Before Classic Car Shipping: Tips for Transporting Your Classic Car to the Port
If you are planning an overseas adventure or are moving from the USA, chances are you’ll want to have your classic beauty by your side. Besides, taxes at some destination countries are even lower for classic cars than for newer vehicles. That’s why you need to arrange for the safe and secure shipping of your classic car.
Regardless of whether you choose RoRo or Container Shipping, there’s one important aspect that classic car owners often neglect: transporting the car to the port.
Here’s what you need to consider when organizing the transportation of your classic car to the port from which it will be shipped.
Consult your shipping company about transport to the port
Some shipping companies, like Ship Overseas, provide transport for vehicles to the port. In this case, if you are unable to drive your car to the port yourself, the shipping company also serves as a carrier. Having one company deal with both the transport to the port and the shipping is a good move since you won’t have to deal with different agents.
What’s more, shipping companies with a proven track record have the experience and practical know-how to handle all phases of your classic car shipping, including its transport to the port.
Choose between open and enclosed carriers
If you are looking for a carrier to transport your classic car, you should know the difference between open and enclosed carriers. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages but ultimately, it’s the carrier company who should guarantee the reliability of either option.
As the name suggests, open car carriers are open to external elements, meaning the vehicles transported are ‘’exposed’’, as well. Some car owners fear that their car will be packed tightly with other vehicles, which can get it scratched or otherwise damaged. Again, it’s the carrier company that should comply with the maximum number of vehicles an open carrier can transport, and do whatever is in their power to make sure no vehicle gets damaged. This is, however, the most affordable option.
By contrast, enclosed carriers are not open to elements. There are two enclosed carrier configurations: single-car and multi-car enclosed carriers. With single-car carriers, your classic car will be transported individually in an enclosed truck. This type of carrier also allows you to ship spare tires and other parts along with the car. A single-car enclosed carrier is also the most expensive option, although it’s the most time-efficient because there are no stops for picking up other vehicles.
By comparison, multi-car car carriers can transport 2 to 6 cars in an enclosed trailer, without any extra items, and it’s cheaper than the single-car carrier transport.
Inspect the car before transport and get a Condition Report
Before you have your car transported and ultimately shipped overseas, it’s essential to get it thoroughly inspected. Get it checked for any issues such as faulty brakes and make sure the oil and coolant are there. If you are shipping your classic car in a container, you might need to drain the fuel before transporting the car to the port.
After you get the car inspected, get a vehicle condition report so you can have a written proof of the car’s condition prior to its transport to the port. What you need to do is note the details of the car’s current condition, including the existing scratches, dents, missing parts, etc. and sign it. Ask the transporter to sign it, too. If the car is returned with any issues not noted in the condition report, you could hold the transporter accountable.
Check what the carrier company is liable for
When arranging for your classic car’s transport to the port, make sure you ask the carrier company for a copy of their insurance policy. Maybe the amount they are insured for wouldn’t be enough to cover any damage to your valuable classic car. You can request a custom policy if the existing one is insufficient.
Don’t put extra parts and tires in the car
As mentioned earlier, only single-car carriers allow for the transport of extra items, such as spare parts and tires, along with the vehicle. The Department of Transport even forbids it by its rules and regulations. Even if the carrier agrees to transport the extra items, they are not liable for them.
Ship Overseas can transport your classic car to the port safely
With 34 years of successful business operation, Ship Overseas has built a reputation of a reliable and trustworthy shipping company. If you are unable to transport your classic car to the port, we can pick it up and transport it in an open car carrier or enclosed truck, safely and conveniently. For a free quote, contact us today!
If you’re looking for more info on military PCS Household Moves vs Personally Procured Moves, read HireAHelper’s article regarding US Military and shipping cars.