What You Need to Know before Transporting an Automobile

If you are planning a move and will be transporting your vehicle via an auto transportation company, then chances are you have a few questions regarding how to make the move as stress-free as possible. And, if you are one who collects cars, whether you have only 5 or a collection of classics that could rival Jay Leno’s, moving your vehicles from point A to point B, can take a bit of planning.
When it comes to relocating your vehicles, you have some options and considerations to think about. For instance, many people opt to take advantage of the space in their vehicle(s) by packing the vehicle with some of the household items to be moved. However, before doing this, be sure that you talk to the moving company and understand how the vehicle moving prices are determined. Many companies charge by weight so adding boxes to the vehicle can work against you. In addition, if you are moving out of the continental U.S. there are different rules and regulations regarding what is (or isn’t ) allowed to be transported.
Regarding the legality of transporting household goods in your vehicle, the law states that only licensed vehicles (e.g. freight) can be moved, not household goods. All carriers must stop at weigh stations along the interstate where DOT officers will make sure that the carrier is not overweight (they are fined $1 per pound over) and that they are not transporting illegal items. In most cases, the auto transportation company is okay with taking a few items packed in the vehicles, providing that they weigh less than 100 pounds. You should also remember that any items placed in a vehicle during transport are not covered by insurance unless you have a floater on your own home insurance policy.
Another choice is to hire a professional auto transportation company that specializes in shipping vehicles. Some of these transportation companies will even move your recreation items such as boats or jet skis on an open truck, similar to the kind that move new vehicles to a dealership, while others may use an enclosed vehicle.
In some cases you can choose whether you want to have your vehicles moved using an open or closed truck. As closed trucks are $400 to $500 more, many experts recommend that unless the vehicle is worth more 250K, that the vehicle is fine to be transported on an open truck; cars over this price range are (obviously) more valuable and are likely a collector’s item so owners would want to protect them by the best means available. In the event that a vehicle is damaged in transit, the transportation company would be responsible for the repair work.
A final consideration when selecting how your vehicle is moved is whether you want your vehicle to be delivered to your front door or if you are willing to drive to a specified delivery spot. Depending on where you are moving, some towns have ordinances that prohibit transportation vehicles from entering residential areas. Be sure that you ask if this applies to your new neighborhood ahead of time and ensure that you will be in the area when it is time to pick up your vehicle.
Moving your vehicles, regardless of how many you have, does not have to be fraught with worry or aggravation. Just be sure to ask the vehicle transportation company all of your questions and that you clearly understand the procedure. Then, load up and get ready to explore your new location.