Car Transport Guide

About Auto Transport

Auto Transport Services (also known as Auto Shipping, Auto Hauling or Car Moving) aren't just for cars but for motorcycles and boats as well. Every year, thousands of people use automobile shipping for various reasons. Some of the more common ones are:

  • You're moving far away and don't want the burden of having to drive your car to its destination.
  • You have multiple cars or other motorized transportation devices and cannot move them all by yourself.
  • You've ordered or sold a car on an internet auction and need to have it shipped.

Whatever your reasons, Auto Transportation is a safe and cost-efficient way to relocate automobiles and other motor-driven vehicles to anywhere in the world.

Getting Quotes

Although most Car Transport Services are safe, be advised that there are some that aren't so do your homework in advance. Shipping a car from one place to another involves many factors which will affect the price quotes you get. Some of these factors include:

  • Gas Prices
  • Season
  • Geographical Destination
  • Make, Model, & Year of Vehicle being shipped

Getting Auto Transport Quotes in Writing

Whatever price quotes and dates you get from your Car Shipping Services, be sure to get them in writing. This is extremely important and should not be overlooked, especially since most auto transporters don't guarantee exact dates. What is your Car Moving Company's policy on delays?

Additionally, make sure your contract includes details on the following:

  • Accident Insurance
  • Damage Insurance
  • Cancellation Policies

Door-to-Door Vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Service

Door-to-Door is a kind of service offered by most Car Transportation Companies. As implied by the name, your car is picked up and taken to specific locations as designated by you. Keep in mind though that Door-to-Door is kind of a misnomer. Most Car-Carrier trucks are enormous so depending on where you live they might not be capable of literally coming to your door. They will however, come as close as they can.

Terminal-to-Terminal is a cheaper option than Door-to-Door car moving but not as convenient. Generally, the customer will have to drive the car to a designated ‘terminal' And then also pick it up from one once it's delivered.

Open-Carrier vs. Enclosed-Carrier

Most Automobile Transportation Services offer their clients the option of using Open or Closed-Carrier Trucks. The difference is simply moving your car in an enclosed, protected truck or an open truck that is exposed to the elements. For exotic, expensive, or antique cars, enclosed is the way to go. For most other cars, unless you anticipate hail, an Open-Carrier truck should be enough to do the trick.

Remember, transporting your car is supposed to be a service that makes your life easier, not harder! Car transportation is a secure service for transporting a vehicle to anywhere around the globe if you do only the slightest bit of research.