You’re probably familiar with shipping smaller items around the country, making it a relatively painless process. But what if you need to ship a car across the country or even the world? That can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Starting with this post, you can navigate the task with relative ease. Here’s what you need to know about how to ship a car.
Price of Shipping a Car
Your first question is likely, “How much does it cost to ship a car?”. The total cost depends on a few factors, including the distance of the shipment, the size and weight of your car, and the location of pickup. Longer distances, larger and heavier cars, and inconvenient drop off and pickup locations will cost more than their alternatives. You’ll want to do plenty of research to find the best price for your situation.
Enclosed vs. Open Trailer
Another factor in the cost to ship a car as well as the quality of the shipment is the trailer style. An enclosed trailer will cost more, but it could be worth it if you’re shipping a classic car or other valuable vehicle. An enclosed trailer is also a good choice if you expect the car to be transported through inclement weather.
An open trailer exposes a car to the elements, but it comes at a lower cost. If you’re mostly worried about getting your car from one place to the next at the lowest cost, an open trailer is a worthy option.
Double Check Insurance
Shipping a car across long distances comes with risk. Cars are valuable, and accidents do happen. That’s why it’s important to double-check your options for insurance. A reputable carrier will offer liability insurance, so be sure to ask questions and consider all options.
You also should look into your personal auto insurance to see if you’re covered in the case of an accident while shipping. It could be worth it to upgrade your coverage if your car is particularly valuable, or you just want peace of mind.
Document the Condition of Your Car
Before you send your car on its way, it’s important to document its current condition. Take photos of any cosmetic issues, and take note of any mechanical issues in the car’s history just to be safe. In the case of an accident, proper documentation will give you the best chance to receive compensation.
Choose a Carrier
Shipping a car isn’t a task you’ll likely be able to complete without professional help. You’ll need to find a carrier with experience, resources, and specialty services. Navis delivers on all three counts. With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Navis has built long-time partnerships with the most trusted carriers in air, ground, and ocean shipping. These relationships allow Navis to deliver quality service for their customers.
Contact the nearest Navis Pack & Ship location to learn more about our convenient pickup, scheduling, terminal, or door-to-door deliveries.
