3 FAQs When It Comes To Moving Your Car
Are you moving across the country and need to get your car shipped to your new home? If so, here are the answers to three frequently asked questions when it comes to moving your car.
1. How Will My Car Get Shipped?
Since you're not moving to another country, your car won't be shipped by plane or boat. Instead, it will get shipped by truck. Most car moving companies have different options available when transporting your car from one location to another. These options include:
- Open carrier - your car gets hauled on a truck trailer along with other cars that are being transported
- Closed carrier - your car gets shipped on a truck in an enclosed container
Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Cars transported via open carrier is the least expensive option; however, it does expose the car to debris, along with the elements of the sun, wind, and rain. While cars transported in an enclosed carrier are better protected, it is the more expensive option.
2. What Are Some Factors That Affect Shipping Rates?
Besides choosing either open carrier or closed carrier for your shipping method, there are some other factors that will affect your shipping rate. Some of these factors include:
- The weight of your car
- The number of miles your car has to be transported
- The make and model of your car
The peak season for moving is between April and September. Since there is greater demand for car moving companies between these months, your shipping rate might end up being higher.
3. How Do I Prepare My Car for Moving?
One of the first things you will want to do when preparing your car to be shipped is to empty it out. This means not having any household items inside your car when it's being moved. While some car moving companies do allow up to 100 pounds of property to be packed inside your car, they can't be held responsible if something happens to it.
Some other things you can do to prepare your car for moving include:
- Wash and clean both the exterior and interior of your car
- Check for fluid leaks and get them fixed
- Inspect your tires and make sure they are properly inflated
- Disable your car alarm system
Since the weight of your vehicle will affect your shipping rate, make sure it doesn't have a full tank of gas.