When planning to ship a car, the first thing to consider is destination, and the cost usually depends on the distance it will have to travel. It will cost about 60% more to protect your vehicle by shipping it in an enclosed truck rather than an open truck, and this is definitely recommended for a new or high-end model. You may want to ship a car in the winter, because rates may be lower then, and if you send one north in April or May from Arizona or Florida, you may get a better rate from a carriers who drop off cars for “snowbirds” who move south for the winter and want to prepare for a return trip.

All car shipping companies are required to carry insurance, but you will also want check how much coverage your personal insurance offers in order to avoid any problems if the vehicle is damaged in transit. Read the policy with care, find out if there is a deductible, and request a copy for yourself.

Finding a company to ship your car

The amount of people arranging to ship a car has increased because about 75% of the automobiles sold on eBay are interstate transactions. When you purchase a car online, a number of consumer-oriented car shippers are ready to help you transport it from some distance location. To get free quotes to ship a car from licensed, bonded, and insured car shippers, fill out the form above.

Speak with several car shipping  companies.  Describe the car you want to ship, the starting and stopping points, and when you plan to move it. Set up the move two weeks before the scheduled date (or earlier if possible) and find out the company’s preferred method of payment. On moving day, the carrier will complete a bill of lading that includes a report on your car’s condition at that time.

Preparing to ship a car

In determining how to ship a car, remember that a car carrier is approximately 75 feet long, and if adequate parking space is a concern, the most practical step to take may involve meeting your mover at a local parking lot. Before they ship a car, movers make certain that their car carriers are full, and they work with transport brokers to fill any empty slots they may have. (Cars are generally carried between major hubs, and they are sometimes held at a terminal.) Most of the car shippers on CarShippingQuote offer door to door service in addition to terminal to terminal service, so be sure to discuss the differences with the company that you chose to ship your car.

When deciding how to ship a car, you can work with a shipper or broker to find a carrier slot for you. You will have to weigh your options, because a broker may negotiate a low price for you with the carrier, but things should go smoothly regardless of the method you use. In either case, you will always have the contact information for your car mover that you need.

Ready to ship a car? Get your free quotes now!