At Ship-A1 we know that your classic vehicle is very close to you and when it comes to shipping it, we know you want to transport your car using a high-value car shipping company. To make sure you are working with the best companies, find carriers who specialize in vintage automobile shipping. Contact the company and find out about their experience in the transportation field and especially related to the type of vehicle you are delivering. The good news is that the probability of an automobile getting damaged during shipping is very low, so chances are that your classic car will arrive at your destination in perfect condition regardless. But you can further protect your automobile from hiring a professional transport company. These companies are cost-effective and can save your time, stress and money. 

Vintage Car Transportation Options

As an automobile collector who deals with the buying, selling valuable vehicles, professional transport services are beneficial. The most common shipping methods are enclosed and open trucks to move your antique automobile. Regular open trailers are not fit for exotic car transport, as the carrier is open and the vehicles are exposed to earth elements and weather-related wear and tear. Shipping using an enclosed carrier is an optimal way to deliver classic and antique automobiles. Enclosed carrier service is a premium service that is filled with features like higher insurance, constant communication, and GPS tracker. Also, these carriers provide hydraulic lift gates to load and unload low clearance vehicles, as well as the option to deliver either by a covered single or multi-vehicle truck.

How to Prepare your Automobile for Shipping

Now that you have hired the company to ship your vehicle, now is the time to prepare your car for shipping to keep the risk of damage to your vehicle minimum and prevent any additional costs that may occur.

Record any existing damage: Inspect your vehicle entirely for any loss, including scratches, dents, and paint chips. Do not forget to take clear photographs of these defects. You can insert these photos with your written document, so any new scratches or dents cannot be argued by your mover company. Once the vehicle is collected for shipping, mark these photographs on the Bill of Lading, which is an inspection report given to you by the carrier that you must sign.

Remove Personal Items: According to federal law, auto transporters are not allowed to transport any personal or household items in the automobile they are shipping. However, some auto movers allow personal details confined in the trunk, but it will cost you extra as the vehicle weight increases. Placing personal items in the car increases the chance of theft when transporting your vehicle.

Perform Mechanical Inspection: If the vehicle is inoperable, you should mention this at the time of filing the shipping quote. So that the transport business could arrange a trailer with a winch to help move your automobile. For working vehicles, mechanical problems can cause many delays, and above all, can create extra charges from shipping companies. So getting the car fixed before transporting is the way to go. 

1. Over-inflated tires are just as risky in transport as they are on the road, and not having your tires inflated adequately can damage them. Tires are mostly damage during the loading and unloading phase. 
2. Before loading your vehicle in the carrier, make sure to check the undercarriage of your automobile for any significant leak. If your car has a leak, the moving company may refuse to deliver your automobile.

Other Important Things to Note: Make sure to check the condition of your battery. The battery should be fully charged and firmly placed in its supporting bracket. You should also make sure that your gas tank is 1/4th filled, or else it will only add-up weight to your own automobile. Make sure to disable your alarm, as it can go off due to the movements during shipping. 

Common Misconception Concerning Vehicle Shipping

Misconceptions in the shipping industry caused shipping a vehicle from city to city or from state to state harder than it has to be for customers. In this world where there is so much overwhelming information, this abundance of information causes a vast amount of misinformation and misconception. Down below, I will discuss some significant misunderstanding about the shipping industry.

Shipping a car is more expensive than driving the vehicle: This misconception among people that delivering automobile is expensive and that driving will be cheaper and more comfortable. In reality, shipping your car is more economical because when driving the vehicle, you need to pay for the fuel, food, and motel for taking rest. Driving for a long route is not suitable for your car's miles increases which decreases your vehicle market value. With auto shipping, your vehicle would be shipped by trained truck drivers who are experienced to deal with hazardous road conditions. Transporting your car across the country is probably the safer option for you, your family, and above all your vehicle. 

Shipping Quotes are Always Right: When hiring an auto mover, always get a quote, generally in the form of a price range, because the final price can vary. Some shipping companies charge higher rates by presenting regular shipping activities as premium, so make sure to find a certified market quote first before hiring a transportation company.