Shipping a car is not just a long road trip for your wheels; it’s a journey full of possible bumps, rain, and the occasional rough handshake from a stranger. Weather, road salt, and careless loaders can leave marks that make even a brand-new car look tired. Taking a few smart precautions before the first tow truck arrives can save you from a nasty surprise later. We’ve lined up easy ways to shield your ride during transport, from prep work to choosing the right carrier.
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Pick the Safest Transport Option
How a car is shipped matters more than most people realize. Open carriers are cheap and common, yet dust, birds, and tree sap don’t follow a budget. Enclosed trailers cost a little more but shield your vehicle from everything that flies, drips, or kicks up along the highway. If keeping scratches at bay is a top priority, that extra expense could be the best money you spend.
1.1 Enclosed Shipping
Enclosed car shipping is like booking a first-class cabin for your vehicle. The transporter has a fully sealed trailer that locks out rain, snow, and any flying gravel you might worry about. This option is the go-to for owners of vintage muscle cars, one-off custom builds, or any ride that carries sentimental value.
- Advantages
Maximum shield against bad weather, road debris, and would-be thieves.
- Disadvantages
The price tag can be roughly double what you’d pay for an open-hauler.
1.2 Open Shipping
Open car shipping feels a bit like taking the interstate with the windows down. Your ride sits on a flatbed that leaves it exposed to sun, rain, and the occasional bird, but the cost is usually half or a third of what an enclosed move would run. Most everyday vehicles and even many brand-new cars travel this route because, let’s face it, the savings add up.
- Advantages
It’s the budget-friendliest way to get a car from point A to point B.
- Disadvantages
Weather, dust, and loose debris have a free pass while the car is loaded.
1.3 Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Shipping
When the destination is across an ocean, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) is worth a look. The driver simply steers the vehicle onto a purpose-built cargo ship, the crew secures the wheels, and off it goes. RoRo is often the budget champ for maritime trips, even if the car sits out in the open while the vessel journeys port-to-port.
- Advantages
Lower freight rates make it the economic pick for international shipping.
- Disadvantages
Rain, salt spray, and wind greet the car the minute it leaves dry land.
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Prep Your Ride for the Long Haul
Getting your car ready for shipment is a smart way to keep it safe on the road. Whether the vehicle is tucked into an enclosed trailer or sitting on an open flatbed, a little upfront work can go a long way in protecting the paint and bumpers.
2.1 Give It a Good Scrub
A thorough inside-and-out cleaning turns the vehicle into a blank canvas for inspectors. Free of dirt, grime, scratches and dents are easy to spot and photograph. Plus, many customs offices flat-out refuse cars that show mud or plant matter, so a quick wash can save a lot of hassle at the border.
2.2 Clear Out Your Stuff
Wallets, shoes, and even spare change can shuffle around and cause expensive scratches during the long haul. Most carriers forbid personal items anyway, labeling them as extra weight and potential sources of damage. Leave the trunk empty so the driver can focus on moving the car instead of babysitting your belongings.
2.3 Check for Leaks and Fluid Levels
Before you hand over the keys, take a quick look under the hood-oil, coolant, and brake fluid should all be where they belong. A pool of red or brown liquid on your driveway is a sure sign you’ll earn the shipper’s side-eye. Many companies simply won’t accept a car that drips, because leaks can turn into bigger headaches while the vehicle is on a ferry, rail car, or flatbed. Filling every reservoir keeps the engine, brakes and gearbox happy on whatever roads they end up travelling.
2.4 Document Your Car’s Condition
Pull out your phone and snap clear pictures of every panel, bumper, and seat before loading. Sunlight and a wide-angle lens make it easy to catch tiny dents, faded spots, and ripped upholstery that could be missed later. Store those photos in a folder labeled Shipping-Baseline so you can email them to the insurer or the carrier in the unlikely event something goes sideways.
2.5 Disable the Alarm System
Most modern rides bark like a lunatic when someone opens the door with a non-fob key, and that chorus gets old quickly. Finding a calm moment to press lock twice-or yank the fuse if the car is stubborn-saves everybody a lot of ear-piercing trouble. This step matters even more on long overseas hops, since a ringing alarm can outlast the patience of the crew managing the shipment.
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Consider Insurance Coverage
Shipping a car across the country is nerve-racking enough without wondering if your ride will survive the journey. Most well-known hauling outfits toss on basic insurance, but it usually falls short for rare, custom, or vintage wheels. If your heart and bank account love that car, pay close attention to the coverage details.
3.1 Standard Shipping Insurance
The baseline policy generally steps in only if an outright accident occurs-wrecks, drops, and rough loading included. Even so, most carriers set a cap on the total payout, and not all scrapes or dents count as an insurable event. Figure that limit early so you know if you are covered or just crossing your fingers.
3.2 Additional Coverage
For added peace of mind, companies often let you buy extra protection right at the if-you-pay-more desk. This upgraded plan usually sweeps in weather damage, flying road debris, and even the worst-case scenario of theft. You can also shop outside the transporter and get a standalone policy; it just takes a little digging.
3.3 Inspect Your Car Upon Delivery
As soon as those transporter ramps hit the ground, walk around your car and note every blemish, dent, and scratch. Pull out the receipts, photographs, or the phone video you made before handing over the keys and use those as proof. Spot a new problem? Tell the driver, fill out the claim forms, and if needed, loop your personal insurer into the mix. Waiting even a few hours can weaken your case.
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Pick a Trusted Car Shipping Outfit
Finding a dependable car-hauling company can make or break your travel plans. A solid carrier comes with clear updates, well-kept rigs, and drivers who know how to babysit your ride, even when the road gets rough.
4.1 Scout Reviews Ahead of Time
Before you click the booking button, scan Yelp, Google, and Transport Reviews-or peek at the Better Business Bureau for a quick scorecard. Lots of five-star notes and a clean BBB slate usually mean the dispatcher on the other end can walk the talk.
4.2 Probe Their Luxury-Car Know-How
Shipping a Bentley or a cherry-red Mustang? Ask the company flat-out how often they handle showpiece wheels. Firms that specialize often have lower decks, soft straps, and enough cushion to keep a vintage dashboard dent-free.
4.3 Lock in Solid Insurance Numbers
No one wants a surprise when the terminal gate swings open, so double-check the policy limits. If your coupe is worth six figures, make sure the companies bottom-line insurance matches that sticker price-or be ready to shop around for a better safety net.
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Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Car During Shipping
Shipping a car can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be. If you pick the right method, prep the ride like a pro, and team up with a trusted company, damage chances drop way down. Peace of mind almost always follows honest prep work.
At Shipping-Your-Car.com we don’t just move steel boxes; we ferry your favorite set of wheels from point A to point B, with care the whole way. Whether your ride has a luxury badge or a dependable pedigree, our crews treat each car as if it were their own.
If you’re ready to roll, swing by Shipping-Your-Car.com for a fast quote. Getting your vehicle to its new driveway safely is one click away.
