You don’t have to drive long distances when you want to bring your car with you during a vacation or relocation. Some people are simply comfortable with their daily drives, and they don’t want the need to buy a new one, especially if they’ve already paid the old one in full.
Fortunately, shipping services from companies that have been operating for years in the industry are now available. You can transport multiple high-value cars with the professionals’ help, and others may even offer a price-matching guarantee.
Discounts can also be available for those military or pay-in-cash customers, so they should also be taken into account if you want to determine if this is the right service for you. Here’s a comparison of the two commonly used services in the car shipping industry.
What is Open Car Shipping?
It’s a popular method of transporting vehicles from one location to another that involves loading them onto an open truck, where they are exposed to the elements during transit. Owners of SUVs, trucks, and everyday automobiles can find them to be cheaper, and they are ideal for individuals who don’t mind dusty cargo after arrival.
So many people are getting this type because it’s essentially a cost-effective option. You’re essentially spreading the costs to other homeowners, and since there are drivers who make regular long-distance drives when the number of bookings is met, you can expect them to be a good option for your needs. It’s also easier to request expedited shipment without adding a hefty amount, so make sure to know more about them.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider, where the biggest drawback is that your vehicle will be exposed to potential damage from weather conditions like rain, dust, and ultraviolet rays of the sun or snow. There’s also a higher risk of road debris hitting your car during transit, but if you think about it, this is going to be essentially the same thing that will happen if you choose to drive across several states. It’s better not to add unnecessary mileage, especially if you’re planning to sell in the future.
What are the Pros and Cons?
Aside from the cheaper rates, you can also get more available drivers to make the cross-country drive so you can get the automobile transported in the fastest possible manner. They are also less likely to wait too long and not break the bank in the process.
While most reputable transport companies take precautions by using tarps or covers on open carriers, there is still a chance that your vehicle could get dirty or sustain minor cosmetic damage, because it’s essentially exposed to the elements.
Know that this might not be the best option if you have a luxury or high-value vehicle that requires extra protection or privacy during transportation. Fortunately, there’s another service that you can get, and this is the following:
What is Enclosed Car Shipping?
As the name suggests, it involves transporting vehicles in a fully enclosed trailer or container. You can compare these by visiting the open-air trailer or enclosed hauler post and see the differences between both services.
Shielding the paintwork from potential damages can be a more cost-effective option instead of needing to re-paint a classic model’s exterior. With the extra amount, you’ll have a closed environment where the car remains safe and sound throughout the entire journey.
You can also deter thieves and prying eyes because they don’t exactly know what’s inside these covered trailers. Passersby won’t be able to see what’s inside, and it could be beneficial for people who want to maintain their exclusivity.
However, it’s important to note that enclosed car shipping typically comes at a higher cost compared to open types of services. It’s because of the presence of more teams and specialized equipment used to have better protection, and these are just some of the factors that contribute to this price difference.
Advantages and Disadvantages to Know About
Aside from the ones mentioned above, getting the services with enclosed carriers will often mean that you have advanced security features such as GPS tracking systems and surveillance cameras in place. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your beloved vintage vehicle is being closely monitored throughout its journey. Read info about a vintage on this website.
Another potential disadvantage is the longer transit time associated with enclosed car shipping because these carriers have fewer spots available compared to other types, it may take longer for them to reach their destination.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Company
You’ll want to think about the value and condition of your vehicle. If you’re transporting a classic or luxury car that holds immense sentimental or monetary value, enclosed car shipping may be the better option, because it has maximum protection against potential damage from external factors.
Take into account the distance of the shipment, and for shorter routes within well-populated areas with good road infrastructure, open car shipping can be a reliable choice. However, if you’re moving your vehicle across long distances or traversing remote regions where unpredictable weather conditions are more likely to occur, such as mountainous areas, enclosed car shipping can provide the added peace of mind that you need.
