09/02/2019
Shipping a car, whether it’s across the country or just a few hundred miles, can seem like a daunting task. The process involves understanding various transport methods, finding a reputable company, and ensuring your beloved vehicle arrives safely at its destination. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the world of car shipping, providing you with all the essential information needed to make an informed decision and ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.
How to Contact a Car Shipping Agent
The first step in arranging vehicle transport is typically to get in touch with a car shipping agent or broker. These professionals act as intermediaries, connecting you with a network of licensed and insured carriers that can transport your car. The most common and efficient ways to initiate contact are through online quote forms or direct phone calls.
Online Quote Forms: Your Digital Gateway
Most reputable car shipping companies and brokers provide free quote forms on their websites. These forms are designed to gather essential details about your shipping needs, allowing the agent to provide an accurate estimate. You'll typically be asked for information such as:
- Pick-up and Delivery Locations: Specific addresses or nearest major cities.
- Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, and whether it's running or not.
- Desired Shipping Date: Flexibility can sometimes lead to better rates.
- Preferred Transport Method: Open or enclosed (more on these later).
- Contact Information: So the agent can get back to you.
Once you submit the form, a representative should respond, often within minutes, with a detailed quote. This allows you to compare offers from multiple providers without the pressure of a live call.
Direct Phone Calls: Personalised Assistance
For those who prefer a more direct and immediate discussion, calling a car shipping company is an excellent option. A phone conversation allows you to discuss your specific queries, clarify any doubts, and get personalised advice tailored to your situation. When you call, be prepared to provide the same information as you would for an online form. This direct interaction can be particularly useful if you have complex requirements or need to arrange shipping on short notice. Many companies offer dedicated customer service lines, ensuring you speak to knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the process.
Understanding Your Car Shipping Options
When it comes to transporting your vehicle, you generally have a few primary options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these will help you choose the best fit for your budget and your car's value.
Open Carrier Transport: The Economical Choice
Open carrier transport is by far the most popular and often the cheapest way to ship a car. Your vehicle is transported on a large trailer, typically carrying between 7 to 10 cars, similar to those you see delivering new vehicles to dealerships. These large lorries can accommodate almost any size vehicle, including cars, SUVs, vans, and even smaller trucks. While highly efficient and economical, the main downside is that your vehicle will be exposed to the elements during transport – rain, sun, road debris, and dust. For everyday vehicles, this is usually not a significant concern, as they are regularly exposed to such conditions during normal driving. However, for high-end luxury vehicles, classic cars, or exotic cars, this exposure might be undesirable.
If your budget allows, enclosed auto transport offers a superior level of protection for your vehicle. With this method, your car is transported inside a fully enclosed trailer, shielding it from adverse weather conditions, road grime, and potential debris. This option is highly recommended for luxury vehicles, vintage cars, custom builds, or any vehicle where preserving its pristine condition is paramount. While more expensive due to the specialised equipment and often fewer vehicles per load, the peace of mind it offers can be invaluable, especially for high-value assets. There are typically two types of enclosed trailers: soft-sided (canvas cover) and hard-sided (fully rigid box trailer), with hard-sided offering the maximum protection.
Flatbed Truck Transport: For Special Cases
Less common for general car shipping but vital for specific scenarios, flatbed trucks are used for oversized vehicles, non-running vehicles, or those requiring individual attention. A flatbed provides dedicated transport for a single vehicle, offering flexibility in loading and unloading. This option is generally much more expensive than multi-car open or enclosed carriers but is indispensable for unique transport needs.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Services
Beyond the type of carrier, you also need to consider the pick-up and delivery method:
- Door-to-Door Auto Shipping: This is the most convenient option, where the carrier picks up your vehicle from a specified address and delivers it as close as legally and safely possible to your destination address. It saves you the hassle of dropping off or picking up your car from a specific depot. For open car transport, door-to-door service often provides the best balance of convenience and competitive pricing. However, note that narrow residential streets or access restrictions might require meeting the driver at a nearby accessible location.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: This method involves you dropping off your vehicle at a designated shipping terminal and picking it up from another terminal near your destination. While it can sometimes be slightly cheaper due to less specific route planning for the carrier, it requires more effort and time on your part for drop-off and collection. It's often chosen by those with very tight budgets or those who live in areas difficult for large transport lorries to access.
Here's a quick comparison of the most common shipping methods:
| Feature | Open Carrier Transport | Enclosed Carrier Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Generally lower | Significantly higher |
| Protection | Exposed to elements & road debris | Protected from elements & debris |
| Vehicle Type Best For | Standard cars, SUVs, everyday vehicles | Luxury, classic, exotic, custom vehicles |
| Availability | Widely available, more frequent routes | Less frequent, may require longer waits |
| Speed | Often faster due to more routes | Can be slower due to fewer dedicated routes |
What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
Choosing the right car shipping company is crucial for a stress-free experience. While the provided information mentions FMCSA licensing for US carriers, the underlying principle is universal: always ensure your chosen provider is fully licensed and insured according to the regulations of their operating regions. Here are key aspects to scrutinise:
- Licensing and Insurance: Verify that the company, whether a carrier or a broker, holds all necessary operating licences and comprehensive insurance coverage. A reputable company will readily provide proof of their credentials. Look for 100% bumper-to-bumper insurance coverage during transport. This means your vehicle is fully insured against damage from the moment it’s picked up until it’s delivered.
- Transparency in Pricing: A trustworthy company will offer a guaranteed price with no hidden fees or charges. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true, as they may come with unexpected costs later. A clear service agreement outlining all terms and conditions is a must.
- Customer Service and Communication: Look for a company with a strong track record of excellent customer service. This includes clear communication, responsiveness to queries, and potentially features like GPS tracking for your vehicle during transit. While 24/7 support and mobile apps are desirable, the core is accessible and helpful staff.
- Reputation and Reviews: Check independent reviews and testimonials. While the provided text mentions a specific company's high rating, the general takeaway is to research customer experiences. Look for consistent positive feedback regarding reliability, delivery times, and handling of issues.
- Guarantees and Policies: A company that stands behind its service often offers guarantees such as a price match, free cancellation policies, and a service guarantee. A 30-day pricing guarantee, for instance, protects you from sudden price increases after getting a quote.
- Broker vs. Carrier: Understand whether you are dealing directly with a carrier (who owns the lorries) or a broker (who connects you with carriers). Both can be reputable. Brokers often have a wider network, which can lead to more competitive quotes and better availability, but ensure they thoroughly vet their partner carriers.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
Once you've chosen a shipping method and secured a company, preparing your car correctly is vital for a smooth process and to avoid any issues or additional charges.
- Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car thoroughly. This makes it easier to inspect for existing dents or scratches before loading, and often, a reputable service will offer a complimentary car wash upon delivery.
- Remove Personal Items: Do not leave any personal belongings in the vehicle. Auto transport companies are typically not licensed or insured to carry household goods. Any items left in the car are usually not covered by insurance and could be subject to removal or additional fees.
- Check Fluid Levels: Ensure your petrol tank is no more than a quarter full. This reduces weight and potential fire hazards. Check other fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) but don't top them off completely.
- Inflate Tyres: Make sure your tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
- Secure Loose Parts: Remove any removable parts like roof racks, spoilers, or custom accessories that could be damaged or come loose during transit. Fold in side mirrors and lower or remove the antenna.
- Disable Alarm Systems: Ensure your car alarm is off to prevent it from going off during transit and disturbing the driver.
- Key Access: Provide the driver with all necessary keys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping
How long does car shipping usually take?
The duration of car shipping depends on the distance, the route, and the type of service. Cross-country shipping within the UK might take a few days, while longer distances or international shipping can take weeks. Factors like weather, road conditions, and the number of stops the carrier makes also play a role. Your agent should provide an estimated transit time.
Can I put extra items inside my car during transport?
Generally, it is not recommended, and often explicitly forbidden, to pack personal belongings inside your car. Auto transport insurance primarily covers the vehicle itself, not its contents. Any items left inside could shift, cause damage, or even be stolen. If you must leave something, check with your carrier about their specific policy and understand that such items are usually not insured.
What kind of insurance coverage should I expect?
A reputable car shipping company will provide comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. This typically includes full bumper-to-bumper insurance, meaning your car is covered for any damage incurred from the moment it's loaded onto the carrier until it's unloaded. Always ask for proof of insurance and understand the policy's terms and conditions before signing any agreement.
What if my car is not running?
Shipping a non-running vehicle is possible but usually comes with additional costs. You'll need to inform the shipping agent upfront that the vehicle is inoperable, as it requires specialised equipment (like a winch) for loading and unloading. This often necessitates a flatbed truck or a specific type of open or enclosed carrier equipped to handle non-runners.
How far in advance should I book my car shipping?
It's advisable to book your car shipping as far in advance as possible, especially if you have specific dates in mind or are shipping during peak seasons (e.g., summer or holidays). Booking 2-4 weeks in advance is a good rule of thumb for standard services. For urgent shipments, expedited services might be available but at a higher cost.
What affects the cost of car shipping?
Several factors influence the overall cost:
- Distance: Longer distances naturally cost more.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger and heavier vehicles require more space and fuel, increasing the price.
- Transport Method: Enclosed transport is more expensive than open transport.
- Seasonality: Prices can fluctuate based on demand. Peak seasons often see higher rates.
- Route Popularity: Shipping to or from major cities on popular routes is generally cheaper than to remote locations.
- Vehicle Condition: Non-running vehicles cost more to transport.
- Door-to-Door vs. Terminal: Door-to-door offers convenience but can be slightly more expensive than terminal service.
Conclusion
Shipping a car doesn't have to be a stressful ordeal. By understanding the various transport options, knowing how to contact reputable agents, and being aware of what to look for in a service provider, you can navigate the process with confidence. Always prioritise licensed and insured carriers, transparent pricing, and excellent customer service. Taking the time to research and prepare your vehicle properly will ensure your car arrives at its destination safely and efficiently, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
If you want to read more articles similar to Your Guide to Seamless Car Shipping, you can visit the Automotive category.