Want to ship your car but aren’t sure how to go about it? While it may seem like a straightforward process, you will need to know some tips to get your vehicle to your destination safely.
Truth is, moving a car can be incredibly daunting. From researching shipping companies and rates, to wondering how long it will take. There are a lot of moving parts to consider.
Although choosing an affordable and reliable transportation method is essential, there are other aspects that must also be considered when planning for car shipping.
But don’t worry – we’ll go into how to ship a luxury or electric vehicle and what to do if you’re wanting to keep your car in storage before you arrive at your destination.
Let’s get started.
What to do if You’re Shipping a Luxury Vehicle
When you’re shipping your hot-rod, luxury or exotic vehicle, you want to know without a doubt that your vehicle is going to be in the right hands. That’s why you need to go extra lengths to ensure that the company you are working with is reputable.
You can start by checking online reviews, Facebook pages and even calling them to inquire into who you’re working with.
Some companies may sell your lead to another company, so when you receive a quote back, you’ll need to also check with the company that is handling the transportation of your vehicle.
You’ll also want to insure your vehicle completely. While it’s likely your vehicle won’t be damaged or stolen during transit, there is always the risk that anything can happen (including crashes during transport).
Your vehicle won’t be insured completely if you go with cheaper shipping options. Truth is, insuring the vehicle for less is a way to cut down on costs. Go with an enclosed shipping container as well so that your luxury vehicle stays out of site and is safe during transport.
Your vehicle can also be hydraulically lifted so that it won’t get scratched or damaged when being loaded.
You Need Your Car, but Have Other Tasks to Do In Between
Imagine this scenario, you have to pack everything up for your move, but you have a few days in between your arrival and won’t be there to sign off for your car. You can opt for storage, but there are a few factors you need to consider.
Not all companies offer storage, so what they may do is offer your lead to another company that is going to raise the price of storing your car. If you go with a transport company that has a way to store your vehicle, then you’ll be able to pay less when you combine it with the cost of shipping.
If you go with a transport company that offers storage, you won’t have to deal with two different companies and you can opt to insure your vehicle while it stays in storage.
Remember that there are no guarantees to have your vehicle on your delivery date as there are may be obstacles during the journey, so ship your vehicle well in advance if you need it as soon as you arrive to your destination.
You’re Shipping an Electric Vehicle
Before you ship your electric vehicle, ensure that you fully charge the battery. You don’t want to hold up your transportation company if your vehicle dies along its journey. They’ll need to unload and load the car, and if the car doesn’t turn on, then there may be issues.
It’s also not recommended to tow an electric vehicle on its wheel, as the motor may overheat from the spinning. This will cause damage to your vehicle, so ensure that your electric vehicle is being towed by flatbed trucks, car carriers or a car hauler.
Your transportation company will ensure your vehicle isn’t towed incorrectly. As long as you go with top car transport companies, you won’t have any issues down the line.
It’s also important that your transport company is following the strict regulations that electric vehicles are under when shipping. This is due to the batteries that can explode during shipment, so it’s paramount that they are aware of what to do and what not to do.
Final Thoughts: Car Shipping
In conclusion, shipping a luxury vehicle requires careful consideration and attention to detail to ensure a smooth and secure transportation process. When selecting a shipping company, it is essential to conduct thorough research, including checking online reviews and contacting the company directly to ensure its reputation and reliability.
Additionally, insuring your vehicle comprehensively is crucial to safeguard against potential damage or theft during transit.
Opting for an enclosed shipping container offers an extra layer of protection and privacy for your luxury vehicle. Furthermore, choosing a transport company that provides storage facilities can be beneficial if you need temporary vehicle storage during your move.
By combining shipping and storage services, you can often save costs and avoid dealing with multiple companies.
For those shipping an electric vehicle, it is important to fully charge the battery before transportation to avoid any delays or complications. Towing an electric vehicle on its wheels is not recommended, as it can cause motor overheating and damage. Instead, it is advisable to use flatbed trucks, car carriers, or car haulers for safe transportation.
Additionally, it is crucial that the transport company adheres to strict regulations regarding the shipment of electric vehicles, particularly due to the risk of battery explosions.
Remember, unforeseen obstacles can sometimes affect delivery dates, so it is advisable to ship your vehicle well in advance if you require it upon arrival at your destination.
By following these guidelines and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure shipping experience for your luxury or electric vehicle.
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
