It’s nice to go on an extended vacation, especially if you’re going with your family. But before the fun starts, you need to get to your destination first. If you’re going to a not too distant place, you can just take your car with you. But if the place is 50 miles away or more, then you may want to consider just having your car shipped.
It can be quite stressful to drive long distances. Apart from being time-consuming, driving also entails worrying about gas, traffic rules, safety, and more. Getting the services of an auto transport company is a more convenient option.
If you haven’t shipped your car before, then you’ll find this guide to be useful. But even if you have experience in car shipping, for sure, you’ll learn a thing or two from the following pointers.
Read Reviews of Car Shipping Companies
Finding auto transport companies near you is easy. You just need to use Google. But don’t hire the first company you see. Try to know first what past customers of a company have to say.
If you personally know someone who has used the company’s services, then getting that person’s insights and opinions would be valuable to your decision-making process. You can also turn to online reviews and go through AmeriFreight reviews, for example. Social media sites are some of the best sources for honest and unbiased reviews of products and services.
Choose the Right Type
There are several types of auto transport services. Be sure to choose the one that fits your needs and budget. Getting the services of an auto transport company is a more convenient option. You can use a car shipping cost calculator to see how much you would need to budget for the move. The most common auto transport types are:
Open Auto Transport: This is the most affordable type of auto transport. Choosing this means that your car will be shipped in an open trailer.
Enclosed Car Shipping: If you don’t want your car to be exposed to the elements, you should choose enclosed car transporters to ship your car. Enclosed Car Shipping costs more than the open type, but it will give you more peace of mind.
Expedited Car Shipping: This is the right option for those who want their vehicle to arrive faster than usual. This option comes with a higher fee.
Book Ahead of Time
Depending on the distance of your destination, you can expect your car to arrive after a couple of days or more. So if you want your car to be there when you arrive, you need to book a car shipping service in advance.
If you want to get a better price, it’s advisable to book a service at least seven days before your departure date. So if you want your car to arrive in another state in five days, for example, then it’s best to book auto transport at least 12 days before you leave.
Choose an Experienced Company
If you have to choose between an experienced company and a new one, always go for the latter. An experienced company has been around the block and knows how to deal with problems that may come up because they’ve seen it all.
Professional companies are well-equipped to handle every detail of the car shipping process. They will ensure that your car is safely shipped and arrives on time. You should also choose a company with customer service representatives that are available 24/7.
Choose a Company With Its Own Trucks
In your search for an auto transport company, you may encounter brokers or middlemen who serve as bridges between the customer and the service provider. It’s best to avoid these brokers because dealing with them will cost you more money. Instead, you should choose car shipping companies with their own fleets of trucks. Doing so will simplify the process of car shipping and will cost you less.
Make Sure Your Car Is Protected
Before you book a car shipping service, you must ensure that the company has insurance. Accidents can happen at any time. Many things can happen to your car while it is being shipped. Choose a company with at least a million dollars in protection coverage.
Suppose you want to save time and money on your next extended vacation. In that case, you should consider getting the services of an auto transport company. But you need to choose the right company if you want a hassle-free experience. The tips above can help you to find a reliable auto transport company.
