- Classic & Antique Cars
- Cost & Time To Ship Your Classic Car Examples
- Shipping A Classic Car With A-1 Auto Transport
- Directory Of Classic Car Transport Companies
- Passport Transport
- Horseless Carriage Carriers
- Enclosed Vehicle Transport Inc
- Resources For Classic Auto Transport
- Resources For Classic Car Shipping
- Related Information & Faq
Classic & Antique Cars
Shipping a classic or antique car safely and efficiently is not a particularly complicated process, but there are a few things you should know going in. There are probably also a few things you may have questions about, which is why we decided to put together this list of the commonly asked questions when shipping an antique, vintage, or classic car. For the most part, it’s not much different shipping a classic car than it is for any other type of vehicle, but there are some things to keep in mind to help you make the most informed decision.
Since classic car transport does require some extra attention to detail, there are some best practices that almost every auto transport company will advocate. As far as our classic car transport service is concerned, we always advise customers to use enclosed car transport, which offers the safest and quickest method of delivery. Additionally, we suggest having classic vehicles shipped using door to door transport, which means the shipping company delivers directly to your home or a specific address of your choosing. If safety and convenience are important to you, the enclosed auto transport option is the choice that makes sense.
Cost & Time To Ship Your Classic Car Examples
| Shipping To/From | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY to Boston, MA | $540 | 216 mi | 2-4 days |
| Dallas, TX to Memphis, TN | $960 | 463 mi | 2-4 days |
| Denver, CO to Dallas, TX | $1280 | 805 mi | 3-5 days |
| Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO | $1150 | 1017 mi | 4-6 days |
| Denver, CO to Columbus, OH | $1530 | 1271 mi | 4-6 days |
| Phoenix, AZ to Memphis, TN | $1490 | 1430 mi | 4-6 days |
| Detroit, MI to Las Vegas, NV | $1239 | 1999 mi | 5-7 days |
| New York, NY to Phoenix, AZ | $1670 | 2421 mi | 7-9 days |
| Seattle, WA to Memphis, TN | $2000 | 2303 mi | 6-8 days |
| Miami, FL to Seattle, WA | $2030 | 3320 mi | 7-9 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of classic car you are shipping.
Shipping A Classic Car With A-1 Auto Transport
As an established auto transport company, we use only the most modern enclosed auto carriers for transporting classic cars. Whether it’s for an auto show, private collectors of vintage autos or exotic cars, or a museum that needs a classic car transport company, we're there to provide the best classic car transport in the business. Our large carrier network of delivery routes operates across all 50 states with the experience and professionalism expected of classic car owners. When you move as many cars as we do, you come to learn what customers need. Here’s what you can expect when you hire us to move your antique, vintage, muscle or classic car:
- Fully enclosed transport for older model vehicles
- A trusted transport company with 25 years experience as an auto transporter
- Shift-resistant transport carriers
- Air-cushioned suspension
- Exotic car transport
- Excellent service that customers love and the most reliable carriers in the industry
- Insurance coverage included in every quote (fully insured auto transport available)
- Classic car shipping to all 50 states
- Door to door car shipping service
- Free quotes and discounts for first time shippers
- The best classic car rates in the business and lowest average cost
A-1 Auto Transport ships vehicles worldwide. To learn about the options and discounts we have available for classic car transport, call us today at 1-855-545-8411! Use our free online quote calculator to estimate the cost of moving your classic car anywhere in the U.S!
Directory of Classic Car Transport Companies
Passport Transport
Passport Transport has been in business for more than 40 years, moving antique and vintage automobiles to all 48 states in the contiguous U.S. They use only fully enclosed auto carriers and specialize in door to door delivery of classic cars.
145 Evergreen Pkwy Lebanon, MO 65536 (417) 532-5600
Horseless Carriage Carriers
Located in New Jersey, Horseless Carriage ships classic and collector autos nationwide. They specialize in enclosed transport, which offers the maximum protection for a vehicle during transport. Storage terminals are also available.
61 Iowa Ave. Patterson, NJ 07503 (973) 742-2692
Enclosed Vehicle Transport Inc.
Transporting classic cars and motorcycles, Enclosed Vehicle Transport Inc. has door to door delivery service to the lower 48 states. They offer cargo and liability insurance, and use an enclosed trailer designed for classic car auto transport.
45 Station Rd. Glen Mills, PA 19342 (888) 827-6799
Resources For Classic Auto Transport
- Restoration Tips - Articles and advice on repairing, restoring and detailing older vehicles from Hemmings. A great resource for casual hobbyists and collectors alike!
- Classic Car Clubs & Organizations – An extensive listing of classic car clubs and organizations in the U.S. that includes links to affiliated websites as well as contact information. A great resource for classic car enthusiasts.
Resources For Classic Car Shipping
- Restoration Tips - Articles and advice on repairing, restoring and detailing older cars from Hemmings. A great resource for casual hobbyists and collectors alike!
- Classic Car Clubs & Organizations – An extensive listing of classic car clubs and organizations in the U.S. that includes links to affiliated websites as well as contact information.
Related Information & FAQ
- Cheapest way to ship a classic car
- Moving antique and classic cars internationally
- Hot road auto transport
- Shipping a classic motorcycle
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Classic Car Transport Cost?
The cost of shipping classic cars is predicated on a few basic things, though the main thing that will affect the cost is the shipping distance. In the chart below, you will find some prices for car transport rates to and from different U.S. cities, as well as the mileage and expected costs, plus estimated delivery times. Since most classic cars are shipped using enclosed transport, you may find that it cost a bit extra compared cars shipped on an open air carrier. The longer the delivery distance, the cheaper the cost is on a per mile basis. Prices for shipping a classic car range from roughly $1 to $3 per mile, with the average landing right around $2 per mile.
What Are the Options For Shipping A Classic, Vintage, or Antique Car?
The primary options for any type of car transport are an open or enclosed carrier, and either terminal to terminal shipping or door-to-door. Because classic, vintage, and antique cars can be delicate and often have a higher value, most owners prefer to ship using enclosed shipping, which provides the most safe and secure method for transport. Using an enclosed shipping also makes it easier to facilitate door-to-door transport, which is typically also preferred by those shipping a classic. If you’re shipping a car overseas, the preferred method for classic cars is RORO (roll on, roll off) transport.
Other Options
Another great service that is popular among classic car owners are expedited shipping and single car carrier transport. Expedited shipping provides the fastest method provided by a classic car transporter, which is often done using a single car carrier. The advantage of shipping only one car at a time is that it’s not only quicker in terms of delivery time, but it also allows the shipper to provide the most attention and care to the car during the transport process.
What Is the Best Way To Ship A Classic Automobile?
The best way to ship a classic or vintage car is and always has been using an enclosed carrier, coupled with door-to-door car transport. As mentioned above, an enclosed carrier offers the most protection and safety for any type of car being shipped within the United States. Door to door transport is a method of classic car shipping in which the car is shipped directly to a specific address, rather than being dropped off at a shipping terminal. The advantage of door to door car transport is that there are no extra steps involved, such as having to retrieve and transport the vehicle yourself from the delivery terminal to its final destination. Since this final leg of the delivery is eliminated for the customer, door to door transport provides the ultimate in convenience and offers full end to end shipping with no need for you to do any legwork.
If I Don’t Ship Enclosed, Can You Guarantee Top Load Only (Open Transport)?
If you prefer to use an open air carrier when shipping a classic or antique car, many companies are able to offer a top load only option, which is a type of open transport. There is a degree of protection when you use an open trailer with a top load only option, though not as much as an enclosed carrier would. While not every company may be able to guarantee top load only transport on their open trailers, there are many that are happy to accommodate the request. The advantage of this option is that it eliminates the possibility of damages due to other vehicles leaking fluids and dropping dirt and other debris onto your vehicle--something that's pretty important in classic car delivery. If you do intend to ship a classic car using an open carrier, top load only is definitely the way to go.
A-1 Auto Transport provides nationwide and international classic car transport services with more than two decades of experience shipping classic, vintage, and antique vehicles. We are happy to offer 100% FREE price quotes with no obligation required! If you have any questions about the process or costs, please click here or call 1-855-545-8411 today for a FREE estimate! All quotes are given in real time by a certified transport agent.
Can I Ship My Car By Train?
Car shipping can be done by train, though it is not a commonly used method of transport. However, if you are set on shipping a vehicle by rail, you do have some options. Amtrak offers car shipping and even has a daily train that runs in parts of the Southeast, not to mention the handful of car shipping companies that offer similar services throughout the U.S. One thing you may come to realize if you do an online search for companies that can ship by train is that it’s not a service everyone will offer. Since it is not a frequently used method of shipping, you will be somewhat limited by your available choices, but it can be an efficient and relatively cost effective way of transporting a car, classic or otherwise.
Can I Ship Overseas?
You absolutely can have a classic car shipped overseas, but it can be slightly complicated since countries tend to have different regulations and import restrictions, which makes it important to have a good understanding of the laws that pertain to your specific auto transport request. A shipping company that is well versed in overseas shipping should be able to help you navigate the legal requirements and paperwork involved in the process. For more information about international classic car transport, please see our resource on the topic and learn about available options and pricing.
How Will My Car Be Protected During Transit?
Classic car transport companies have several levels of protection involved throughout the shipping process to make sure that your car is safely taken care of every step of the way. Not only are modern carriers extremely safe and secure, but customers almost always have the option of choosing enclosed auto transport, which provides the most protection possible during shipment, particularly against extreme weather.
How Do You Prepare Your Car For Shipping?
Before your vehicle can be picked up and loaded for transport, there’s a few minor preparations you’ll need to make. The list below covers the most common requirements from auto transport companies and are generally considered the best practices for preparing a car (classic or otherwise) for shipping.
- Remove external components such as luggage racks or spoilers
- Clear the car of all personal belongings
- Make sure tires are properly inflated
- Check fluid levels
- Make not of the vehicle's condition
- Run the gas tank down to no more than a quarter tank
- Disable any alarm systems
- Clean the car, both inside and out
Will My Car Be Insured During Shipping?
Insurance is included as part of any shipment using classic car transport services and is required by law to maintain certain insurance coverage minimums. The type of insurance that a transport company carries can vary from one company to the next. It’s important to keep in mind that the insurance policy carried by auto transport companies only covers damages that are the fault of the shipper, which is why it's important to check a company's safety record. It’s a good idea to check with your auto insurance policy before shipping to see if they provide any coverage.
How Long Will It Take To Transport?
Delivery times for auto transport vary based on a number of different factors, and those also apply to classic car shipping. The main things that will affect transport time it takes to transport cars, final destination, type of vehicle, and method of shipping. Shipments of 300 miles or less can usually be done in one day, whereas shipping across the U.S. could take five to seven days. International shipments naturally take longer and depend on which country you’re shipping to, but generally fall within a two week time frame for the entire process.
Can I Have Household Goods In My Car During Auto Shipping?
There are no hard and fast legal restrictions on whether or not you can ship personal items in a car when having it shipped. Even though there are not technically restrictions on what can be shipped inside of a vehicle, most companies will not allow additional items to be shipped in the car. Companies that do allow personal items in the car will most likely charge additional fees.
Can I Track My Vehicle During Shipping?
Every company will allow you to contact them to check on your shipment while it’s being delivered and some may even provide you with a phone number directly to the truck driver. There are some auto shipping companies that also provide GPS tracking for car shipments, which is a streamlined and easy way to get updates, much like you might be familiar with when having a package shipped to your home.
Do I Need To Be Present For Pick Up And Delivery Of My Car?
Someone must be present for both pick up and delivery for any vehicle, though it doesn’t necessarily have to be the owner or the person who arranged for shipping. You can also assign someone to handle the auto shipping process for you, provided you communicate this to the shipper beforehand. If you know that you won’t be available for either pick up or delivery, make sure you have made arrangements to have someone to do so on your behalf.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book A Shipper?
In most cases, you can book a shipper 7-10 days out from your expected pick up date, though we do recommend giving yourself more time to coordinate everything, especially with classic car transport services. A couple weeks is more than enough time to explore your shipping options with different companies and settle on the one that you think provides the best combination of experience, professionalism, and affordability.
Can I Ship A Vehicle That Doesn’t Run?
Almost every company that delivers cars is capable of shipping a vehicle that doesn’t run, and this applies to classics as well. Shipping an inoperable vehicle does have a small additional cost, but it’s usually less than $100 since it just needs to cover the extra labor required to load and unload the car from the transport carrier. If you plan to ship a car that is not in running condition, make sure that you mention that when getting an estimate as it does affect the price quote you’ll receive.
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