There are many reasons why we may opt for shipping a car in winter. Sometimes, a good deal on a car comes unexpectedly, no matter the season. Or perhaps we choose to move during colder months, for different purposes. But car shipping during that time isn’t as simple as contacting an auto transport company and getting a quote.
Some of the best car shows take place during colder months. For example, the Chicago Auto Show is the biggest in North America, and it takes place each year in February, just when the chilliness is coming to an end. After these shows, there’s always a chance someone will buy one of the four-wheelers and have it shipped during somewhat trickier weather.
In addition, there are many reasons to move that could drive us to relocate our belongings, including the prized ride, during these months. We may be moving out of state for a job or personal reasons. Perhaps you’re living in a colder area, but dreaming about driving in Los Angeles with the warm wind in your hair, so you’ve decided to relocate to nicer weather, just like birds do.
But when we think about moving during the cold months, several things that come to mind are snow, icy roads, and other inconveniences. That’s why many choose to relocate between May and September and transport cars from state to state in that period. However, choosing to move in the winter months has its perks and advantages, even when you ship cars.
As we’ve mentioned, many decide to move their car to another state in the summer. It makes perfect sense – the weather is more agreeable, the kids are out of school, and we have more free time.
However, the warmer months are not always ideal. Usually, the companies that offer open carrier auto transport and the pricier enclosed auto transport are busy and have to be called more than a week in advance. Simply put, more carriers are on the road, and they are harder to book.
We can’t beat around the bush here – relocations are expensive. A typical household consists of 6,500 pounds worth of items, and if you add different services from a moving company on top of that, the cost just keeps growing.
But one of the best car shipping advice and tips on saving on moving costs is to relocate while it’s still cold. Since most people have already moved and settled down, these companies and their carriers become more available. They can give you a quote your moving budget will appreciate.
A relocation takes a lot of effort. There are about 50,000 moving trucks in the US for a reason! And although the modern age has made many aspects of it way easier, some things are still complex.
It may seem easy to find the right movers, but you should be careful and wise. This means you should arm yourself with tips on how to choose a moving company, so you can avoid moving scams with agility. Besides checking if a company offers both open and enclosed auto transport for your car, there are some simple tricks to pick wisely.
First off, we’ll start by doing some basic internet research. Once some companies pop up in your search, and after you determine they offer car shipment, you should check if a moving company is legitimate through several steps. With around 17,000 such businesses in the US alone, there’s bound to be some rotten apples along the way.
Look at the reviews written by their customers, and see if there have been any name changes. That could be a sign of fraudulent movers, and you should avoid them. But the most certain way is to run a check-up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and see if that company has a USDOT number. If it checks out, contact a few of them, get a quote, and compare them.
A good moving company will take care of each step of your move, including your prized ride. If you have decided about the company that will take care of your vehicle, the next step is to consider open vs. enclosed transport, and which one suits you best.
Shipping cars cross country is usually done in two ways – on carriers that have no walls on the sides and no roof, or on a closed carrier, where the cars are completely safe from atmospheric conditions.
There are several advantages of an open carrier. For those wondering how much it costs to ship a car, an essential piece of information is that such a carrier is always cheaper. In fact, enclosed trailers are on average 40% to 60% more expensive.
Another advantage is that they are more available throughout the year, and they can ship more cars, up to ten. But this type of carrier doesn’t provide ultimate protection. Although it may come at a lower quote and greater availability, it may not be wise to choose it for the colder months, especially December, January, and February.
While it’s more expensive and fits fewer vehicles, an enclosed carrier’s biggest perk is that a car shipped this way will arrive without even a dust particle on it, let alone being exposed to cold weather conditions. Even the most expensive cars in the world can be transported this way, without any fear it would get damaged. That’s why picking this option during the winter months is always a wise choice, even if it’s not the cheaper one.
Another stop on your moving to-do list for your vehicle is choosing between the pickup and delivery options. A reputable car shipping company such as USA Auto Transport will provide you with two options. First, the pricier door-to-door auto transport, which is usually the most popular option because of its convenience – the movers will quite literally knock on your door.
Secondly, you can get a lower quote for terminal-to-terminal car shipping, but this solution is more convenient for those who have more time on their hands. With it, you are required to hand over your ride at a designated terminal and later pick it up from the one that’s nearest to your future address. It is a great opportunity to drive around a bit if you have moved to a new city in another part of the country.
No matter which season you choose your car to be shipped in, there are some basic preparatory steps you must undergo before you give the keys to the movers. First and foremost, it is vital to thoroughly wash and clean your vehicle, which will be fairly easy if you know how to use a car wash. After you’ve cleaned it, take photographs and document any damage.
Although your car will be shipped on a trailer, you should also drive it for a complete check-up. A simple oil change or a spark plug replacement will take just a few minutes, but they can mean the world for the well-being of your prized ride.
If you’re thinking about how to pack a car for moving and the company’s policy on things to keep in your car, it’s best to contact them and determine. Companies usually require their customers to empty their vehicles of personal belongings, except for the spare tire, jack, emergency kit, and license plate.
Gather all the necessary documents, such as vehicle registration, proof of ownership, insurance documents, and other vital papers. Leave from ⅛ to ¼ of fuel in the tank, and make sure it is premium because it will be a better solution for the cold. If you are wondering what happens if you put the wrong gas in your car, you should look for advice on how to get gas out of the car.
While some steps are elementary when you want to ship your car, cold months require us to put in some special effort. Here’s how to thoroughly prepare the car to be shipped in unpredictable weather and low temperatures:
The following video shows a complete guide on how to both clean and lubricate the car doors, which is essential for a car owner:
Winters are often associated with snow, low temperatures, and slippery roads, and that’s why choosing to transport your car by yourself may not be wise. This is especially true if you want to avoid driving stress. Just imagine covering thousands of miles – that’s enough to drive anyone crazy!
Sure, driving down the famous routes in the USA can be tempting. But for anyone who loves their four-wheeler, professional transportation is the most stressless option. And when you combine it with all the benefits of moving off-season, yours is just to relax and enjoy your new life in another state. Contact USA Auto Transport today and let’s get this show on the road!
