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When a person with an expensive upscale car plans to move, the first thing that might come to your mind is how to send their luxury car. To invest a significant sum of money in transporting a specialized or luxury car would protect that investment.
Trusting a company to transport your luxury car safely can be a nerve-wracking process. Therefore, here is some useful information and cost-effective tips on how to transport your luxury car.
Shipping Options For Luxury Vehicles
Whether you want to move your beloved car or you want to get delivered a car bought on an eBay auto auction – there are plenty of solutions on how to do that. You could be at a crossroads of solutions as you intend to get your luxury car across the country safely.
However, if you are not driving down the street, you probably won’t be driving your luxury car over such distances. It also means that you will probably not trust another person to drive your car to your new home.
Therefore, you should hire a company to send you your luxury car. Thus, your vehicle will be in the hands of experienced car companies that treat your car professionally, carefully, and responsibly.
If you would rather have your car shipped via a trailer, you have two options:
Open Air Trailer
These trailers are usually about 70-80 feet long and have multiple levels. Typically two vehicles tall, securely attached to a trailer that is pulled by a large truck. Although this is the cheapest option, your car will be exposed to the elements and may be susceptible to various road debris and extreme weather conditions.
Therefore, this option is not recommended for your luxury car. However, if you choose this method, be sure to pay attention to any additional insurance. The company should take responsibility for any damage that may occur during transportation.
An Enclosed Trailer
When you have a luxury or vintage car, this delivery method provides extra protection and security for your one-of-a-kind car.
These containers consist of four walls and a roof and are made of impact-resistant materials to withstand any potential damage that might be caused by external elements. They are also made to withstand high pressure.
Air Freight Shipping
You can send your luxury car by air to the international or domestic market. Your car should reach its final destination much faster than by sea.
For very timely and specific delivery needs, you can even send your car by Charter plane, rather than potentially having your car delayed for various reasons.
Although this option can cost thousands of dollars, it is an option that provides a very exclusive and fast experience, ensuring that your exotic car reaches its destination quickly and in one piece.
Ocean Freight Shipping
This method is used for transporting most vehicles abroad and is usually performed in two ways: Roll on/off or container service. Roll-On /off is when your car is being driven on a boat and locked securely in a storage rack.
However, the container service provides additional protection by placing your car in a closed container and then rolling it onto the ship before it departs.
Shipping Cost
The cost of car delivery may vary depending on various factors:
- The transport distance
- Model and brand of the car, as well as any modifications
- Vehicle condition: functional or non-functional
- Carrier type: open or closed
- Current supply/demand situation
Understanding the process and cost will help you make an informed decision. You should not choose a delivery service based solely on price. Low prices often mean longer waiting times or even no delivery at all.
At this stage of the process, it may look like delivering a luxury car costs a fortune and requires a lot of effort.
However, choosing the right car carrier will simplify the entire process. Therefore, start planning your luxury car transportation and do not hesitate to ask questions. Up-to-date and timely information is the key to making the right decision.
Before Your Luxury Car Is Picked Up Take Several Actions
- Make notes of your car: especially the lower part, rocker panels, and exhaust gas. You should have an extensive video recording of any area of your car that may be damaged.
- Record your odometer mileage: why? You don’t want your shiny new Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes to be delivered with a few extra miles on it.
- Record a truck: a video of the carrier that your car is mounted on.
- Make sure you have a video of a luxury car specialist who will take possession of your car. Why? In case of a dispute and therefore, sometimes the shipper will offer you a discount on such records.
Preparing Your Vehicle For Shipping
Unfortunately, you will not be able to hand over the keys to your driver when transporting your car.
There are a few vital steps and actions that you will be required to take before transporting your car.
- Your car should be empty. It means that any personal items or non-factory equipment should be removed before shipment. You should remove all items from any glove boxes or consoles.
- If you have loose objects, such as an antenna, found in the vehicle, remove it.
- Wash the car for accurate inspection of any previously detected damage.
- If you use the roll-on/roll-off service, your car should be in good working condition. Make sure that you also have an additional set of keys.
- As a rule, your car should have a maximum of ¼ to ½ tank of gasoline.
- If you are transporting your car overseas, customs will require three notarized copies of the car’s name. You may need a legal letter as the owner to get an export permit. All the above documents must be present at the port from which the vehicle will be taken.
- Register any damage already present on your car before you plan to ship it (if any).
- You should perform scheduled maintenance before transporting your vehicle. It includes filling up with liquid, checking the brakes, ensuring the battery is fully charged, and so on.
- Turn off any anti-theft system installed in the car.
- Check your transport company’s policy to make sure that you meet the company’s requirements.
After Your Luxury Vehicle Is Delivered
If someone other than you gets your car, you should forward them the above checklist and ask them to go through it.
When your car is unloaded from the conveyor, take a picture of everything. Check your odometer.
Also, check your tires for unusual wear while driving. Let’s assume that the shipper and consignee have carefully documented the luxury car at both the delivery and pick-up points, and there are concerns about any damage. In this case, it is easier to file a claim with an insurance company.
A Few Important And Helpful Tips
- Most car delivery companies have high-tech GPS tracking devices to keep you updated with your car’s location.
- Your car insurance policy might not cover your car during transportation. Therefore, Learn more about car transport insurance and explore options. Be sure to ask your potential trucking company about the various insurance options.
- Ensure that your prospective transportation company is insured and registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Fmcsa (Federal motor car safety administration).
- Usually, it takes two to three weeks to get Your car to its destination abroad. Therefore, make sure you plan everything carefully. Some companies may speed up your shipment at an extra price.
- You should know what questions to ask the shipper when you receive a quote from them. It may help you get the most accurate information and evaluation.
To Sum It Up
When you need to transport your luxury car, it is imperative to find the right person to send your car. Driving your luxury car across the country can add unwanted miles and cause wear and tear. Therefore, hiring a company to transport your car will protect it and save you time and trouble driving.
You might have a vintage luxury sports car and have to weave it inside and out of interstate traffic, or you might have a hard time transporting it behind a truck or van. Or you are just a proud owner of a Lexus, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz. The bottom line is that you own a luxury car and probably want to transport it safely and cost-effectively.
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