Classic Car Shipping: Here’s what you got to know before shipping one!

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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 and retreat

Some shipping companies, like MilitaryCarShipping, 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 always better- lesser tension on your part!

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.

A Condition Report is a must

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.

No excess luggage

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.