When moving to another state, you want to make sure your vehicle is moved as safely as possible – at the best price. Whether you want to move your perfectly restored 1964 Ford Mustang or your beloved family van, Ian’s Interstate Movers will take the worry out of finding the best car transport company. We have thoroughly vetted the most professional and reputable interstate car shipping services available, making sure they’re licensed, insured, and experienced. Save yourself valuable time as you start planning your interstate vehicle move. Just click on Get Quote and Ian’s Interstate Movers will promptly send you up to four car transport estimates, so you can get started on scheduling the safe and efficient relocation of your vehicle by reputable professionals.
Depending on the level of service you desire, you can choose from a variety of interstate vehicle shipping options. In terms of reservations, a scheduled pick up date is the most expensive option. Or you can go with less pricey “open” scheduling which means you’ll wait until the transport company has a slot available for your vehicle. When choosing the type of car transport, you’ll pay more if you put your car on a covered carrier. The less expensive option is to use an uncovered carrier. Remote pick up locations may have few carriers available, so if you can drive your car closer to a metropolitan area for pick-up, you’ll likely save money and transport time. Vehicle transport typically takes up to two weeks for a cross-country move, while train transport timing can vary greatly. Pricing will depend on the type of carrier you choose, scheduling, the kind of vehicle you’re shipping, the distance it must travel, and seasonal considerations.
This is considered the industry standard for interstate auto shipping. Although your car is exposed to weather conditions and road debris, open carrier is the cheapest way to transport your vehicle long distance. Because about 90% of cars are shipped on an open trailer, this means you’ll be able to get the best insurance coverage and the best auto shipping rates. You’ll have more choices of where your car can be picked up and delivered, especially if you live in or near a metropolitan area. And in some cases, your vehicle can be picked up from and delivered directly to the location of your choice. Prices increase for pick-up and delivery to remote locations, so if you’re willing to drive your car out of a remote area to a location where there are more carrier vehicles, you’ll receive better pricing, scheduling, and delivery times.
Enclosed transport offers the most protection for your vehicle and is the best option for antique, classic, restored, exotic, and other valuable vehicles. Although the cost of an enclosed carrier can be as much as 60% more expensive than shipping via an open carrier, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that a custom paintjob or meticulously restored body is protected en route. All enclosed auto transport carriers are required to carry insurance but be sure to talk with your representatives about the various types of insurance they offer. If you’re shipping an extremely valuable automobile, you want assurance that your investment is completely covered if anything should happen during transit.
Train transport is a cost-effective option for interstate vehicle shipping, but availability is limited to specific rail routes. You’ll need to drop off and pick up your vehicle at a designated train station. Since most cities have active train stations, this is a great option if you’re not too far from a metropolitan area. Train transport means that your car won’t be delivered to your door, and it may take longer than truck transport, depending on the distance and available rail routes. For distances over 750 miles, shipping your car by train may be a cheaper option than using a trucking company. For north – south east coast shipments, Amtrak will ship your car between Washington, DC and Orlando, FL. You can pack your car with your household belongings on the daily auto train, but you must also have a ticket for yourself on the same shipping day and time. Researching rail options for vehicle shipping can be time consuming and confusing.
Most car transport companies charge between $400 – $2000 to ship a four-door sedan cross country. The price to ship your vehicle depends on several factors, including the distance of your move and your desired mode of transport.
Loading up your treasured car on a vehicle carrier for interstate transport might seem stressful. The last thing you want to see when your car is delivered are dings, scratches or other damage. To make sure your vehicle is delivered in the same condition as it was when it was loaded onto the car carrier, it’s important that you plan and prepare for the shipping process. Here are some tips for insuring your auto shipping experience goes smoothly:
Check your existing auto insurance policy to see if it covers interstate car transport. Read, ask questions, and understand the auto transport company’s coverage to make sure you know exactly what will be covered if your car gets damaged.
Never rely on verbal agreements when working with a car transport company. Make sure the company provides everything they promise, including pricing and insurance coverage, in writing.
Depending on the distance you plan to ship your car and the availability of your carrier, plan on two to four weeks for transport. Try to schedule your vehicle’s move as soon as possible once you know you need to move it.
Wash and clean your car completely, inside and out. Both you and the transport driver will sign a document acknowledging the condition of the car at pick-up. A clean car means you and the transport driver will both have a more accurate impression of the vehicle’s condition. You’ll need to inspect your vehicle before it loads, once it’s loaded, and immediately after it’s unloaded. Photos are the most accurate method of clearly documenting your car’s condition.
Make sure you have your insurance certificate, vehicle registration, and proof of ownership available at loading time. Your driver will want documented proof that you have the legal right to ship the vehicle.
Leave the tank no more than a quarter full. You’ll want just enough fuel to get to the nearest filling station once your car is unloaded. Fuller gas tanks add to the weight of the overall shipment, driving up costs.
Check all the engine fluids and look for any noticeable leaks. The auto shipper doesn’t want top-loaded cars dripping fluids on the vehicles below. Your automobile transport company may refuse to load and transport your car if they notice any leaks.
By law, auto transport companies are prohibited from shipping vehicles that contain household items. If your car is inspected while underway, your belongings could be seized. While it is tempting to load up your car to cut down on moving costs, your vehicle isn’t a moving truck.
Remove all specialized, after-market accessories such as antennas, roof racks, special mirrors, and spoilers. Customized accessories can get damaged easily in transport, so be sure to protect your custom parts and accessories by removing them before your car is loaded.
Under- or over-inflated tires are just as problematic during vehicle transport as they are driving down the highway. Make sure your spare tire is properly inflated and the jack is accessible.
Be sure to notify your transport company if your car isn’t in running condition. The company will need to plan for additional equipment to load your car on the carrier if they can’t drive it on board.
Extra sensitive alarm systems can get triggered by the car carrier’s road movement. You don’t want your alarm to fire off as the transporter is hauling the car down the highway.
Lock your car once it’s loaded on the carrier but be sure to hand over your keys to the driver. Once your car arrives at your destination, the carrier driver will need to unlock the car and drive it off the carrier. If the driver can’t unlock or start your car, this stalls the unloading process, and you may be charged for the inconvenience.
Shipping your car is an excellent alternative to driving your car across several states. Once you consider the expense of fuel, pit stops, and the wear and tear on your vehicle, it may be more cost-effective to entrust your car to an auto transport service. Find out how much it will cost to ship your vehicle with free, no obligations from Ian’s Interstate Movers. Click the Get Quote button now!
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