Car Shipping Options
Selecting a shipping method is an important decision; research is required to make sure you choose the appropriate option for your vehicle. The approach you take to car transportation has a major effect on the cost and time to ship.
1. Open Vehicle Transport
Open vehicle transport is the most common way to ship your car. As the name suggests, this method involves loading the vehicle into an open-air flatbed trailer that can hold as many as 10 vehicles at once.
The more cars a transporter can load onto their trailer, the lower the cost will be to move each vehicle. If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable way to transport your vehicle across the country, look for transporters that use an open-air flatbed trailer.
2. Enclosed Vehicle Transport
If you’re transporting a new vehicle, vintage car, exotic car or luxury car, you may want to opt for a more secure and protected form of transport. The best choice for your needs is likely enclosed vehicle transport.
When you choose enclosed car shipping, your vehicle will be placed in a secure trailer that has four walls and a roof. This keeps out unwanted elements like dirt, debris and moisture.
Enclosed trailers aren’t able to hold as many vehicles at once as open-air flatbed trailers. Because of their lower capacity, the cost per vehicle is higher than open transit. For new, rare, exotic or classic vehicles, the added protection is well worth the cost.
3. Non-Operational Car Shipping
Non-operational cars can be transported too! Whether the car is damaged from an accident or some other mechanical breakdown, moving it to a new location is possible.
The cost of transporting a non-operational car depends on the condition of the vehicle. The more severe the damage, the more expensive the transport.
Accurately and honestly disclose the degree of damage to the car so the transporter can prepare the appropriate equipment and give you an accurate quote.
4. Amtrak Car Shipping
If you're looking for an alternative way to ship your car, Amtrak car shipping service is an interesting option. This service allows you to ship your car via train, which is usually faster than traditional auto shipping.
The big drawback? Amtrak's service is only available along the route from between Northern Virginia and Central Florida.
5. Exotic Car Transport
Exotic cars like Lamborghinis, Ferraris and other high-end vehicles require special care when shipping. It may also require a higher level of insurance coverage. Use a transporter that specializes in and has experience with shipping exotic cars.
6. Classic Car Transport
Like exotic cars, classic, vintage or antique cars usually require special care and expertise when being shipped. These cars may be extremely rare, valuable and fragile, so research transporters with experience handling these vehicles.
7. Drive it Yourself
If you have the time, a limited budget and need to ship a car that’s not particularly valuable, you can always drive it yourself.
Despite being the most affordable option, taking the do-it-yourself approach leaves the car at risk of damage on the road, places additional wear and tear on the vehicle and it’s very time-consuming.
Is do-it-yourself auto transport your only option but you don’t have time to drive across the country? Another approach is to ask a friend to drive the car for you.
Car Shipping Cross Country in the United States
More people are moving across the country for work, retirement, higher education or just a change of scenery. This trend has made car shipping increasingly popular, even if it’s across the country.
Cross-country car shipping requires a transportation company that’s reputable and experienced with long hauls.
When you communicate with a transport company, inquire about the driver or drivers’ experience before booking. CitizenShipper’s internal messaging system makes it easy to learn more about a potential driver’s background.
Car Transport and Insurance Coverage
Damage isn’t common during auto transport, but sometimes accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to have your car covered by liability insurance.
Most transport companies offer liability insurance coverage but confirm before you book. The US Department of Transportation requires all auto transport companies to carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance.
Keep in mind that the insurance only covers damages while the car is in transit; it doesn’t cover any pre-existing damage. You can consider purchasing additional insurance for your car's transport to further strengthen your coverage.