Planning a big move across the country, escaping winter for sunnier skies, or buying a car from out of province? Whatever the reason, if you need to move your vehicle, choosing the right auto transport service is crucial.
For those new to car shipping, it might seem overwhelming — but don’t worry! Abrams Auto Transport has you covered with this complete guide, making it easy to understand the process and make the best choice for your needs.
Topics Covered in This Car Shipping Guide:
1. What is Car Shipping?
A basic overview of vehicle shipping and what services are available to fit your needs.
2. Car Shipping Service Types.
An overview of the types of services you may want including open car shipping, non-running vehicle shipping, and individual and luxury vehicle transport,
3. Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Service.
An outline of what these terms mean and how they impact your experience as a customer.
4. How to Choose The Right Auto Transport Company?
The key things you should be looking for as a customer to choose the right car shipping company for your needs.
5. Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipment.
Steps to take before handing your car over to a transport company.
What is Car Shipping?
Car shipping, auto transport or vehicle relocation are all the same thing and it’s exactly what you think it is – a service that allows individuals to have their car transported from one location to another, often over long distances. Whether you find yourself moving provinces, heading down south for the winter season or purchasing a car from out of the province or country, car shipping services can help you transport your vehicle safely and efficiently.
Auto transportation is particularly useful for those who need to transport:
- more than one vehicle at a time
- their vehicle across long distances and cannot (or just don’t want to) drive the distance
- their non-running/non-operational vehicle
With the right Auto Transport provider, this process is straightforward and stress-free.
Car Shipping Service Types
There are many ways to ship a vehicle safely and efficiently across long-distances. Here’s a breakdown of the various methods used most often by auto transport companies.
Open Car Transport
At Abrams Auto Transport, this is our most popular service and is the most common across the car shipping industry. This is the most cost-effective solution for vehicle owners looking to transport their car.
This method entails loading your vehicle onto an open trailer, similar to what you would see a dealership or car manufacturer use to transport vehicles. Your car is shipped along with other vehicles, which is why this is the most cost-effective option.
Using an open car transport method means your vehicle will be subject to the elements like rain, dust, debris, etc. However, for everyday drivers, this is sufficient as exposure to the elements is no different than if you were to drive yourself.
Open car transport also means faster scheduling and pick up times because it is the industry standard and is therefore widely available.
For more information on Open Car Transport with Abrams Auto click here.
Non-Running Vehicle Transport
You may have a non-operational or non-running vehicle that needs to be transported which can be more complicated than typical car shipping. You may find yourself in this position if your vehicle breaks down or you get into a car accident while out of province or out of the country.
Non-running car shipping is more difficult because rolling your vehicle onto the truck bed may not be possible due to damage. To transport non-operational vehicles it takes skill and care to ensure your vehicle doesn’t sustain further damage.
At Abrams, we offer door-to-door service which is key to servicing customers with non-operational vehicles. Keep reading to learn about the difference between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal services.
Individual and Luxury Vehicle Transport
If you’re the proud owner of an exotic, luxury or classic car – you’ll want the best of the best for your vehicle. When dealing with precious cargo such as luxury vehicles, you’ll want to select the transport option that protects your car and gives you peace of mind.
When it comes to luxury, you’re looking for specialized handling, door-to-door service and experienced drivers. This option is typically more costly but as a high-end car owner, protecting your vehicle is worth the cost.
To get a quote for transporting your luxury or high-end vehicle from the #1 Auto Transporter in Canada and the United States, click here.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
We’ve mentioned the importance of door-to-door car shipping services a few times already in this article, but what does that actually mean?
When researching auto transport companies, you’ll find that some offer door-to-door service while others only offer terminal-to-terminal service. What this means is that some companies will only provide services that require you to drop off your car at a terminal or depot. This can be a designated auto transport terminal, rail terminal or shipping port depending on your location and the company’s service locations.
Terminal-to-terminal service has its pros and cons, but ultimately it requires you to handle the logistics of dropping off and picking up your vehicle.
Alternatively, companies may offer door-to-door service which means they will pick up and drop off your vehicle at your desired location when possible. In some cases, restrictions do hinder the ability for complete door-to-door service as some areas cannot accommodate large vehicles.
It’s important to research what each company means when they say they provide “door-to-door” service as their definition of this may differ. At Abrams Auto Transport, we proudly provide the best door-to-door service for our customers so the process is entirely stress-free. We work with our customers to coordinate pick up and drop off locations that are easiest for them, and in cases where vehicles are non-operational or in need of repair, we will even drop off at your desired car mechanic or dealership.
For more on our services click here.
How To Choose The Right Auto Transport Company
There are a few key considerations when it comes to selecting your car transport company such as:
- Insurance Coverage – each company should have an up to date and effective policy that protects your vehicle from in-transit damage.
- Reputation – a good reputation is everything in this industry. A good way to confirm a good reputation is to look at customer testimonials. Google Reviews are a good place to start (as they cannot be altered by the company). Check out our Google Reviews here.
- Experienced Drivers – you should look for a company that has a long-standing reputation of quality service, especially if you’re shipping luxury or inoperable vehicles. Beware that many companies contract out to third-party drivers which can come with its own risks.
- Availability – scheduling your transport should be easy, quick and stress-free. Companies with a large fleet of trucks should be able to accommodate your transport as they will have multiple shipment dates per week.
- Cost – obviously cost is a large consideration for all customers. However, beware of any company whose cost is significantly lower than their competition. Price can be influenced by many factors like seasonal demand, service type, car size, and distance. Get started with a FREE QUOTE from us.
At Abrams Auto Transport we’ve been serving our customers for over 30-years providing the best in class service across Canada and the United States. Our large fleet of trucks means we can accommodate almost any transport request that comes our way. Typically, we can book your transport with as little as 2-days notice. However, we suggest booking at least 2-weeks in advance for optimal scheduling.
Have a question that wasn’t answered above? Check out the FAQ section of our website.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country move, escaping to warmer climates, or purchasing a vehicle from another province, understanding the car shipping process is essential for a successful relocation. Our complete guide has equipped you with valuable insights into the various types of auto transport services available to you to make the best decision for your needs!
If you have any further questions or are ready to get started with your car transport needs, don’t hesitate to reach out for a FREE QUOTE. Let us take the stress out of vehicle relocation, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your journey ahead!
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