People ship their cars for different reasons. You may have bought a new one from another city and want to bring it home. You might be selling an old ride and have to send it to your buyer's location. Or it could be that you're moving somewhere else and need to take your wheels with you. Much like reasons for transport, there are also plenty of ways to ship your vehicle. That said, here are some of the best ways to ensure a safe and secure delivery.
Open-Air Transport
Starting with the basics, the most common form of auto transport is open-air. This method involves towing the vehicle in a trailer with no cover on top and sides. Generally, people who ship regular cars prefer this one because it's the cheapest. However, you should be aware of two major drawbacks:
- Your car will be exposed to the external environment. This can be pretty damaging during the winter because the cold might condense important parts. Dust can also accumulate, and random bird collisions might cause scratches, dents, or broken pieces.
- There's also an increased risk of theft or vandalism when the truck makes stops.
If you're planning to transport a more expensive or delicate vehicle, you might want to consider this next option.
Enclosed Transport
The next step up from open-air transport comes enclosed car transportation methods. It usually involves a secured trailer that has enough space for your vehicle. Only a select number of cars are transported to minimize the risk of internal collision during transit. The main benefit of this is that it provides more protection against weather conditions, theft, and other risks associated with open-air. But of course, expect the costs to be much higher since the carrier is taking extra steps to ensure your car's safety. That said, you should consider this option when you're shipping a luxury vehicle, vintage ride, or sports car.
Air Freight
Without a doubt, air freight is the most expensive method. Your car will be loaded into a container, secured by high-strength fabrics straps, and then transported by an airplane. While it's the fastest and safest option, it's actually not ideal for people who just want to ship ordinary vehicles. The cost is just not worth it. But if you're transferring an expensive one, this is a more reliable method than an enclosed trailer. On top of that, it's much better in every aspect than ocean freight if you ever need to ship a car overseas.
Train Freight
Train freight is the best form of land transport so far. However, this method can be pricey and only works for specific routes. But if you can avail of the service, it often takes less time and provides more peace of mind. Looking closely, it might even be better than air shipment at things like having not to worry about flight delays because of bad weather conditions. Unfortunately, it's often limited to certain locations where cars can be dropped off.
Factors that Determine the Cost of Transport
Suppose you're in NYC and you're transporting a car to Michigan. It's close to 1000 miles apart. Of course, the first factor to the cost would be the distance. The farther the destination is, the more you'll have to pay. Other factors include:
- Time of the year: It's more expensive to ship during summer when the demand is high and during winter when the road conditions are more dangerous.
- Size and weight of vehicle: Monster trucks and SUVs generally cost more as they take up more space and cause the trailer to consume more fuel.
- Pickup Location: You'll have to spend more if you want your car delivered right at your doorstep compared to picking it up at your carrier's terminal.
- Car modifications: If you've installed body modifications on your car, your carrier will have to take extra precautionary methods to ensure your vehicle's safety.
Final Verdict
The best way to transport your car depends on many things. You should consider your budget, the distance, and the type of vehicle you want to ship. Ultimately, the success of the operation often comes down to the quality of service your carrier provides. That's why it always pays off to do your research and scrutinize your potential shipping company before signing anything!
Many people have had their cars vandalized at some point in their lives. It is a traumatic experience that can be time-consuming and expensive. It becomes even more depressing if your vehicle gets trashed during a move! That means more expenses on top of the typical moving logistics. But don't worry! Once you're done reading this guide, you can rest easy knowing your car will be safe during transit.
What is Car Vandalism?
Car vandalism happens when someone damages your car for malicious reasons. It can be done with a variety of methods, including:
- spray painting the entire car
- scratching the paint in specific areas on the vehicle
- puncturing tires
- using tools to break windows and lights
Offenders usually do this for fun, but some also do this as payback or annoy you. The thing is, there are lots of evil minds lurking out there, and anyone can be a victim of vandalism. So here's how you can protect your car when transporting it to another place.
Lock the Car Before Shipping
This should be the most obvious advice you can get. If your vehicle will be hauled in a trailer, there's no reason to keep it open since no one will be driving it. That's why don't forget to lock all entry points to your car. This will not only keep anyone from opening the door and vandalizing anything inside but also discourages cargo thieves from laying their hands on it.
Hire a Trustworthy Shipping Company
Listen to this. You might be tempted to go with the cheapest solution, thinking you can save more money along the way. Unfortunately, this is not always the best idea. Hiring a reputable shipper ensures your car will be handled well and that it will arrive safely without damages or delays. A reputable company also utilizes secure carriers and enough security to keep bad people at bay.
Furthermore, a suitable carrier will install CCTVs on their trucks to capture any act of vandalism or theft. Lastly, they will cover vandalism damage as part of the insurance agreement. There's really no reason not to hire a professional carrier if you want your car to arrive in one piece.
Install a Car Alarm
Don't want your car vandalized? Make necessary investments! Before you move, install a car alarm on your vehicle. A basic one typically costs around $100, but it's worth every penny if it means warding off potential intruders who want to take your stuff.
Incorporating a motion detector and glass break sensor is certainly worth considering. These safety devices will trigger a loud alarm if someone tampers with your car's locks or starts it up. You can activate them using a remote control but make sure to charge the battery before transit.
Make Sure the Dashcam is Working
Sometimes, a car alarm might not be enough to scare a vandal away. If the person seriously chooses to proceed with the evil deed, you want to make sure that you've documented the event for evidence. Check if your car's dashcam is active and turn it on for the duration of the trip.
Get Rid of Valuables from Your Car
Another critical step in preventing car vandalism is to get rid of any valuables you may have inside the vehicle. Things like gadgets, jewelry, and expensive bags will only encourage thieves to sniff your car up. You can also attach locks to windows and doors to discourage them from accessing the inside of your vehicle even further.
Ask the Driver to Look Out for Your Car
This isn't much of a huge favor, but it's truly worth asking. Before moving day:
- Talk with the driver of the trailer that will be delivering your vehicle.
- Ask him to check on your car every now and then throughout the trip.
- Better yet - offer him some chocolate to make the atmosphere easier for you both.
It won't take much effort on his part, but there's no harm done either way. You might even make yourself a new friend!
Be Friendly
Last but not least, try to get along with the people around you. This helps avoid unnecessary arguments and grudges. More importantly, be nice to your new neighbors. They might help watch your car when you're not around. It's also easier if you can befriend the kids around your new neighborhoods. As you already know, they tend to reach that vandalizing stage as they approach puberty. It might not be today, but it'll definitely save you from headaches in the future.
What To Do if Your Car Gets Vandalized?
Once your vehicle arrives, and you notice any damage, don't move it. Let the driver know, call the police, and file a report ASAP. Take photos of everything that was damaged, at least until the insurance comes through, if possible. This is especially important for valuable items and electronics that may be difficult to replace if something happens during transit! Finally, get an estimate from a nearby body shop on what repairs will cost. It will help guide your budget once the insurance claim has been approved.
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