If you are planning to transport your classic car for whatever reason, be sure to pick a classic car shipping specialist no less. But while this service is not exactly rare to find, how do you know which of the many providers is to be trusted?
To get started, you can ask friends, relatives, coworkers, and so on. Some good sources of information include big auction companies, car restorers and other collectors. It is a must to hire a company experienced with classic cars so you know that yours is well protected against damage, especially to the chassis. And if you don’t want to compromise on the quality of this service, don’t decide based purely on price. Reputable carriers usually have similar cost structures and if you find an unusually low offer, that is probably a bad sign. Among the simplest ways of sizing up a transport company is to ask about the length of their experience in the business. To know about their safety background and insurance status, you can log on to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website.
One of the choices you should make when using this service is whether you want it transported in an enclosed trailer or an open one. Open transport is cheaper, but unless your car requires restoration, closed transport is often better since this service carries reduced damage risk. And take note that open trailers are generally not equipped with a winch for stationary vehicles, and some companies will charge outrageous fees for loading inoperable cars. In any case, make sure all the fees are laid out to you upfront before you move forward.
When it comes to insurance, a carrier’s liability is limited to its own acts of negligence and does not extend to unpredictable acts of nature. Thus, before shipping your vehicle, make sure it has been secured with agreed value coverage from a collector car insurer.
Also remember that auto transport is unique from airplane or train travel in that it is not as frequently or regularly scheduled. Every time you place an order for this service, the dispatcher needs to assemble a certain number of cars, including yours, before they can continue with shipment. As expected, this may take weeks, depending on where you are and what time of the year it is. Once you hear of a coming storm, start talking to the transporters you have listed early on. In that case, a smaller local company may be best for you and will be be able to get you in immediately. It’s also smart to consider two or three different carriers and compare their reviews and ratings, prices, etc.before making a choice.