Driving a car long distances isn’t feasible for everyone, or maybe you just don’t feel like driving it yourself. Both are two great reasons why so many people are turning to car transport services for long distances. 

But, how do you make sure you get the best car transport long-distance service when you’re entrusting your vehicle to someone else? Here’s what you need to know about navigating long-distance car transport. 

Research Companies and Get Quotes 

The first thing you should do before selecting a company is to research them thoroughly. Look up customer testimonials or reviews online and read up on the company’s experience in the industry and their history of success. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, request quotes from each company. Compare quotes before making a final decision and keep an eye out for any hidden fees that might come up along the way. 

Or, you can hire a company (like Ship a Car Direct, hint hint) to do all of the legwork for you. 

Know How Much It Costs To Ship A Car 

The cost of shipping your car depends on several factors, including the size and weight of your vehicle, where you’re moving from and to, and what kind of transport service you choose. 

Enclosed trailers are more secure than open trailers, but they will cost more money. On average, it costs anywhere from $600-$2,000+ to ship a car. For a clearer price range, you can check out our Instant Car Shipping Cost Calculator that can give you a fair estimate of what to expect. 

Knowing roughly how much it will cost will help you from getting taken advantage of by less-than-reputable companies.

Choose Enclosed or Open Shipping 

You also have to decide whether you want enclosed shipping or open shipping for your vehicle. 

If you have something that needs extra protection, like an antique vehicle or a luxury model, then enclosed shipping might be right for you—but it will cost more than open shipping. 

Open auto transport carriers have more space available and they can often accommodate multiple vehicles at once, so they are much cheaper than enclosed carriers. 

Hire A Trustworthy Company Like Ship a Car Direct To Take Care Of Everything 

When it comes to long-distance car transport, you want to work with a trustworthy and experienced company that will handle all the details for you. 

Ship a Car Direct is one such company that takes care of everything for you. We vet all the trusted partners we work with and guarantee a damage-free trip. With us, you don’t have to worry about anything. We also offer competitive rates so you can get an estimate before committing to anything. 

Be Sure To Prepare Your Vehicle For Transportation 

Before scheduling your car for transport, take time to prepare it for its journey. This includes getting all necessary paperwork in order (title or registration), gathering any spare keys or remotes associated with your vehicle, removing any personal items from the interior and trunk, checking all fluid levels (oil, coolant, etc.), disabling any alarms or tracking devices if applicable, and making sure tires are properly inflated.

Doing these simple steps before shipping your car will ensure that nothing goes wrong during transit.  

You’re All Set for Long-distance Car Shipping

Navigating long-distance car transportation doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive—as long as you know what to expect! 

With these tips and tricks in mind and a trusted company like Ship a Car Direct by your side, moving your car across the country can actually be quite easy and stress-free. 

So take some time now to do research and gather information about how much it will cost and what kind of services are available in order to make sure that your long-distance car hauling is as smooth as possible! 

Looking to ship your car? Get a quote at our Ship a Car Direct website today!

How Much Does it Cost?

One of the first things people want to know before using a shipping company is how much it will cost. The truth is, there are a number of factors that will determine the actual cost of shipment. Some of these factors include the size of your vehicle, the distance of shipment, open or enclosed transport, location of pick-up and drop-off, time of year, and fuel prices. The best way to get an idea of cost is to shop around and ask for quotes based on your specific needs. 

You Need to Do Your Homework

Your car is a valuable asset so you don’t want to just hand it over to anybody. You need to do plenty of research to find a car shipping company that is reputable and reliable. For starters you need to make sure that the shipping company has the proper licensing, registration, and insurance. You also need to spend time reading reviews and checking the company’s safety record using the safer.fmcsa.dot.gov website. Finally, check with the Better Business Bureau as an added precaution to be sure you are dealing with a legitimate car shipping company. 

Never Base Your Decision on Price Alone

While it’s certainly understandable to want a good deal, it’s also important to remember that cheapest isn’t always the best. If a deal seems too good to be true, chances are you should follow your gut. You want to choose a company that offers competitive prices, but also provides excellent customer service and has a good track record. 

Open vs. Enclosed Transport

You will have two options when it comes to shipping your vehicle- open or enclosed transport. Open transport is the cheapest and most common method of shipment and it involves your vehicle being shipped on an open carrier. Keep in mind that your car is susceptible to the outdoor elements with open transport. If you are shipping a luxury, antique, or exotic car, you might need additional protection in which you could choose enclosed transport. Though this is a more expensive option, it provides maximum protection for your high end or classic cars. 

You Will Need to Prep Your Vehicle

There’s more to car shipping than simply handing over the keys. There are a few things you need to do in order to prep your vehicle for shipment. You will need to wash the exterior and document and dings, dents, or scratches. You will also need to top off all fluids and make sure there is no more ¼ tank of gas. You need to check the battery and tire pressure and take care of any mechanical issues. Finally, you need to remove all exterior accessories as well as any personal items from inside the vehicle. 

Understand that Delivery Dates are Not Guaranteed

It is nearly impossible to guarantee a delivery date with auto shipment. That’s because there are a number of variables that can impact shipment such as weather, traffic jams, road closures, or mechanical issues with the carrier. Remember to be flexible with shipping dates. 

When it comes to using a car transporter, the first thing on most people’s minds is how much it will cost. The truth is, there are a number of factors that can affect transport costs such as the distance of shipment, the type of vehicle, current fuel costs, and even time of year. While many of these factors are out of your control, there are things you can do to reduce costs. Consider the following tips for getting the best price on your car transport service. 

Ship During the Off-Season

If you aren’t in a hurry to have your car transported, waiting for an off-peak time can save you money. Car transporters that are shipping cars coast-to-coast are usually busiest between May-September, while transporting north to south is busiest during the fall and spring.  Since prices will be higher during these months, you can save yourself some money by transporting your car during a different time. 

Be Flexible with Shipping Dates

Most car transporters will allow you to choose pick-up and drop-off dates that work best for your schedule, but if you can be flexible with those dates, you might be able to save money. Inquire about less expensive options, because transporters might be able to deliver your car with another shipment that will be near your location at another time. The transporter may be able to give you a better price if the dates work better for them logistically. 

Choose Open Transport

If you aren’t worried about your car getting rained on or getting dirty from the road, you can reduce your costs by choosing open transport as opposed to enclosed transport. Enclosed transport can cost you significantly more, and is generally best for luxury, antique, or exotic cars. 

Use Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Many car transporters have terminal yards in big cities where they can load and unload their haul. Using a terminal-to-terminal car transporter is usually a cheaper option than door-to-door transport. 

Shop Around for Quotes

Finally, do some research and shop around for the best price. If you are willing to be flexible, you may find that one transporter can work a better deal for you than another. Be careful, however, and don’t accept the lowest bid without doing your homework. You want to be sure you are working with a reputable transporter that has a solid reputation. 

More Options

As stated before, carriers only deal with their own personal fleet of trucks. This means they have to schedule pick up and delivery around their specific schedule. If they don’t have a truck in your area, you could be waiting quite a while for shipping, not to mention it could cost you more since they will have to send a truck to pick up your vehicle. Brokers, on the other hand, work with tens of thousands of carriers, so they can easily find a truck in your area. Not only does this expedite the shipping process, but it saves you money because the truck is already in or near your area. 

Multiple Quotes

Since they work with so many different carriers, brokers are able to collect multiple quotes from multiple carriers in a short amount of time. Access to such a large number of carriers means you have the ability to compare prices and find the lowest quote. Keep in mind, however, that these initial quotes might be lower than the actual price. Be sure to provide as much information about your shipment as possible and ask the right questions in order to get the most accurate quote. 

Flexibility 

There is always the possibility that a carrier will break down or experience mechanical problems during transport. If you are working with a traditional carrier, you have to wait for them to send another truck, which could mean longer delays for you and additional costs. Brokers, on the other hand, can quickly make arrangements for your car to be picked up by another carrier close by which translates to faster delivery times and lower costs. 

1.Not All Car Shipping Companies are the Same

Just as you would shop around before hiring a professional painter or contractor, you also need to shop around before hiring a professional auto transport company. Like any other industry, there are multiple companies that offer the same services but not all them offer the same customer service. For starters, you want to verify that you are working with a reputable company that is properly licensed, registered, and insured. Next, you want to check plenty of reviews to be sure the company has a good reputation. Finally, you want to compare pricing, and be on the lookout for any company whose prices seem too good to be true. The last thing you want is to be scammed when looking for auto transport. 

2.There is Not a Set Price

One of the first things people want to know about auto transport is how much it costs. It is important to keep in mind that there are a number of factors that determine the cost of shipment. These factors include: the size of the vehicle, the distance of shipment, pick-up and drop-off locations, open or enclosed transport, time of year, and current fuel prices. Any reputable company should be able to provide you with a free quote when you provide them with this information. 

3. Delivery Times are Not Guaranteed

It is nearly impossible to guarantee exact delivery dates in the auto transport industry. That’s because there are a number of factors that are out of their control that can contribute to delays. These include weather delays, traffic jams, road closures, and possible mechanical issues with the carrier. Though most companies will do their best to accommodate your needs, it is important to be flexible and keep in mind that some things just cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, plan in advance and expect your delivery date to fluctuate by a few days.

4. There are Different Methods of Shipment

When you are choosing an auto transport company, there are a lot of things to consider, including what method of shipment you prefer. You will have the option of choosing between open or enclosed transport. Open carriers are the most popular and affordable option, although your car will be exposed to the outdoor elements. An enclosed carrier, on the other hand, is the most secure option, though it will come at an additional cost. It is most common for vintage, classic, exotic, or luxury cars that need to be kept in pristine condition. 

5. You Will Need to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipment

It’s not quite as easy as simply handing over your keys. There are a few important steps you need to take to ensure a safe delivery of your vehicle. In order to prepare your vehicle for shipment, you will need to:

• Wash the exterior
• Take pictures and document and existing scratches, dings, dents, or other damage
• Top off all fluid including transmission, oil, brake, and washer fluids
• Check the battery and tire pressure
• Perform any necessary repairs or maintenance such as an oil change
• Leave no more than ¼ tank of gas in your vehicle
• Remove all exterior accessories including bike or luggage racks, retractable antenna, or customer spoiler
• Remove all personal items from inside the vehicle

Step 1: Decide what Type of Service You Need

When you begin researching shipping companies and gathering quotes, it will be helpful to know some basic information on the front end. For example, be prepared to provide the make, model, and year of your vehicle. Next, make sure you know the origin and destination of your shipment. You will also need to decide whether or not you plan to have door-to-door delivery or if you plan to pick up your vehicle from a terminal. Finally, you should consider whether or not you prefer open or enclosed transport. You will have different options when it comes to shipping your car and having an idea of what services you want will ensure you get the most accurate quote.

Step 2: Research Auto Transport Companies

One of the most important steps in the car shipping process is research. Your car is a valuable asset and you want to make sure you are handing it over to a reputable company. You can start by conducting an online search. Here are some things to look for in a car shipping company:
Industry knowledge: Look for a company with several years of experience in the car shipping industry,

Licensing, Registration, and Accreditation: You should only work with a company that has the proper licensing, registration, insurance, and accreditation ratings. It is required by law that auto transport companies have certain licenses and certifications in order to operate legally. Furthermore, it is advisable to look for a company that has good ratings with the Better Business Bureau.

Free Quote: Any reputable car shipping company should be able to provide you with a free quote. Be sure to ask if that quote includes all fees and additional charges.

Excellent reviews: Take the time to read reviews. You can read reviews online and also ask for reviews from family, friends, or colleagues who have shipped a car. You should also check reviews with the Better Business Bureau.

Exceptional customer service: From the first person you speak with to the driver who delivers your vehicle, you should expect professionalism and courtesy. They should be able and willing to answer any questions you may have and they should provide you with exceptional service.

Step 3: Compare Quotes and Select a Company

Narrow down your search to two or three auto transport companies. Compare quotes and services to decide which company is right for you. Be cautious, however, of choosing a company based on price alone. If one company offers a price that is significantly cheaper than the rest, this could be a red flag. Again, choose a company that meets all of the above criteria.

Step 4: Prep Your Vehicle

There are certain steps you will need to take to prepare your car for shipment:
-Wash your car

-take photos of your vehicle’s exterior and make a note of scratches, dents, or dings

-make sure there is no more than ¼ tank of gas in your car

-Make sure your battery is working and your tires are properly inflated

-remove any exterior accessories such as spoilers, luggage racks, bike racks, etc.

-remove all personal belongings from inside the vehicle

Step 5: Confirm Pickup and Delivery Details

The day before your scheduled pickup, call and confirm the exact time and location with your driver. Make sure you have all paperwork ready to go and be prepared to sign the Bill of Lading upon pickup of your vehicle. Follow these same instructions when it comes time for your vehicle to be delivered.

Myth #1: Driving your car is cheaper than shipping it.

Many people would prefer the convenience of shipping their car but they assume it is more expensive than driving it themselves. However, this is simply not the case. When it comes to transporting a vehicle across the country, the driver has to factor in the cost of fuel, food, lodging, and possibly even vehicle maintenance, and repairs. In addition, it may also require the driver to take time off work, which could result in a loss of income.

FACT: When all things are considered, it is cheaper to utilize transportation services with a reputable car shipping company.

Myth #2: The price of shipping is based on distance alone.

While the distance you will be shipping your car certainly has an impact on the overall cost, it is NOT the sole determinant of price. In fact, it is one of many factors that is used to determine your quote.

FACT: The cost of car shipping depends on a number of factors including: the make, model, and size of the vehicle, the preferred pickup, and delivery dates, location of pickup and delivery, the time of year, the condition of the vehicle, the type of transport (open or enclosed carrier).

Myth #3: Shipping your car is risky.

You may be concerned about handing your vehicle over to a shipping company, and understandably so. Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets so you want to be sure it does not get damaged. You might be considering the possibility of your vehicle being damaged at some point during the shipping process.

FACT: Car shipping is actually the safest option for transporting your vehicle a long distance. Driving your vehicle is much riskier, given that most people are not accustomed to driving long distances. Fatigue can easily set in, which can be very dangerous. Furthermore, your vehicle is subject to road and weather conditions as well as flying debris. All of these can potentially cause damage to your vehicle. Car shipping eliminates the need for driving, which immediately makes it your safest option. In addition, your car is securely fastened to the carrier and is not subjected to heavy mileage and wear and tear. In the unlikely event that weather conditions cause damage to your vehicle, your auto shipping company will have insurance to cover such damage. If you need extra precautions for a luxury or antique vehicle, you also have the option to ship your vehicle in an enclosed carrier for optimum protection.

Myth #4: Shop around for the lowest price.

Everyone can appreciate a good deal, but when it comes to shipping your car, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. While it is certainly recommended to shop around and compare quotes, you also want to look for companies with a good reputation.

FACT: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be fooled by spectacular deals as they are usually a scam. If one company provides a quote that is drastically different from everyone else, that is probably a red flag. Some car shipping companies will lure customers with cheap quotes only to hit them with fees and additional charges upon delivery of their vehicle.

Myth #5: You can only ship a car if it is in good condition.

Are you looking to ship a car that isn’t running properly? Not a problem! Most of your reputable car shipping companies can accommodate vehicles that are not in running condition.

FACT: You can absolutely ship a car that is not running. However, keep in mind that this is usually more expensive, as it requires special equipment to load, unload, and transport it.

Am I Required to Have Insurance?

The short answer is no, you are not required to have insurance in order to ship your car. The auto transport company is legally responsible for carrying liability insurance per the United States Department of Transportation. That said, you may opt for additional coverage to ensure your vehicle is adequately insured. This is especially important if you are shipping a luxury, antique, or exotic vehicle. Although less than 5% of cars that are transported report any damage, it will still give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is properly insured.

What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements for Shipping Companies?

As stated before, auto shipping companies are required by law to have insurance for the cars they transport. Most companies offer liability and cargo insurance, though you should confirm this with your specific shipping company. This insurance should cover any damage that might occur during loading, unloading, or transport. It is important to note, however, that this insurance only covers the car and not anything inside it. This is why you should never leave personal belongings inside your vehicle during shipment.

How Much Insurance is Enough?

Although all shipping companies are required to provide insurance, the exact amount of the policy might vary from one company to another. That’s why you need to verify the specific details of the insurance policy prior to shipment. You also want to pay attention to any limitations that might exist, such as “acts of god.” You need to find out what type of damages are covered, how much the deductible is, and whether or not you will need to purchase additional coverage. You should also check with your personal policy, as it may provide additional coverage for auto transport.

Safer for You and Your Family

Traveling for long hours in the car can be stressful and exhausting, and fatigued driving is extremely dangerous. Furthermore, long drives put you at risk for accidents, from poor drivers or inclement weather. The safest option for you and your family is to hop on a plane and ship your vehicle. This ensures both you and your vehicle arrive safely at your destination.

Protection of Your Vehicle

Driving your car across the country can put a tremendous amount of wear and tear on your vehicle. High mileage can decrease the value of your car and increase the need for maintenance and repairs. Furthermore, driving your car leaves it susceptible to damage from outdoor elements, bad weather, and flying road debris. Shipping services allow you to transport your vehicle to any destination without all of the wear and tear.

Save Money

Contrary to popular belief, driving your car can actually be more expensive than shipping it. By the time you add up the cost of fuel, food, lodging, and vehicle maintenance, you may find yourself paying close to the same or even more than you would to ship your car. With a car shipping service, you can avoid all of these additional costs as well as the possibility of paying for car repairs after such a long drive.

Convenience

One of the main reasons people choose car shipping is because it is so convenient. Driving your car across the country can take several days, and this is not a feasible option for everyone. In addition to long hours on the road, you may even have to take additional time off work to complete the drive. With car shipping services, you can forget about spending multiple hours on the road and relax knowing your car will arrive safely at its destination.

Transport Multiple Vehicles at Once

If you are moving across the country and you plan to take multiple vehicles with you, you may be wondering how you will get them all to your destination. A professional auto transport service makes it easy to ship more than one vehicle at the same time. You will save time and money as well as the hassle of trying to transport multiple vehicles.

Step 1: Have Your Vehicle and Shipment Information Ready

When you begin shopping around for quotes, the first thing shipping companies are going to ask you is what kind of car you will be shipping. Make sure you know the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle. You also need to know the exact destination points for pick-up and delivery. In addition, you need to be prepared to include information regarding whether or not your vehicle is operable or inoperable, or even oversized. Finally, if you require any additional services such as expedited shipping, enclosed transport, or door-to-door delivery you will want to discuss these services. This information will ensure you get the most accurate estimate.

Step 2: Get Shipping Quotes

Shop online and gather quotes from a few different car shipping companies. Compare prices and services until you find a company that suits your needs and budget. Remember, however, that the cheapest quote doesn’t always mean the best value. Like many other industries, you get what you pay for so look for quality in addition to the price. Be sure to check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to verify proper licensing, registration, and insurance. You can also check the company’s safety record here as well.

Step 3: Choose Open or Enclosed Transport

You will now select between using an open or enclosed carrier. Open-air carriers are the most common transportation method and they are cheaper. However, your car will be exposed to the outdoor elements which could be a concern for some customers. If you are shipping a brand new, luxury, antique, or exotic car you may choose to pay a little extra for enclosed transport to ensure your vehicle is protected from the outdoors.

Step 4: Choose Door-to-Door or Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping

Next, you will need to specify whether or not you prefer door-to-door shipping. This service is certainly most convenient and can usually be handled for an additional cost. However, some delivery locations have restrictions on shipping trailers because of laws, poor road access, or low-hanging trees. Furthermore, if you are in a rural location, door-to-door services may not be offered. In these instances, your vehicle may be delivered to the nearest terminal. Be sure to discuss these options with your shipping company.

Step 5: Prepare Your Car for Shipment

There are a few things you will need to do in order to prepare your car for shipment. Start by removing all personal belongings from inside the vehicle. You also want to use up most of your gas, leaving your tank no more than ¼ full. This reduces your car’s weight and makes it safer for shipment. You should also wash your car inside and out prior to shipment. Once your car is washed, take photos of your vehicle’s exterior and make a note of any dents, dings, or scratches. This visual proof of your vehicle’s condition will make it easier to note any damage that might have occurred during shipment.

Step 6: Your Vehicle will be Picked Up

On the date of your scheduled pickup, a carrier will arrive to load your vehicle onto their trailer. You will need to have proof of vehicle ownership in order to ship your vehicle. At this time, you will exchange contact information with your carrier so you can stay informed with delivery information. You will also inspect your vehicle’s condition and make a note of it on the Bill of Lading. At this time, you will sign your final contract and hand over your keys.

Step 7: Your Car Will be Delivered

Upon delivery, you will do a final inspection of your vehicle’s condition and sign the Bill of Lading. This is when you would make a note of any damage that could have occurred. Once you have signed the Bill of Lading, you will make your final payment and take your vehicle.