How to Pick a Good Classic Car Shipment Company
If you have to ship your classic car for any reason, make sure you choose a transport company that actually specializes in this type of vehicle. But while this service is not exactly rare to find, how do you know which of the many providers is to be trusted?
The best way to start is by asking those around you – friends, family members, colleagues, etc. Museums, local car clubs and big auction companies can also provide valuable recommendations. It is a must to hire a company experienced with classic cars so you know that yours is well protected against damage, especially to the chassis. And if you don’t want to compromise on the quality of this service, don’t decide based purely on price. Good carriers have generally similar pricing structures, if you receive an oddly low offer, you should be suspicious. One of the best ways to scrutinize a shipment company is to know how long they’ve been providing car hauling services. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website can also provide information on their safety history and insurance status.
When hiring this service, you also need to choose whether you want your vehicle transported in an open or enclosed trailer. Unless you’re planning to restore your vehicle, you should go for closed transport, which is more expensive, considering this service comes with reduced risk of damage. And take note that open trailers are generally not equipped with a winch for stationary vehicles, and some companies will charge outrageous fees for loading inoperable cars. In any case, make sure all the fees are laid out to you upfront before you move forward.
When it comes to insurance, a carrier’s liability is limited to its own acts of negligence and does not extend to unpredictable acts of nature. Thus, before shipping your vehicle, make sure it has been secured with agreed value coverage from a collector car insurer.
Also keep in mind that unlike airplane or train travel, car transport is not a periodically scheduled service. Each time an order is placed for this service, the dispatcher has to gather a specific number of cars before getting on with the transport. Depending on certain factors, like your location and season, you may have to wait for up to weeks. The moment you learn of an impending storm, start calling those shipment companies that you have shortlisted in advance. In that case, a smaller local company may be best for you and will be be able to get you in immediately. Lastly, compare two or three vehicle transporters based on several factors, like reviews, pricing, etc. before you make your final choice.