So, you need to find transportation for your hotrod, but what do you need to know about hiring a company to haul a large, expensive item like a vehicle? Let’s take a look at the important aspects of making this important decision. First, you need to decide what type of transport is best for your hotrod and whether you prefer door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service.
Open Air vs. Closed Car Shipping
Closed car transport, or enclosed transport, offers the most protection for your vehicle from weather, highway debris, and other possible mishaps that may occur on the road. Think of this service as a special delivery for your hotrod; with a white glove service like this, there is definitely added cost. While more expensive, enclosed transport may be the most appropriate option if your car is expensive or an antique.
Closed car transport is the best option for antique cars like this vintage roadster.
Open car transport is a cheaper alternative to enclosed transport and is the most common vehicle shipping method. Your hotrod will likely be transported on a trailer, and may be hauled alone, but is most frequently shipped with several other vehicles. Moving.com recommends open air shipping for the eco-conscious consumer, as this method burns less fuel, plus it makes it easier for the driver to keep tabs on the vehicle during transport.
Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Service
Door-to-Door shipping services are more personal, but can be more expensive as it involves the company picking up the vehicle as close to your door as possible and delivering it to as close to your destination as possible. If your transporter cannot easily access your pick-up or delivery location, you may need to meet in a parking lot or other location.
Terminal-to-terminal transporting is often used by a transporter hauling multiple vehicles at one time so it may be a cheaper option. It involves a transporter picking up from and delivering to a terminal location, which often is a storage facility or towing company lot. If you choose terminal-to-terminal for shipping a vehicle, make sure to ask the transporter about the various terminal locations to ensure that your hotrod will be fenced in and secure at all times.
Licensing and Insurance Coverage
Before handing your keys over, you’ll want to verify that the transportation service you choose has an up-to-date registration with the Department of Transportation, which is required of all auto transporters. Car shipping companies are also required to carry liability and cargo insurance to cover damage that may result during transport. Do not accept verbal confirmation of this coverage. You should ask for written proof of insurance to confirm sufficient coverage in case of an accident. Coverage can also be easily verified by referring to the DOT website and looking up the company by name or DOT number.
Before turning your vehicle over to the shipping company, make sure you’ve cleaned it out and detached any spoilers or other ground effects that could get damaged during transport.
Prepare Your Hotrod for Transport
Before turning your hotrod over to a third-party, make sure it is ready for transport. Follow these preparation tips from Great Guys Car Transport to get your vehicle ready to load:
- Document damage and make note of the odometer reading. This condition report should be signed before loading and upon delivery of your hotrod by both you and the transporter.
- Remove personal belongings and expensive items as well as car tags, toll tags and parking passes that could get stolen.
- To aid in loading and unloading your hotrod, and protect against potential damage, secure or remove items like ground effects and spoilers. Turn off the vehicle alarm or make sure your transporter has written instructions on how to turn it off.
Safe travels to your next show or race!