Car Shipping Myths Debunked

A car carrier carrying several cars on the road

Introduction


When it is time to have your car transported, shipping a vehicle across the country can be incredibly daunting and filled with uncertainties.


It is also true that people who are afraid of failure, as associated with hormones and endocrinology, mess up their high.


There are so many myths & misconceptions surrounding this it usually scares them rather than attracts its convenience. In the spirit of removing nonsense from this world, some might call it Fake shipping news.


This blog post aims to ensure you have the accurate information you need without one speck of false info that usually muddies up car shipping.


What to anticipate when shipping your vehicle; how you can have a firm decision by the end of this article.


Myth 1: Car shipping is excessively expensive


The fact that it is the most expensive way to ship your car might be one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding car shipping.


The price may differ depending on several variables, yet you must compare it with other options.


Many factors determine the closing price of car shipping
, including dimensions like mileage.


  • Distance: Long distances require more fuel and driver time, which makes the cost extremely high compared to a short-distance trip with moving companies in NYC.

  • Size of vehicle: Larger vehicles take up more space on the carrier, resulting in higher shipping rates.

  • Seasonal changes: The seasons will also impact the demand for car shipping; peak times may mean prices are higher, and slow season means prices decrease.

  • Type of Carrier:
    Enclosed car transport provides the best protection but costs more than open air.

Let us compare car shipping to other transportation methods. Unfortunately, many of these costs do not manifest and become absorbed into your personal business or consumer use expense, which is fine.


Long-distance driving comes with the cost of fuel and miles on your car, as well as food, lodging, etc.


Flying can be expensive, especially when you have luggage or more people to fly with. When you are moving far away, this option will not have a competitive edge over the shipping of cars.


To potentially reduce costs, consider the following:


Open car transport
: For vehicles that do not warrant the extra protection of an enclosed carrier, choosing open transport can reduce your costs.


The best way to save money on your freight shipment is with flexible pickup/delivery dates.


  • Off-season shipping: Send a car when no one else is moving theirs. By shipping your car off-season, you can save on the cost of shipping it!

  • Comparing quotes: You may want to get quotes from as many car shipping companies as possible this way. It would allow you to see the price variation among carriers and settle for one that suits your budget.


Learn what affects car shipping costs and save money on your delivery to show that vehicle transport is the most expensive way. 


Read this article to get more Tips on getting the best car shipping quote from an auto transport company


Myth 2: Car shipping takes forever


A typical misconception about car shipping is that it consumes a lot of time.


Car shipping times vary, but depending on everything considered, we can have your vehicle from Point A to B as quickly and as quickly as you could do yourself.


Key factors influencing delivery time include:


  • How far: Another factor affecting shipping time is the distance between the pickup and delivery locations. Of course, longer distances will take more time.

  • Carrier availability: Pickup and delivery may vary by carrier depending on location. The peak seasons will attract longer-term time.

  • Weather-related delays: High winds, rain, and other natural elements can stop transportation from reaching your shippers.


As a few examples, the rough average estimated delivery times are as follows for these general distances:


Short haul (-500 miles) = 2-4 days

Medium-haul (500-1500 miles) - 3-7 days

Long distance (1500 or more miles): 5-10 working days; around a week and a half


Please note: These are rough estimations, and delivery times can and will vary.


If you need your car transported as quickly as possible, here are some of the options:


Also, one can avail of expedited shipping services that are charged extra with some car shipping companies.


  • Flexible pickup and delivery dates: Quicker transportation is available if you are flexible with your dates.

  • Select a reliable carrier: The better the run on your carrier's end will cut out some time from transit.


You finally debunk that myth by researching the reasons behind delivery duration and ways to expedite car transportation further.


Myth 3: Car shipping is risky and unreliable


Despite common sense, risks such as those just described, and more...car shipping is the safest automobile transport method.


Good car delivery companies ensure the safety and security of your vehicle.


Here is how:


Safety measures implemented by reputable carriers


  • Securement systems: Top-quality carriers also offer security systems to keep cars safe and prevent them from moving around during transport. That will include (among other things) wheel chocks, tie-downs, and everything else necessary to meet current safety standards.

  • Great drivers: Safe transport and experienced, trained drivers are essential. Good firms employ dependable drivers with a verified record of safe driving accomplishments.

  • Vehicle inspection: Many carriers perform a full vehicle inspection before loading and unloading the vehicle post-delivery. This protects the interests of both the shipper and carrier.

  • Route planning: Veteran carriers take the best route and even consider areas that they know cause accidents or have concerning weather conditions.


Insurance coverage options


To mitigate risks even further, major car shipping companies provide insurance coverage. Although coverage can be different depending on policies, most plans offer;


  • Carrier liability insurance Protects against the damage caused by the freight carrier's negligence or accidents.

  • Cargo insurance: Covers your car in case of theft or fire, amongst other things.


You need to understand the terms and conditions of your carrier's insurance policy. If you need an extra layer of security, you might also want to consider buying additional insurance.


Importance of choosing a licensed and insured carrier


Hiring a licensed and insured car transport company is the primary need to ensure transportation safety on your vehicle. Here is why:


  • Compliance: Licensed carriers operate within industry regulations and guidelines; they are mandated to provide a minimum level of service.

  • Safeguards your fiscal responsibility: Insurance helps pay for damage or accidents.

  • Several years in business: Well-known carriers who have been around for quite some time are usually the ones to trust because they care about their customers and cars.


Choosing a reliable car shipping company and learning how different insurance solutions work can drastically lower the risks of moving your automobile.


Myth 4: Shipping a car is a complicated process


Despite what you might have heard, shipping a car can be quick and painless if done through the right provider. Here are the steps detailing car shipping in an ordinary process:


Step-by-step breakdown of the shipping process


  • Get quotes: Investigate and collect quotes from several car shipping companies to establish the best suited for you.

  • Select a licensed and insured carrier with a Good Reputation and Great Customer Reviews.

  • Schedule a pickup: Arrange for the carrier to pick up your labels from you at the time and location of your choice.

  • Vehicle ready: Follow the guidelines for shipping carriage to prepare your vehicle.

  • Pickup: The driver arrives at an agreed-upon time and loads your car onto the transport vehicle.

  • Transportation: Your vehicle is transported to the destination.

  • Delivery: The carrier will contact you to schedule the delivery of your vehicle.

  • Examine: If you get your car, check for any harm and make a notice if anything seems out of order.

Role of the car shipping company


A legitimate car transport company manages this schedule and coordinates the delivery of your auto. The way most of them would describe their roles:


  • Quotes: Competitive rates depending on your needs

  • Coordinate with carriers and schedule pickups and deliveries.

  • Documentation: Ensure your paperwork, insurance, etc., are in order.

  • Customer support (through the entire shipping process)


Customer responsibilities and documentation


As per the coordination, most of it is handled by the service provider, but there are specific responsibilities on your end as well:


  • Prepare your vehicle: Make sure it is clean, free of personal items, and properly maintained.

  • Documents: Complete the relevant fields, details about the vehicle, pickup, and delivery addresses, and actively used contact lines.

  • Payment: Pay the carrier according to their terms.

  • Check delivery: Check your car at the time of delivery and take photographs or note anything that may be damaged.


Learning about the car shipping process and doing your part can simplify matters, making vehicle transportation accessible.


Myth 5: Only running cars can be shipped


Loads of people think a running car must run this way so it can ship. This is a misconception. About every well-known car shipping company will ship an inoperable vehicle.


Shipping options for non-running vehicles


Although transporting your non-running car may require some extra preparation, it is possible. Here is how it works:


  • Breakdown recovery service: This is a service in which the car transport company will recover your non-starting vehicle and place it at a suitable location for loading onto an appropriate trailer.

  • Tow truck carriers: some over-the-road tow trucks can rent this equipment but may not have qualified operators.

  • Transport type: Depending on the level of protection needed, you can choose between open or enclosed transport for inoperable cars.

Additional costs and requirements


Since shipping a car for non-payment means you must ship a non-running vehicle, charges are usually more than the rate of running vehicles.


Some of the extra costs could be:


  • Towing costs apply when the vehicle must be towed to a loading location.

  • Even loading or unloading the auto from carriers with specialized equipment effectively increases costs whenever dealing with significantly high mileage.

  • Paperwork: Documentation (e.g., proof of ownership or a salvage title) may be required.


You need to be up-front about the condition of your car so you can provide that information when requesting quotes from car shipping companies. They, in turn, will give you accurate pricing.


Knowing the available options and potential costs will help you correctly ship your non-running car without any surprises.


Myth 6: You must be present for car pickup and delivery


One of the most common myths is that you must be present in person for both the pickup and delivery of your car during transport.


But modern car shipping facilities allow options that can help meet your requirements.


Flexibility of car shipping services


Most reliable car movers will understand that you may lead a hectic life or are too far to get your vehicle so close to the drop-off location for yourself.


To help, these programs offer a variety of different methods:


  • Third-party authorization: You can set someone else, like a family member or friend/ neighbor, to be present while picking up/ delivering.

  • Private property: Some carriers will let you set up pickup and delivery in, for example, only at your gated community or business of trust.

  • Key drop-off: In some situations, you can leave the keys to your vehicle in a secure location that will ensure the transport carrier has access to your car even if none is present.

Options for third-party pickup and delivery


If you cannot personally observe your horse's pickup or delivery, a trusted proxy may perform this task. This person must present valid identification and authorization from you.


Make sure you let the car shipping company know where they need to post up and who can access your property. This prevents any hiccups and makes the entire system less painful to use.


Myth 7: Car shipping insurance is inadequate


Many people are concerned about whether they offer enough insurance if you hire a car shipping company.


While you must be familiar with the terms of your policy, having comprehensive coverage is just what standard insurance companies do.


Types of coverage available


If you want to protect yourself and your vehicle from potential risk, shipping companies use two main types of insurance.


  • Transport carrier liability
     covers damage caused to third-party properties by a carrier's fault and accidents in transportation. However, it is restrictive, with co-pays or deductibles and coverage limits.

  • Cargo insurance: This insurance protects your vehicle from a respectably broader limit than third-party motor cover since it protects you against loss occasioned by theft, fire breaking out on the road, and natural disasters. Like any policy, coverage limits and deductibles are subject to change.


Importance of Understanding Policy Details


Carefully read the car shipping company's insurance policy to ensure your vehicle is adequately protected. This includes points such as:


  • Types of limits on coverage: Check whether any restrictions apply (i.e., the maximum amount that insurance will pay in damages or losses).

  • Deductibles: You must specify an upfront amount you will cover if you file a claim.

  • Exclusions: Understand the conditions or damages not insured under this policy.

  • How To file a claim: Learn the process of how claims are filed.


This will provide you with knowledge of the specifics mentioned in your policy so that you can decide on supplementary insurance if necessary.


Additional insurance options (if needed)


Most auto transport companies include adequate insurance by default, but additional coverage is available for luxury vehicles or to give you peace of mind. Options include:


  • Extended coverage: Certain insurers offer supplemental insurance for a cost.

  • If it is personal, use auto insurance. Ensure your auto policy covers the vehicle while in transit.

  • Show money with third-party insurance: If you believe your purchase has a higher risk, show the additional protection purchases on-site.


You need to understand what your insurance policy covers, and you can purchase additional coverage according to our following tips.


Conclusion


Now that we have discussed some of the most common myths about car shipping, the truth is that not only does shipping your car cut down on costs, but it also saves you time and gives you peace of mind in knowing that your vehicle will arrive safely at its destination.


You need to select a reliable car transport company for your move. Opt for a carrier with an established reputation, impressive customer appraisals & insurance protection.


Ready to ship your car?


Contact Universal Transit now for a complimentary quote, and we will take care of the rest while you move on to other aspects of your relocation process.


Our professionals are the best in our area, bringing top-quality auto transport delivery.


Read this to find out more about 10 Tips to Avoid Car Shipping Scams 

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