Car Transport: Shipping Your Auto
22 July 2008When moving from one state to another, it’s always a chore to figure out how everything will get to the new place. Seldom do people think, “How will I get my car there?” A car is meant to be driven, right?
Today, however, with gas prices steadily rising, it could cost a pretty penny to get from one place to another – especially if moving across the country. You also have to worry about drive-time; how long will it take to get from point A to point B? What if you’re moving overseas?
For the purpose of this article, let’s say that you’re moving from Boston, Massachusetts to Palm Bay, Florida. The distance is about 1,333 miles, which would take around 21 hours to drive – not including any traffic you may run into. If you have the time and would like to see the country, this is the perfect time to do it. If not, auto shipping is a good alternative.
Here’s how it works with most car transport companies:
Call to schedule your shipping date. A good rule of thumb is to schedule the date at least five to ten days ahead of time, if possible.
Decide whether you want an open or enclosed carrier. The vehicles on an open carrier are exposed to the weather, while enclosed carriers aren’t. So, for instance, if you need to transport a 1958 Chevrolet in mint condition, you might want to get that enclosed carrier – check with the auto shipper to make sure they offer the option.
Most, if not all, auto shipping companies ask for a deposit when you schedule the shipment, so have some form of payment ready when you call. Generally, though the deposit can be made with a credit card, the balance at the time of delivery needs to be paid with cash, money order or certified check.
Find out if door-to-door service is available. Sometimes the trucks are too large to get onto a residential street. The company may suggest a more open meeting area for easier loading.
After your paperwork goes through and the schedule is set, the driver calls to give you a more specific time – say 3:30 p.m. instead of “Wednesday” – and to make sure they know how to get there. The driver looks your vehicle over, in detail, for a Bill of Lading, which both you and the driver sign. After the delivery is made to the destination, the car is reinspected for any damage that may have occurred in transit.
Most car transport companies include car shipping insurance on your vehicle. If it isn’t stated during the scheduling, make sure you ask about their insurance policies. Even with the most careful driver, the most careful transport company, damage can occur. If they don’t offer insurance, find a different company.
From Massachusetts to Florida, everywhere in between and beyond, auto shippers are your best bet for worry free car transport. This, of course, only frees up your time to worry about all the other things you need to move!
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