How to Safely Transport a Vintage Race Car

If you are the proud owner of a vintage race car, you know it is a precious commodity. However, you also understand that it needs to be handled with care during transport. If you are not sure how to safely ship your vintage race car, don't worry! We are here to help.

This post will discuss the best ways to ship your vintage race car and the different freight shipping services available to you. So, whether you are moving your car across the country or shipping it overseas, read on for more details!

What You'll Need to Do Before Shipping

Before shipping your car, open the hood and disconnect the battery. Next, remove any identification, such as license plates and registration papers.

Prepare Vehicle Documents

Auto transport companies require identification before they will ship a car. Prepare this paperwork in advance to avoid shipment delays and last-minute file cabinet and glovebox searches:

• Information about a vehicle's registration
• Proof of coverage
• Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or other documents
• The vehicle's original title deed
• Passport or driver's license that has not expired

Wash the Exterior and Clean the Interior

Most vintage car owners who take great pride in their automobiles will appreciate a good polish before shipping. There are other advantages to cleaning a vintage car before transporting it, such as making it more appealing to buyers.

Scratches and scrapes are easier to spot when the vehicle is clean. Any marks like this should be documented so that if any new ones appear after it has been transported, you will know that they occurred while it was in the care of the courier.

Document All Damage

Take a walk around the outside of your vehicle after being cleaned to check for any preexisting damage. Dents, scratches, stains, and paint chips fall under this category.

Even if you opt for less expensive open car shipping, your vehicle is unlikely to be damaged during transport. Nonetheless, you should photograph and document any current damage to your vehicle just in case. This makes it easier to fill out the condition report when your car arrives.

In addition, in the unlikely event that your car is damaged during transit, you can use these images to prove your claim.

Check Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure on your vintage car to make tires are inflated to the correct pressure. This will keep the vehicle from shifting during transport.

Double-Check all Seals on Windows, the Gas Tank Lid, Trunk or Decklid, and the Doors

If you want to ensure that your vintage race car arrives safely at its destination, you need to make sure that all seals are in good condition. If any seals are broken or damaged, the car could potentially leak gas or water. So, be sure to check all of the seals before you ship your car. Gas tanks should be left a quarter full to prevent spillage.

Fold Side Mirrors

During transport, side view mirrors should be folded, as they are vulnerable parts that could be damaged.

Remove all Personal Belongings

Before shipping your car, you might be tempted to store a few heavy boxes inside if your moving van is running low on space. Unfortunately, moving your personal belongings in your car is illegal, and a transportation company could fine you if you do so.

Instead, remove all of your car's personal belongings and unnecessary equipment. This also ensures that items do not shift around during transit, potentially damaging the interior of your vehicle.

How to Have the Best Car Shipping Experience

Investigate the Carrier

Ensure that the company you choose for auto transport services is reputable and professional before booking. There are many ways to do this, such as reading customer reviews or checking out the company's social media accounts or website.

When deciding whether or not to hire them, you should look at their experience, shipping costs, freight shipping options, licensing free freight options, and insurance policy. Make sure the company has special expertise in transporting vintage cars.

Be Wary of Quotes that Are too Low

On the website of many auto transport companies, you can find a quote calculator. In order to get a free car shipping quote, you can fill out the form provided. Keep in mind that fluctuating gas prices can result in a different price from what the calculator shows.

Be wary of firms that offer significantly lower prices than the industry average. Although you could save a few dollars, you might have to compromise on the standard of service and quality.

Of course, you want to get the best price you can, but a suspiciously low price is the reason for caution.

Get in Touch with a Representative

Requesting a quote should be followed up with a conversation with a company representative. Especially if this is your first time shipping a car, you probably have many questions about how to pay, what kind of insurance to get, and so on.

When you talk to someone on the phone, you can learn more about the business. You can also judge their customer service, professionalism, and friendliness. Their employees should be both friendly and knowledgeable.

Book Ahead of Time

Car shipping can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more. It all depends on the location, services, and shipping method. Remember too, that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally cause a shipment to be delayed.

Therefore, the key to a smooth auto transport experience is to plan ahead. By booking ahead of time, you can ensure that your vintage race car will arrive at its destination when you want it to, regardless of any delays.

Consider Where You Are

You should keep your location in mind when looking for a company to transport your vehicle to or from. How accessible is your location to major roads? When the transporter arrives, will there be enough room? For a large transport company, some locations pose challenges.

If you live in an area where this is the case, you might want to arrange for pickup in an alternate location such as a nearby parking lot.

Insurance Coverage

When transporting a vehicle, the majority of auto transport companies provide insurance coverage. Find out from the auto transport company what is and isn't included in the cost of shipping your vehicle. The amount of coverage varies depending on the company.

If you ship with A-1 Auto Transport, your vehicle will be insured from pickup through delivery, with no need for additional insurance.

Read and Understand Contracts before Signing

When you ship your car, you and the auto transport company enter into a legal agreement known as a "Bill of Lading" outlining the services to be provided. Signing the Bill of Lading is required when the representative arrives to pick up the vehicle from your home.

Before signing anything, you should make it a point to review all documents thoroughly. In the event you have any doubts or concerns about the contract, make sure you ask your representative to clarify the situation.

Set Realistic Timelines

If you have a tight schedule, shipping companies generally do their best to get your car to you quickly and safely. It's critical, however, to maintain a sense of perspective. Some things are beyond the control of the shipping company. Adverse weather conditions, for example, can delay delivery times.

The time of year can also affect delivery times. As is the case with many industries, auto shipping services have peak and low seasons. Summer may be busier than winter for example, as many people are moving across the country. During peak seasons, shipping companies may have lower availability in terms of shipping and delivery dates.

To make sure you can ship your vintage race car when you need it shipped, it's best to call well in advance of your desired shipping date. Doing so will guarantee that you can ship your car in a timely manner.

Take Care of the Vehicle

Some carriers can shield your expensive car from the weather and road hazards if you own classic, luxury, exotic, or other high-value vehicles. These vehicles should be transported in an enclosed car carrier for added protection.

As an alternative, if you prefer, you can ask to have your vehicle "top loaded." When a car is placed on the second level of a two-level transport carrier, it is called "top-loading." In this position, your car is less likely to be damaged by road debris like dust and dirt.

These services tend to be more expensive than standard auto shipping, but for a vintage race car, it's well worth the extra cost.

Wrap-Up

Vintage race cars need maximum care when in transit. At A-1 Auto Transport, we see to it that your car is shipped to its destination without any damage. We offer prompt and reliable service, and we will work with you to find the best option for your needs.

Please contact us any time for more information. We'll gladly answer any questions you might have.