No matter how far you move within the country, your car can always come with you.
If you are like most people, your car is the most expensive property you own next to your home, so there is certainly a lot to think about when you’re moving across country and want to bring it along.
A great option is to ship your car using an auto transport company. Although taking such a route can appear like a daunting task, shipping a car across the country is actually a fairly straightforward process.
Let’s take a look at the things you should consider before handing your precious car over to an auto transporter.
Have A Preliminary Idea
When are you moving, how far are you traveling, and when do you need your car?
Shipping a car across the country can take up to two weeks, so you will be without your vehicle for at least that long.
Knowing what you need will allow you to plan more effectively. Try to book as far in advance as possible so that you can make adjustments to the dates or anything else before your vehicle is dispatched.
Choose A Transport Type
Car shipping companies offer two primary transport types: Open transport and enclosed transport.
Open transport is the cheapest and most popular option, and well-suited for most daily drive vehicles. Because they are able to hold many vehicles at a time, open carriers reduce the expense of travel per-vehicle.
Enclosed carrier transport offers the safest and most secure way to ship a car, but at an increase to your car shipping cost. Consider this option if you have a high-value luxury vehicle, classic car, or specialty vehicle.
Get A Free Quote
After you have an idea of what you need and what you can expect from the shipping process, the next step is to get quotes from multiple shipping providers.
You shouldn’t have to pay a penny for this, so cross off any company that attempts to charge for a quote.
Most cost estimates are by default based on open carrier transport, so make sure to ask for estimates based on enclosed transport if that’s what you need.
Choose A Car Shipping Company
Having to pay as little as possible to ship your car is good, but cost shouldn’t be the only consideration when choosing a shipping provider.
You must make sure that the company can fulfil the task professionally and with the utmost quality.
Well-known establishments like Number 1 Auto Transport, for instance, have built a solid reputation for utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and providing top-notch customer service to ensure your peace of mind.
Regardless of the provider you go with, make sure they offer competitive rates; have compelling, authentic reviews; and deliver excellent customer service.
Arrange Vehicle Pickup and Shipment
With a shipping provider selected, your next step is to arrange the pickup and shipment of your vehicle.
An inspection of the car before it is loaded onto the transport carrier is a critical part of this process. It requires you and the driver to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and make a note of every scratch, dent, or any damage previously sustained.
This list will be compared against your inspection of the car upon arrival to your destination.
Once the inspection is complete, your car will be loaded onto the carrier to begin the cross-country transport.
Receive Your Car at Destination
Companies like Number 1 Auto Transport will keep you up-to-date on your vehicle’s location while it’s on route. When it arrives at your new location, you and the driver will complete a second inspection of the vehicle for any new damage sustained during the shipment.
Such damages are extremely rare, but should they occur, it’s part of the driver’s job to fill out all necessary paperwork and work with you from there.
Conclusion
Shipping a car across the country can be an easy, straightforward process if you plan properly and choose a shipping provider with a strong track record for delivering quality results.
Want to learn more? Read our article on the 6 Common Questions About The Car Shipping Process.