Car Shipping Methods

As you prepare to have your car shipped to another city, state or country, know that there are two main methods of shipping a car: the open shipping method and the enclosed shipping method. The more common way of shipping is open, multi-car shipping. This is what we normally see on the Interstate: a huge 75-feet carrier truck with cars stacked on its deck.

Normally, a car shipping company schedules up to ten cars on one delivery to save on gas. This is why it is difficult to book a delivery date on exactly the day you want the drop-off. Sometimes you have to wait for days before you get a reservation. During the transit, your car can be dropped off last.

When booking a schedule, it is advised that you get in touch with your car shipping company a few months in advance. Know also that not all transport companies make the same route. If you contacted a shipper that does not deliver to your point of destination, it can place your booking request on a car shipping list for other transporter to see and possibly pick up.

Open car shipping to countries overseas places cars on the deck of a RORO (Roll-On, Roll-Off) vessel, barge or ship. Cars are fastened and strapped safely in place to make sure they don’t move around or tip over during the transit. On the other hand, closed or enclosed shipping exclusively hauls your vehicle inside a closed and locked steel container. A car is perfectly safe, 100% protected from harsh weather conditions, road debris and even theft.

While there won’t be a number of drop-offs before your car is delivered to its final point of destination, enclosed shipping still cannot guarantee an exact day of delivery, because there are reasons for delay along the way, such us bad weather or mechanical problems. Enclosed car shipping is originally intended for expensive cars, sports cars, rare models, antique automobiles or military vehicles. Car owners of a Jaguar, Lamborghini or Ferrari will not take any risks. Cars are given extra attention and care. There are even transport companies with climate-controlled containers. Enclosed vehicle shipping is about 75% more expensive than open shipping.

Car dealers also make use of closed shipping to make sure that their brand new vehicles get to the display windows in their perfect and pristine condition. Both methods apply to other vehicles such as motorcycles, trucks, and boats. Another method of transporting an automobile is shipping cars by rail. This is pretty much enclosed shipping since cars are transported safely inside a rail car. Normally however, you should be on the train along with your car.

The least considered method among car shipping methods is self-driving. Car owners who can drive long distances and enjoy the adventure decide not to hire professional drivers and instead drive their cars on their own. This can be fun and less expensive, plus you won’t need to risk giving your car to complete strangers. Driving across states, however can be back breaking. It adds mileage to both your car and yourself.