Shipping Cars From The West Coast To East Coast

How to Ship Cars From The West Coast To the East Coast

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

Cost of transportation

The distance between the West and East coasts is the basis for calculating shipping costs. You can use online 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 will increase after initial consultation with relocating companies. This may be due to the moving car type, the need for expedited hauling, or additional routes that must be covered to reach the final destination.

Estimated Shifting Time

Moving cars across the country covers many miles before reaching the final stop. Many companies keep this in mind when giving customers estimated delivery times. Sometimes, 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 reach your destination quickly. Typically, relocating cars from the West Coast to the East Coast should take at least seven days. Depending on the company policy, the estimated days may be extended to ten or more to avoid disappointing customers.

Type of vehicle carriers

Most trucks used in coast-to-coast shipping use carriers to relocate vehicles. Depending on their design, these carriers can carry a single car or multiple cars. 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. Airlines are often built to ensure that external elements do not damage the car. However, they are expensive to book compared to open carriers with open sides.

Vehicle Preparation

Your vehicle requires shipping preparations before it may be released. You can save stress on the pickup day by preparing everything in advance. There are a lot of steps in the preparation process that must be completed successfully. First, clean the car well and empty the car of any belongings other than the registration paperwork. Second, ensure 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 essential, requiring vehicle owners to seek short-term cover for the journey. Before taking up extra insurance, confirm areas not covered by the company’s cover. Sometimes, the details are on their site, making it easier to decide. However, if you stick with their cover, ensure the car has no personal items. They are usually not covered under the company's insurance. Check for any damages when the vehicle arrives at the West or East Coast. If any, file a claim immediately to receive compensation from the insurance company.

Alternative transport options

Relocating cars from the West Coast to the East Coast does not always have to be done 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 relocation because of their protection against outdoor elements. To know the best time to move cars by rail, inquire from your shifting company.

Let us handle your car shipment dealings from the West to the US East Coast today! Contact our sales team to book an appointment and get the best services in the United States.