Looking to Ship your vehicle from Florida to California? There are a variety of reasons you may have for doing so. You could be a snowbird trying to escape the winter, a professional moving for work, or even an auto enthusiast who needs to carry their prized possession. Whichever your case is, shipping a vehicle saves you time, effort, and most importantly, your vehicle from excess wear and tear.
In this article, you will learn about the costs that come with shipping a vehicle, how to get in touch with a reliable shipping service, and most importantly, how to prepare your vehicle in order for the transport process to be as smooth and safe as possible.
Why Ship a Car Instead of Driving It?
It’s quite a trek if you plan to drive from Texas to California without stopping. In fact, it takes roughly 42 hours of non-stop driving, covering roughly 3,000 miles. For most people, avoiding a fully fledged road trip is the most sane decision, and there are plenty of reasons for it.
Reclaim Your Resources
A cross-country road trip requires ample amounts of planning, time away from work, and energy. On top of all that, the route also requires a multitude of stops for fuel, food, and to rest, which could take weeks to finish. Shipping your vehicle makes way for all that hassle and allows you to focus that time on more important things.
Avoid Wear and Tear
Every mile on the odometer is one more nail in the coffin for your car’s value. Long road trips can be hard on your vehicle, which could result in expensive repair costs in the future. By shipping your car, you are securing its condition and extending its life.
Enhanced Safety
There are many hazards during long drives such as tiredness, harsh weather conditions, and even the breakdown of your car. A professional Classic car shipping service allows your vehicle to travel in safe conditions, away from the risks of the road.
Factors That Affect Car Shipping Costs
There are always things to consider before making plans, such as what determines the price when moving a car from Florida to California. This information will help in understanding the costs and choosing the method of shipping.
1. Distance
As one would expect, the cost for shipping goes up relative to the distance traveled. More miles equals more gasoline consumed and more time spent driving for the carrier.
2. Type of Vehicle
In general, larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or luxury cars are costlier to ship due to their size and weight. They are also classified as specialty vehicles, which usually incur additional handling charges.
3. Transport Type (Open vs. Enclosed)
Whenever possible, open carriers are the cheapest and most efficient method of shipping.
But if you own a vintage or luxury car, then we recommend you pay extra for enclosed transport because it offers protection from dust and weather.
4. Time of the Year
What’s also important to consider is that demand for car shipping increases during busier winter months or summer months when professionals decide to relocate. And remember, if you book during these times expect to pay a bit more.
5. Insurance About Pick Up And Delivery
The vehicle is handed over directly to you at your preferred location in a door to door Transport service, however, compared to terminal to terminal service, it is more expensive. In terminal to terminal service, the vehicle has to be dropped off and picked up from respective depots.
6. Insurance Coverage
Apart from additional coverage, most professional car shippers offer basic insurance. However, when opting for basic insurance expect your price to increase slightly.
Choosing An Reliable Car Shipping Company
We know that not all services offered for car shipping are equal in quality and that is why we will teach you how to find the right one for you.
1. Research And Compare
Make sure to at least compare three reputable companies to get the best service and price.
2. Validation Of Claims
Check their credentials and make sure the company is compliant, sustainable and legal.
Check the company’s registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to verify if they qualify.
3. Check Their Work History
If your vehicle is high-end or expensive, target businesses that have a history of shipping vehicles cross country.
4. Get Everything in a Contract
Ensure all terms and conditions are clear including pricing, delivery dates, and insurance. Avoid companies that seem to be imprecise about costs and terms.
5. Communication With Customers
Make sure that customer service is on point. Customers need to be able to speak to the representative before making any commitments to ensure all questions or concerns are dealt with in a professional manner.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transportation
After selecting the Car shipping company, you need to get your car ready for transportation. Here are the important steps to follow for an easy shipping experience.
1. Clean Your Car
Cleaning your vehicle will help document any scratches, dents, or other damage before shipment so you can refer to it if you need to file a claim after delivery.
2. Take Out All Personal Items
Personal items in the vehicle are not allowed by most companies during transport. A good rule of thumb is to clear the deck of the trunk, glove compartment, and other storage facilities.
3. Check Fluids and Battery
Make sure your vehicle functions well.
Check the battery, fluids levels, and inspect for any leaks.
4. Decrease Fuel Level
Keep your fuel tank at one quarter, or less if possible. This will help in lighter transportation of the vehicle.
5. Turn Off Alarms
Deactivate any alarm or anti-theft devices to prevent disturbances while transporting.
What to Expect During the Shipping Process
Being familiar with vehicle shipments tends to calm one’s nerves and make the process worry free. This is the outline you can expect.
Pickup
On the date chosen by you, the company will go to your location to collect your vehicle. If you have selected a pick from home service, the car will be collected from your desired location. In the case of mid service, you will need to take the car to a nearby terminal.
Transport
Your car will be secured in a container for the journey. During the trip, it will stay there for the duration of shipment.
Tracking
Most vehicle shipping companies allow you to trace the location of the vehicle with the help of a GPS. This feature brings comfort while the car is on the road.
Delivery
Before you sign for the delivery, check the car for any damages that may have occurred during transit.
Take a look at the photos you took earlier to see how the car looked before.
Why Car Shipping is the Preferred Option
Transporting cars and shipping a car from Florida to California is no easy task. However, it is very convenient, especially if you consider its value to your time, the condition of your vehicle, and your overall mental wellbeing. With the expectations of good work and an honest shipping business, the entire procedure could be easy and smooth.
If you are planning to ship your automobile, do some homework regarding the credible shipping businesses and get some estimates. As you do these steps, you are well on your way to an easy car transport experience.