Classic cars hold sentimental value and are expensive, in addition to being valuable collectibles. If you need to relocate a vintage muscle car, an antique car, or a collectible, then selecting the right shipping company is definitely crucial. The wrong choice can have costly consequences.
This guide will show you what to look for in classic car shipping services, what steps they take in the process, and how you can make informed decisions when searching to ship your vehicle safely and securely.
The Specialized Care of Classic Cars. Having classic cars as part of your investment collection means they likely require more attention and care, both emotionally and financially. They generally do not need maintenance like normal sedans because their bodywork is often fragile. In fact some components and finishes are rare.
For this reason, it is important to associate yourself with companies that deal with collectible and vintage cars exclusively. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the loading procedure or the trailer preparation for transportation; every detail counts. Classic car owners should consider enclosed auto transport, which safeguards vehicles from bad weather conditions, specifically preventing dust, debris,
What to Look for in a Classic Car Shipping Company
- Experience with Classic Vehicles
Not all car shipping businesses have the facilities or knowledge required to deal with an antique or classic car. Look for a provider that has mastered classic car transport; they will understand:
- Vehicles with low ground clearance
- Rare and irreplaceable antique parts
- Manual loading/unloading techniques
- High-value cargo insurance
Look into references or case studies where they transported cars similar to yours. A seasoned company knows how to protect delicate finishes, temperature control if needed, and provide extra care during handling.
- Enclosed Auto Transport Options
For many drivers of classic cars, getting the vehicle shipped using enclosed auto transport provides the best solution. Unlike open trailers that expose your cars, enclosed carriers protect them from weather conditions and road debris as well as prying eyes. These carriers are usually equipped with:
- Soft or hard-sided enclosures
- Hydraulic lift gates for low-clearance cars
- Climate-controlled systems for sensitive interiors
- Reduced the number of vehicles per load to reduce handling
In comparison to open transport costs, this option is way more expensive, but is still preferable thanks to the peace of mind provided by safety during shipment.
- Insurance Coverage
Always check a company’s insurance policy before handing over your classic car to them. Although every carrier must carry liability and cargo insurance, each has different limits, deductibles, and coverages. Get clarification on the following:
- Maximum coverage amounts per vehicle
- Deductibles
- Coverage inclusions (scratches, mechanical issues, weather-related damage)
- Proof of insurance (obligation to provide upon request)
Also, verify with your standard auto insurer if your classic car is covered during transport. If needed, get additional coverage through a short-term policy.
- Licensing and Credentials
A transport company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and possess a valid U.S. DOT number in order to legally operate in the country. Their safety record and complaint history can also be checked online, so one can confirm if they are accredited for compliance benchmarks within the country.
Another factor from a reputable shipper is clarity on how they operate, their fees as well as contract stipulations. Stay away from such companies that don’t respond clearly or refuse to show supporting documents.
- Transparent Pricing
Shipping classic cars is costly compared to standard car shipping because of the extra attention they receive. A trustworthy transport company, however, should offer clear, full disclosure pricing models without hidden charges. Pricing breakdown includes:
- Base transport fee
- Equipment surcharges (for enclosed transport, lift gates, etc.)
- Insurance coverage
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Estimated timeframes
Avoid too good to be true offers; low quotes are a warning sign for hollow service due to hidden charges or poor quality services disguised as “low rates.”
How to Ship a Car: The Classic Vehicle Edition
While the steps in the classic car shipping guide mirror those found in a standard vehicle transport guide, added precautions must be taken for specialty vehicles: Request quotes from multiple companies with classic car experience.
Inspect and document your vehicle’s condition with photos.
- Choose enclosed auto transport for maximum protection.
- Remove personal items, but pack loose parts that can shift during transit.
- Provide detailed instructions if your vehicle requires special considerations beyond routine handling.
Keep communicating with your carrier and request tracking updates regularly.
If you’re still looking into how a car is shipped, research companies whose representatives are willing to give thorough explanations about their processes, tailoring their service around your specifications about the automobile.
How Long Does It Take to Ship A Car?
Every shipment has its own specific challenges and requirements. Distance, method of transport, and the availability of enclosed trailers are all important factors that need to be taken into consideration. In most cases, within the country, shipments can take anywhere from a few days to over a week. Enclosed transport might take longer because carriers have fewer trucks on the road.
- Shipping a classic car also comes with time constraints from:
- A lack of available specialized carriers
- Additional handling precautions during loading and unloading
- Rural vs urban geographic considerations for delivery
In order to ship your car, Bounders will definitely give you the shortest possible timeframe it could take to deliver your vehicle that they possibly can give you while still keeping reliability in mind. If anything happens in between, they will do everything they can to keep you updated.
Questions To Ask Before Booking
To protect your investment, ask your potential shipping company each one of these questions:
- Have you shipped classic cars similar to mine before?
- Do you offer enclosed auto transport with lift-gate loading?
- What is your insurance coverage and claims process?
- Can I see your FMCSA registration and customer reviews?
- What’s the estimated timeline for pickup and delivery?
Answering these types of questions not only gives clarity regarding the whole shipping process but will also enable you to gauge how prompt and professional the concerned company.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to transporting a classic car, it’s more complicated than just making a carrier booking. It uses specialized equipment, transports them with careful and detail-oriented processes, and you need a partner who truly appreciates the vehicle and respects all its features. You can give yourself peace of mind when the process is managed by a company that has closed transport services for vintage and collector cars and guides you through every single step of the way with clear communication.
Knowing how to ship a car safely becomes highly important, whether you are moving, selling, or participating in shows; shipping it requires choosing an equally competent service provider. A lot of people wonder how long shipping takes, but what’s more important is focusing on the proper quality within each step of that journey instead.
