What are the options for shipping your car when relocating for employment?

A recent poll found that 20 million Americans are planning to move to another state for work, and those most likely to make the jump are people aged 18 to 34. And that’s especially the case with remote work on the rise. Relocating for a new job offers a slew of exciting possibilities — better neighbourhoods, lower cost of living, sunshine year-round — but it also brings ever-present challenges. How to ship the car is a big worry for a lot of folks.

 

If your new employer has a corporate relocation package, it may include transportation for a car. But even if that’s the case, you might still be left with this question: How do you ship your car? Miami Auto transport companies ease your burden when you are moving, not make it worse. Let’s walk through the process to give you an understanding of how you can ship your car stress-free.

 

Understanding Your Car Shipping Options:

 

So, before you shift your car to all four corners of America, whichever state you desire, such as California, Texas, Florida, Alaska, etc., it’s best you know your options. There are two primary car transport options: open carrier and enclosed carrier shipping. 

 

The cheapest and most commonly used way is the open car shipping method. Your car goes on a truck with an open top, which means it’s out in the weather and the dirt and the bugs. This may sound risky, but it’s quite safe, and it saves money. It’s the perfect pick for most people and regular cars.

 

On the other end, enclosed carrier shipping costs more (as much as 50% more) because the truck that carries your car is closed, and your car is secure from the elements. Recommended for: Luxury type, valuable cars, classic–custom cars that require added protection. Why do I need extended transportation insurance?

 

After deciding between open or enclosed transport, you will likewise be in the position between preferring terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door shipping. This type of shipping, known as terminal-to-terminal shipping, means that you deliver your car to one terminal and collect it from another, often close to your destination. This is usually less expensive but less convenient. Door-to-door shipping is the easiest, but it’s more costly. The carrier will take your car from your current address to your destination.

 

To cut costs, it’s a good rule of thumb to book your car shipping at least three to four weeks in advance. This should provide you with adequate time to locate a driver before the price changes significantly.

 

How is the cost of car shipping analysed?

 

There are lots of factors that impact the cost to ship a car. The distance is, of course, one of the most important factors. Of course, the further you fly it away, the more costly it is. But, pricing per mile tends to decrease as the distance you’re shipping the vehicle increases, so you may discover that shipping a car across the country will be cheaper than shipping it just a few hundred miles.

 

The weight and dimensions of your vehicle also factor heavily in the price. Perhaps too wide because bigger and heavier cars cost more to ship. For instance, it is going to cost more to ship a truck or an SUV than a small car. Plus, if your vehicle has any extra features , such as a custom body or oversized tires, the shipper might require special equipment to load it, which could translate to pricier fees. 

 

The season is also a factor that will impact the cost. The car-transport industry has peak periods, particularly June through August. If you can, stay clear of getting your car shipped this particular time just to save money. And of course, the pickup and drop-off locations can influence the price. The cost will be lower if you’re shipping your car to or from a big city or an area near major highways. Prices tend to be higher for remote or difficult-to-access areas.

 

Handling Insurance and Liability:

 

You’ll also want to make sure your vehicle is protected in case something doesn’t go quite right once you hit the road. Two are Libertarians who would like insurance. The first is primary insurance coverage supplied by the carrier. They must carry a certain amount of insurance.   

 

There’s the primary insurance as well as the secondary insurance. This is added liability coverage that you can purchase from your own car insurance company or the shipper itself. It can come in handy if you own an expensive, premium or customised car.

 

It’s also wise to ask if the insurance offered by the shipping company is sufficient to cover the full value of your car in the event of an accident. At times, minimum coverage won’t cut it for luxury or classic cars, and you should consider buying extra insurance.

 

Be sure to document the state of your car before and after you deliver. Snap some clear photos of your car, inside and out, so you can prove any damage that might happen to it. First, wash your car to easily see any existing scratches or dents.

 

Timing Your Car Shipment:

 

Reserving your spot in advance is important, but there are other factors to consider when timing your car shipment. Occasionally, delays can occur based on weather conditions or mechanical issues. You may also want to do a little research about the public transportation options available in your new area, in case you have to get to work (or elsewhere) without the aid of a car because your car hasn’t made it to its destination yet. Also, see where you can rent a car, if necessary.

 

The good news: Auto shipping companies in Miami are already accustomed to coping with other common causes of delay, like bad weather or traffic, so they are prepared to adjust to adversity. (But you should still communicate your timing to the shipping company as clearly as you can in order to avoid mishaps.)

 

Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping:

 

Here are some things you need to do before your car can be shipped. One of the first things you’re going to want to do is document the condition of your car. Get good photos of the car from different angles so you can find dents or scratches later. Also, make sure to wash your car before shooting pictures so the damage shows up better.

 

You can also document the state of your car and remove personal items from the vehicle. Some carriers are strict about not allowing anything personal in the car because of the safety and weight issues. Keeping your possessions inside also means there's a risk of damage during transportation. If you’re shipping your car to Hawaii, for example, you’ll be prohibited from packing anything at all inside.     

 

In addition to cleaning and removing personal belongings, some essential papers will need to be at the ready. That includes your car registration, proof of insurance, driver’s license or government ID. If your car is an older model, you might be required to show a bill of sale or title as evidence of ownership.

 

It is also recommended to have your vehicle tuned up before shipping. This will help ensure that it’s in good working order and that the space is easy to load and unload. An ill-kept car can manifest trouble while in transit. You should also have no more than one-quarter of a tank of fuel in your car. This helps keep the weight down, though it also doesn’t leave you high and dry after car delivery.

 

Conclusion: 

 

It’s always nerve-racking to leave your car for transport. But most carriers offer tracking services and methods to contact the driver. Ensuring that you have an open dialogue with the car shipping company in Miami will keep you informed and enable you to react quickly if there are any problems. It also gives you flexibility with pickup and delivery dates if there’s a problem.

 

In summary, when you are in the market to move your vehicle during a job relocation, the transaction really doesn't have to be that difficult of a process. If you know your shipping choices, the costs involved, and what to do beforehand, you can navigate immigration more easily and with less stress. Just be sure to reserve your shipment well in advance, communicate clearly, and be sure to properly prepare your vehicle for shipping. This means you can concentrate on your new and exciting job and home without needing to think of how you’ll get your car to where you need it.