How to Ship a Car - A Comprehensive Guide to Stress-Free Auto Transport

Moving a car via a ship is not accessible if you transport it within the country or across the border.

 

But if you get the information right and prepare, your vehicle can reach the intended destination safely and on time.

 

No matter the situation, whether you are moving to a new city, buying a car from a seller located far away, or simply sending your student's car to college, this guide will provide the requisite knowledge on how to ship a car.

 

Step 1: Research reputable car shipping companies

 

The most important thing you will need to do when searching for auto transport services is to ensure you are hiring a reputable company.

 

Start by following these tips:

 

• Ask for recommendations: Ask friends, relatives, or coworkers who have shipped a car in the past. Logically, it is possible to find out the real-time efficiency of the shipping company and its dependability based on the experiences of personal observations.
  
  

• Verify licensing and insurance: Check that the company is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and check the USDOT/MC numbers with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Equally important is to ensure that they have insurance and that the insurance cover is enough for the value of your car.

 

Step 2: Choose the proper transport method

 

Auto transport companies offer two primary methods for shipping vehicles:

 

Open Transport

 

Open car transport is the most common and affordable option. Your car is driven along with several other vehicles on an open trailer, which is used to transport them.

 

Although cheaper than others, this one will expose your car to weather conditions and other road debris.

 

It's ideal for standard vehicles that don't require special protection.

 

Enclosed Transport

 

Enclosed car transport is deluxe and, as such, provides optimum security to your vehicle.

 

Your car is enclosed to protect it from rain, dust, and probably even physical harm.

 

As much as this is suitable for luxury, vintage, or classic cars, the process cost is relatively high.

 

Select the one that best suits the condition of your car, your pockets, and the miles it will cover.

 

Step 3: Obtain and compare quotes

 

When you have your list of a few auto transport companies you would like to hire, ask for quotes from them.

 

Factors that influence car shipping costs include:

 

• Vehicle size and weight: The shipping price depends on the size or weight of the shipped vehicle.
  
  

• Distance: Longer distances increase shipping costs.
  
  

• Transport method: Enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport.
  
  

• Season: Shipping rates can vary based on demand, with summer and holiday seasons typically being more expensive.

 

Compare the quotes carefully

 

As for the cost issue, value for money takes precedence over price when searching for a company on its services, reputation, and insurance.

 

Also, read How much does shipping a car cost?

 

Step 4: Schedule pickup and delivery locations

 

Decide where your car will be picked up and delivered. Here are two standard options:

 

• Door-to-door service: With car shipping, the company transports and drops the car to your desired destination. Though this method is easy to use, it is costly compared to other delivery methods.
  
  

• Terminal-to-terminal service: You go to and from terminals where drivers transport you and drop and pick up your car for you. This remains an affordable option but will have you working harder than you would with the previous option.

 

Consider your budget and convenience when making this decision.

 

Step 5: Prepare your car for transport

 

Before handing over your car to the shipping company, follow these steps to prepare it:

 

• Remove personal items: Empty your car, discard all personal items, and remove any detachable electronics. Many of these items are excluded from the insurance policies that most shipping companies offer their clients.
  
  

• Check for damage: Everybody should look for any existing scratch, dent, or harm on the auto that has been taken. Photograph all body parts of the car to avoid being trapped in disagreement with the owners after delivering the vehicle.
  
  

• Reduce fuel levels: Fill up your gas tank just to one-fourth the level, as the weight saving will undoubtedly reduce safety hazards.
  
  

• Perform maintenance checks: Check the supplier, tires, and battery and ensure no leaks are perceptible on either of the two cars.

 

Also, read How to prepare your car for shipping?

 

Step 6: Track your car's journey

 

Most popular auto transport companies provide tracking services.

 

This feature ensures that you can track your car's progress in real time, thus creating confidence as you ship your vehicle.

 

Step 7: Inspect your car upon arrival

 

When your car is delivered to its destination, ensure it has not been repainted; thus, it should look the same as when it was taken to be picked up.

 

Before shipping the product, take a picture, document its current state, and compare it with the existing state.

 

If any are found, quickly inform the shipping company and show your loss as a reason for a compensation claim.

 

Why ship a car instead of driving?

 

Shipping a car has several advantages over driving it to your destination:

 

• Time and convenience: Shipment also eliminates the need to take up so much time on a long drive.
  
  

• Cost-effectiveness: Besides fuel, the other minor costs, such as food, shelter, and wear out of the car, may be more than the cost of shipment when considering very long distances.
  
  

• Vehicle preservation: Transportation provides your car with special guarding against any form of exposure to abuses likely to be encountered during long journeys, mainly if the vehicle is a classic or exotic model.

 

Best practices for shipping a car

 

To ensure a seamless car shipping experience, follow these tips:

 

• Plan: Begin comparing shopping and establish your dates for hiring the car shipping company months in advance to get the most favorable rates and schedule.
  
  

• Be flexible: Offer a pickup and delivery window that a customer can consider in case there is a delay occasioned by either bad weather or heavy traffic congestion.
  
  

• Understand insurance: Ensure your car is insured for the trip; if not, get insurance to cover any incidences along the way.
  
  

• Inspect upon delivery: Make sure it is in good condition and take photos of any problems at the onset of your use.

 

Final thoughts

 

To sum it up, shipping a car is not as complex as it may seem.

 

The process becomes seamless when you work with credible firms, identify the proper means of transport, and correctly prepare your vehicle.

 

Whether moving to a new house or selling a car to a buyer miles away, car shipping is a safe, fast, and reliable solution for transporting your vehicle.

 

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared for your next road trip or to keep the driver's seat warm for your arrival.

 

Safe travel!

 

Ready to make car shipping stress-free?

 

Choose Universal Transit for reliable, efficient, and cost-effective vehicle transport.

 

Get your quote today and experience the difference!