Ideal Car Shipping Methods
Moving to a new home is an exciting time for anyone. But the mood can be dampened by everything you have to do before, during, and after the move. You need to pack all your belongings and make arrangements to bring what you own to the new house, including yourself and your family.
One thing about moving that some people have trouble with is transporting their car. You have different options for bringing it to the new house, including hiring cheap car shipping, among others.
Ways to Ship Your Car
Drive Yourself
The most common method is to drive the car yourself. You can stuff it with some of your things and hit the road. While it is the most straightforward solution, it can pose several hazards and problems.
The journey can mean traveling several hundred if not thousand miles. Costs can build up, including the gas, food, lodging, and potential damage to your car.
Not to mention the potential risk of accidents and car breakdown when taking a trip that long. You do not want to experience that, especially if you have a young family with you.
Hire a Driver
One way to negate the problem of safety is to hire a driver who will take your car to the new home while you take other modes of transport.
Your gas and maintenance costs will remain the same, though. Then you have to pay the driver too. Not to mention, you still run the risk of the car getting damaged during the journey.
Use Car Shipping Companies
Car shipping companies offer a convenient way to ship your car from one city to another. It can be pricey, but it is a convenient option. The company takes the vehicle to transport it to your new home. In a few days, it will be delivered to you.
There are plenty of things to expect when shipping your car across the country. Different factors play a role in the price and how long it will take to get to the destination. Things like exact locations for pickup and delivery and insurance coverage are a few things you need to decide about. You will want to discuss these with the shipping company.
You then have the type of car shipping method the company will use.
Types of Car Shipping Methods
Enclosed
An enclosed container is one of the safest ways to ship a car. It is placed inside the container, strapped in, then loaded onto trucks. The enclosure protects the vehicle from the elements. Even if the truck gets into an accident, the container adds a layer of protection for the car.
Open
The open method is a simple trailer loaded with cars. That is what you usually encounter on highways. The cost is lower, but the vehicle is exposed to the elements. A small rock can cause a huge dent at those speeds.
It is also exposed to potential thieves while the truck stops.
Economy
An economy shipping means the company is left to decide how the car will be delivered to the destination city. Remember that they use various routes with schedules to keep. You can let them choose the logistics and provide you with a delivery date.
The car will also be picked up and delivered to pre-determined locations. That can mean the company terminals or parking lots. You will have to meet the truck there to get the car.
Full Service
As the name suggests, full service is the opposite of economy. The logistics are planned in your favor. The car can be picked up at your old place and delivered right in front of the new house.
Of course, this is the most expensive option.
How to Find a Car Shipping Company
Research in Your Area
Finding a car shipping company starts with researching in your area. Multiple companies usually have a presence in several cities. You may also want to check if they have a hub in the city you are relocating to. That should mean they have direct routes there, so the price could be lower.
Read Trusted Reviews
Reviews are a great way to measure the service of a car shipping company. You can look at websites like the Better Business Bureau, which verify customer-submitted testimonials. That way, you know you will be working with a company that knows how to treat your car well.
Compare Prices
Do not go with the first company you find. Take the time to ask other companies for quotes on the service you require. You can then compare them side-by-side to determine which is the cheapest or provides the most features. Some may be a bit more expensive, but they can offer better insurance.
When moving to a new home, you can strongly consider car shipping for your convenience. But do not be lazy. Do your research and know what you need. Set a budget for it, and then look for a company that can fill your requirements as best as possible.
