To ship a car to Florida, research and select a reputable auto transport company, obtain quotes, and prepare your vehicle by cleaning it, removing personal items, and documenting any existing damages. Choose between open or enclosed carriers based on your preference. After booking, the company will pick up your car, transport it, and, upon arrival in Florida, inspect your vehicle for any potential damages before finalising the delivery.
Car shipping is moving your vehicle from one location to another using auto transport services. This mode of transport has gained popularity over the past years as it saves vehicle owners the hassle of driving their cars long distances. Instead, your vehicle is loaded onto a carrier, either an open or enclosed trailer, and hauled to your specified destination.
Selecting a Reliable Auto Transport Company
Trusting your car to an auto transport company requires reliability and experience. From service quality to safety, many factors affect auto transporter reliability. First, verify the company's licence and insurance. FMCSA registration and a good insurance policy reassure customers that their vehicle is safe.
Along with important documentation, past performance can indicate an auto transporter's reliability. Before choosing, clients should read customer reviews. Beware of fake positive reviews. Verified customer testimonials, BBB rankings, and case studies can reveal the company's service quality and reliability. Client reviews, especially those indicating routine praise, usually indicate a reliable business partner. These factors can help you choose a reliable auto transport company.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
You must properly prepare your vehicle for transport to avoid surprises and ensure a smooth delivery. This process includes a thorough car inspection and interior and exterior protection. To avoid losing or damaging your belongings in transit, remove them from the car. Clean your car inside and out to see dings and scratches.
The maintenance check is another important step. This includes checking tyre inflation, battery charge, and oil and fluid leaks. Remove custom accessories like spoilers and fog lights to prevent transport damage. Empty your fuel tank to a quarter or less to lighten your vehicle and lower shipping costs. Give the transport driver a spare key so they can move your car without a hitch.
Exploring the Different Shipping Options
There are many ways to ship your car. Open and enclosed transport are most common. Open transport involves a trailer carrying your vehicle. Hauliers can transport multiple vehicles simultaneously, making this option cheaper and faster. Your vehicle is vulnerable to weather and road debris.
In contrast, enclosed transport protects your vehicle from the elements in a fully enclosed trailer. For luxury, classic, and antique cars, it's better but more expensive. Door-to-door shipping picks up and delivers the vehicle from your chosen location. Shipping options continue. Choose express or terminal-to-terminal shipping, depending on your needs. Selecting a solution that fits your needs and budget is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions
The different shipping options include open-car shipping, enclosed-car shipping, door-to-door shipping, and terminal-to-terminal shipping. The best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of vehicle you're shipping.
Look for a company with a solid reputation, is licensed and insured, offers a fair price, and provides excellent customer service. Read reviews online, check their business ratings, and ask for referrals from friends or family who have used auto transport services.
Preparing your vehicle for transport includes cleaning it inside and out, removing personal items, turning off the alarm, and checking the tires and battery. It's also important to note any damage and take pictures for your records.
Open car shipping involves transporting your vehicle on an open trailer, typically with several other vehicles. It's the most common and affordable option. Enclosed car shipping, on the other hand, provides more protection for your vehicle as it is transported in a covered trailer, but it is more expensive.
Most auto transport companies offer door-to-door shipping, which means they will pick up and deliver your vehicle to your specified locations. However, there may be restrictions depending on the truck's size and the accessibility of the pickup and delivery locations. Some companies also offer terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you drop off and pick up your vehicle at a specific location.
The shipping process generally involves scheduling the transport, preparing your vehicle, loading it onto the shipping truck, transporting it to the destination, and then unloading it. Throughout the process, the transport company should provide updates and be available to answer any questions.