How to Ship a Classic Car

What exactly makes a car a classic? While the definitions may vary from place to place, one thing we can all agree upon is that it has to be old. 

The Classic Car Club of America details a classic car as an automobile, either American or foreign, built between 1915 and 1948 and distinguished by its delicate design, high engineering standards, and superior quality. Any car enthusiast can agree that a classic car is a precious treasure. Hence, when you have to transport the vehicle from point A to point B, you want it done right.

When transporting your classic car, using a vehicle shipping company is, without a doubt, your best and safest option. While you can choose to drive it yourself or have someone else drive it for you to your destination, it puts a lot of wear and tears on your vehicle, which can be a considerable inconvenience. Especially if you are taking your car to an auction or car show where you want the car to arrive in tip-top shape, while it may be a bit costly to ship a classic car, it is worth it as no strain put on the vehicle. Here are a few tips to help you transport your classic car.

Research Reliable Car Shipping Companies

Finding a reliable car-shipping carrier is the most crucial step in transporting your classic car. Make sure you get a recommendation from a reliable source such as significant car auction companies, car restorers, local car club members, or car collectors. They are likely to have a few reliable options you can consider. Ensure that you thoroughly research the companies you are looking at, check online reviews to see what other customers have to say. Ensure the company has the Department of Transportation’s registration and check the FMCSA website on the companies’ safety records. Refrain from using companies that have never shipped a classic car.

Understand your Shipping Options

In-car shipping, you can choose between open and enclosed carriers. While the open page is substantially cheaper than an enclosed carrier, it offers no protection for your classic car since this option transports the vehicle in the open. An enclosed carrier is the optimal way to transport your classic car as the car is covered up protected from the weather, dirt, and dust.

Check Your Insurance

As safe as car shipping is, accidents still happen; thus, it is essential to take caution. Before signing any deals with the shipping company, ensure you get a paper copy of their insurance and check that their policy is active. Moreover, ensure you understand how much their insurance covers and what it doesn’t.

Also, ensure to check your car insurance and see if it covers your vehicle while in transit. If not, you should ask if you could get an add-on coverage covering transport for the shipment. And don’t skip the range. It is your classic car on the line.

Prepare your Car

Once you have booked a shipping company and have everything set, you need to prepare your car for the shipment. You need to remove any personal belongings and any aftermarket parts like antennas and DVD players from the vehicle. Next, have the car cleaned to make it easy to spot any damage to the vehicle. Ensure the vehicle’s battery is fully charged, and leave the car with only a quarter-full gas tank. It helps to reduce the car’s weight substantially. Ensure your vehicle gets a mechanical checkup and any issues like leaks quickly fixed. If your classic car is a convertible, ensure its top is secured correctly.

Furthermore, you should note any additional information that the driver may need to operate your car during loading and off-loading, like cut-off switches or hidden switches.

Documentation

Document any dents, scratches, or mechanical issues that your cars have before it is shipped. Take photos from every angle to have proof just in case anything happens. The shipping company will also do their inspection before shipping and note it down in a report that you have to sign. Before you sign anything, ensure you read the description and confirm it reflects your car’s current state. Any damage you notice post-delivery should be noted in the Bill Of Lading and then contact the shipping company.