Summer Auto Transport: Tips to Find A Transport Company

Transporting your car in the summer can be a strategic decision, whether you’re relocating across the country or simply ensuring your car reaches its vacation destination. The summer months are a peak season for car shipment due to high demand, making it essential to find the right auto transport company. This guide will help you navigate the entire shipping process with ease, from choosing the right transport option to selecting a reliable auto transport broker.

Understanding Your Auto Transport Options

When shipping your car, you’ll come across two primary methods of transport: open and enclosed. Each has its benefits, depending on your vehicle’s needs and your budget.

Open Auto Transport

Open auto transport is the most commonly used method for car shipment. In this option, your vehicle is loaded onto an open trailer, typically along with several other cars. It’s cost-effective, which makes it ideal for standard vehicles and those not highly sensitive to weather or road conditions. However, your car will be exposed to the elements, such as rain, dust, and debris, during the journey.

Why Choose Open Auto Transport?

• Affordable for short or long-distance transport.
• Widely available with quicker scheduling options.
• Ideal for regular cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Enclosed Auto Transport

For those looking to ship high-value, luxury, or classic vehicles, enclosed auto transport is the better choice. This method ensures your car is transported in a covered trailer, providing full protection from external elements like sun, rain, and dirt.

Why Choose Enclosed Auto Transport?

• Complete protection from weather and road conditions.
• Ideal for luxury, exotic, or vintage vehicles.
• More expensive but offers additional peace of mind.

Whether you choose open or enclosed auto transport, understanding your options allows you to make an informed decision that fits both your needs and budget.

The Process of Choosing a Reputable and Reliable Auto Transport Company

Finding the right auto transport company or broker can seem overwhelming with so many options in the market, especially during the busy summer season. However, choosing a reliable company is crucial for ensuring a smooth car shipping experience.

Here are the key steps in the process of choosing a reputable and reliable auto transport company:

1. Check Licensing and Certification Ensure the company or broker you choose is licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and has proper certifications. A company’s USDOT number should be readily available and easy to verify.
2. Read Customer Reviews Online reviews are invaluable when determining the reliability of a company. Look for consistent positive feedback on services, timeliness, and customer support. Reliable review platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provide unbiased insights into the car shipping experience.
3. Verify Insurance Coverage Every auto transport company is required to have insurance, but the coverage varies. Verify the details of their insurance policy to ensure it covers any potential damage to your vehicle during transport. You may also want to check if your personal auto insurance covers transport damage for additional peace of mind.
4. Evaluate Their Customer Service A reputable company should have a responsive and knowledgeable customer service team. They should be able to guide you through the entire shipping process, from getting quotes to delivery, ensuring you feel confident and informed throughout the transaction.

Tips for Cross-Country Relocations During Summer

Summer is prime time for cross-country car relocations, whether for work, family, or seasonal travel. Cross-country relocations come with unique challenges, particularly when shipping your car.

Here are some practical tips to make cross-country relocations easier during summer:

1. Book Early Since summer is a busy season for auto transport, it’s advisable to book your car shipment well in advance to secure your desired dates. Early booking can also give you better pricing options.
2. Be Mindful of Heat High summer temperatures can take a toll on vehicles. If you’re shipping a high-value or sensitive vehicle, enclosed auto transport may be the best choice to avoid potential damage from the heat.
3. Plan Around Your Move Align your vehicle’s transport with your personal moving schedule. Some companies offer door-to-door services, while others may require you to drop off and pick up your car from designated terminals.
4. Track Your Shipment Many transport companies now offer GPS tracking for added peace of mind. Knowing where your car is during its cross-country journey can help you plan its arrival at your new destination.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment

To ensure a seamless shipping experience, you must prepare your car properly before it’s handed over to the auto transport company. Here are some steps to get your vehicle ready for transport:

1. Clean and Inspect Your Vehicle Before shipping, wash your car and perform a thorough inspection. Take photos of your vehicle from all angles to document its condition. This is essential in case of any damage claims.
2. Remove Personal Belongings Auto transport companies typically do not allow personal items to be inside the car during shipment, and insurance does not cover any loss of personal belongings.
3. Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues Inspect your vehicle for any fluid leaks, as these can lead to problems during transport. Also, ensure your battery is fully charged, and tires are properly inflated.
4. Disable Alarms Disable any alarms or anti-theft devices to avoid unnecessary interruptions during transport.

Comparing Pricing and Services

Price is always a significant factor when choosing an auto transport company, especially during the high-demand summer months. Here’s how to get the most value for your money:

1. Request Multiple Quotes Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s a good idea to request at least three quotes from different companies to compare prices and services. Pay attention to what’s included in the cost, such as insurance and additional fees.
2. Understand Seasonal Pricing Auto transport costs fluctuate based on the season. During the summer, prices may be higher due to increased demand. Knowing this, booking early can help lock in lower rates.
3. Open vs. Enclosed Auto Transport Pricing Open auto transport is generally more affordable than enclosed transport. However, if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, the added expense of enclosed transport might be worth it for the extra protection.

Case Study: A Successful Car Shipping Experience in Summer

A customer needed to ship their luxury sedan from Florida to California in the summer. Due to the vehicle’s high value, they opted for enclosed auto transport. After researching several auto transport brokers and reading reviews, they chose a reputable company with a track record of successful cross-country relocations.

The entire shipping process was smooth from start to finish. The customer received real-time GPS updates, ensuring they knew where their vehicle was at all times. Upon delivery, the car arrived in perfect condition, with no damage or delay, demonstrating the benefits of using enclosed transport for luxury vehicles.