When the task is to ship a high-value car-whether it is a restored muscle legend, a limited-edition supercar, or a pristine showpiece-normal auto transport falls short. Such machines are not merely tools for driving from point A to point B; they represent serious capital, countless man-hours, and often a piece of their owners’ identity.
If you are asking, How can I move my car without risking damage? This guide explains the safest choices, proven practices, and what you should expect when you hire a carrier that specializes in classic or exotic transport.
Why Standard Car Shipping Isn’t Enough
Older and rarer cars need more attention because each one can differ from the factory norm. Here are a few reasons why broader, off-the-shelf service leaves gaps:
- Low ground clearance can make loading tricky
- Custom paint and bodywork are prone to damage
- Rare or discontinued parts are expensive to replace
- These vehicles often have higher insurance values and sentimental worth
Partnering with a firm that addresses every one of these concerns is vital.
Enclosed Transport: The Best Option for High-End Vehicles
Open haulers work well for ordinary commuter cars, yet enclosed car shipping is the gold standard for classics and exotics.
Benefits of Enclosed Transport
When a car goes into an enclosed trailer, it gains:
- Complete shelter from rain, sun, gravel, and road dirt.
- Greater security because the load area stays locked and watched.
- Higher insurance limits than you usually get with open moves.
- Air-ride suspension on some rigs smooths out bumps on rough highways.
For priceless vintage models, some fleets even run climate-controlled units that safeguard leather and paint.
Types of Enclosed Car Shipping
Enclosed service falls mainly into two categories:
- Soft-Sided Enclosed Transport: Canvas or tarp sides shield from rain but can let dust or mist slip in. It suits short hauls or cars with modest value.
- Hard-Sided Enclosed Transport: Metal panels seal out nearly everything. Ideal for rare classics or supercars crossing states or a continent.
When shipping a Ferrari, Shelby Mustang, Aston Martin, or Porsche, the extra car shipping cost of hard-sided service often pays off.
What to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
Not every shipper knows how to handle prized or fragile items. To pick the right partner, check:
- Experience with luxury and classic cars: ask for references, pictures, or case studies.
- FMCSA registration: confirm they hold a current license and insurance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Insurance coverage: Review the policy to verify it protects your vehicles’ full market value.
- Top-tier equipment: Confirm the carrier uses a lift gate instead of a ramp to safely load low-clearance vehicles.
- Clean carrier records: Review the transport company’s safety history and past accident reports.
- Don’t rush this step. A careful vetting process now can spare you from expensive headaches later.
How to Prepare Your Classic or Exotic Car for Shipping
Even with premium transport, careful prep remains vital. Use this moving checklist before your vehicle hits the road:
- Clean the Vehicle: Give your car a thorough wash so that clear pictures can show its true condition.
- Document Existing Damage: Shoot high-resolution images of every angle, including close-ups of paint, trim, glass, and wheels.
- Check for Fluid Leaks Confirm the car isn’t leaking oil, coolant, or fuel; serious leaks can lead a carrier to refuse pickup.
- Disable Alarms: Turn off or disconnect any security system so it’s not triggered during loading or transit.
- Reduce Fuel Leave about one-quarter tank; that cuts weight and provides enough gas for loading and unloading.
- Remove Loose Items: Take out personal belongings and accessories that could slide or rattle during the trip.
- Lock the Car After Inspection. Once the driver completes the condition report, lock the doors for extra security.
Insurance: What’s Covered and What to Ask
Even when you choose enclosed transport, solid insurance keeps your mind at ease and your investment secure.
Before the driver picks up your vehicle, ask the transporter:
- What is the deductible if a claim is filed?
- Does the policy pay the full replacement value?
- Which areas of the vehicle are included-exterior, interior, undercarriage?
- Will you show me a current Certificate of Insurance?
If your car is rare or high-value, buying extra coverage from a third-party insurer is wise.
Pickup and Delivery: What to Expect
Most professional carriers promise door-to-door service, yet real-world conditions can change plans.
- Some streets, alleys, or cul-de-sacs may be too tight for a long trailer.
- If so, you and the driver will agree on a nearby mall, a gas station, or another open area.
- At both pickup and delivery, the operator records every scratch and dent; be present to confirm that report.
- Premium outfits often add white-glove care: drivers in gloves, custom pads, and soft covers to guard every surface.
How Long Does Exotic Car Shipping Take?
Shipping time hinges on the distance, pickup and drop-off locations, and the season in which you book:
- Local transport (under five hundred miles) usually takes one to three days.
- Cross-country deliveries exceeding two thousand miles generally require seven to ten days.
- International shipments depend on customs processing and carrier schedules, so times may vary widely.
- Booking well in advance locks in your preferred dates and can even spare you the extra cost of expedited service.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To protect a luxury or collectible vehicle, steer clear of these expensive errors:
- Grabbing the lowest quote before checking customer reviews.
- Believing that every transport policy offers the same level of coverage.
- Failing to document the car’s condition before pickup and when it exits the truck.
- Waiting until peak season to reserve space.
- Choosing carriers that use ramps instead of full liftgate loading.
- Cutting corners invites damage, delays, or costly disputes, so pay for solid service up front.
Final Thoughts
Moving a classic car or exotic car safely requires more than a rig and a driver; it demands specialized gear, seasoned operators, and careful planning.
Partnering with reputable shippers, selecting enclosed transport, and following a detailed pre- and post-trip checklist will help your vehicle arrive in showroom shape.
Whether you are relocating, showing at an event, or delivering a recent purchase, you now have the knowledge to move your car safely and with confidence.