We have all been there and we are all familiar with the tension. That is why we created a guide with 10 car shipping tips for the newbie shippers that gives answers to all questions a first-time shipper may have.
How much does shipping my car costs?
This is usually the most important and first question first time shippers inquire upon. The cost to ship a car depends on several factors. Instant quotes are reliable if you ship your vehicle from point A to point B on well-traveled routes, and your vehicle is a standard car that does not require expedited service, for instance.
This is the case because instant quotes often do not differentiate between the highway and country miles. The software that some companies use to calculate instant quotes does not know that your car may need to be picked up in a remote Rocky Mountain village or dropped off in a small town a hundred miles from a major highway. In this case, the instant quote might be incorrect.
At Corsia we acknowledge that and we make sure our customers understand it by explicitly highlighting it in our automated quote emails. Shipping a car from or to a remote area will cost more to, if you need expedited auto transport service it will cost more, if your vehicle is modified will cost more and such parameters are not recognized by most automated calculators.
If you are aware of certain logistics complications that may affect the shipping of your car, make sure to bring them up with your auto transport company.
How to get a car shipping price quote?
You can easily get a price quote online. Most companies require that you submit a simple quote form with information about your car, the service you are looking for, and your contacts.
Some websites offer instant quotes. They calculate the price based on several parameters that are standard factors that control the cost to ship a car. Such factors are vehicle make and model, distance, type of transport and car condition which set the base price. With this details a quick computer-generated estimate gives you a rough idea of how much your car shipping will cost.
What type of service should I choose?
Open auto transport service
Open car shipping is available for all car makes and models. This is the most popular mode of transportation, and also the most economical. Whether you are shipping an everyday car or moving a luxury or sports car, open carriers are the standard way to ship a car.
Truck drivers load your vehicle onto a single- or double-deck trailer to transport your car from its origin to its final destination. Open car transport is a safe and reliable method of moving vehicles. Almost all new cars are transported by such carriers.
On an open trailer, the car is exposed to road and weather conditions, but any car can handle it. Many people who are transporting a car for the first time tend to feel hesitant when they have to hand over the keys to a stranger, but keep in mind that this is a standard service and such trucks cross the country on daily basis.
Enclosed Car Transport
Why choose an enclosed car carrier? The main reason to choose a cover car carrier over an open one is more protection.
Enclosed car transport fully protects the vehicle from road and weather elements. Cars are not exposed to dust, debris flying from the road, stone chips that may pass from passing vehicles, and of course the elements.
This is the type of protection that every high-end car owner prefers. If you are shipping a car with thousands of dollars in paint, closed car shipping is the best solution. Many covered haulers highlight their white-glove service by actually operating with white gloves! This is to ensure that there are no scratches or even stains on the vehicle. The driver has experience handling high-end and classic automobiles. The enclosed trailer provides full protection. This is the safest way to transport by car.
Expedited Car Shipping
Expedited car shipping service is when the customer needs the car to be delivered as quickly as possible. This could mean an exact date or a specific date. In the auto transportation industry moving multiple vehicles at once is always the most efficient option, but not always the fastest. The fewer cars the carrier loads, the faster the service. Thus for such service one, two or three car carrier is required which costs more.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport
This is also the standard in the industry and Corsia offer exactly door-to-door car transport. It is the most convenient method to deliver a car. The carrier will pick up your vehicle at an address you choose and deliver to an address you choose.
At pick up and at delivery the carrier completes the an inspection report and fills a Bill of Lading (BOL), which the customer has to sign.
How to prepare a car for shipping?
Probably the most important car shipping tip for newbie shippers. Preparing your car is of vital importance for the process.
Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic to make sure there are no leaks.
Make sure the rest is working properly. Also, check the tires. If you have a fluid leak, tell your carrier so they can prevent leaks to other cars. In this case, you must load the vehicle onto the lower deck. Remove any aftermarket accessories.
Secure or remove spoilers, skis or bike racks, or other removable items as they may damage the vehicle in transit. Also, make sure the convertible or soft top and windows are properly secured and closed.
Maintain/wash your vehicle
Do a thorough internal and external cleaning of your car for a thorough inspection. Inspection is a very important part of the vehicle transportation process. Car washing makes it easy for you and the truck driver. You must inspect the exterior for scratches and dents and watch for any signs of wear. Take a picture of the vehicle when you pick it up and compare it to when it was delivered.
Disarm all car alarms
Make sure you have provided the motor carrier with instructions on how to turn off any alarms. If an alarm goes off and the truck driver does not know how to disable it, he has the right to remove it mechanically.
Do not top up your gas tank
It is recommended to leave the fuel tank less than half full – enough for the carrier to load and unload the vehicle.
Inquire about extra shipping insurance
Ask the motor carrier about their insurance coverage. They will also provide you with copies of proof of insurance upon request. At Corsia we always have the carrier’s insurance at hand before shipping.
Remove personal items
No carrier is responsible for damage to the interior of your vehicle caused by personal items that you did not remove, or stolen personal items in case of theft while the car in on the carrier.
How to choose a car shipping company?
All car shipping companies are not created equal, in general. The first thing to verify is of course license and insurance. However, years in business and customer service is what will give you peace of mind.
Collect a few price quotes and then certainly talk to the companies. Only by calling and discussing your needs and your case you will understand how the company will treat you. An established and trustworthy company will give you all options and help you choose accordingly. A reliable company will explain what the current market situation is and what is a realistic price to ship a car now.Whether you need to ship a car now or in 30 days matters for the price. In the logistics industry prices fluctuate so discussing your preferences and budget is a must.
Our advice is has been the same and valid for more than a decade now – do not choose a company solely based on price. When you collect a few price quotes you can compare and see where the middle ground is which will give you an idea of the current realistic costs.
We hope our guide was helpful and you can start your research now. Call our team with more questions now.
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