Is an Enclosed Auto Carrier Worth the Extra Cost

RandyIvey ⋅ Auto Carrier, Auto Shipper ⋅

When comparing automobile transportation methods and prices, an enclosed auto carrier is a likely option. You may wonder if it’s worth the additional expense, and the answer to that question depends on the car to be shipped, as well as the vehicle’s actual and sentimental value. Read on to get some tips on assessing the feasibility of hiring an enclosed auto carrier.

Keep an Eye to the Sky

Shipping a car is a good choice if you’re moving far away, but that decision comes at a time when costs are already high. Some may wonder if they can save by choosing an open carrier instead, and it can be beneficial in certain cases. If you’re shipping an exotic, rare or classic car, enclosed transport is the way to go. Weather can shift in a minute, and things like sandstorms, hail and high winds are common. Such weather events can cause serious damage to a car, and most insurers won’t cover the cost.

Look Out for Road Debris

It’s quite common, especially in isolated areas, for debris to be disturbed by passing vehicles. While the chance of damage might be less than if you chose to move the car yourself, it’s possible—as is theft or vandalism in urban areas. It’s worthwhile to plan for the worst-case scenario, and planning can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.

Ask About Insurance Coverage

Before signing a shipping agreement you should be sure to ask for a copy of the carrier’s insurance info, to ensure that your car will be covered if a loss or damage occurs. Ask the motorcycle shipping company what their insurance covers, and what type of events or accidents are included. Claims history is important as well; a company who makes frequent claims may not be as careful with your vehicle as you’d like them to be.

Inspect Your Car On Delivery

If you’re meeting your carrier at the destination or the car’s being shipped to you, don’t forget to evaluate it before signing off on the paperwork. Check for damage, making a note of any that wasn’t there before shipping. If the car’s going to its new owner or a restoration shop, ensure that the receiver inspects the car and notes the damage description that was submitted upon loading.

Many companies that deal with classic car shipping, as well as those with substantial insurance, may use enclosed carriers to shield themselves from claims that arise from debris, weather, theft and vandalism. While it might seem like a good deal to skip the enclosed carrier, one averted accident will make all the extra expense worthwhile.

7 Things an Auto Shipper Doesn’t Want You to Know

RandyIvey ⋅ Auto Shipper ⋅

Few people move their cars frequently enough to become proficient at it—and all too often, knowledge comes at an enormous expense. There are certain things that some auto shippers would rather you didn’t know, and we’ll discuss them here.

Door-to-Door is Always More Expensive Than Terminal Service

This assumption makes sense. After all, delivery to your front door requires additional effort, and those efforts don’t come cheap, right? Not always. Even if an auto shipper saves fuel and time by dropping your car off at a shipping terminal, their fees may offset those savings. If you live in an inaccessible area, terminal fees may be less than those incurred with door-to-door service.

It’s Better to Deal With a Carrier than a Broker

This one should be under serious reconsideration. If you deal with the carrier directly, you may find customer service lacking. It’s best to find a shipper that provides top-notch customer service and regular status updates. Carriers have limited routes in limited areas each week, and when routes fill up, they offer later shipping dates. It may require additional work to find a dependable and available carrier that’s there when you need them.

You Can Save by Taking the Hubcaps Off

This one’s an urban legend, and it’s just not true. The myth may have originated from the fact that removable parts must be removed before overseas shipping. However, hubcaps and other accessories don’t have anything to do with the cost of hiring an auto shipper. Carriers have to meet strict weight standards, and additional items are not insured in transit.

The Lowest Price is the Best Deal

Many things affect the auto transport quotes you’ll receive. Be careful when you’re comparison shopping, as the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Some companies add on surcharges after they take your (non-refundable) deposit. When you shop around, be sure to make accurate comparisons. If a quote is substantially higher or lower than average, it’s worth a little extra research. Instead of basing your decision solely on price, look for companies that guarantee safe, on-time delivery.

Quotes are Always Accurate

When shipping a car, you should always be on the lookout for inaccurate pricing. In many cases, too-high or too-low quotes are wrong because the delivery or pickup location was recorded incorrectly. Differences in city names may be minor, but they can add up to hundreds in additional costs. Before taking a carrier up on their quote, ensure that the pickup and destination ZIP codes are correct.

Distance Determines Shipping Cost

While distance is relevant, people often find that they’ve paid more to ship a car than a friend or neighbor has paid. Customers should also consider the pickup and destination locations’ accessibility, as carriers charge more if they have to depart from their main route. It pays to be flexible with pickup and delivery dates as well.

Online Quotes are Always Reliable

A system’s value can be measured by how it responds when the unexpected happens. Test the carrier’s quote system by asking for quotes for a variety of circumstances, and toss out quotes that seem artificially high or low. Every shipping need is unique, and successful transit is a combination of the right carrier, time and place.