Research the CompanyResearch a few carriers, and then head over to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which lets consumers check a shipping business’ license, insurance record, and complaint history.
“The first, and most important, step when shipping a car is finding a trusted shipper,” says Karl Brauer, executive publisher at Kelley Blue Book. “I have heard too many horror stories about people buying high-end cars at auction and then trying to save money with second-rate trucking companies that don’t special in vehicle transport. It’s a great way to ruin a new investment.”
When you’ve found a reputable company, start asking for rate quotes. Sometimes the best rates are in the winter when fewer people transport cars.
Check Insurance CoverageCheck your own insurance policy to see what coverage you have, and ask the shipping company about its liability insurance coverage. Most reputable carriers will have $50,000 to $1,000,000 in coverage, but it doesn’t hurt to double check.
“Damage during shipping can occur, even with a high-quality shipper, but if it can be documented as occurring during transport the shipper’s insurance should cover repairs,” says Brauer. “Confirm what type of insurance the shipping company offers before you ever agree to use them.”
Leave Enough TimeShipping a car is not the same as shipping a package. They’re bulkier, more expensive, and slower moving. Domestic deliveries can take four weeks, while sending a car internationally can take up to eight weeks.
You’ll need to plan well in advance to find a carrier and determine the timeframe required for loading and delivery. Unforeseen delays are common, so patience is crucial. If you won’t be waiting for it on the other side, make sure a trusted representative is available to receive the vehicle when it arrives.
Pick Your LocationGenerally, a shipping company will contact you when it has a truck with an open slot that’s headed toward your destination. Before the transporter arrives, study whether you’ll have enough space on the street or in a parking lot to load your car.
Similarly, find out where the company will leave your car once it reaches its destination. Stipulating an exact pickup date, rather than agreeing to a window, will cost extra with some services. Note that delivering between two major cities can cost less than shipping between smaller towns.
Covered or Uncovered?Then you’ll need to decide whether or not to cover your car during transit. Keeping it uncovered is cheaper, but it also leaves the sheet metal susceptible to dents and debris.
A covered or enclosed carrier provides the most protection but can cost roughly 60 percent more. Buyers shipping classic, vintage, or luxury vehicles will want to order an enclosed trailer or have their vehicle top-loaded, a slightly pricier option that allows your vehicle to travel on the carrier’s upper deck, away from road debris and auto fluids that could leak from other cars.
Inspect the VehicleA shipping company will usually check a vehicle for damages such as scratches and dents during a walk-around evaluation before the car is loaded onto the truck. Make sure you inspect the car and agree with the assessor’s report. You may want to take pre- and post-shipment photos as evidence in case you need to file a damage claim.
Upon arrival, a member of the shipping company will do a detailed examination of the inspection report, called a Bill of Lading, and inspect the vehicle for any damage. If you agree with the assessment, you will both sign that form and you should receive a copy.
“You should always do a full inspection of the vehicle before it ships and note any damage in the presence of the shipper’s representative,” says Karl Brauer. “Document this inspection and have both parties sign it. A close inspection after the vehicle is unloaded should match the condition of the vehicle when it started its journey. If it doesn’t note any variances immediately and start the process of repair — at the shipping company’s expense.”
Empty Your Vehicle but Leave Some GasEmpty your vehicle before it’s loaded onto a carrier. Carrying extra items can compromise the shipment’s safety. Goods inside may become jarred and damaged; loose items can also impede a clear line of sight during the loading and unloading process.
“Of course anything of value should be removed from the car given how many potential people will have access during the process,” says Brauer. “If the car isn’t going to be shipped in an enclosed carrier, which costs more than an open trailer, you might consider putting a protection film on the front of the car or even a car cover, assuming the latter can be securely tied down.”
The only item you should leave in your car is a quarter tank of fuel so that your car doesn’t run out of gas and get stuck when it’s time to leave the carrier. Some carriers may also ask that you disconnect your battery.
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