Wash the Exterior

This may seem counterintuitive, given that your car will likely get dirty during transport, but it is a very important step in the preparation of your vehicle. A spotless exterior is necessary so you can easily see any scratches, dents, dings, or discoloration on your vehicle. Since dirt and dust can hide these marks, it is important that your car is clean for your visual inspection. 

Complete a Visual Inspection

Now that your car is clean, you can inspect it for any existing damage. Walk around your vehicle and make note of any scratches, dents, dings, paint marks, or any other damage. You should also take photographs of your vehicle to serve as proof of its condition prior to shipment. Though it is unlikely that your vehicle will get damaged during transport, you will still need a record of your vehicle's condition so you can note any new damage. 

Take Care of Any Necessary Maintenance

Before having your car shipped, you should take care of a few general maintenance tasks. These include:

• Checking the fluids in your vehicle (brake, coolant, oil, power steering fluid, washer)
• Check the battery to make sure it is fully charged
• Check for proper tire pressure
• Empty the gas tank to no more than ¼ full

Remove Exterior Accessories

You will want to remove any exterior accessories prior to shipment. This includes all removable parts such as bike racks, luggage racks, ski racks, retractable antennas or custom spoilers. These extras are more susceptible to damage so protect your car and your expensive accessories by removing them before shipment. 

Remove Personal Items

It is not recommended to pack items in your car when shipping it. Not only does this add weight to your car which could result in higher fees, but it also increases your risk of theft. For these reasons, most auto transport companies prohibit customers from shipping personal belongings inside their vehicle. Remove all personal items including charging cables, water bottles, GPS devices, sunglasses, personal paperwork, coins, any other junk.

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. 

What Factors Determine Shipping Costs?

There are many factors that affect how much it costs to ship a car. These include things like the make and model of your vehicle, the distance of shipment, pickup and delivery locations, open or enclosed transport, as well as the cost of fuel. It can also cost more to ship your car during peak months of the year. Although some of these factors are out of your control, you can save money if you are flexible with shipping dates, choose open transport, and choose terminal-to-terminal shipment. 

How Do Gas Prices Affect Costs?

It would be impossible to factor in the cost of car shipment without considering fuel costs. High fuel prices increase the operating costs for shippers, and this additional cost may be passed on to the consumer. Consumers should keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate, which means the cost of shipment can fluctuate slightly as well. In other words, changing gas prices may affect your initial quote. Also, consider the distance of your shipment. The further the shipping distance, the more it will cost to transport your vehicle. For the most accurate pricing, be sure to call close to your shipping date when you can get the most accurate price of gas at that time. 

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.

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.

Protects Your Paint

If you are shipping your car on an open-air trailer, it will be exposed to the outdoor elements for the duration of transport. It’s possible that your vehicle could get scratched from flying road debris. Small rocks and debris are the number one cause of chipped paint and damage to vehicles during transport. The protective shrink wrap will repel these elements and prevent scratches and damage to your car. It’s also possible that your paint could get damaged in bad weather such as snow or ice. If you are shipping your car during the winter months, you may want to take extra precautions by wrapping your car prior to shipment.

You Can Avoid Repair Costs

Investing in shrink-wrap may seem like a lot of extra money on the front end, but it pays off. If your car gets damaged during shipment, it could end up costing you several hundred or even a few thousand dollars for repairs or a new paint job. If you just bought a new car, the last thing you want is to be spending extra money on repairs. Likewise, if you have an antique or exotic vehicle, you want to ensure it remains in mint condition. The best way to maintain your car’s value is to keep it protected from any potential damage.

Easy to Install and Remove

Shrinkwrap for your vehicle is easy to install and does not require any preparation. The wrap is glueless, so it will not leave any sticky residue. Removing the protective wrap is also easy and can be done by the customer without tampering with the vehicle.

An open hauler is great for transporting your car across the country, but it will not protect your vehicle from debris on the highway or weather conditions while traveling. Therefore, if you are concerned about these potential hazards and want to ensure your car arrives in perfect condition, you may want to consider shrink wrap. Though it is not necessary, it does provide additional protection and peace of mind.

When to Choose Direct Auto Shipping

Door-to-door service is by far the most convenient option, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. It works best for people who live in a major metropolitan city with wide streets that can easily be maneuvered by a large auto trailer. This would not be an ideal option for someone living in a rural area with dirt roads or windy roads. In addition, there is a higher demand for car shipping services in major cities, meaning it’s more convenient for the carrier. You also want to keep in mind that direct auto shipping is more expensive, given the added convenience of the service. The shipper is using their fuel and time to deliver your vehicle directly to you, so this is reflected in the overall shipping cost.

How the Process Works

Find a Shipping Company

If you know you want direct shipment, look for a company that offers door-to-door service. Though many companies will give you the option, some only offer terminal to terminal shipment. Therefore, you want to inquire specifically about the service and make sure it is available in your location.

Choose Your Transport Method

Next, you will have the option to choose between open and closed transport. As the name suggests, open-air transport means your car is shipped on an open-air trailer that will be exposed to the outdoors. This is the most common and affordable option. If you choose enclosed transport, your car will be shipped in an enclosed trailer where it is sheltered from the outdoor elements. This is a more expensive option, but it may be ideal for luxury, brand new, antique, or exotic vehicles that may require additional protection.

Meet the Driver

Another advantage to using door-to-door shipment is that you get to personally meet the driver. You will have the opportunity to see your vehicle loaded on and off the trailer and you can ask the driver any questions you may have. You may also be able to get their contact information, which can be helpful for estimated delivery times as well as general peace of mind.

You Must Be Present at Pickup and Delivery

You will need to be present when your vehicle is picked up so you can show proper identification, registration, and proof of ownership. You will also need to be present upon delivery to handle payment and to sign the Bill of Lading.

How Much Will it Cost?

Perhaps the biggest consideration will be the price of having your car shipped overseas. The price will depend on several factors. First, you will need to consider the distance from your home to the nearest seaport. The U.S. Ports of entry are located in L.A., San Francisco, Miami, Jacksonville, New York City, Norfolk, Charleston, Wilmington, and Baltimore. It could cost you several hundred dollars or over a thousand dollars depending on how far you are located from the closest seaport. Next, you will need to consider the distance to the foreign country. Obviously, the greater the distance, the higher the shipping cost.

Overseas Taxes and Charges

When estimating the cost, don’t forget to take into consideration import duties and customs taxes, along with delivery fees in the foreign country. There will be different tariffs and duties that are calculated based on the value of the vehicle and the size of the engine. An experienced international shipping company should be able to inform you about these additional costs.

Know the Laws and Regulations Regarding Importing Vehicles

Every country has different laws regarding what types of vehicles may be imported and exported. Keep in mind that many countries will not allow the importation of cars over a certain age. Prior to scheduling shipment, you should check with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements for importing and exporting motor vehicles.

Finding the Right Shipping Company

The last thing you need is to feel rushed to find an international car shipping company. There are quite a few different companies out there that offer this service so you will definitely want to do plenty of research to find the right one for your needs. As with most things these days, your search will likely begin online. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a reputable car shipping company:

• They offer services from your current location to your new one
• They are properly licensed, bonded, and insured (The company should be licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission. You can verify licensure on their website.)
• They only work with third parties who are also licensed, bonded, and insured
• They have several positive reviews (check online as well as with the Better Business Bureau)
• Their price is reasonable. (be cautious of prices that are too low, as this can sometimes be a red flag)

Gather Your Documents

Next you will need to consider what documents are required for international car shipment so you can be sure you have everything ready to go. As with most other international shipments, there is paperwork involved. You will need to provide the following documents to the U.S. Port of Entry at least 72 hours before the date of transport:

• Original Title along with two notarized copies of the original document
• Bill of Sale
• A Shipper Export Declaration
• A copy of your U.S. passport

Keep in mind that different ports have different paperwork requirements so check with your shipping company to ensure you have the required documents.

Types of Overseas Car Shipping Methods

You will need to consider which method of shipment will work best for you. There are two main car shipping methods for overseas transport. The first is Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) in which your car is driven onto a ship, secured, and transported. This is the cheapest method of transport, but your vehicle will be in the open and exposed to the weather elements. The second mode is a shipping container. It costs more, but is the preferred method because it offers much greater safety and protection because your car is securely fixed inside a metal container for the duration of the journey.

Factors That Determine Shipping Rates

1. Distance: As one might expect, the farther you are shipping a car, the more it will cost you. Longer trips usually cost less per mile, but since there are more miles to be traveled you can expect this to be reflected in the price.

2. Vehicle Size and Type: Another important factor that will determine shipping costs is the make, model, and size of the vehicle being shipped. Since auto carriers have weight restrictions, larger and heavier vehicles will cost more to ship than smaller vehicles.

3. Vehicle Condition: If your vehicle is inoperable, you can expect to pay a higher price to ship it. That’s because inoperable vehicles require special equipment to load and unload the vehicle on and off the carrier. There is usually an additional charge of about $200 for vehicles that are not in working condition.

4. Location of Shipment: Another factor that affects shipping rates is the location of pickup and/or delivery. Heavily traveled routes such as those between major cities will cost less because there are likely to be other vehicles for carriers to pick up and drop off along the way. On the other hand, if you are delivering a vehicle to a rural area that is not heavily traveled, you can expect to pay a premium price.

5. Type of Carrier: Most shipping companies will give you the option of choosing between open and enclosed transport. Enclosed transport is more expensive because the carrier can hold fewer vehicles.

6. Time of Year: Given that this is a supply and demand industry, truckers will set prices based on demand. During certain times of the year, car shipping is in higher demand and this can sometimes affect shipping rates in those areas.

7. Fuel Costs: Gas and diesel prices can also affect shipping rates. Just as with the airline industry, if fuel prices go up so do the prices.

8. Expedited/ Rush Service: If you need your car delivered in a hurry, there are expedited shipping options that will increase the rate. On the other hand, if you are more flexible with your delivery date, you can save a lot of money.

Average Rates to Ship a Car

The typical car shipping cost can range anywhere from $500 to $1500. On average, the cost is about $2.92 per mile for distances under 200 miles and $0.78 per mile for distances over 1,000 miles. These numbers can give you a rough estimate of shipping costs, but the only way to get an accurate quote is by requesting a personalized estimate.

Conduct an Online Search

With less inventory available, you may not be able to find a suitable vehicle in your area. Therefore, you can increase your chances of finding a car by expanding your search radius. Thanks to today’s technological advances, you have the ability to shop for a car anywhere in the country. If you are open to purchasing a car in another state and having it shipped to you, you are increasing the odds that you will be able to find a car.

Buy Used

Although all cars are in short supply, used cars are in somewhat better supply than brand new ones. This is caused by a global chip shortage that is severely constraining the supply of new vehicles. Manufacturers are unable to get the tiny semiconductor chips that are needed to build new cars and this has brought the production of new vehicles across the nation to a halt. Thus, car dealers are left with empty lots as manufacturers await shipments of semiconductor chips. While this has certainly pushed up the demand for used vehicles, you will find that there is still a bigger selection of pre-owned vehicles available and they will come at a more affordable price.

Look for Cars on Facebook Marketplace

While you cannot actually purchase a car on Facebook Marketplace, you can search for one and make a connection with a seller. As a result of the current vehicle shortage, the used car market on Facebook Marketplace is hotter than ever. Due to lower inventory, people are looking to places other than dealerships to buy a car and Facebook Marketplace is a great resource. In fact, it has become one the most popular social media platforms to advertise used cars from private sellers.

Don’t Be Too Picky

In the pre-pandemic days you may have squabbled over the color, accessories, and additional options available on your vehicle but these days you don’t have room to be so picky. The pickier you are, the longer you will have to wait. If you are willing to be flexible on the specs of your car there’s a better chance you will get it much sooner.

Consider Other Vehicle Categories

Trucks and SUVs are definitely the most popular vehicles on the market. If you are willing to consider looking into another type of vehicle such as a sedan, you may have better luck finding more options.