Transporting a classic car, especially when it comes to antique car transport, requires careful planning and a specialized approach to ensure that your prized vehicle arrives at its destination in pristine condition.
Whether moving across the country, attending an auction, or purchasing a vehicle from a leading site like Hemmings, choosing the right shipping service is crucial.
This guide will walk you through the key considerations, costs, and steps involved in classic car shipping to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Classic car shipping provides a convenient way to get your vehicle from Point A to Point B while preserving its condition.
- While open trailer shipments typically cost $800-$1,500, enclosed trailers provide additional security and peace of mind, typically for a 50% premium. Classic car shipping costs can vary based on several factors, including the type of vehicle and service. It’s important to get a custom quote to meet your specific needs.
- Look for a reputable car shipping company, like Sherpa, that prioritizes your vehicle’s safety during transport.
In This Review:
- Understanding Classic Car Transportation
- Why Ship a Classic Car?
- How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Classic Car?
- Factors That Affect Classic Car Transport
- How to Prepare a Classic Car for Shipment
- Tips for Safe Classic Car Transport
- Do I Need Classic Car Transport Insurance?
- How to Choose a Classic Car Shipping Company
- Classic Car Shipping FAQs
Understanding Classic Car Transportation
Classic car transportation is a specialized service that requires careful planning and attention to detail. It involves the safe and efficient movement of classic cars from one location to another, often across long distances. Classic car transportation is not just about moving a vehicle from point A to point B; it’s about preserving the car’s value, condition, and historical significance.
Whether you’re a classic car enthusiast, collector, or owner, understanding the ins and outs of classic car transportation is crucial to ensure your prized possession arrives at its destination safely and in pristine condition.
Why Ship a Classic Car?
Classic car owners know that their vehicles are more than just modes of transportation; they are valuable investments and often hold significant sentimental value. Shipping a classic car instead of driving it across long distances helps preserve its condition, minimizes the risk of damage, and can be a more convenient option.
Additionally, shipping allows you to avoid adding unnecessary miles, which helps maintain the car’s value. With Sherpa’s door-to-door service, your classic car will be picked up and delivered as close to your specified pickup and delivery locations for maximum convenience.
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Classic Car?
The cost of shipping a classic car can vary widely based on several factors, including the choice of auto transport companies, distance, transport method, and the specific requirements of the vehicle.
Below is a general overview of the shipment costs for an operable classic car:
| Transport Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Open Carrier | $800 – $1,500 |
| Enclosed Carrier | $1,100 – $2,000 |
| Expedited Pickup Window | Additional $200 – $500 |
Factors That Affect Classic Car Transport
The cost of car shipping isn’t set in stone, as it depends on multiple factors. Understanding these factors can help you select the right shipping service that aligns with your needs and budget.
- Shipping distance: The shipping distance is a primary factor in the cost of your shipment. While long-distance shipments cost more, they cost less on a per-mile basis.
- Pickup and drop-off locations: Shipping to and from urban locations is cheaper than shipping between rural areas. If you are looking for pickup or delivery from a more remote location, ask how much you can save by moving to a larger city or closer to the highway.
- Pickup window: Sherpa’s most cost-effective option is a five-business day window for pickup. If you are in a hurry and need an expedited pickup window, your shipment will be more expensive.
- Vehicle size: Oversized and larger vehicles will cost more to ship since they take up more space on the carrier’s trailer.
- Vehicle condition: Inoperable vehicles are expensive to ship because they need to be winched or forklifted onto a trailer. If your car is operable, meaning that it can roll, brake, and steer, the shipping cost will be lower.
- Trailer type: Open trailers are the most common car haulers and are the best option for the majority of customers. While enclosed auto transport is more expensive, it offers additional protection for your classic vehicle.
- Time of year: Car shipping costs tend to be higher in January and the summer months, which is the peak season for auto transport
Beyond the factors listed above, pricing is also influenced by supply and demand, both for your particular route and within the industry as a whole.
Selecting a reliable classic car transport company can further ensure that your vehicle is handled with care and expertise
How to Prepare a Classic Car for Shipment
Preparing your classic car for transport is an essential step to ensure it arrives safely. Start by cleaning the vehicle inside and out to make it easier to inspect for any existing damage.
While every Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items stored in the vehicle, we advise removing any valuable items and loose parts that could shift during transport. Finally, check the fuel level (keep it low) and the battery charge.
It’s imperative to thoroughly and accurately document the classic car’s condition before shipping. We recommend taking both pictures and videos. At the time of pickup, you or someone else you trust will conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle with the carrier and fill out a Bill of Lading.
At delivery, an inspection report will be completed again and compared against that of the pickup Bill of Lading.
Tips for Safe Classic Car Transport
Shipping a classic car can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and precautions, you can ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination safely.
Here are some tips for safe classic car transport:
- Document your vehicle’s condition before shipping, including photos and videos.
- Remove any loose parts and toll responders.
- Limit personal belongings to 100lbs or less, stored in the trunk.
- Check fluid levels and ensure the fuel level is no more than a quarter tank full.
- Inflate tires properly to prevent tire issues.
- Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shorts.
- Avoid car alarms and motion sensors that could trigger during transport.
- Clear the cabin area of any loose items that could cause damage during transport.
Do I Need Classic Car Transport Insurance?
We understand the importance of choosing the best classic car transport service to deliver your vehicle safely, particularly for classic cars that hold sentimental and financial value.
At Sherpa Auto Transport, we work with only the best carriers in the industry, prioritizing your vehicle’s safety during transit. Every carrier we work with must have a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before assigning that carrier, we verify that the carrier’s insurance policy is valid and in good standing for the duration of your shipment. All contracted carriers also add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their insurance policy.
That said, we recommend that customers hold their own personal auto insurance policies for any vehicle getting shipped.
How to Choose a Classic Car Shipping Company
Selecting the right shipping company is crucial for ensuring a smooth transport process and choosing the best classic car transport services. Look for companies with experience in classic car shipping, positive customer reviews, and thorough vetting of their contracted carriers.
It’s also helpful to speak and ask about their specific handling procedures for classic cars. Choose a company that offers transparent pricing, clear communication, and a proven track record of safe deliveries.
Here’s how Sherpa stacks up:
- Classic Car Shipping Experts: We’ve shipped everything from vintage Model Ts to ‘80s muscle cars. Because of our industry expertise, we can recommend the best service to fit your needs and budget.
- Customer Reviews: With an industry-leading Total Review Score of 4.9 stars, thousands of satisfied customers attest to our level of service.
- Carrier Vetting: At Sherpa, we only work with the best carriers in the industry who uphold superior service. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we will not work with them.
Classic Car Shipping FAQs
What’s the best way to ship an antique car?
Enclosed auto transport will keep your classic car safe from any hazards in the roadway and protected from potentially damaging weather conditions.
How do you transport a classic car?
If you’re looking to transport your classic car, you’ll generally take the same steps as shipping a standard vehicle. Obtain car shipping quotes from exotic car transport companies, book a transport, ensure your insurance is current, and inspect the car for any damage before and after the transport. You may want to consider enclosed auto transport for extra protection.
How often should a classic car be driven?
Progressive recommends driving your classic car at least once a month.
Should I drive or ship a classic car?
We recommend shipping your classic car to save on the wear and tear of your vehicle. Shipping is also convenient, especially with Sherpa’s door-to-door transport.
How long does it take to ship a classic car?
How long it takes to ship your vehicle depends on several factors, including the route, time of year, and size of the vehicle.In general, you can expect a cross-country shipment to take 10 to 14 days.