Enclosed Car Transport
Executive Auto Shipping Tips
- Decide whether open or enclosed shipping is the best fit for you.
- Open shipping is a safe and practical method of transporting most types of cars.
- If you are shipping an exotic, antique, classic or high-line vehicle you may want to elect to ship enclosed. Enclosed car transport offers the most protection for your vehicle but typically costs more than open shipping.
- Ensure the exterior of your vehicle is clean at the time of pick up. When your vehicle is picked up, the carrier will perform an exterior condition report. In order to perform an accurate evaluation of your vehicle, it needs to be clean.
- Inspect the exterior of your vehicle prior to pick up. Walk around your vehicle and note any scratches, dings, dents or blemishes. This will allow you to compare your inspection to the carrier's condition report. We do not recommend using pictures for this process as they do not always show small scratches or dents.
- Please keep fuel tank level at a half a tank or below. If shipping overseas fuel level must be at a quarter of a tank or less.
- Remove all personal items from the interior of your vehicle including toll-way transponders.
- Make sure tires are inflated, batteries are charged and that there are no oil leaks.
- Ensure all fluids are filled to manufacturers recommended level and that antifreeze temperature rating is appropriate for cold climates.
- Even if your auto relocation is from and to a warm climate, the route of the shipment may take your vehicle through a colder region.
- Disarm or disable any alarms, even factory installed alarms. Consult your owner's manual or dealership's service department for proper method of disabling your alarm.
- Secure or remove any loose or specialty items such as ground effects or spoilers. If your vehicle has very low spoilers enclosed car transport may be the best option, as this type of carrier is capable of loading lower clearance vehicles.
- Ensure retractable antennas are lowered. If your antenna is detachable remove it and place in trunk or rear seat of vehicle.
- If your vehicle is a convertible ensure the top is up and secured properly. If the top is not in good working condition or has tears or loose threads shipping your vehicle in an enclosed car transport is probably the best option. On an open transport a leaky or loose top may damage your vehicle or possibly others.
- Overseas shipments have additional vehicle requirements. Some examples are: no cracked or broken windows, less than a quarter tank of gas, and the emergency brake must be operational. If you are shipping overseas please read the vehicle requirement documents carefully, as the port will refuse nonconforming vehicles.
- Overseas shipments will also require the title and registration be made available for the customs process.
- Bob H.