Tips for Preparing your Classic, Antique, or Vintage Car for Overland Transport Delivery to the Car Show, Vehicle Restoration Service, or New Home
Attending a classic car show, transporting a new vintage find, or even if your moving your antique car to a new home typically means scheduling transportation on a commercial car carrier. It’s standard operating procedure for many enthusiasts and routine for getting these prized vehicles from here to there.
As routine as it may be, shipping your classic, vintage, or antique vehicle to a new destination may not be as simple as transporting your everyday car. These special vehicles may be road-worthy, but why put unnecessary miles on that engine, have a breakdown, or risk damage from the road or an accident?.
Prepping any vehicle for transport requires the some basic prep and care: inspect for damage, remove personal items, leave no more than a quarter tank of gas in the car, etc. But when you’re dealing with one-of-a-kind classic, vintage, or antique vehicle, a little extra effort and attention to detail pays off. It will give you piece of mind as you wave goodbye to that beautiful dream vehicle you’ve given your time, money, and heart-and-soul to.
Preparing your classic, vintage, or antique era vehicle for transport – taking the extra step:
- Clean your car before pickup – This will allow you and the car carrier driver to fully inspect and document the condition of your vehicle. A clean slate ensures a thorough inspection and the ability to catch every imperfection.
- Document every detail – Maybe more so than with an everyday vehicle, documenting the condition of a classic, vintage, or antique vehicle is imperative. You know your vehicle like the back of your hand but you’ll need to document it in detail before loading it on the car carrier. This will ensure that any damage claim is clean, easy, and uncontested.
- Do a walk-around with the driver, preferably in good light. Note every scratch, ding, scuff, and mark. Take pictures from every angle with closeups of any existing damage. Note of all this on the Bill of Lading. Also note the running condition of the vehicle on the Bill of Lading, including the milage. Finally, have the driver sign the Bill of Lading after the conditions have been noted and make sure you both leave with a copy.
- Repeat this same process at the point of delivery. You or your representative should arrange to be there at the time of delivery, preferably before offloading begins. Inspect and note any new damage, excessive mileage, or unexplained dirt or debris. You and the driver should sign the Bill of Lading documenting the delivery condition. This is critical in case you need to file a claim.
- Communication – While arranging for shipping, discuss particular requirements on the operation of your antique, classic, and vintage vehicles. Operating procedures and driving instructions may be unfamiliar. Providing written instructions with the Bill of Lading is also recommended, along with your contact information. The information should include anything unusual or quirky such as battery and fuel cut-off switches, hidden switches, alarm instructions, and any other tricks and tips to starting and driving your vehicle.Clarifying this with the transport carrier company before scheduling pickup and delivery will help you to be confident in your choice of vehicle shipping service.
- Insurance – Ensure your carrier has adequate insurance to cover your unique vehicle. For backup, ask your insurance carrier if damage will being transported is covered. Damages or accidents are extremely rare but covering the risk is always recommended.
- Closed Carrier? A closed, or enclosed, carrier is always an option. But with rare or highly-prized vehicles it’s an option that may make the most sense. Your vehicle will be shipped in a fully enclosed, four-sided box, separated from other vehicles and protected from rocks, hail, or other flying objects out on the road – a plus for a beautiful, custom finish.
- Sticking with an open carrier transport service? It’s done all the time but if this is the route you’re taking, request Top-Loading Service. This ensure your vehicle will be on the top rack, protecting your valuable investment from oil drips from other cars on the carrier, and elevates it above potential road hazards like rocks and debris.
Transporting these unique vehicles is almost always the best choice. Protect your investment and avoid the risk of a long-distance drive by scheduling a car carrier transport and go the extra miles by following these tips for classic, vintage, and antique vehicle shipping.
