Collector Car Transport Services

Collector cars are old vehicle models considered valuable and rare. The term “collector” can be used interchangeably with vintage, collectible, or classic. Car enthusiasts insist that there are differences between these terms. This post on eBay has more details.

Collector car transport services

Shipping companies are not concerned with the term you use. They are concerned with transporting the vehicles safely from one point to another. These companies offer collector car transport as a premium service. Because they are rare, these cars are very valuable. Transporting them from one point to another without damage as little as a scratch should be a priority.

Find the right collector car shipping company

Finding a car hauling company is very easy. Go online, and you will find many of them. But before settling for just any shipping company, do some research to try and determine the quality of service they deliver.

The best way to find an excellent collector car transport company is to ask other car collectors and museum restorers for recommendations. The company you choose has to have extensive experience transporting classics. Many safety precautions should be in place and some specialized equipment to be used.

To determine the credibility of a shipping company, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s site. There, you can view the insurance status and safety records of auto transport companies.

The cost of transporting a collector car

Price is a major concern when seeking services from any company. However, basing your choice on price alone in collector car transport is wrong. You should not expect the price of transporting a collector to match the price of transporting a normal car. The price is higher due to the employment of specialized equipment and the safety precautions required. Contact this shipping company for a free and comprehensive classic car shipping quote.

Enclosed transport

The first safety precaution any collector car owner should consider is enclosed transport. The car is loaded in a closed container protecting it from damages that can be caused by the wind, rain, extreme sunlight, and road debris.

However, if you are transporting the collector car for restoration, you can opt for the cheaper open-air transport. Keep in mind that shipping companies charge extra fees for transporting non-operable cars. Such transport involves a lot of labor and specialized equipment. Be clear about the condition of the collector car when requesting a quote.

Other safety precautions to be observed

Classic cars are only as valuable as their condition. So, shipping companies provide extra safety precautions when transporting them. Some of these precautions include;

• Covering both the exterior and interior of the car during transport, even in enclosed transport
• Using air ride suspension for a smooth transit
• Using a hydraulic lift gate to load and unload the car safely
• Using wall-mounted brackets and floor-mounted brackets
• Using nylon straps to prevent scratching
• Using wheel nets to avoid damaging the chassis
• Installing drip guarding to protect the car from potential leakages

Have an in-depth talk with auto transport companies to determine what safety measures they can employ. Of course, the more safety measures you request, the higher the shipping cost.

Insurance coverage

The shipping company is liable for any damage to the vehicle while it is in their care. These companies have insurance policies to cover such damages. Still, you should confirm what damages their policy covers. You can request a copy of their policy details, and call the insurance company to confirm the details are correct and that the policy is current.

Does your collector car have insurance coverage? Often, that policy will not compensate for damages during transit. That, plus the fact that the carrier’s insurance might have a liability limit is reason enough to purchase more coverage. Find a policy that can cover the replacement cost of your classic car.

For extra certainty when making damage claims, take photos of the car before pickup and after delivery.

What to do before pickup

After finding the right company to transport your collector car, you need to prepare for pickup. Always drain the tank before shipping any vehicle to minimize fire accident risk. Clean your classic, and remove all valuables. Also, turn off the alarm.

Provide detailed instructions about the car to the shipping company. Inform them about any hidden fuel cut-off switches and provide procedures for starting the car.

Delivery timeframe

The delivery timeframe is dependent on factors such as distance and the location of the destination. It can take just a few days or as many as several weeks. If yours is an urgent order, or are simply concerned about security, you can pay the extra fees involved in expediting car shipping.

Collector car transport is best done by experts. That is the only way to guarantee that your classic will move from one point to another without any damage and in a reasonable amount of time.