Why Collector Cars Need Specialised Car Transport
Due to the rarity of some vehicles, taking the time to ensure their secure transportation is more than worth it. But it’s not only about their monetary worth and preserving it, it’s about the culture, the history, and the artistic value that some classic vehicles have. That is why using specialized transport services makes more than perfect sense, and that’s why it’s worth taking the time to select the right car transport company.
The Risk of Driving a Classic Long-Distance
While most classic cars would be more than capable of driving over any distance, the risk of actually driving them over a long distance is the exposure to damage and the added wear on the different rare components. The thing about classic cars is that they are rare due to their age, the limited number that has been produced over the years, and the fact that they are no longer being made. The lack of components, the difficulty of maintaining one to a high standard, and the cost make it less likely that a classic car will drive over a long distance. That is why using a car shipping service is such a prevalent solution, because it makes both financial and economic sense to do so.
When a Standard Carrier Isn’t Enough
That being said, standard carrier service might not be enough, in part because they do not have the attention to detail luxury and classic cars need. On the other hand, standard carrier service simply does not have the scheduling flexibility that transporting a classic car sometimes requires. There are also a lot of specifics to transporting a high-value car that can only be learned through experience, and while standard carriers do have some experience, it’s mostly about transporting modern, regular vehicles. They do not have the equipment, nor do they have the practice. That is why there are specialized car delivery companies that specialize in transporting a vehicle that is 50+ years old.
Open vs Enclosed Vehicle Transport
What Enclosed Carriers Protect Against
One of the biggest risks of transporting a car with an open trailer is that it is exposed to the elements, road debris, and the harmful UV rays of the sun. This is where enclosed car transportation comes into play – it provides that extra 20% of protection that guarantees the safety of a high-value vehicle. Enclosed vehicle transport will reduce the wear on the paint of a vehicle that is no longer produced; it will also protect it from possibly debris hitting the car from the road, or debris hitting the windshield, which can be very difficult to source, especially if the vehicle is no longer being manufactured, as is the case with retro vehicles.
Enclosed trailers also often have a lower ground clearance ramp that helps load vehicles from the road, reducing the risk of bumper or undercarriage damage.
When Open Transport Is Acceptable
Open transport is an acceptable option if there’s a possibility to upgrade and change the position the car is loaded on. Usually, open trailers have 2 levels, with the second level being far safer than the ground level. If you have to use an open trailer to transport your classic car, make sure that you can load it on the top level, where it will be away from the possible road debris that can fly up at highway speeds and hit the car, damaging components.
An open car transporter is also a good option if you are shipping a car to be restored or it’s stripped of its valuable components, and it is heading towards a workshop for restoration.
Choosing a Car Transport Company for High-Value Vehicles
What to Look for in Auto Transport Carriers
There are two things that you need to do when considering who to go for as a carrier – first, their experience, and secondly, other people’s experience with them. Both of these are a good indication of whether an auto transport company is a good choice or not. It’s important to see if they are licensed and insured, what sort of services they are offering, how long they’ve been on the market, what sort of perks they can offer you, whether they are responsible for the transportation or they are using 3rd carriers, and a lot more. One of the best ways to find a good, reliable car transport company is to look online and search through customer reviews on websites such as TransportReviews – it’s a centralized hub where car shippers will rate and comment on their experience with a certain auto carrier provider.
Verifying Licensing and Insurance
Before booking with a company, it’s a wise move to check their license and to ensure that they are insured for the purposes of transporting vehicles across state lines. The first to look at is the FMCSA Licensing Site; input the license number and see what sort of information the system has on them. You can find the license number by requesting it from the company, or by looking on their corporate website – the company will be licensed and will have a good community rating.
They should also have cargo insurance that will protect you and your car from possible damages during transportation, loading, and unloading procedures.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Several important questions need answering – the first one is if their quotes are binding in any way. Getting a price estimation on a shipment should be free and should not bind you to using their services – this is a rare practice that some companies use as a way of preventing their time and resources from being wasted; however, it might not be a just practice from the perspective of the customer who is not aware of the binding quote.
You should also ask about any insurance they provide, whether it is included in the price of the service, what sort of deductible there is if damage does occur, what sort of coverage it provides in terms of monetary value, what it covers specifically and what it does not cover in particular. Go for an auto transport carrier that covers you completely, has the price of the insurance integrated into the final price of their services, and has clear guidelines on how to use their coverage to your benefit if there is damage to your car.
Preparing a Classic Car for Transport
Documenting Condition Before Pickup
This is a very important step that should not be neglected and should be followed thoroughly. Documenting the state and condition of your car before transportation will basically act as your safety net if there is damage to the car due to transportation. To do it the best way possible, it’s vital to wash the car and have it in the sun for photos. Take as many detailed photos of the car as you can, make sure that they showcase any pre-existing damage, and that they cover the entire car. Take photos of the windshield, the bumper, the hood, the tires and tire hubs, and make sure that you take photos of the car’s sides. It might also be helpful to make a walkaround video of the car’s condition.
Securing Loose and Fragile Parts
If you do end up finding the right car shipping service, you must secure all loose items in the car, including personal belongings. Having loose items inside the car may result in damage to the interior, which oftentimes is more difficult to replace or repair properly than the exterior. Most carriers recommend using a lockable container box to secure any personal belongings in the car, and placing it inside the trunk. This also goes for securing any fragile components and parts, like glass headlight covers, which are no longer being produced.
What Enclosed Car Transport Actually Costs
Factors That Move the Price
It’s no secret that enclosed car transportation can be double the price of open trailer shipping. The reason for that is the relative difference between the abundance of the two services – there are far more open trailers than there are enclosed ones. However, the price difference is also an indication of the overall value that you receive from choosing an enclosed trailer.
Some seasonal factors will affect the price of the car; for instance, shipping a classic vehicle through enclosed means will be more expensive during the summer than in the winter because of the higher demand during the warmer parts of the year. And an enclosed trailer will also be more in demand for car shows, which will affect regional availability due to the influx of other classic car owners who do not own their own enclosed transport trailer.
Another factor that will affect the price of the service will be the actual trailer type – there are several available trailer options for enclosed transportation. The most common one is with a drop-down ramp – they cost the least amount to book since there are more of them on the market. Then there are specialized hydraulic trailers which lift the car with an elevator, which helps with low-clearance vehicles – those will cost more to book because they are more specialized. Then there are enclosed trailers with climate control – ideal for transporting carbon-fiber cars or old, classic vehicles that need that extra protection. These types of trailers cost the most to book.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
One of the first things you will be doing in your search for a good classic car transport service is to ask for a quote. To get the most accurate quote, it’s a wise decision to be as precise about the dates you are looking for as possible. You should also be precise about the information on your car – what make and model it is, how much it weighs, etc. This will help the car transport company find a carrier straight away who can give them an accurate price estimation. You should also already have the location for the shipment figured out – make sure it’s the final location for shipping so the distance does not change, and the provider can give you an accurate estimation.
Delivery Day: Inspecting Your Vehicle
Checking Against the Bill of Lading
When your vehicle arrives, it’s very important to inspect it properly before signing the Bill of Lading. This is a document that acts as a contract, a receipt, and a damage report all at the same time – signing the document without inspecting the vehicle beforehand, and then finding new damage on it, will basically make it impossible to get insurance compensation. That is why it’s important to use those comparison photos and inspect the car for any damage. Then, and only then, do you sign the Bill of Lading, with a copy for the driver of the carrier.
What to Do If There’s an Issue
While very rare, there are instances where damage has been dealt to the vehicle during transportation. In these rare instances, what you can do is note the damage on the Bill of Lading before signing it. Make sure to detail the damage thoroughly and as precisely as possible – note the area, describe the damage, and its characteristics. Then sign the Bill of Lading and give the carrier’s driver a copy; make sure the copies match and get the car. Then contact the carrier and ask about their insurance provider details and the proper procedure – it’s important to act as soon as possible, because some insurance companies have a very tight deadline that needs to be met for them to issue any sort of resolution. Follow the company’s instructions.
Final Thoughts on Collector Car Transport
Shipping a classic car be a big deal, especially if the vehicle is rare, one of a kind, or very valuable. That is why it’s important to take your time when looking for a carrier or car shipping company. Make sure the company has the experience, the reputation, and the means to provide you with the service your car deserves. Check through the FMCSA Licensing Site whether the company has a license, when it expires, and if they are still active. Check their insurance coverage, see if it’s valid for classic cars, and if the coverage amount will be enough to cover the value of the car in case of total loss. Then, when booking, ask about their policies, what sort of perks their classic car shipping service has, what sort of insurance coverage they have, ask about the deadlines and the total cost of the service. Lastly, be sure to inspect the car before and after transportation – it’s a vital step that will protect you from incurring damages to your property and will ensure all issues are resolved properly.
