So, you want to have your car transported a specific location huh? And this is your first time? You must be tentative because you’ve never done this before and you don’t want anything to go wrong, especially due to the significant investment your car has been. Transporting your automobile doesn’t have to be a nightmare. A thorough understanding of how it works will help you ease your mind of the problems that may result of such.

1. Trailers

There are many transport trailer options, the most popular among these types is the open carrier transport. The open carrier transport, aside from being popular, is the least expensive mode of transporting automobiles. Usually, your automobile will be transported on haulers like the ones used to deliver new cars. These trailers have a capacity of eight to ten cars. They are around 80 feet long and 14 feet high. With their immense size they are limited to traveling on major roads that are free of possible obstacles such as trees and such. They are also limited to traveling on roads that can support its weight. These trailers cannot maneuver easily on tight turns.

This is a good way to transport automobiles – the only downside is that your car may not be that well protected against the elements, dust, and wear and tear usually associated with highway travel.

2. Enclosed Trailer Transport

This is by far the most expensive option but all that cost is worth it because your car will likely be in better shape than if it were transported via an open transport carrier. This type of transport is the best for rare, exotic, or expensive cars. Automobiles to be displayed during car shows are usually traveled using this type of transport. It provides the safest, most secure method of auto transport.

3. Self-Transport

There are other people who prefer to transport their vehicles themselves. This is the riskiest way to transport your vehicle, especially if you are unskilled in such operations. Usually this is performed by renting a trailer and driving the trailer yourself.

If you do choose this type of transport, you may want to learn more about the trailer and its operation. You should ask the owner for instruction and hints on operating such an automobile.

- Always discuss your automobile with the transport service before you agree to the terms
- Make sure the service knows what your car looks like, its dimensions, and possible problems that may be encountered when delivering
- Make sure everything is understood before closing the deal

4. Be aware of the pick up time and transport time

Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.

Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as me makes the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, he could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.

There are also deals such as guaranteed delivery and express service. These deals will make sure your car gets delivered earlier, but will cost much more. If money is no question, then by all means use every method possible to keep your automobile safe and secure.

PRICE

In case you are searching for an auto transport company for your car to be transported from one place to another then the first thing which you need to get answer for is to know the total costs which is going to be incurred. You can get quotes from a number of auto transport companies and then probably you can decide on which company you are going to choose for the auto transport company. At this juncture you must be in a position to provide the destination, the origination , the type of vehicle, the special transport services which the company is willing to offer, the tentative departure date and the type of service which is desired either is it terminal to terminal or door to door service.

MODE OF PAYMENT

Some of the transport companies do not require any advance for the transportation of the vehicle; whereas some companies on the other hand demand about 10 and 25 percent of the amount of the total cost. There are some companies which demand the full payment of the amount before the transportation of the vehicle. It is recommended that you do not choose a company which demands the full amount before the transportation of the vehicle. It is always preferable to choose a company which demands some amount in advance and requires the payment of the rest of the amount after the completion of the work.

CONTRACT

This is the most important thing which you to consider while the transportation of your vehicle. Ensure that you have all the verbal promises which were made been put down into written. See to that the contract clearly states about the tentative period on which the vehicle would be delivered. It is quite important to remember that no auto transport company guarantees the exact date on which the vehicle would be transported. Certain steps which you can take in case you want to avoid any verbal promises: You can ask the company for a cancellation fee incase the company doesn’t collect the vehicle on the date of pick up which is provided. 

INSURANCE

Every transport company must ensure that it provides insurance for your vehicle against any damage or theft. It is always important that you keep a copy of the insurance coverage. Ensure if the company’s insurance coverage provided is primary or secondary to the damage it covers. Be sure that you ask the company if there is damage deductible incase the damage occurs.

DATES OF PICKUP AND DELIVERY

It is important that you enquire about a tentative pick up and drop dates. The auto transport company should notify about the grace days which it usually takes to drop the vehicle.