How to Ship a Classic Car Right

Posted on 08/17/2020

Driving your classic car a far distance is a risk due to the chips and scratches that can occur along the way. Keep your classic ride safe and ship it to your destination instead with the white glove car shipping experts at roadrunner Auto Transport.

Classic Car Transport 101
Tips for shipping a classic car
Mistakes to avoid when you are shipping a classic car
Final word

Classic Car Transport 101

Shipping any classic car is obviously a delicate process. You want your prized car to be shipped with the utmost care and safety. You will want to choose a company that has a good track record of moving classic and antique vehicles without damaging them during the shipping process.

People often have an incorrect view or opinion of classic car shipping. They either think it is much more complex or difficult than it actually is, or they think it is much simpler than it really is.

Tips for shipping a classic car

There are actually a few things that you can do in order to get your classic car shipped safely and efficiently to its destination. These are a few tips for shipping a classic car:

Choose enclosed car shipping – Enclosed car shipping is where your car will be shipped in a trailer that has walls and a roof. This is different from regular car shipping, otherwise known as “open auto transport”, where your car is shipped on a trailer that does not have walls and a roof and is thus exposed to elements and small pieces of debris from the road.

Take pictures of your classic car prior to shipping – Before your classic car is picked up for transport, be sure that you take some time-stamped photos which will prove the pristine condition of the car as it existed prior to shipping. This is just in case that any damage does happen to occur during the transport of your vehicle. It is rare, but it does happen occasionally.

Research the companies that you are considering doing business with – It is critically important that you look into the companies that you are considering shipping your classic car with. You want to be sure that they have a good reputation for shipping cars on time and without damage.

You can still ship your classic car if it isn’t running – If your classic or antique car is not running, you can actually still ship it. You will just need to book your shipment further in advance, because it will take a bit longer to find a carrier who will be able to get your inoperable vehicle on their carrier. The ones who will be able to do so will use a winch connected on one end to the auto carrier and on the other end to your car. Your car is then pulled onto the trailer.

Mistakes to avoid when you are shipping a classic car

There are also a few common mistakes that people often make when they are shipping their classic cars. You will want to avoid making them yourself:

They are not prepared when their driver arrives to pick up their car – Be sure that you are ready to have your car picked up when the time comes. Many people think the process of picking your car up is simpler than it actually is. You will need to have your keys and license ready. You will also need to have your car cleaned so that your driver can easily perform an inspection for pre-existing damage to the car which he or she will mark on the bill of lading.

They leave important personal items in their vehicle – When you are shipping your car, you should be aware that any personal items that are lost or damaged will not be covered by any insurance. So, it is a very good idea to remove all personal items from the vehicle before you ship your classic vehicle. In fact, many auto transport companies will not even allow you to ship personal items in your vehicle to begin with.

They forget to check the details of the insurance coverage – You should always check with your own car insurance company before you ship your car. It is not often the case, but your car insurance company could at least partially cover your car during shipping. Although, you will likely end up having to use the coverage from the auto transport company. Always ask a potential shipper to explain the insurance options you have before you decide to book with them.

Final word

Shipping a classic car is slightly more involved than shipping a regular car because you will want to ship in an enclosed carrier rather than on an open carrier. It gets more complex if the classic car that you are shipping is not running. However, the process is much easier than you might initially think. The important thing to remember is that to make your shipment as smooth and easy as possible, you should spend the necessary time preparing for your shipment.

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Posted on 08/17/2020

Classic Car Transport 101

Tips for shipping a classic car

There are actually a few things that you can do in order to get your classic car shipped safely and efficiently to its destination. These are a few tips for shipping a classic car:

Choose enclosed car shipping – Enclosed car shipping is where your car will be shipped in a trailer that has walls and a roof. This is different from regular car shipping, otherwise known as “open auto transport”, where your car is shipped on a trailer that does not have walls and a roof and is thus exposed to elements and small pieces of debris from the road.

Take pictures of your classic car prior to shipping – Before your classic car is picked up for transport, be sure that you take some time-stamped photos which will prove the pristine condition of the car as it existed prior to shipping. This is just in case that any damage does happen to occur during the transport of your vehicle. It is rare, but it does happen occasionally.

Research the companies that you are considering doing business with – It is critically important that you look into the companies that you are considering shipping your classic car with. You want to be sure that they have a good reputation for shipping cars on time and without damage.

You can still ship your classic car if it isn’t running – If your classic or antique car is not running, you can actually still ship it. You will just need to book your shipment further in advance, because it will take a bit longer to find a carrier who will be able to get your inoperable vehicle on their carrier. The ones who will be able to do so will use a winch connected on one end to the auto carrier and on the other end to your car. Your car is then pulled onto the trailer.

Mistakes to avoid when you are shipping a classic car

There are also a few common mistakes that people often make when they are shipping their classic cars. You will want to avoid making them yourself:

They are not prepared when their driver arrives to pick up their car – Be sure that you are ready to have your car picked up when the time comes. Many people think the process of picking your car up is simpler than it actually is. You will need to have your keys and license ready. You will also need to have your car cleaned so that your driver can easily perform an inspection for pre-existing damage to the car which he or she will mark on the bill of lading.

They leave important personal items in their vehicle – When you are shipping your car, you should be aware that any personal items that are lost or damaged will not be covered by any insurance. So, it is a very good idea to remove all personal items from the vehicle before you ship your classic vehicle. In fact, many auto transport companies will not even allow you to ship personal items in your vehicle to begin with.

They forget to check the details of the insurance coverage – You should always check with your own car insurance company before you ship your car. It is not often the case, but your car insurance company could at least partially cover your car during shipping. Although, you will likely end up having to use the coverage from the auto transport company. Always ask a potential shipper to explain the insurance options you have before you decide to book with them.

Final word

Calculate your instant car shipping cost and view carrier availability in your area.

RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"5 star service! I would recommend RoadRunner to anyone looking for professional shipping service at a fair price."

Ian C.

Jacksonville, FL

"Super professional and helpful from the very first call. Easy to book online and the rate was better than I expected."

Steven F.

Austin, TX

"RoadRunner gave us a fair price and was able to pick up when we needed. Very professional from start to finish."

Sean T.

Brooklyn, NY

"I couldn't have been happier with the service provided by RoadRunner to transport my car from CA to NY"

Deborah B.

Long Beach, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for car moving?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.