Shipping a vehicle can be an expense, but when shipping an already expensive vehicle, there are many factors to consider.

Below we’ll interview Joe Webster, auto transport expert, on what to consider when shipping an expensive vehicle and how to properly take care of the fine details.

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What to Consider When Shipping an Expensive Vehicle?

Cost of vehicle

Of course, when shipping a vehicle, the price comes into play when factoring in insurance. Most carriers offer base insurance, but if you are talking about a vehicle that is worth six and sometimes seven figures, it’s most likely the base insurance will not cover the entirety of the vehicle.

What you can do however is ask your transportation company what type of insurance they carry, and see if any additional plans are available. That’s why it’s important to work with a transportation company that understands the intricacies of high cost vehicle shipping.

Under no circumstances should you ship an expensive vehicle without it being fully insured. Accidents do happen, even to the best drivers, so it’s always better to be safe than pay a high price later.

Enclosed or open trailer

Open trailers are just as the  name describes, open.  They typically  carry 10-12  vehicles at  once, but they are however open,  so they do  not offer any protection against weather. An enclosed trailer  however  conceals the vehicle completely.

The downside of an enclosed trailer is that it does cost extra to ship. Considering that only 2-3 vehicles can fit in a typical enclosed trailer, it means less vehicles are able to be shipped at once.

The cost of an enclosed trailer is worth it, especially considering it’s normally only a few hundred dollars to ship compared to the open trailer. Open trailers also show your vehicle to the world, and can lead to unwanted attention. You can always ask A1Auto enclosed car shipping service what a quote would be, before putting down any money.

Type of shipping

If you’re shipping domestically, then there is not much to worry about. But if you’re shipping internationally, then you’ll want to understand everything about the process to avoid having any problems.

 Remember that vehicles transported across the sea can take time to arrive. If you must have your vehicle on a certain date, then you’re going to need to send your vehicle prior to your arrival so it can stay in storage until you’re ready to pick it up.

You can decide between air and cargo shipping for international orders. Downside of air shipping is the high cost. The upside though is that you can have your vehicle where you need it on a specific date, rather than waiting for a boat to cross the sea.

Cargo shipping is the most typical, as your vehicle will simply be loaded onto a cargo container. You can opt to pay a little extra for better shipping and handling, as well as delivery on arrival.

Choose a transport company

Choosing a transport company can be a huge hassle, considering the huge amount of misinformation out there today on the subject. You want to work with a reputable, licensed operation by the DOT and FMCSA.

You also want to make sure that the company you’re working with has an online presence and hundreds, if not thousands, of online reviews backing up their company. There are many shady companies in the auto industry, so it’s best to only work with vetted companies with a longstanding history of outstanding business.

Final Thoughts

First and foremost, the cost of the vehicle itself plays a significant role in determining the insurance coverage required for shipping. With high-value vehicles, relying solely on the base insurance provided by carriers is often insufficient. It’s crucial to inquire about the insurance options offered by the transportation company and consider additional coverage to ensure your valuable asset is adequately protected. Shipping an expensive vehicle without proper insurance can lead to costly repercussions in the event of accidents or damage.

 The choice between an open or enclosed trailer is another vital decision. Open trailers are more cost-effective but offer less protection from the elements and public exposure. Enclosed trailers, while slightly more expensive, provide complete concealment and superior protection. The added cost is well worth it, especially for high-value vehicles that warrant extra care and security.

 For international shipments, understanding the shipping process and choosing between air and cargo shipping is crucial. Air shipping offers precise arrival dates but comes at a higher cost, while cargo shipping is the more typical option but may take longer. Planning ahead and coordinating the shipping with your travel schedule is essential.

 Finally, selecting a reputable transport company is paramount. Ensuring the company is licensed and regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is essential. Additionally, checking for a strong online presence and a history of positive customer reviews can help you avoid unscrupulous operators in the auto transport industry.