If you’re looking for details on how to ship a classic car, you’ve come to the right place! The condition of a classic car or truck – from a gleaming, fully restored beauty to an inoperable rust bucket that’s destined for greatness – can determine how you’ll decide to ship it.
But no matter the condition, a classic car isn’t just about its monetary value – it’s an emotional investment in memories, nostalgia, and potential – so you want to transport it without stress and worries. Caravan Auto Transport helps you find the best carriers who provide ultimate security and safety at competitive pricing.
Here are some valuable pointers on the best ways to ship a classic car, how to be prepared for shipping day, and the costs you can expect to pay:
The Benefits of Enclosed Auto Transport
Most classic and antique car owners ship their vehicles on enclosed transport carriers. Why? Enclosed carriers provide a much higher degree of safety and security for valuable vehicles. However, in addition to safety factors, there are many more benefits to using an enclosed carrier:
The Elements
The vehicle is fully protected from the weather. This is especially important during inclement weather when hail, sleet, or ice can cause damage to the car’s fine finish.
Road Dirt and Debris
The vehicle is protected from road dirt and debris. Even if a car is being shipped during ideal weather conditions, an enclosed carrier protects the vehicle from highway grime and airborne road debris that can ding and pit the windshield and finish.
Theft and Vandalism
The vehicle is protected from being seen. When a one-of-a-kind classic is shipped in an enclosed carrier, it’s better protected from potential theft or vandalism. Enclosed carriers are fully enclosed on the top and all sides so that no one can see what’s inside.
Higher Insurance Coverage
Vehicles shipped on enclosed carriers benefit from higher insurance coverage than is offered on open-air transport.
High-Tech Loading and Unloading
Enclosed carriers use a variety of high-tech loading and unloading methods that can include hydraulic lift gates, advanced articulating ramps, or E-track flooring. Advanced loading and unloading methods put far less wear and tear on a classic or antique car’s drivetrain, and can provide simplified and safer loading and unloading of low-clearance and inoperable cars and trucks.
Deciding on Enclosed vs. Open-Air Transport
Now that you understand the benefits of shipping in an enclosed carrier, let’s take a look at which vehicles are best suited for open or enclosed transport. It may be surprising, but some classics and antiques can be shipped via open-air transport. For example, if your classic is a jalopy that’s destined for greatness, it’s possible that an open-air carrier can ship it safely. Here are some of the conditions that will determine whether enclosed or open-air transport is the best shipping method for your classic:
Enclosed carriers are preferable for:
- Cars that aren’t running. Find out more details about shipping inoperable vehicles in the section below, “How Do You Ship a Classic Car That Doesn’t Run?”.
- Vehicles that are fully restored.
- Vehicles in excellent original condition.
- Vehicles in very poor condition with many loose parts (bumpers, fenders, etc.) that also must be transported along with the vehicle.
- Vehicles with custom paint jobs.
- Vehicles with very low clearance.
- Vehicles that need to be maintained in a climate-controlled environment.
Open-air carriers are acceptable for:
- Non-restored vehicles can be driven up the transport carrier’s ramps.
- A vehicle that doesn’t need protection from the elements, such as hail, sleet, mud, and road debris that can damage the finish.
- Vehicles that are operable but in poor condition with no loose parts.
How to Prepare a Classic Car for Transport
Once you’ve decided on the best transport method for your particular classic or antique vehicle, the following will help you properly prepare for shipment day:
1. Jot Down Operating Instructions
Provide written instructions for any person who will be handling the vehicle.
- This could include but isn’t limited to, information about fuel cut-off switches, hidden switches, chokes, alarm instructions, battery or starter idiosyncrasies, transmission quirks, and other details unique to your particular vehicle.
- Give the driver a copy but also secure a copy of the instructions to the dashboard because the original transport driver may not be the person who unloads your vehicle.
2. Check the Antifreeze/Coolant
Make sure antifreeze/coolant is appropriate for the climates at both the pick-up and drop-off locations. This is especially important for cars that will be shipped cross-country, even if they’re transported in a climate-controlled carrier. At a pick-up location in the northeast, temperatures could be below freezing while drop-off temps could be over 100 degrees in desert locations like Scottsdale or Palm Springs.
3. Take Photos
Set your phone’s camera app to time stamp and take photos of all sides and angles of the vehicle, including the roof, bumpers, wheels, and tires. Although damage rarely happens, the photos will prove the condition of your car right before it’s loaded.
4. Check the Battery
Make sure the vehicle’s battery is charged. If you told the transport company that the car is operable but the transport driver can’t start it, you may be charged additional fees.
5. Give Notice if the Car Doesn’t Run
Give the transport company specific notice if your car isn’t operable. See the following section, “How Do You Ship a Classic Car That Doesn’t Run?”.
How Do You Ship a Classic Car That Doesn’t Run?
In the classic and antique car transport world, it’s not uncommon for shippers to deal with cars that don’t run. After all, many restorers and classic car collectors search for gems in need of extensive work to bring them back to life – and often these diamonds in the rough are inoperable. If you’ll be shipping a classic or antique that doesn’t run, enclosed transport is by far the best shipping option.
Open-air carriers require that cars are operable so that they can be driven onto the ramps. This is not a concern with enclosed carriers. They’re designed with built-in hydraulic lifts and other types of advanced equipment to ensure less stress and wear on valuable vehicles, and this includes inoperable cars. When requesting quotes, be sure to inform the company if your vehicle isn’t running.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Classic Car?
It typically costs between $800-$2400 to ship a classic car. While the process of shipping a classic car is the same as a standard car, the costs are higher because you’ll be paying for services that aren’t required for regular cars. In general, shipping a classic car costs about 60% more than shipping a standard vehicle. The costs will vary according to:
- The sophistication of the transport equipment required.
- Whether the car is operable or not.
- What kind of loading and unloading equipment you prefer.
- Whether you want door-to-door service or will use the transport company’s depots.
- The vehicle size and weight.
- Your chosen insurance coverage.
- Seasonal demand.
You may find a transport company that offers low rates but they may have substandard equipment and service. Your valuable collector car deserves the best of care while it’s being shipped, so opt for a reputable company that specializes in transporting antique, classic, and collector cars with excellent customer service.
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Caravan Auto Transport takes great pride in providing you with the best classic car transport companies in the business. We only connect you with fully insured, licensed transport companies who offer first-rate service. Get your free quote now!