Owning a classic or vintage car means more than owning a vehicle; it means preserving history, style, and craftsmanship. From restored 1965 Mustangs and rare Porsches to family heirlooms inherited as inheritances, transporting these classic vehicles can seem daunting – they require more care during transport than everyday models do.
In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to know about shipping a classic or vintage car, such as selecting an appropriate shipping method, verifying carrier credentials, including USDOT certification, and answering common questions like how much does auto transport cost. Furthermore, we will explore why enclosed auto transport offers the greatest protection of investment.
Why Vintage and Classic Cars Require Special Care
Classic and vintage cars aren’t simply cars; they are works of art with immense cultural significance and can often be irreplaceable. Their value lies not only in market price, but also in their rarity, originality, condition, and rarity; even small scratches, dents, or weather damage may drastically decrease their value.
Vintage models often contain unique components and paint finishes that require special care when transporting, so choosing an effective means is of the utmost importance.
Transport Method of Choice: Enclosed Auto Transport
Standard vehicles typically ship on open carriers; this method of shipping may not be appropriate for classic or vintage cars, as open carriers expose them to rain, snow, sun exposure, road debris, and even bird droppings – all of which could potentially cause irreparable damage.
Transporting an enclosed auto provides many benefits:
- Full Protection against Weather and Debris: Vehicles are protected from the elements throughout their journey.
- Enclosed trailers provide added security: By keeping your vehicle out of public view and out of danger of theft or vandalism, enclosed trailers reduce theft or vandalism risks significantly.
- Specialized equipment: Many enclosed carriers use lift gates instead of ramps for low-clearance classic cars to ensure loading doesn’t result in scrapes and dents during loading.
- Higher insurance coverage: Enclosed shipping companies typically offer policies with increased liability limits for added peace of mind.
- Transport of high-value vehicles should never be seen as a luxury; rather, it should be seen as a necessity.
Verifying Carrier Credentials: Why USDOT Registration Matters
Prior to hiring a car shipping company, it’s vitally important that they comply with federal regulations. Every professional auto transporter should register with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
An official USDOT number allows you to confirm:
Safety records, insurance coverage, and complaint history of carriers can all be checked using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website. If a provider cannot provide its USDOT number as proof, that should serve as a warning signa,l and you should seek alternative service providers.
How Much Does it Cost to Transport a Car Between States?
One of the most frequently asked questions by classic car owners is, “How much does it cost to transport my car?”. The cost depends on several key variables.
- Distance: Longer journeys tend to cost more, though their rate per mile often decreases.
- Transport Type: Open carriers tend to be cheaper; enclosed auto transport services usually incur additional protection fees due to their additional security.
- Size and Weight of Vehicle: Larger and heavier vehicles require more space and resources, increasing costs significantly.
- Pick-Up and Drop-off Locations: Shipping between major cities tends to be less costly than shipping between rural locations.
- Season and Demand: Rates tend to increase during high-demand moving seasons such as summer or snowbird migrations.
Transporting a classic car via open carrier typically costs anywhere between $600-$1,200 over short to medium distances, with enclosed transport costing anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 depending on distance and service levels required.
Insurance Considerations for Classic and Vintage Cars
Accidents happen even to the safest carriers, so reviewing insurance coverage should always be top of mind. Here’s what to do:
- Receive proof of insurance from the shipping company.
- Assure your coverage limits match the value of your car.
- Prior to taking possession, take photos that document its condition – with dates and high-resolution images as evidence.
Note any damages on the Bill of Lading when receiving the car.
If the carrier’s insurance doesn’t fully cover the value of your classic car, supplemental coverage may provide greater peace of mind.
Preparing Your Classic Car for State-to-State Transport
Before loading your vehicle onto a trailer, there are essential steps you must take in order to prepare it safely for shipping:
- Soak your car thoroughly to make damage inspection easier.
- Take photos from every angle, with particular focus on special features or close-ups of special pieces.
- Remove personal belongings as they aren’t covered by insurance.
- Maintain your vehicle by checking fluid levels and battery levels regularly to make sure it can be quickly moved if needed.
- Secure loose parts such as spoilers, mirrors, or convertible tops.
These steps will protect your car and expedite any inspection and claims processes should an issue arise.
Selecting an Appropriate Car Shipping Company
Not all auto transport companies are created equal. When shipping a classic or vintage car across state lines, look for an experienced provider with a strong track record and strong references. Consider:
- Specialist expertise in handling classic and luxury vehicles.
- Verification of USDOT registration to ensure safety and compliance.
- Customer reviews that demonstrate reliability and professionalism.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Options available for enclosed auto transport and door-to-door delivery.
- Trustworthy shipping partners will guide and reassure you throughout the process.
Why Cutting Costs Can Be Risky
Although it might be tempting to opt for the lowest-priced option when transporting classic or vintage cars, that can be a costly error. Hiring an inexperienced company or open transport could save money upfront, but even one minor accident could cause thousands in damage–or worse, irreplaceable loss.
Selecting the ideal shipping method and working with an insured, licensed, and experienced company are essential for the safe arrival of a classic car.
Conclusion
Moving a classic or vintage car across state lines requires careful planning and attention to every detail. By selecting enclosed auto transport, verifying their USDOT credentials, and understanding how much it costs to ship a car, you can take steps to safeguard your valuable asset.
With proper preparation and an experienced transport partner, you can safely move your car with confidence, knowing it will arrive in its original state – ready for you and future owners to admire for years.