Transporting a vehicle from one location to another isn’t exactly the kind of thing that one does regularly, but seeing as you’re currently reading this post, we will do our best to guide you through what is often something you’ve probably never done before. Whether you’re moving your beloved classic car to participate in a classic car show, or doing something decidedly less exciting but equally nerve-racking, such as moving to another state for a new job, it’s vital that you get everything right so that you can kep your pride and joy intact, (or simply to ensure that you nave one less thing to worry about once you arrive at your new destination). With this in mind, we have created a guide that offers you enough information to get you started and ensure you get arguably one of the most expensive things you have ever bought in your life to its new home, safe and sound.
Understanding Vehicle Shipping Options
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it pays to explore the various options you have at your disposal. For most of the more common options, you can use a car shipping cost calculator to give you a rough idea of how deeply you’ll need to put your hand into your pocket. But as you’ll see throughout this post, there are quite a few variables that can either increase or decrease the amount.
| Transportation Method | Pros | Cons |
| Open-air transport: This is where a vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer, and it is the most common option available (not to mention the one you are perhaps most familiar with). | Very cost-effective. More availability. Easier to find in most areas. Tend to offer more choice in terms of pick up and drop off locations. | Exposure to weather. Road debris. Potential for minor cosmetic damage (not always, but a far more likely outcome than an enclosed trailer). |
| Enclosed transport: As you might imagine, this is the opposite of the first choice and is better suited to moving luxury and high-value cars | Offers the best protection from the elements. Higher level of security when transporting long distances that require overnight stops. A much higher possibility that your pride and joy will arrive at your destination in exactly the same condition as when it left. | Higher cost (typically 30-50% more). Fewer carriers mean you may need to wait. Might not be a possibility or prohibitively expensive depending on where you live (or what to deliver to). |
You also have to consider the service type and whether you’re transposing domestically or internationally:
- Door-to-door: Carrier picks up and delivers directly to specified addresses; convenient but may add cost if locations are remote.
- Terminal-to-terminal: Drop off and pick up at designated terminals; cheaper but requires additional travel for the owner.
- Domestic: This will be a whole lot easier, but you may still have interstate regulations to contend with, making it prudent to double-check before you move forward. However, most shippers should notify you of any obstacles that require attention.
- International: Shipping a vehicle internationally is a whole different kettle of fish and will absolutely require more intervention on your part. You will need to consider a multitude of factors, like customs, shipping containers, or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) methods for ocean transport, and any paperwork like export certificates you may require.
If you choose a reliable shipping company, you’ll find that they will guide you through the process and inform you of their responsibilities as well as yours…all of which leads us nicely onto the next point.
Choosing a Reliable Shipping Company
Shipping a car isn’t as complex as you might initially fear; many of the steps involved with choosing a company remain similar to those when choosing any business:
Check Credentials
As you might when searching for a plumber or a contractor, it really pays dividends to check their credentials at an early stage. This will update you on whether they are legally allowed to perform this task and if they actually know what they’re doing. Checking before digging deeper ensures you don’t waste time.
Read Reviews
Reviews can help to guide you through the jetsom and flotsam of an unfamiliar world. Obviously, you need to know how to read through the occasional bad review (some folks just love to moan) as well as check how they reply to any negative reviews they’ve received. Regarding that latter point, if they are professional and attempt to make amends, then you may still be onto a winner. Conversely, if they are curt and fail to address the issues, that may be an omen of things to come if you go with them.
Ask Friends Or Family For Recommendations
It helps to ask around your family and social circles to check if anyone has ever transported a car before. If so, they may have great insights and recommendations that will cut this process in half.
Check What Kind Of Insurance They Offer
Whether you’re moving your 2008 Toyota Camry or transporting a half-million-dollar classic Ferrari, you really want the movers to have insurance coming out of every orifice. For higher-value or rare vehicles, you will need to investigate further, or possibly pay for additional insurance on top of what they already have, or even opt for a third-party insurance provider for even more peace of mind.
Experience And Specialisation
Some companies may focus on specific vehicle types (e.g., motorcycles, RVs), and knowing where their specialisation lies can help you to come to a more informed decision.
What Does a Professional Transportation Company Look Like?
A professional transportation company will:
- Provide a clear and accurate quote
- Be prompt and consistent in its communications
- Be able to provide references or reviews
- Have well-presented vehicles and staff
- Carry insurance
- Stick to its schedule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not choose a transportation company based on the price, as the cheapest option may not be the most suitable one.
Read the fine print in the contract, particularly around liabilities.
Get several quotes; don’t rely on the first quote you receive.
Clear out your vehicle.
Which Option Is Better? Driving or Shipping?
Here is a side-by-side comparison that will help you resolve all your doubts:
| Driving | Shipping |
| Additional costs for fuel, accommodation, and food. | Shipping and preparation costs |
| Driving on long destinations may be tiring | Sleep in! |
| You can stop by at interesting locations and look around | You’ll take alternative travel methods (if required) |
| Wear and tear due to vehicle use | No wear and tear |
| You can control your schedule | Suitable for busy lifestyles, or where the required delivery date doesn’t match your schedule |
Insight Into the Overall Vehicle Shipping Process
To appropriately prepare you for the vehicle shipping process, let’s give you a complete insight and show you what to expect.
- First, you will meet with a driver or representative who will examine the vehicle and document all the information. Any existing damages will be noted. This is a document that you will need to sign, and you will get a copy of it to keep until the transportation process is done.
- Depending on the company and the required distance, you’ll get an estimated transportation schedule.
- When the vehicle arrives at the desired location, you need to make sure that everything is okay with it before signing the receipt, just in case.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Once you’ve chosen a viable option in terms of transportation method and selected a company that aligns with your needs, it’s time to prepare your car for the move. The process will vary based on the kind of vehicle you’re shipping off, but generally speaking, the following points are a good place to begin:
- Clean your vehicle.
- Remove any personal items.
- Perform some basic mechanical checks (i.e., checking that the tyres are inflated, battery is charged, fluids are topped off, and noting any existing leaks or issues, etc).
- Disable alarms and toll tags (the last one is vital to avoid annoying the poor driver on interstate transportation).
- Make sure you have at least a quarter of a tank of fuel to save weight while having enough to move on and off the transport.
Transporting a vehicle is a solution that can have its advantages. Weigh up the pros and cons outlined above before you make a decision.
