When transporting your car from one destination to another, you have several options. You can always drive the car yourself, but, depending on the distance, you could be placing a great number of miles on your vehicle. If you need a safe way to ship, a closed trailer offers the most protection. If you're looking to save money, an open trailer is a popular choice.
There are many things you need to do before you ship your car. The first thing is to arrange a pickup date and place. You don't want your car to get lost . Once you do that, clean your car--take out all items inside the car and detach parts that may easily fall off, such as spoilers and side skirts. Cleaning your car will help you notice any scratches or dings that may have occurred during transportation. Removing item and parts will help prevent any losses and damages. Remove fog lights and fold your rear-view mirrors back.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated, your battery is charged and your gas tank isn't full. A full tank may cause the car to weigh more. Some transporters calculate prices by weight--remove items to make your car lighter. Leave the tank about a quarter full. Take pictures of your car before the trip to make it easier to recognize damage that may have occurred during travel.
This is the most popular choice for those looking to ship their cars across the country. You probably see these open-trailer trucks shipping cars while you're driving on the highway. These are double-decker trucks that pack cars on each level and drive them wherever you need them to go. This is the least expensive shipping option, but since it is uncovered, your car will be subject to the elements it may encounter on its journey. Those looking to ship collectible or classic cars may opt for a closed trailer.
Essentially the same thing as an open trailer, except your car won't be affected by outdoor elements. It is obviously more expensive than an open-top transportation, but it ensures your car won't be damaged by rain, sleet, hail, snow or any other detrimental weather that may hit. The good thing about these methods is that they usually provide door-to-door service, making it much easier on you.
If you don't care about the door to door service, transport your car by train or rail. Covered and uncovered options are often available, but the prices don't change much from shipping by truck. Many train services, such as Amtrak, offer car transportation services. They will only bring your car to their designated train stop, so you'll have to pick it up yourself. Check what services are convenient in your area.
If you have a big enough truck or RV, transport the car yourself. You'll need a car dolly to hitch to the back of your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is strong enough to carry another car; in other words, don't try to tow a Ford pickup with a Honda Civic. Once you get a car dolly, drive your car onto it and connect it to your truck. The dolly locks the car's front wheels in place while the back wheels roll on the ground. This method won't put any miles on your car.
