Exotic Auto Transport – Essential Things to Know About Classic Car Shipping

January 28, 2020Car Shipping Essentials
Madison Rogers

Born and raised in Houston Madison is a content writer who loves traveling. She has lived in different states and is always eager to share her knowledge with others.

Are you thinking about relocating your beloved classic, luxury or restored car from one place to another? If you are, consider using exotic auto transport services. This highly-specialized type of professional auto shipping services will ensure that your precious four-wheeler arrives safely and without any damage at the designated location.

But before you give your keys to experts, there are a couple of things you should know about classic car shipping. Let’s get down to them.

What Is Exotic Auto Transport?

Let’s say you have a four-wheeler that is worth a lot of money. When relocating it from one place to another, you will want it to be as well-protected as possible and to reach its final destination without a single scratch or dent.

Well, exotic auto shipping does just that – it is designed to give cars complete protection from external weather conditions during the move. Besides, when you contact and hire a trustworthy shipping company to handle your precious machine, they will employ all the equipment and skill necessary to load and unload the vehicle from the hauler with minimum risk of damage.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a more detailed look into the issue of shipping a car cross-country, and not just any car, but an exotic one.

usa auto transport truck
There are more than a few things to consider when it comes to vehicle relocation.

6 Things to Know About Shipping Classic and Luxurious Cars

There is more to the transportation of your luxury or classic automobile than just finding the right company to do it. Have you thought about the final shipping quote and what the factors that influence it are? Maybe you are considering different seasons or various types of delivery? There are a lot of things you should take into account before you hand over the keys to professional shippers. Let’s talk about the six most important.

How Distance and Time Influence the Final Quote?

The distance and the time of transport are some of the main factors that affect the amount of money you have to set aside for this service. The greater the distance, the higher the final quote will be.

When you hire specialized shippers to take your treasured car from one place to another, you might want to use the expedited transportation option. It costs more than regular shipping, but it is well worth it if you want to have your prized machine in a new garage as soon as possible. The cost also depends on the type of carrier you pick, the weight of cars, and the destination.

Pick the Right Time of the Year to Ship Your Vehicle

Do you want to save up a bit? Picking the time of the year can affect the prices to a great extent. Avoid those busy periods like summer, when carriers are overbooked. Consider winter for auto shipping, as it is the most affordable time. Don’t worry about the weather – your expensive vehicles won’t be transported in an open carrier.

Give USA Auto Transport an Ask for a Free Quote

GET A QUOTE

The Price of Fuel and the Model of the Car Are Important

Factors such as the cost of fuel are pretty straightforward. Haulers use gas, and if the gas prices have been on the rise, your final estimate will be higher.

Also, the costs might vary depending on the make, model, and age of cars. If your luxury auto is one-of-a-kind, know that it will influence the price of delivery.

Choose Between Shipping the Car in Soft or Hard-Sided Enclosed Carriers

Luxury autos are typically transported in enclosed trailers instead of open ones, but did you know that there are soft side and hard side haulers?

What are soft-sided enclosed carriers? They are trucks with box trailers that are covered with thick sheets that protect your vehicle from outside influences. They keep hail, rocks, and other hazards far from your four-wheeler, but they still can’t shield it from dust.

Hard-sided enclosed haulers maintain the highest standard of protection. This type of transportation will protect your exotic car from all external influences.

Door-to-Door Transportation Is a Must

Would you really want to ship your precious car to a terminal and then go pick it up? When it comes to classic cars, you should let an experienced and highly-trained crew deliver them straight to your house or garage whenever possible. That’s why door-to-door transportation in an enclosed carrier is the best option. It costs a little bit more, but it is totally worth it considering the value of the cargo in question.

Preparatory Steps for Exotic Auto Transport

You hired transportation services to handle your four-wheeler, but if you want to go an additional mile, there are steps you can take to lower the chances of damage:

  • Check your expensive car for any fluid leaks
  • Make sure that the gas tank is a quarter full
  • Make sure the battery is secured in mounting brackets
  • Disconnect the alarm system
  • Take out all radios, CD players, and car phones that are mobile
  • If your car has an antenna, remove it or retract it
  • Personal things should be removed as well, but leave the spare tires

Are you sure that there is nothing in the car that can shift during the relocation and make a mess out of the interior? If so, give the crew a set of your spare keys.

Man washing car
Prepping your exotic car for the move will give you additional peace of mind.

Choosing the Right Company

Who would you trust with taking care of your luxury car? What qualities should a shipper have for you to entrust them with your exotic vehicle?

Contact a few companies and ask for a quote. You should be aware of the fact that most regular shippers won’t come even close to your machine due to its price and their liability in case something bad happens. That’s why this particular service is going to cost you a lot more than transporting a regular car.

When you get to compare prices, you will find the company that fits your budget limits. But don’t forget – it is not all about money. Sometimes it is better to pay more to get excellent service. That’s why you should also read reviews left by previous customers, as well as check whether the business you are considering is properly licensed.

Shippers Dealing With Exotic Vehicles Must Have Proper Insurance

After you go through reviews and conduct basic research of the shipper you are considering, it’s time to study its insurance policy. Since we’re talking about vehicles of great value, both financial and sentimental, the company handling them should provide ample coverage in case of any mishap.

You can never be too careful when it comes to your treasured machine. That’s why the firm that delivers your vehicle should be fully insured. Read through the policy and see how much liability during transport is covered. A good tip is to pay more attention to the physical damage cargo coverage of the shipper than the liability coverage.

If needed, you can always get an additional insurance policy, and remember to check whether your automobile’s own insurance policy is sufficient and updated.

Benefits of Using a Company to Ship Your Vehicle

Cars don’t have to be a Maserati, Bugatti, Lamborghini, or Ferrari, but they can still hold great value to you. That’s why opting for the best shipper out there has many benefits.

Firstly, the types of carriers these shippers use will protect your vehicle from traffic and weather using modern equipment.

Secondly, hydraulic lifts are there to ensure safe loading and unloading.

Thirdly, if you pick the right company, your car will be handled by professionals that have years of experience in the business.

And finally, your beautiful automobile goes through a detailed visual inspection before and after transport. This is an essential part of the process, which includes full insurance and covers every step of the delivery.

Get a Quote

    check mark
    Download as PDF

    Moving Checklist

    Get a Free Estimate 855.675.3451