The Ultimate Guide To Transporting Your Car or Motorcycle Anywhere From An Auto Transport Pro.
This is intended to be the guide to end all guides, by the time you're done reading this you will know everything there is to know about getting your vehicle transported. Stick around till the end to learn the ins and outs or just read the first paragraph to find out how you can have someone else do all of the work!
We know the stress you go through looking for the best way to have your vehicle shipped. Whether your kid is going to college and they need their car sent with them or you just bought your dream car from a dealer that isn't across the street from you, auto transport is a field people don't typically have a lot of experience in. Lucky for you this is all I have been doing for the past 5 years of my life. I'm here to make sure you know exactly what you're talking about when talking to a transportation expert. If you'd like one of our agents to help you, contact us and we'll assign an agent to walk you through the process with 100% transparency. (Tip: you could ask for Jj and have me as your personal transport agent)
Lets get into the step by step guide on everything you should consider before transporting a vehicle.
Table of Contents
Don't want to read the whole guide? Jump to the good parts.
Step 1: What type of Transport do I need?
When it comes to transporting your car you have 2 options Open Transport and Enclosed Transport:
Open Transport: This is the way most people ship their cars. Having an open trailer will save you a lot of money since they typically run a lot cheaper. The only downside is your vehicle is prone to whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
Enclosed Transport: This is the way most luxury or collectors' cars are shipped. Enclosed transport can hurt the bank a bit more but when it comes to higher end cars being protected from the environment can be worth it.
Step 2: Which Company Should I Use To Ship My Car?
Once you've decided on the type of auto transport that suits your car's needs, it's time to find the best auto transport company. With plenty of options out there, ranging from local businesses to nationwide chains, it's essential to do your homework.
Comparing quotes from different companies is a smart move to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. Remember to shop around and leverage quotes you have to try and get the best price available.
Next up, check whether the transport companies you're considering offer the specific services you require. Some may not provide enclosed carrier transport, while others might be limited to shipping within the contiguous United States. If your car isn't operational, not all companies will be equipped to handle the job, and some may charge additional fees (or just go with a company that can handle every service *wink, wink*)
Keep in mind that companies can't offer guaranteed pricing up front (I'll explain why in the next part). Your job is trying to reduce the broker fee your agent is going to charge you.
Now that you're armed with these tips and resources, you'll be well-prepared to make a confident decision and get your beloved vehicle to its destination safely and efficiently. Now lets talk money!
Step 3: How Much Does Transporting A Car Cost?
So, let's talk numbers! For a coast-to-coast transport, you're looking at a price tag ranging from $1,500 to $2,000. But hey, if your journey is a bit shorter, you might get away with spending only $500 to $1,000.
Certain extra perks will come at a cost. If you need to go with an enclosed auto transport, or you're in a hurry and opt for expedited shipping, expect those dollars to climb a bit higher. The enclosed options might go as high as 50-100 percent extra while expedited service would only cost you a couple hundred extra dollars.
Pro Tip: Getting the cheapest quote might not be the best option. In this industry it is very rare for a company to put your car on their own truck. There are thousands of trucks running random routes and it is unlikely the company you chose will have the exact route match available for you!
Because of this companies use a centralized contract system where they contract out your transport and act as brokers. This happens 99% of the time. The quote you get is usually a rough estimate of how much you'll pay based on how much other contracts go for plus whatever price the broker is charging you as their fee.
Some companies are known to give cheap quotes and then raise them when they have offers from carriers to ship. Make sure to ask your agent: "How much did you post the vehicle for?" and "What is the average price of this route?"
It's always better to work with a transparent company that tells you exactly what they posted the vehicle for and how much they're going to charge for their services on top of that. The average agent fee ranges from $125-$250 depending on how much work the agent does on your order.
Step 4: How Do I Prepare My Car For Transport??
Now that you booked your transport it's time to get your vehicle ready, because prepping your precious ride for its big journey is a crucial step in the process. There are some strict protocols you've gotta follow to make sure everything goes as smooth as butter!
First things first, the all-important vehicle inspection. Snap some photos! Document any dings, dents, scrapes, or scratches that your ride might already have. Yeah, we know, it's not fun to think about, but sometimes accidents happen during shipping, having these "before" pictures can save the day if you need to prove any new damages later on. Better safe than sorry!
Next up, to keep your belongings safe and sound, it's best to remove all items from inside your car. No valuables left behind! The shipping company's insurance won't cover personal items, so it's better to play it safe and take them out. Now your car is ready.
Now that you're a well informed client you're ready to work with an agent to get you the best price and service for your vehicle. You can shoot me a text on my direct cell if you have any question or you want to start shipping your vehicle. 603-858-6280 or click here for a free quote!
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