If you possess a classic car, such as an older model Porsche or even a ‘67 Mustang, you appreciate that a lot goes into maintaining its value. Owners of rare and expensive cars will tell you that they have to put in immense amounts of effort toward preserving the vehicle. Still, there are instances where classic cars require transport from one place to another, more so on an international scale. Shipping Costs for Classic Cars can vary significantly based on factors such as distance, transport method, and insurance requirements. Shipping classic cars is far more complex and specific to the workers and the industry due to the concerns surrounding it..
Whether you are attempting to relocate, purchase, or sell a classic car, it is important to determine how much shipping will cost. For this reason, this guide will assist you in the entirety of the process. We will dive into and analyze the multiple aspects and variables involved and provide effective ways to avoid overpaying for shipping.
Considerations for Shipping Costs
There are numerous considerations one must make when shipping classic cars. For starters, shipping cars will significantly differ from shipping average household goods as cars cannot simply be boxed and shipped out. Since classic car shipping does come with a lot of options, some important factors useful for spending control need to be established.
1. The Distance Between Pickup And Delivery
The further apart the pickup is from the drop off, the greater the cost. Local moves (for example, 150 miles) can cost around $300 to $700 while coast to coast moves (for example, New York to California) range from $1000 to $2,500 depending on various other conditions. This is because of fuel price increases, labor hours, and the many steps involved in cross country shipping.
Tip: As you might have already known, there is an additional charge for every mile moved, and yes, there are different rates for long distance travel versus short distance. For shorter trips, charges are about $1 per mile while for longer trips, estimates range from $0.40 to $0.60 per mile.
2. The State of The Car Being Moved
Are you facing some trouble before taking the Sherman tank out on the road? A non-running automobile is extremely difficult to load and unload off a truck. That is why some extra specialized equipment such as winches may be needed. Based on the complexity of the loading and unloading process, this might incur extra expenses of around $100-$300, or more. However, operational vehicles will bring prices down significantly as no issues will be faced during the loading onto, or unloading from the transport truck.
3. Shipping Method (Open Enclosed)
Did you know that there are two broad methods of classic car transportation?
Open Transport: Your car is carried on an open trailer which is exposed to the elements and is subject to whatever the weather throws at it. Obviously, this is the cheapest method ($700 to $1200 for long distances), However, like any other option, Open Transport has its disadvantages when it comes to the weather and road conditions.
Enclosed Transport: This type of car shipping is the most preferred amongst veteran classic car collectors as it protects the vehicle from any form of destruction when moving about. Enclosed transport costs approximately 30%-50% more than open transport and ranges from averagely 1200 to 3000 dollars for cross country shipping.
4. Time of the year
Shocking as it seems, each season has its own set of shipping routes to follow.
Peak Season (Summer): In summer, expenditure is skyrocketing due to oversaturation of the market. If you can, avoid peak spending season, and save a few bucks.
Off Season (Winter): As a result of negligence, less expenditure is preferred but shipment can change quite drastically due to the weather.
Optimally, everything in shipping and spending is located between the extremes of comforting and planning.
5. Insurance Coverage
Like any other vehicle, classic cars need a different set of insurance coverage as well.
While most firms opt for basic liability coverage, it is crucial to set a limit and pay an additional one or two hundred dollars more for travel coverage.
While keeping the above mentioned points in mind, here is an estimate of shipping cost to aid you in shipping a car.
Estimate Shipping Cost Scenario
Local (150 – 300 miles, open) }$300 – $700
Cross Country (Open transport) 1000 -1500
Cross Country (Enclosed) 1500 – 3000
Cross Country Non Running + $200-300
International (By sea) Starting from $3500
Make sure to confirm the ranges inline for further details. Note that these are estimates and would require validation based on other factors.
The Following Estimates Do Not Include Important Details Considered Along With The Transport
The reason stated above would be a reason why a lot of your additional costs probably did not have the following fees included. Try to keep these in mind while shipping a classic car:
Terminal Fees: When needing to store a classic car at the transport terminal till drop off or collection.
Fuel Cost Increase: Inflation affecting fuel costs is likely to impact costs.
More Insurance: Having adequate protection usually incurs greater risk, so you’ll have to pay the fee to cover the additional expenses.
Oversized Shipping: If you wish to get the car sooner you can pay for its delivery to you.
To be more clear, give your carrier a single estimate.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
With the correct guidelines, obtaining precise quotes for best car shipping can be far easier than it sounds: gaining reliable quotes for shipping can be a painstaking task, but with the right instructions, it will eventually become smooth sailing. Here’s how:
Check Several Reviews: Take a look at reviews and their areas of expertise. The rates offered by classic car transportation companies may surprise you. Also check if the company has experience in transporting vintage automobiles.
Describe the Vehicle Correctly: Indicate the make and model of the vehicle accurately along with its running condition and whether specific changes have been made like oversized dimensions.
Inquire About Unused Charges: Don’t be afraid to ask straightforward questions regarding the cost. Providers should be able to clarify the extra fees if there are any.
Inquire About Comprehensive Quotes: Such unwritten terms and guarantees, additional charges such as those for unforeseen expenses and even insurance, should be best described in the form of flat rates.
Simplifying the Task of Classic Car Shipping
It’s not like classic car owners want their vehicles to sit around unused like statues, especially when shipping the vehicle doesn’t need to be a big issue. Knowing the factors that affect the shipping cost, preparing for unplanned expenses, and getting appropriately defined quotes means there will not be any hiccups in sending the classic car to its desired spot.
Let’s Star With a Car Quote
When it comes to shipping classic cars, the team here at Best Car Shipping Inc is more than equipped since we have spent many years in the business, so when it comes to shipping at a quote, we know how to do it. Any car, even the sought after Shelby Cobra, or a Corvette that every collector dreams of, is protected by our services.