A luxury car should be shipped with every caution and attention. Whether you are getting a luxurious vehicle from another state, moving to a new city, or giving the car you cherish the most to a family member, keeping the car safe and secure during transport is the next thing you want to think about after the car itself. Luxury vehicles have great features and small parts that can make them more vulnerable to wear and tear, therefore it is very important to select a shipping company that is acquainted with the special requirements of these cars.
This blog post is about luxury car transport, the best shipping ways, central thoughts, and how to be certain that your car is treated with the highest degree of gentleness.
Why Luxury Car Transport Needs Special Care
Luxury vehicle usually have custom, high-end parts, advanced tech and delicate features which make them quite different from normal cars. A Ferrari, Lamborghini or a Rolls Royce, the car you have is a treasure that should be given extra protection along the transportation stage. Here is why the transport of a luxury vehicle is tricky:
- High value
Exotic cars are priced very high and so are they considered a high-value asset. Consequently, they must be shipped in a way that is very careful so that they will not get any damages. Shipping firms that offer luxury auto transport services are specifically equipped with various gadgets to make a car transfer in a very secure and safe manner, hence avoiding the depreciation of the vehicle.
- Custom Features and Parts
One of the reasons is that several luxury automobiles have custom modifications, a distinctive body, or even small, delicate parts that not only draw the owner’s attention but command the same extra care in transit. Specifics such as custom paint, oversized tires, and the most sensitive electronic components can go a long way in a car but, at the same time, expose them to the risk of being damaged. Needless to say, the best carrier will not only be aware but also implement the necessary precautions that will ensure the car’s protection.
- Exclusivity and Sensitivity
Some luxury cars like vintage models or limited editions are first of all, rare, and secondly, irreplaceable. There are high chances that these vehicles come with unique components or are built exclusively, requiring specialized handling. Be it a classic Porsche or a modern sports car; they all have to be handled with utmost care, which is the main reason why a company with experience in luxury car transport is the right choice.
Best Shipping Methods for Luxury Cars
A luxury vehicle is usually transported in various ways. Each shipping method offers different levels of protection and pricing. The following are the most used ones:
- Enclosed Transport
The method of enclosed transport is the one which provides the highest level of security for luxury cars shipping. The whole enclosed trailer in which your car is loaded offers protection from the bad weather, road debris, and minor injuries caused by other vehicles. This is particularly the case of high-end cars with customized parts or having a rare finish. Enclosed transport is the best way to make a luxury car become the same one as when it was picked up.
Pros: A car is fully protected from all kinds of hazards, fixtures, or situations, and weather; hence, it is the most suitable option for very expensive, antique, or also fragile cars, the car is totally isolated from the air and road tunnels.
Cons: The cost is almost double what open transport is charged. Also, there are fewer carriers to choose from, which means you can’t be as flexible with your scheduling.
In case you desire that your luxury car is entirely kept away from external factors, then enclosed transport is the safety-carrier you should use.
- Open Transport
Open transport is usually a less expensive alternative, although it is not recommended for luxury cars as it offers less guarding. Your car will be placed on an open trailer along with other vehicles, thus your car will be exposed to the ambient air and small pieces that fall from the road. Generally, open transport is the first choice for common cars, however, it is not suggested for expensive high-tech luxury cars if it is a long-distance move and the car has sensitive parts.
Pros: Affordable, available almost anywhere, and can be completed in less time.
Cons: Risk of being uncovered, getting dirty or damaged by other vehicles.
Open transport for luxury vehicles is a last resort option that should only be used in certain situations when keeping the car safe is not a priority.
- Flatbed Transport
When it comes to shipping luxury cars, flatbed transport is also a viable choice, especially in the case of short-distance relocation of the vehicle or if it is a non-operational car (for instance, one that is inoperable). The car is taken out of the way onto a flatbed truck and then it is made stationary with the usage of proper tools till the time of transport. With this method, there is a bit more security than the open transport, but those who desire complete protection from an enclosed trailer will not be entirely satisfied.
Pros: More safety than open transport, perfect for short distances, vehicle can be placed in a safe and secure manner.
Cons: Less safety than enclosed transport, not suitable for long-distance transport.
Flatbed transport can be an excellent choice for short-distance shipping of luxury vehicles, but for a longer trip, it is better to go with an enclosed transport.
Tips for Shipping Luxury Cars Safely
When sending your luxury vehicle on a car shipping, you should follow the most vital tips which are:
- Hire a Top-Specialized Shipping
Every shipping company is not qualified to carry out the transport of a luxury car. Select a shipping solution that is familiar with the handling of the upper-class and the rarest kinds of vehicles. Find the companies that are offering the most specialized services and are most aware of the particular requirements of luxury car shipping. Besides the necessary equipment, the professional drivers, and the appropriate insurance, a company with a good reputation will also provide customer protection during the journey.
- Verify Insurance Coverage
It is highly recommended to check the insurance coverage provided by the transport company before entrusting your expensive vehicle to a shipping process. Standard car insurance might not be sufficient in covering the total value of a luxury car and, therefore, ensuring that your vehicle is completely covered during the transport is a must. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover your car in transit in case of an accident.
- Prepare Your Vehicle for Transport
If you want the safe shipping of your luxury car, you have to prepare it for transport. The steps you have to take are the following:
Cleaning the Car: The main reason for cleaning the car is to make it easier to check for any damage caused. Make sure your luxury car is cleaned very well before the collection.
Removing Personal Items: It is generally not advised to have personal items in the car during the shipping process but firstly make sure that nothing is left in the car that could be damaged during the shipping process.
Checking Fluid Levels: The car should be in good mechanical condition with no leaks, and the fuel tank should be less than a quarter full as per most shipping companies’ requirements.
- Record the Car Condition
It is always a good idea to take pictures of your car from all angles, including close-ups of any scratches or dents, before you give your luxury car to a transport company. This will be proof for you in case the car gets dirty or damaged in transit. Make sure you also do your part in production of the car condition by signing a condition of transport document.
How to Follow the Transport of Your Luxury Vehicle
Keeping up with your luxury car transport is a convenient means to get the latest information about its progress. A lot of shipping companies have real-time tracking that lets you follow the changes to your vehicle. If there is tracking, be sure to get all the necessary details and the password before the shipment of your vehicle so you can have easy access to the tracking system. In this way, you will be able to relax knowing the location of your transportation at all times.
Conclusion
Moving a luxury car overseas means the owner should go through the step-by-step process of doing so, be very detail-oriented, and pick the right way of shipping, in other words, troubleshooting the safety of the car onboard. One of the best means to shoo the nasty external elements off the way of our expensive ride is enclosed transport. Besides that, partnering with a specialized shipping company that has the goal and the ability to comprehend the needs of luxury vehicles would be like the final point of the safe freight triangle.
At Car Shipping Auto, we are adept at handling luxury car transports with the utmost care and precision. High-grade, exotic, and antique automobiles are no strangers to our crew, thus, they are well-prepared to deliver your vehicle a safe and sound trip to any destination. Give us a call today to receive your personal quote and enjoy the finest luxury automobile transport services.
