The Ultimate Guide to Shipping a Car

If you know how to ship a small item, but are confused about how to ship your car, this article guide can help you.

Keeping things organized is the key when shipping your car, whether interstate or internationally. Organizing things like choosing the shipping company, selecting the timeline, and budget in advance will give you peace of mind.

This ultimate guide to getting your car shipped will help you organize the essential things, paperwork, and everything else you will need to ship it successfully.

Things To Do Before You Ship Your Car

1. Set a Budget

It's an important aspect of shipping your car. It will assist you in deciding on a shipping method for your vehicle. You can ship your car either by road or by water; the method you choose is entirely up to you. When deciding on a method, consider your budget and the location where you want to ship the car.

When shipping by road, the cost of shipping varies depending on the company and the distance travelled. For example, if you ship your car for a distance of 1-500 miles, the cost may be $1 per mile, while for distances of 500 miles or more, the cost may be 75 cents per mile. Prices for 1000 miles or more can be as low as 60 cents per mile, and so on. But, remember these are only estimated prices and may vary from place to place and company to company.

2. Decide How You Want To Ship The Car

The shipping companies provide different shipping options, and each one is priced differently. When choosing an option, keep in mind that the option you select will help you ship your car safely and easily.

3. Uncovered

This is the most cost-effective option for shorter distances. This option is also faster due to the fact that auto shipping companies typically have more open carriers. However, this option exposes your car to the elements such as weather and dust.

4. Enclosed

The enclosed carrier's shipping option is comparatively expensive. But, this shipping option is safest as it protects the car from weather, dust, snow, and any other element that could cause damage to the car.

5. Door-To-Door

Car shipping from one location to another is costly, but the best way to choose a shipping option is to have the car picked up from the desired location and delivered to your new location's door. It is costly, but it will save you time and money in the long run because you will not have to travel to the terminal, which may be miles away.

6. Terminal-To-Terminal

This shipping method is less expensive, but it takes longer and is less secure because you must pick up and drop off your car at a terminal that is not always monitored.

7. Research The Shipping Companies And Insurance

Before choosing a shipping company, check their things like rating, shipping methods, and insurance. Also, check your car insurance to be on the safe side. Other things you must confirm are, the prices of different companies, do the company specializes in car shipping, and records of the company online.

8. Other Things To Do

Gather the vehicle's documentation, as the shipping company will need them to verify that the vehicle is yours.
Make a list of any peculiarities the car may have and inform the shipping company.
Remove any personal or valuable loose items from your vehicle.
Your car should be washed and cleaned thoroughly.
Before and after shipping, inspect and photograph your car to ensure there are no damages.
Disable the car alarm, remove the EZ pass, and hand over the keys to the shipper.
Receive your tracking number and receipts and keep them safe.
On delivery, inspect your vehicle thoroughly for any damage.