cost and quality service.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings
Booking last minute can lead to limited options, rushed decisions, and higher prices. It also increases the likelihood of your car being handled improperly due to insufficient preparation.
Don’t Forget to Document Your Vehicle’s Condition
Before handing over your vehicle, thoroughly document its current condition, including photographs from various angles. This will serve as proof in case any damage occurs during transport.
Don’t Ignore Broker Red Flags
Be cautious if a company requests a deposit upfront, as this is often a practice used by brokers. Brokers can cause issues as you won’t always know who is transporting your car until the last minute. Always confirm if the company is a direct carrier or broker.

What is the best way to ship a car safely?

1. Choose a Reputable Car Shipping Company

The most crucial step in safely shipping your car is selecting a reliable auto transport service. Look for companies that have established a strong reputation through positive customer reviews, proper licensing, and insurance coverage. Verify that the carrier has active USDOT and MC numbers, which are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Trusted companies will also offer insurance to cover any potential damages during transit.

2. Decide Between Open or Enclosed Transport

Choosing between open or enclosed transport is another important decision. Open transport is more affordable and widely used, but your vehicle is exposed to weather and road debris. For added protection, especially for luxury, classic, or rare cars, enclosed transport is ideal as it shields your car from all external elements.

3. Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport

Before shipping your car, you need to prepare it properly. Start by washing your car and taking note of any existing scratches, dents, or damages. Take photos of the vehicle from multiple angles as documentation in case of any issues during transport. Additionally, remove any personal items from the car, disable alarms, and leave the gas tank about a quarter full to reduce weight. Check tire pressure and fluid levels as well.

4. Understand the Shipping Process and Delivery Time

Understanding the shipping process will help manage your expectations. Depending on the distance and carrier, transport times vary, but typically shipping a car across the country takes between 7 to 10 days. Be sure to get a clear estimate of the delivery date and time from the shipping company, and track your vehicle during transit if the carrier offers GPS tracking.

How to choose the right car shipping insurance?

1. Understand the Insurance Provided by Your Carrier

Most car shipping companies include basic insurance coverage in their transport package. However, it’s essential to review the carrier’s insurance policy to know the specifics, such as coverage limits and exclusions. This basic insurance may not cover all potential damages, so understanding these details is key to ensuring your vehicle is fully protected.

2. Consider Supplemental Insurance for Added Security

For higher-value vehicles or additional peace of mind, consider purchasing supplemental insurance. This option is especially relevant if your car is being shipped over long distances or in enclosed transport. Review your personal car insurance policy as well, as some policies may offer coverage for car shipping.

What are the costs involved in shipping a car?

The cost of shipping a car can vary widely depending on several factors:

Distance: The farther the car is shipped, the more expensive it will be. Interstate and cross-country shipping can range between $700 to $1,500, while shorter distances typically cost between $300 to $600.
Type of Vehicle: Larger vehicles like trucks or SUVs are more expensive to ship than compact cars due to their weight and size.
Shipping Method: As mentioned earlier, enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport. Expect to pay an additional 30% to 50% for enclosed shipping.
Time of Year: The time of year can also affect the cost, with summer months generally being more expensive due to higher demand.

To ensure you’re getting a fair rate, obtain quotes from multiple shipping companies and compare their services.

How long does it take to ship a car?

On average, shipping a car across the country takes between 7 and 10 days, but the exact time frame depends on the following factors:

Distance: Shorter distances can take just 1 to 3 days, while coast-to-coast deliveries take longer.
Route: Direct routes with easy access to highways may reduce transport times.
Weather Conditions: Bad weather can delay shipments, so it’s essential to stay updated on any potential roadblocks.

Key Takeaways for Safely Shipping Your Car:

Research and choose a reliable auto transport company with proper licensing, good reviews, and adequate insurance.
Decide on open vs. enclosed transport based on the value of your car and your budget.
Prepare your vehicle by cleaning it, documenting its condition, and making sure it’s ready for transit.
Understand insurance coverage offered by your shipping company and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Get multiple quotes and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal while ensuring safety.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your car shipping process goes smoothly, keeping your vehicle safe and giving you peace of mind throughout the journey. Safe car shipping starts with careful planning, the right transport service, and knowing the steps to protect your vehicle.

Faqs

What is the Best Way to Ship a Car?
The best method is to choose a reputable direct carrier for door-to-door shipping with enclosed transport if your car is a valuable or classic vehicle. Avoid brokers to have more control over the shipping process.
Is it Safe to Ship a Car?
Yes, shipping your car is safe, especially if you choose a reputable auto transport company and prepare adequately by cleaning your car, documenting its condition, and securing insurance.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure your car is shipped safely and without unnecessary complications. Proper research, early booking, and clear communication with your carrier are key to a successful and stress-free experience.