Ignorance leads to errors of judgment. In order to make a wise and correct decision, you must have all the elements of judgment. Don´t assume, don´t trust rumors, and don´t believe in something just because someone else does; the best way to learn is by reading and researching on your own, and if the information comes from a first-hand source, as in this case, even better. These are some of the most common misconceptions that you should reevaluate to avoid being misled:
MISCONCEPTION | FACT |
It is better to drive your car instead of shipping it | It is not. Just consider the time, money, effort, mileage, potential stress, and safety issues that driving your car will demand: exhausting journeys, several days away from your job, lots of travel expenses (gas, lodging, meals, wear and tear on your vehicle, unforeseen events), not to mention safety (accidents, bad weather, rough road conditions, etc.). Car shipping is safer than driving your vehicle. Shipping your vehicle is, by far, a faster, safer, and more convenient option. |
It is better to deal directly with car carriers than to use brokers | It is certainly not. While carriers own a limited number of trucks and cover a few routes, brokers have access to a huge transport network working with all national dispatch boards, covering multiple routes across the country, from coast to coast, thus being able to offer an instant solution to any transportation need. As per insurance coverage, a reliable broker provides contingency coverage in addition to the carrier´s insurance to make sure every load is protected. Trustworthy brokers are fully accredited and registered companies, bonded and insured who work only with licensed and insured carriers. |
Preparing your car for shipping is hard work | It is not. Just take out your personal items including parking and toll tags, do a quick inside and outside cleaning, check your gas level, and have a mechanic check your car. |
There are always hidden charges in shipping quotes | A trustworthy shipping company will inform you of all charges upfront when providing the initial estimate. An all-inclusive quote from the beginning will depend on accurate information about the vehicle´s condition and specifics, the transport option elected, distance, and time of the year; A quote that doesn´t match the initial estimate may be due to variations in the price of fuel. |
Open transport is not safe | Yes, it is perfectly safe; furthermore, open transport is the most popular, quicker, economical, and perfectly safe hauling service used every day by dealers, car manufacturers, auto auctions, car shows, and online sellers and buyers. Open carrier´s structure with beams and racks is built to hold vehicles of all sizes securely, with special chains and immobilization mechanisms to keep them in place throughout the entire journey. |
Only operational vehicles can be shipped | Untrue. Non-running vehicles of any kind can be shipped: collision-damaged, classic cars to be restored, worked on, or repaired, vehicles with mechanical failure, salvage vehicles, vehicles that do not roll, brake, or steer, vehicles used for parts, vehicles with no wheels, vehicles with no keys. These vehicles require sophisticated equipment and seasoned drivers, reasons why shipping can be slightly or substantially more expensive, and take longer, depending on the degree of inoperability. |
