Shipping a luxury car may feel like a stressful experience because you’re putting your pride and joy in a third-party’s possession. But you don’t need to stress out over shipping your vehicle because carriers are well-equipped to handle these shipments and do an excellent job, ensuring that your vehicle will arrive in perfect condition.
However, not all shipping carriers are equal. It’s important to do your due diligence before selecting a vendor to make sure your car reaches its destination in good shape.
Here are six mistakes you should avoid when shipping your luxury car.
Key takeaways
- Luxury cars are successfully shipped all the time
- 6 mistakes in the pre-shipping process can lead to damage
- Carefully choosing a carrier is the best way to limit the risks to your vehicle
1. Selecting the wrong shipping type
Before anything else, selecting the appropriate shipping type is important to getting your luxury vehicle safely from point A to point B.
Where is the car going? When shipping within North America, land transportation is probably going to be your best choice. However, this category has various options, including enclosed trailers, open trailers, flatbeds, and multi-level or non-stacking haulers.
It’s sometimes worth it to pay a little extra to ensure your luxury vehicle has the protection of an enclosed shipping trailer. The enclosure will make it less likely that debris from the road will damage your car.
When moving the car overseas, you can choose between air and ocean freight. Naturally, air is the most expensive but also fastest. Ocean freight takes longer but costs less. Your decision will likely depend on when you need your vehicle to reach its destination.
Consider all shipping types before making your decision to ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination in the best possible condition.
2. Skimping on shipping preparation
Getting your car ready for transportation takes a bit of work. It’s well worth the effort, though, because it can limit the risk of damage during the shipping process and ensure your car is ready to drive upon arrival.
Start by taking the car to a mechanic and having it inspected. Completing any necessary repairs at this time is recommended.
You’ll also want to note any defects the car has before you ship it so you can identify damage that occurs while it’s on the shipping truck.
To prevent damage, remove any loose items sitting inside the vehicle. Anything you leave in the car has the potential to move around during transport, damaging its interior. Taking off any roof rails or antennas can also help reduce the risk of damage.
3. Sneaking in personal items
Hand-in-hand with forgoing preparation is trying to sneak personal items into the vehicle during transportation. Sure, putting a set of golf clubs or tennis gear in the trunk of the car is tempting because it eliminates things you’d have to ship, but these items could break or damage the vehicle during transport.
Additionally, the shipping company usually isn’t liable for these items, so, if your clubs aren’t there when the car arrives, you have very little recourse. When shipping on an open-air truck, your vehicle will sit outside for multiple nights and items inside could become the perfect target for thieves.
4. Not doing your research
Once you determine that you’re going to ship your luxury vehicle, don’t make the mistake of choosing the first service provider you find. There are a lot of vendors on the market, and all have different options available. Reading reviews on these vendors is a good start because you don’t want to receive poor customer service.
Going with an FMCSA licensed and insured carrier is an excellent first step because it ensures that the company has the proper oversight and there’s recourse if the vendor doesn’t meet its commitments.
5. Skimping on insurance
Your carrier will have insurance protecting your vehicle against many types of damage that can occur during transport. However, the coverage won’t include weather-related damage from fires, flooding, earthquakes, and hail, or flying debris on the road. Vandalism isn’t covered under most carrier plans, either.
It’s a good idea to look at the additional insurance options available when transporting a luxury car. Speak with your insurance provider to see if you need supplementary coverage for shipping it. That way, you can cover any gaps in your existing carrier’s plan.
Of course, you can also opt for an enclosed hauler to reduce the chance of vehicle damage.
6. Focusing on cost
The cheapest shipping vendor isn’t always the best one to meet your needs. You might pay a bit more upfront for a reputable carrier, but you’ll be glad you did so when your car arrives in excellent condition. Likewise, going with the cheapest available vendor won’t look like a good deal if the transportation process doesn’t run smoothly.
Don’t focus on price too much, at least within reason, as you go through your available options. Focus on finding the carrier that provides the services you need to ensure you’re happy with your decision.
How to find the right luxury car shipping carrier
As you go through your shipping options, the process can become overwhelming. Who knew there were so many luxury car shipping companies in the country? However, a broker can help you sort it out.
Mercury Auto Transport can assist as you look for a carrier to ship your luxury vehicle. We only work with FMCSA licensed and insured carriers, providing peace of mind as you go through your available options. Contact us to speak with a representative or receive a free quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions: Luxury Car Shipping Mistakes
1. What are the common mistakes to avoid when shipping a Luxury Car?
When shipping a luxury vehicle, some common mistakes include not researching the transport service thoroughly, choosing the wrong carrier, and not opting for enclosed auto transport for added protection.
2. How important is it to use an enclosed container for Luxury Car Shipping?
Using an enclosed container is crucial for Luxury Car Shipping to provide maximum protection against external elements, ensuring your luxury car arrives in pristine condition.
3. What are the benefits of choosing a reliable carrier for luxury car transport?
Selecting a reliable carrier ensures that your luxury vehicle is handled with care, reducing the risk of damages during shipping and giving you peace of mind throughout the transport process.
4. How does enclosed car transport differ from open carrier service for luxury vehicles?
Enclosed car transport provides an added layer of protection by shielding your luxury car from weather elements and road debris, whereas open carrier service exposes the vehicle to external factors.
5. What factors should car enthusiasts consider when shipping their luxury cars to a car show?
When preparing to ship a luxury car to a car show, it is essential to plan ahead, choose a reputable auto transport company, and ensure proper insurance coverage
