Shipping Cars From The West Coast To East Coast

How to Ship Cars From The West Coast To East Coast

Shipping car from west to east coast and vice versa takes up a large percentage of the 70% cargo tonnage moved across the US. These auto transport companies make the challenging job of moving cars across the country much easier. You no longer have to deal with tasks related to shipping but wait for pick and delivery to final destination. Even so, getting the right shipping company for the job can be a hassle at times. The best way to go about it is by knowing what is expected of you and the company involved for the process to be smooth. Some things to keep in mind when engaging services of East to West coast are highlighted below.

Cost of transportation

The distance between the West and East coast is the basis on which cost of shipping is calculated. You can use online shipping calculators to get an estimated cost for shipping to your destination. Take time to compare costs for various companies before settling for the best rates. Nevertheless, the estimated costs are bound to go higher after initial consultation with shipping companies. This may be due to the type of car being transported, need for expedited shipping or additional routes that have to be covered to reach the final destination.

Estimated shipping time

Shipping cars across the country involves covering many miles before reaching the final stop. Many shipping companies keep this in mind when giving customers estimated delivery times. In some cases, the truck driver may need to offer door to door deliveries thus getting delayed. Bad weather and other unexpected circumstances may also hinder the driver’s ability to get to your destination in time. Typically, shipping car from West coast to East coast should take a minimum of seven days. To avoid disappointing customers, the estimate days may extend to ten or more depending on the company policy.

Type of vehicle carriers

Majority of trucks used in coast to coast shipping use carriers to transport vehicles. These carriers can carry a single car or multiple cars depending on their design. Enclosed carriers are ideal for long distance travel because of the protection they offer. Also, they are the best option for transporting luxury vehicles across states. The carriers are often built to ensure that the car cannot be damaged by external elements. However, they are expensive to book as compared to open carriers that have open sides.

Vehicle Preparation

Your vehicle requires shipping preparations before it may be released. You can save stress on the day of pickup by getting everything ready in advance. There are a lot of steps in the preparation process that must be completed successfully. First, give it a good cleaning and empty the car of any belongings other than the registration paperwork. Second, make sure all of your car's fluids are at an appropriate level and drain the petrol tank halfway. The third step is to remove the battery from the automobile and install it safely in its mounting bracket. Last but not least, get an inspection done on the car before you haul it about.

Need for insurance cover

Transport companies in the US are required to have insurance for vehicles in their possession. The insurance package is usually basic requiring vehicle owners to seek short term cover for the journey. Before taking up extra insurance, confirm areas that are not covered by the company’s cover. In some cases, the details are on their site making it easier to make a decision. However, if you decide to stick with their cover, ensure that the car has no personal items. They are usually not covered under the insurance of the shipping company. When the vehicle arrives at the West or East coast, check for any damages. If any, file a claim immediately to receive compensation from the insurance company.

Alternative transport options

Shipping cars from west coast to east coast does not always have to be on trucks. Depending on the overall cost of shipping you can opt for alternative transport. Rail transport is a good option for car owners working on a tight budget. Your car can be transported in a box compartment or an open carriage. Even so, closed compartments are better for transportation because of the protection it provides against the outdoor elements. To be sure of the best time to transport cars by rail, inquire from your shipping company.

Let us handle your car shipment dealings from the west to east coast of the US today! Reach out to our sales team to book an appointment and get the best services in the United States.