Jul192019
2019 Past EventsTech Library

Story by Doug Ehmann

If you have a need to move a vehicle a significant distance within the U.S., perhaps this will be useful to you.  Maybe you’re buying or selling a vehicle, or you want to take your Porsche to Parade, or to/from your summer or winter home.   I’ve moved three cars, and one just recently here’s what I learned. 

  • Use a well-known, recommended carrier.  At the end of the article is a list of carriers with whom I’ve had good experiences, and/or have good reputations
  • Consider reputation and quality, not just price.
  • Most carriers use large semi-trailer rigs that fit six cars or similar vehicles.  Some carriers will offer single or double trailers, too.
  • Go with a service that has: 
    • Enclosed trailers.
    • Trailers with a lift gate (as the vehicles are often double-stacked).
    • Air ride suspension
  • Price:
    • Expect to pay about a dollar a mile, but more for short runs, and less for longer runs.
    • Cost will vary by demand and volume of cars going on your route.  If a carrier can slot you in with a nearly full load of other cars, the price will be less.
  • Payment: Most carriers like payment when the reservation is made.  I’ve requested payment be made at pickup or delivery time, and they have agreed, requiring a certified bank check, before they will take or release the vehicle.
  • Notify the carrier if you have extra parts or boxes to take.  They may charge additional fees.
  • Insurance: Most carriers provide $500,000 to $5 million in coverage, with no deductible, from pickup to delivery.   
  • Scheduling – Auto transport is not a regularly scheduled service like airplane or train travel.  When you place your transport order, the dispatcher must assemble a load of up to six cars, including your vehicle, and route a truck.  Depending on your location and time of year, this may take several days to several weeks. 
  • Guaranteed pickup and delivery dates – Most carriers offer this, but the price increases significantly, often double to quadruple.
  • Loading: These carriers typically use large 80’ semi-trailer rigs.  They don’t fit easily on suburban streets or driveways.  I usually meet the driver at a local shopping center parking lot for pickup or delivery.
  • Preparing the vehicle for pickup:
    • Make sure it’s clean, so it’s easy for you and the truck driver to do a proper inspection.  This helps avoid damage claim problems.
    • If you are selling a vehicle, include everything that goes with the car – keys, accessories, documents, title, tools, etc.  Pack these carefully, so they won’t shift or damage the car.  Remove items you intend to keep – license plates, registration, personal items.
    • Provide written instructions regarding anything the person handling your vehicle will need to know, including information about battery and fuel cut-off switches, hidden switches, alarm instructions, and any other “tricks” to starting and running your car. 
    • The gas tank should be at least one quarter full and the battery charged to avoid additional fees for winching.   Make sure your antifreeze level is adequate for the climate at both ends of the trip to avoid a cracked engine block.
  • Pickup or Delivery:
    • The dispatcher or driver will usually call one to two days prior to pickup or delivery.
    • Pickup or delivery could be any time, seven days a week.
    • At pickup, inspect the vehicle with the driver, who will note any pre-existing damage.  
    • Watch how they secure the car – location of straps, items around the car.  I’ve seen them place straps on convenient spots, like chrome bumpers, that would show rubs and scratches after the trip.
    • Upon delivery you or a trusted representative will want to inspect.  Before signing off on the delivery, make sure to note any damage, in case you need to submit a claim.

Here is a list of vehicle transport companies to consider.  I’ve personally moved cars across the country with three of these companies.  The others come highly recommended, by a variety of sources.  For comparison, I’ve listed quoted prices to move a car from Baltimore to Boston (7/2019).  Though when I’ve called for other jobs, the relative prices have been different.

  • Reliable Carriers (the big orange rigs)  Provided excellent service.  Nice trucks, quality drivers, good handling of the cars.  My favorite.
    • www.ReliableCarriers.com; 800-521-6393
    • Price quote: $766.00.  They quoted $3,510 for guaranteed dates, or expedited service.
    • 1-3 week pickup window.
  • Intercity (white and blue rigs)
  • Passport Auto Transport (green and gold rigs)
  • Autobahn (no consistent rig color)

\Appraisal\Selling Advice & Services\ Vehicle Transport – Advice & Services.doc; 7/18/2019.

Categories: 2019 Past Events, Tech Library