Nothing is more exciting than purchasing a brand new luxury vehicle. Regardless of whether someone gifted it to you, you bought it for your business, or it was something you’ve always wanted to buy, there is no denying how significant this investment is to you.
You get to show it off to your friends and family, and you are a proud owner of something you worked hard for. If you need to move this vehicle, you most likely aren’t going to want to move it yourself.
You probably wouldn’t just want some run-of-the-mill tow truck company moving your car, either. So what are you to do? Contact a luxury car transport company.
Just what is a luxury car transport company? Well, in this brief article, we will explain who they are and what they do.
Interested? Great! Continue reading below to learn more about these luxurious transport options and who you can reach out to for more information!
What Is Considered a Luxury Vehicle?
A “luxury” vehicle is a general term used to describe many different cars with higher quality equipment and optimized parts. A luxury vehicle can also have flawless construction or detailed designs.
In general, all vintage, sports, or luxury models such as BMWs or Mercedes Benz, fall into the luxury category. There are luxury vehicles classified not based on the vehicle’s make. For example, a car with high public opinion or monetary value can also fall into the luxury car category.
Luxury Car Auto Transport
So just how are you supposed to transport your luxury car? Luxury car shipping companies. Moving your vehicle across the states or across the world is not a cheap feat, especially since your vehicle is a luxury car.
Vehicles need to be carefully placed on a large transporter or put in a covered semi-truck. There are reputable luxury car shipping establishments that know how to best transport your vehicle. You definitely do not want to entrust your vehicle to any truck driver because they may not know how to move your prize and joy safely.
Luxury Car Transport Companies Options
As mentioned earlier, there are luxury auto transport companies that can handle moving your vehicle for you. If you are moving further than down the street, you most likely won’t want to drive far in your luxury vehicle.
This also most likely means that you don’t trust another person to drive your vehicle that far either. If this is the case, it may be best to employ a luxury car shipping service. This ensures that the right person, with the proper qualifications, will ensure that your car gets to where it needs to be safely.
Enclosed Trailer
Delivery with an enclosed trailer ensures that your vehicle has the most protection. This also ensures that your car gets to its destination safely. Enclosed trailers are containers with four walls and a roof.
The materials of this container are impact-resistant, which makes them able to withstand any potential damage from external factors and elements. These containers also are able to withstand any high pressure.
Open-Air Trailer
Unlike an enclosed trailer, an open-air trailer is open to the elements. These trailers are about 70 to 80 feet long and carry several different vehicles. The trailer is securely attached to a large truck that has the capacity to pull the weight of these vehicles.
This luxury auto transport option is the cheapest of all the available options. Although this is the most affordable option, this does not mean that you should opt for it.
Your vehicle is exposed to the elements of rain, dirt, and other elements that could damage your car. If you decide to choose this option, make sure that you ask about any additional insurance that the company offers. This additional insurance will keep the moving company liable if anything happens to your vehicle during transportation.
Ocean Freight Shipping
Another luxury car shipping option is to have your vehicle transported via ocean freight. This option is popular to move vehicles abroad, and there are two methods of ocean freight shipping.
One of those two methods is RoRo, which stands for roll-on method. This service method is when a company rolls your vehicle onto a vessel and secures it to a platform.
The second method is called the container method. The container method provides additional protection for your car.
The company places your vehicle into a closed container before rolling the container onto the vessel. Because moving a vehicle across countries can cost a lot, it is best to reach out to your reputable transport company to best understand the costs you can expect.
Air Freight Shipping
If you are looking for a moving method faster than ocean freight, you can opt to transport your luxury vehicle via air. You can either fly your car internationally or domestically.
If needed, you may have the option to transport your vehicle via a charter plane if you need your vehicle somewhere at a specific time. It is important to note that this option can quickly rack up costs. Most people pay thousands of dollars to fly their vehicles to specific destinations.
Picking the Right Luxury Car Transport Company
It is best to reach out to a reputable company first to ask them a few questions before choosing anyone. For example, you may want to look into if they have cargo insurance in case your vehicle sustains any damage during transport.
You may also want to look into their reviews. Examine what these customers say.
Is the company reputable? Did they deliver the vehicle on time? Any problems?
How many complaints do they have, and what were the complaints? Thoroughly reviewing these questions will help to ensure that you made the right decision.
If you have any other friends or family members who recently transported their luxury vehicles, ask them for recommendations. It is also best to ask them what they experienced throughout the process.
Preparing for the Transport
Once you pick your luxury transporter, make sure that you prepare your vehicle before they come to pick up the car. There are a few essential things you will need to do before handing off the keys.
Empty Your Vehicle
Make sure that you remove any personal items from your car. Your car should be completely empty.
This means that you need to remove all of your belongings from the center console and the glove box. If you have any loose objects, such as an antenna, make sure to remove them and keep them with you.
Spare Keys
If you plan to use a roll-on/roll-off service, ensure that your car is in good working order. You will need to hand off the keys to the courier, so ensure that you also have your own set of keys for yourself.
Minimal Gas
Contrary to popular belief, it is best to keep your gas tank lower than full. Your vehicle should have no more than half or a quarter of gas in the tank before transport.
Car Maintenance
Before you send off your car, make sure that it has the proper maintenance car. Ensure that there are enough liquids in the vehicle, the brakes work well, and the batter is fully charged. If you would like, it may be best to have your vehicle examined by your mechanic to ensure that your car is fit to transport.
Wash Your Car
Make sure that you wash your vehicle and take photos. This will help you keep track of any damages incurred, if any, during the transit. This will also help you differentiate between damage already there or new damages.
International Travel
If you need to transport your vehicle internationally, customs requires you to have three notarized copies of your car’s title. If you have a security interest in the vehicle, make sure you have a notarized letter from the security interest holder. This letter will enable you to have an export permit.
Pre-transport Actions
In addition to preparing your vehicle for transport, you will want to record a few things when your vehicle goes on the truck. For example, you will want to record your car.
As mentioned earlier, you will want to record your vehicle’s current state. This means checking under the vehicle, the rocker panels, and exhaust fumes. Make sure that you get every single angle of your vehicle so you can use this video of evidence in the event that you receive your vehicle with damages.
Record Mileage
You will want to record the current mileage on your vehicle before you release it to your transporter. The last thing you want to do is find out that someone drove your vehicle for hundreds of miles without your permission. With video evidence showing how much mileage the car had before the transport, you can create a claim showing that someone drove your car more than it should have been.
Record the Shipper
It is best to have the information of the person who ships your vehicle. In the event that they damage your vehicle through transport, you will be able to tell the company who may hold responsibility.
What to Do After Delivery
Once you receive your vehicle, you will want to examine your vehicle. Your luxury car auto transport company should have a checklist for you to review with them. Make sure to check for any outside damages and check the odometer as soon as you get the car.
Be sure to review your tires for any wear and tear as well. If everything looks good, your carrier will hand over the keys, and you are well on your way.
If anything seems off, make sure that you let them know right away. It is best to cross-check everything before you leave to ensure that you do not miss anything. If there are any issues, your carrier will provide you with their insurance information so you can create a claim.
Luxury Car Shipping Costs
The cost to ship your vehicle depends on the mode of transportation. Air and ocean freight shipping are the most expensive options due to regulations. The cheapest option for you is open-air transport, but that option exposes your vehicle to the elements.
The perfect middle ground is with the enclosed trailer option. This allows you to safely transport your vehicle without worrying about high costs or damage to your car due to the elements. On average, you can expect to pay around $1,000 to move your vehicle.
Factors for Luxury Car Transport
It is important to note that there is no flat rate for the cost of your transport. There are several different factors, such as the type of car you have.
Other important car transport factors:
- Mileage from the original destination to the designated location
- Year make and model of your vehicle
- Transport type
- Weight of your vehicle
- Insurance coverages
This list is not all-inclusive. It is best to reach out to your transport company to better gauge how much it will cost to move your vehicle.
Keep in mind that there may be additional fees and expenses associated with the move. Make sure that you ask your transported about all the fees before you sign a contract.
Transport Your Luxury Car Now!
Your luxury vehicle deserves a luxurious transport option to ensure that it stays in its pristine condition. You wouldn’t let some random stranger drive your vehicle, would you?
If you want to learn more about the luxury car transport options available to you, contact us now. Our team has the proper insurance, expertise, and knowledge to ensure that your car gets to where it needs to be safely!
