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Negotiate costs |
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It is not just about how much it will cost.
In addition to costs, you should also factor
in the level of service offered and the
overall package and value being provided.
The price will often be influenced by geographic
distance between the origination and destination
location, the date and season of departure,
the kind of vehicle, and the type and level
of
car
transport service
desired. If you spend time comparing multiple
companies, you will often be able to compare
offers, negotiate effectively, and save
money.
You should also check the payment methods
being accepted by the company and the terms
associated with the payment -- whether full
payment is demanded upfront or just partial
deposit. Some companies will accept credit
cards, others will add an overhead if you
use a credit card. |
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Read, re-read, and understand the
contract |
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Even if you are repulsed by legalese, take
time out to read the contract in detail
and don’t hesitate to seek clarifications
if something is not clear. Once signed by
both parties, the contract becomes a legally
binding document between you and the car
shipping company and the terms set forth
in the agreement will often dictate the
conduct between both parties. One thing
to watch out for is the guarantee clause.
While most companies will not promise or
guarantee a precise date, they may offer
to make the delivery within a certain timeframe.
If a guarantee clause is provided, look
out for what remedies are available should
the car shipping company fail to live up
to its promise. It may also be possible
to seek a waiver on the cancellation fee.
Document all your communications with the
car shipping company and ask for anything
they promise to be provided in writing |
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Insurance coverage |
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Considering the long distance your car is
going to travel, accidents, damages, and
thefts are more than likely to occur. You
shouldn’t be without insurance in such a
scenario. Ask about the carrier’s insurance
policy and to what extent it would cover
your losses and damages. You must also determine
if their policy would serve as the primary
insurance or secondary to your own. It may
also be a good idea to call your own insurance
policy provider to find out the extent to
which they provide coverage when your car
is in transit and in the hands of the shipping
company. |
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What is their track record? |
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Ask family and friends, investigate with
the Department of Transportation, contact
the Better Business Bureau, and follow other
steps to investigate the auto shipper’s
track record and reputation. You should
also determine how long they have been in
business -- you wouldn’t to trust an expensive
vehicle in the hands of just about anyone. |
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Pickup and delivery dates |
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If you are given an estimate for pickup
and delivery dates, get it in writing and
ask about the remedies available to you
should they fail to perform as promised.
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Delivery location |
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Delivery options include drop-off either
at your destination location or a terminal
or drop-off point from where you will need
to pick up the vehicle. Work out the delivery
dynamics and associated terms well in advance
to avoid unwanted surprises. |
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Criteria for Finding a Car Shipping Company |
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Giving
your Classic Car the Shipping that it deserves |
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