Your Guide to Vehicle Shipping Across the Country: What You Need to Know

KIT’S TOWING
4 min readMar 22, 2024

They say that not all who wander are lost. There are travel enthusiasts and adventurers who are into discovering new places and enjoying the beauty that nature brings. Some people are relocating for better opportunities or want to start a fresh life in a new place. However, some may find it difficult to drive long distances, which turns vehicle transportation or shipping into a necessity.

Automobile carriers started and grew in popularity between the 1950s and 1960s. Vehicle shipping in Naperville, IL, became an option because certain types of vehicles are not suitable and designed for long-distance travel. These vehicles include classic cars, which were not designed in an era when driving long-distance was not considered, therefore posing a huge challenge to some. Some models also cannot keep up with highway speeds.

So, here is a guide to help you navigate the process of shipping your precious automobile across the country:

Varying Rates

Understand that the rates may vary depending on your location to your desired destination. It is critical to know and search for details regarding car shipping costs just in case you are being duped by transportation service providers. The average price according to research, 2,985 miles is about $1,476. Bear in mind that other factors affect car shipping costs.

Consider Shipment Details

In due preparation for the shipping process, the first thing to do is collect all the necessary information about your vehicle. These relevant details include your automobile’s model, operability status, make, year, and more. Plus, there are various options for mode transportation. So, you can have your best pick:

  • Door-to-Door Transport

This mode of transportation is a suitable and convenient choice for shipping your car to a remote or rural location. You simply have to schedule the pickup of your vehicle and specify the location of its drop-off. However, there is a downside when opting for this mode. Your vehicle transport provider may not offer this mode of shipping, especially if it becomes a struggle when you live in a tight or busy street.

  • Open Carrier Car Shipping

Open carrier car shipping is another recommended mode of transportation because of its affordability. This mode involves using an open trailer and is used to ship more vehicles at one time, therefore lowering the shipping cost. However, due to its openness, your car will be exposed and may be susceptible to dirt, debris, hazards during transport, and impacts of severe weather.

  • Enclosed Carrier Car Shipping

If you do not want your car to be exposed during a lengthy transport, you can choose an enclosed carrier car shipping instead. This mode offers more security and protection for your previous automobiles throughout the shipping procedure. However, you will expect this to be more expensive than open-car shipping. This transportation mode is perfect if you have a classic car or a high-end type of vehicle. On top of that, car owners are assured because enclosed car shipping has higher insurance coverage limits.

Shipping Quotes

Before deciding on who you want to entrust your automobiles to, you might want to consider looking around for shipping quotes online from different transport service providers. Some companies offer car shipping calculators for an easier and simplified transport process.

Find and Book the Best Vehicle Shipping Provider

Find the best automobile shipping company you are comfortable with and which provides you with the necessary information about them. Once done, it is time to book the transport. A broker will usually help you find a car carrier for you.

Car Preparation

There are many things you have to consider when preparing your car for its journey. Companies recommend the removal of personal items during car shipping in Naperville, IL. Moreover, this will reduce the risks of break-ins. Remember that the lower the car weight, the lower the cost you will have to pay.

As mentioned, the weight of your car matters, so empty your gas tank. Make sure to have your extra keys in case you get them misplaced during the process. It is also recommended to make the necessary maintenance, such as checking your vehicle for any mechanical issues or potential leakage.

Meeting The Transporter and Vehicle Pickup

Be sure to arrive on time upon deciding on the drop-off location of your vehicle and get ready to meet your vehicle’s carrier. Do a thorough inspection of your car for any damage that may have occurred during the shipping procedure, especially when you opted for an open car carrier transport mode. Sign the bill of lading for confirmation that you received your car in its pristine condition.

These are the necessary steps to guide you when you move your car to places across the country. As people say, knowledge is power. So, learn how vehicle shipping in Naperville, IL, works best to ensure smooth and worry-free transportation of your valued automobiles.

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