How to Safely Move Your Classic Car Cross Country

Classic cars come in all shapes, styles, and conditions. Depending on your car’s needs, different transportation methods may be better for you. You need to know various details to make the best decision to move your classic car cross country. Often the best option for moving your classic car cross country is to ship your car. If you decide to ship your car cross country, you should consider looking at

car shipping quotes online

before making your decision.

Different Types of Transportation

When you research transportation for your car, you’re going to see open and closed transport options. Enclosed options are typically more expensive than open transport carriers. If your classic is in pristine condition and you want to keep it protected, you’re going to want to go with an enclosed carrier.

Alternatively, if your classic is maybe in less than perfect condition because you purchased a car that needs some work, you might be okay with open transport. Open transport doesn’t protect your vehicle the same way a closed carrier would, but it might not be necessary, depending on your situation.

You’ll also face different fees if your car is drivable or inoperable. Inoperable cars need extra equipment to load them onto a carrier and therefore carry an added cost. You’re responsible for those additional fees. If your vehicle runs and can be driven onto the carrier, then you can expect it to cost less, then.

Finding the Right Company

For classic car transportation, you need a carrier or company that is experienced in moving classics. The equipment makes a difference because an experienced carrier should use nylon straps instead of metal chains to hold your car in place. Metal chains are more likely to cause dings or scratches to your classic, so it is critical to make sure the carrier you choose uses nylon straps.

You’ll need to do some research and read reviews for companies. Getting multiple quotes is also essential to help you make the right choice. You can get multiple quotes online to help you decide.

Consider working with a broker to help you find the best carrier because they will know which company has experience. From that point, you can make better decisions with their help, too.

Comparing Brokers to Companies

There are ups and downs to working with brokers or companies. Brokers don’t manage the carriers. They connect you to a carrier that will do the job. Some brokers have thorough vetting systems in place to make sure they only work with the best carriers. The convenience of going with a broker makes it easier to find and book a classic car carrier, which makes brokers an attractive option. Many brokers also offer additional insurance coverage on top of what the carrier provides by default.

Fleet-owned companies are the companies that transport and manage the logistics of getting your car picked up and delivered. On the upside, if you work directly with them, you’ll be dealing with people personally responsible for getting your vehicle to its destination. At the same time, you may have to purchase additional insurance coverage to cover the entire value of your classic car. Of course, working directly with a carrier can be less expensive, so that may be worth it to you.

Prepare for Pick-up

Once you’ve chosen your carrier, then you need to prepare your classic for pick-up. Most carriers have specific instructions that must be followed for successful transport. Many companies require that your car is completely empty on the inside. That means you can’t even leave a pair of shoes in the trunk of your vehicle. Occasionally, you might find a company that allows a single box of items, but if they do, there’s usually a weight limit to what is allowed.

Companies also have restrictions on the amount of fuel allowed in your tank. They don’t typically want your tank to be empty, but it does need to be minimal. It’s going to be just enough to drive your car on the carrier and then off again at delivery.

Inspecting Before and After

Before the carrier loads up your car, get pictures of everything with date stamps. Document the condition of the inside and the outside of the vehicle. If you purchase the vehicle from a different location, have the seller send you pictures of the car so you’ll have something to compare the condition to upon delivery.

Once your classic car is delivered, you’ll go over the Bill of Lading with the driver to review any possible issues or damages. Take new pictures with a timestamp to document any damages that your car may have acquired in transit. If you have to file a claim, check the requirements put forth by the broker or carrier and then follow their instructions to get everything taken care of.

Moving Your Classic Car Cross Country

When you move your classic car cross country, you need to decide what the best mode of transportation will be for your car. It’s also important to shop around to find the right company for your vehicle. Research brokers and companies to select the best one to trust your classic car to, and then once you’ve made a decision, prep your classic car for pick-up. Finally, before your classic car gets loaded on the carrier, make sure you document everything if you need to file a claim later on.