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Shipping Your Classic Car
Unless you buy and sell cars on a regular basis, the process of
shipping a vehicle doesn’t come up that often with ownership. But when
it does, you need to understand and prepare for everything that’s
involved, or the car of your dreams could become a nightmare.
Finding a Shipper
Scheduling is a big consideration in choosing a company to transport
your car. Be prepared to be patient because auto shippers wait until
car carriers are full before dispatching them, and depend on "transport
brokers" to quickly fill any empty slots on a transport truck. Car
buyers can work directly with the shippers or through the brokers to
find an open slot. A broker may be able to negotiate a lower price for
you, but doesn't offer direct contact with the car carrier during the
car's shipment — which can provide a certain peace of mind.
The next option to consider is the whether you prefer an open or closed
trailer to ship your car. Open trailers are either partially or fully
exposed to the elements and range from small three car carriers to the
large 11 car carriers that you often see on the Interstate. Enclosed
trailers are basically a mobile garage and are protected from the
elements but can cost a 25-50% premium over having it shipped on an
open trailer; it all depends on what you want to spend.
Getting Ready For Shipment
Remove any personal items from your car. Most vehicle shipping
companies are not licensed and cannot legally carry any personal items
in vehicles they transport. It will also not likely be covered by
insurance.
Shut off and or disable the car alarm and make sure to secure or remove
any loose parts or specialty items from your car such as ground
effects, spoilers, fog lights. If you have wide mirrors fold them back
and lower and remove/retract the antennae if possible. Make sure the
battery is charged, the tires have proper inflation, and top off all of
the fluids on the vehicle. If you have a convertible make sure the top
is secured properly.
Your car should be insured against damage and theft by your car
shipping company. Make sure you request a copy of the car shipping
company's insurance coverage before you finalize shipping and check to
see if there is any deductible you will be required to pay if damage
should occur. Everything pertaining to the car shipment should be in
writing. It is likely that your personal car insurance policy may cover
your vehicle in transit and we recommend that you contact your
insurance company to verify this coverage.
Loading Up Your Car
Most residential areas restrict access to large transports so you may
have to rendezvous with the truck at a large parking lot nearby, such
as a grocery store, school, or shopping mall. When you meet with the
driver, make sure you view the entire car with them pointing out and
documenting any dents or dings that you’re aware of.
Prepare a careful list to give the driver of any operational problems
or steps necessary to start, stop, or drive your vehicle on and off of
the trailer. At that point we take pictures of the entire car just
prior to loading as documentation of the vehicles condition.
And always make the company aware of any fluid leaks. Cars leaking oil
and especially brake or transmission fluid should never be on the top
of a two deck open trailer to prevent damage to the paint of vehicles
below.
After the car is loaded, you should receive an original inspection
report from the driver which provides pick-up and delivery information,
the car's current mileage, and most importantly documents the condition
of your car at time of pick-up, pre-existing scratches and dents,
cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc. Keep this report
and use it when you receive your vehicle. If you will not be receiving
the car, you should send a copy of this report to the person who will
be.
Taking Delivery of the Car
When your car arrives, make sure that you do a complete inspection of
the vehicle with a copy of the original inspection report. Look for any
cosmetic or mechanical damage that was not noted in the original
report. Make sure you look underneath the vehicle as well. Do not
accept a vehicle if you cannot clearly inspect it such as at night in
dim lighting.
If there is any damage not on the original inspection report and you
believe it occurred during the shipping process, note each incident
with pictures and be sure the driver signs it. The car shipping company
should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done
to your car.
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