If you are moving across the country, you might want to use the services of a shipping agency, such as A1 Auto Transport, especially if you are buying a new one overseas or if you are transporting a classic one.
A company of the kind is going to take care of everything that you might have in mind but you need to be prepared to wait quite a bit. Shipping a car isn’t anything like shipping a simple package and it’s not going to happen in an instant.
Deliveries in the U.S. usually have a window of about 4 weeks from when the car is loaded to when it’s offloaded at the destination. Auto transport out of state includes international shipping; alternatively, it might take between 6 and 8 weeks. At A1-AT service, we understand all aspects of domestic and international auto transportation services.
Covered or Uncovered Carriers.
This is the first choice you have to make. An uncovered carrier is going to be cheaper but your car is going to be exposed to the elements as well as to the debris. A covered carrier, alternatively, is going to provide your car with maximum protection but it’s about 60% more expensive.
Scheduled Pickup or Open Transport.
In the majority of cases, the shipping company will contact you when a truck becomes available. If you prefer to go for an exact date, it will cost you more money. However, you can negotiate a good deal on your own.
Door to Door or Terminal to Terminal.
The door-to-door service is undoubtedly the most convenient one for you to use but it’s also the one which is going to cost you more money. Terminal to terminal, alternatively, is more affordable.
Research the Prices and the Company.
Now, it is absolutely critical to research the companies that you want to use in order to sort out the best ones. Make sure that you go through different reviews to make the best choice. Regardless of the winner, make sure to collect at least three different quotes from different companies to determine which one will give you the best service and the best price, of course.
Check the Insurance and Other Pricing Variables.
Of course, there are quite a few things apart from the ones we’ve mentioned which are going to determine the total cost of the service. For instance, the insurance that is provided by the shipping agency might not be enough and you can purchase additional coverage.
Furthermore, you have to account for the location of the transportation, the size of the vehicle, the season, and a wide range of other things. Also, make sure that you’ve checked the car for damages in advance in order to ensure that you’ve filled out the condition report perfectly in the Bill of Lading.
Related Information & FAQ
- State-to-state moving company