Posts Tagged ‘Enclosed Auto Shipping’

5 Tips for Preparing a Classic Car for Transport

Investing in a classic car is a must for car enthusiasts, whether you love an old-fashioned T-bird or if you go even further back with your collection. When you are seeking a classic car transport service or a service that provides enclosed car transport solutions, there are a few tips to help you prepare your classic car ahead of time.

1. Remove All Personal Items Before Using a Classic Car Transport Service

Whether you intend to transport your classic car to another city or move across the country, it is essential to remove belongings and personal items before beginning the transportation process. Because you will not be with your classic car throughout the entire process of its transport, it is best to remove belongings and personal items that cannot be replaced or refunded if they are lost or stolen.

Although most classic car transport services provide insurance and protection from theft and loss, it may still not be worth the risk to lose the belongings you currently have stored or placed in your car.

Thoroughly Clean Your Car

After you have removed your belongings from your classic car, it is highly advisable to clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out. Thoroughly cleaning your car will ensure it is in tip-top shape for transport while also providing you with another opportunity to find and preserve personal belongings that you might have left in your car.

Take Photos of Your Car

Anytime you need a classic car transport service, it is highly advisable to take photos of the condition of your car before turning it over to your preferred provider.

2. Turn on Your Car

If your classic car has been sitting for weeks or even months in the same location, it is best to turn on and run your vehicle before transporting it, especially if you intend to drive it to its final destination.

Classic cars work best if they are run from time to time. Allowing such a car to sit without running it or turning on its battery can lead to bigger issues that require an on-site mechanic after your car’s transportation is complete. Keeping the battery adequately charged even when it is not in use is an essential aspect of owning an older car or a classic vehicle of any kind.

Remove Your Toll Charging Device

You can also opt to unplug or remove your toll charging device from your classic car before starting the transportation process. Before transporting them, it is best to remove any add-on tools or devices from a classic car. In addition to traditional toll-charging devices, it is also recommended to remove additional items such as alarm systems, stickers, parking passes, and removable or collectible emblems.

If you are searching for a way to protect and preserve your vehicle’s battery, consider getting a battery disconnect switch.

A battery disconnect switch provides you with a small plug or, in some cases, a removable pin that works to prevent battery drains from happening, even in vehicles that are sitting without being driven for extended periods.

Using a battery disconnect switch is a way for you to ensure the quality and life of your classic car’s battery, even if it has been a few months or over a year since you have used the vehicle or battery itself.

Using a small plug or removable pin, the battery disconnect switch can be used to plug into the positive-side terminal of the battery connection, keeping it from draining or causing electrical issues.

3. Take Care of Details Ahead of Time

Depending on the amount of time your classic car will be in transportation, it may be a good idea to address the fuel situation with your vehicle. When transporting a classic car between locations, using a fuel stabilizing product is highly advisable.

A fuel stabilizing product between your fill-ups can help to preserve and protect your vehicle. Additionally, some locations for fuel may add ethanol to the fuel itself, which may deteriorate and break down if your vehicle has not been driven or started for an extended period.

It is important to note that traditional, pure gasoline can typically retain its original properties for at least one year. However, if there is ethanol in the fuel you have used to fill up your classic car, it may be best to use fuel stabilizing products each time you visit a gas station before transporting the car itself.

When you plan to ship your vehicle across the country or over a few days or weeks, it is best to fill your car with 1/4 of a gas tank to avoid adding to the hazard of transporting a vehicle.

Tire Gauge

If you occasionally drive your classic car, it is advisable to stock the vehicle with a tire gauge and, in some cases, a pancake air compressor. You can store these useful tools in your garage whenever your vehicle is not in use.

Ensuring your tires are properly filled and have not lost significant pressure. At the same time, your classic car is stored as an imperative, especially if you are planning to transport the vehicle to a new destination or location.

Always check the pressure of your classic car’s tires using a tire gauge to determine whether or not your vehicle requires more air before transporting it or even taking it out on the road.

Make Another Set of Keys

Rather than giving away your only set of keys to your preferred vehicle transporter, have another set of keys made ahead of time. Having a copy of your keys is a way to maintain peace of mind while you await the completion of your transport.

Request a Maintenance Check

Before sending your vehicle off to be transported, it is best to have a thorough maintenance check conducted by your preferred mechanic. Whenever you have a maintenance check completed, be sure to take photos and gather and store any necessary paperwork you receive from your work.

Ensuring your vehicle remains in the same condition from the beginning of the transportation process until the end is essential. It is much easier with photographs of your vehicle and a verifiable paper trail.

Verify Insurance and Coverage

Even if you have traditional insurance on your vehicle, there is no guarantee that it will cover damage or a total loss of a collectible. Many classic cars in the USA that are valued at $100,000 or more may already have the maximum insurance coverage available, which is why it is best to work with a transporter service that specializes in transporting classic cars and collectibles.

A transporter service specializing in custom and classic vehicles will provide more insurance than traditional carriers and transportation services. When you choose to go with a classic car transporter, it is much easier to keep your mind at ease, as insurance policies can typically range from $500,000 to more than USD 5 million.

Before you settle on a classic car transport service or an enclosed car transport provider, inquire about the type of insurance they offer as well as their current insurance coverage limit.

If your vehicle’s value is worth more than the amount of coverage you are offered from your preferred classic car transport service, you can also attempt to negotiate. Inquire about the possibility of the transporter taking out an additional insurance policy to receive your busin

4. Load Your Vehicle With Maximum Allowed Luggage Weight (If Necessary)

Suppose you plan to transport your classic car to another state or even across water or the entire country. In that case, it is often recommended to load your vehicle with the maximum allowed luggage weight possible.

Adding luggage and weight to your vehicle before transport will help to stabilize it throughout the transportation process. Although you will be working with professionals, a heavier car is less likely to skid and move around easily, especially when transporting older classic cars.

Even if you are using an enclosed car transport service, loading your vehicle with the maximum allowed luggage weight will help to ensure your vehicle remains in place.

5. Position Your Vehicle Properly

Once you select a classic car transport service, you can then establish the details of the pickup and transport date.

Most carrier trucks will request that you position your vehicle in a convenient location for pickup and transport. Working out these details with your preferred carrier before your scheduled pickup date is ideal.

Inform your carrier of any information or details they may require to reach and pick up your vehicle with ease successfully. If possible, make sure that you are on-site and available during the pickup to ensure that the process goes over as smoothly as possible with your presence.

If you live in a gated community or your car transport provider will need permission to enter your neighborhood or property, inform them ahead of time to prevent hangups and schedule interference.

Transporting a classic car using a traditional classic car transport service or an enclosed car transport service is a way to move any car from one location to another without the hassle.

With the right car transport provider like National Dispatch, maintain your peace of mind knowing your classic collectible is in the right hands at all times, even when headed across the country.

Home Improvement Tips: Boost Value, Sell Sooner

Why Fix Up Your Home?

One of the primary reasons why individuals use our car transport services is in the case of residential moves. What if you cannot sell your house for the price you want? What if your home will not sell at all? The answer is home improvement.

Before selling a home, you, as the owner, will want to spot any problems that would prevent it from selling. Doing repairs will help you get your home back to its former glory, but it is important to be a smart seller. You must budget the cost of fixing everything against the home’s market value.

Here is why you should do home improvements:

To get the home of your dreams. It may be time to do home repairs if you cannot afford to sell your current home as is and move to a more expensive home.
To make a profit. Home improvement is a great DIY project. Doing a few minor renovations can increase your return investment on your property.

What renovations add the most value? You will get a better return investment out of certain renovations. Therefore, it is important to know which improvements are well worth the money and which ones can wait.

Here are a few renovations that add value to your home:

Kitchen Updates – Update the floors, appliances, and countertops in your home.
Bathroom Remodels – Remodel your bathroom make it more modern.
Landscape and Exterior – When a potential buyer first pulls up to the property, it will leave an impression. How does this first impression impact its selling potential?
Maintenance – This would include the roof, windows, and more. Not maintaining these features will greatly decrease the value of your home.

What Needs Fixing?

Your home may need minor or major repairs. Depending on the budget, you may decide to focus on different areas of the property. However, it is important to keep in mind that even partial renovations can increase the value of your home and give it the face-lift it needs.

Here are some general areas to focus on:

Walls and Ceilings – Patch up any existing holes and cracks. This will vary in expense depending on severity
Entryway – Redecorate the area with a new front door, house number, etc.
Improve Landscape – Improving the exterior is for the sake of curb appeal. Plant trees, bushes, and flowers.
Clean – You want the space to be clean for potential buyers when they look at the property.
Paint – It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. It can make the space look large and newer, but color choice is a big deal. You should stick to neutral colors, such as gray, beige, and cream. It is easy to paint over these colors. If the buyer wants a pop of color, leave that up to them.
Appliances – Fix any broken or faulty appliances, including kitchen appliances and HVAC system.
Plumbing – Check the plumbing to ensure that there are no water leaks and that all pipes are fully functional. Water pressure should be correct, as well.
Flooring – Replace flooring if it is stained, old, or out-of-date.
Windows and Doors – Replace any broken windows. Ensure that all doors can lock. External doors should be properly sealed to prevent water from entering the home. It is also important to check that all windows have screens.
Roof Repairs – A potential buyer will not care how the rest of the house looks if the roof leaks.
Lighting – Ensure that there are no electrical issues. This means checking all light fixtures, ceiling fans, and outlets to see that they are functioning as they should.

What should you do to fix code violations?

Some older homes do not meet standards. Violations can be fixed. You may need to check with your home builder or private inspector. Research the local building codes. These will be specific to your area. Then, have an inspection completed.

Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchen and bathroom remodel projects add significant value to your home. It is crucial to add these rooms to your home renovation plan to maximize on your return investment. What should you do to add value?

Below, you will find a few considerations to improve upon your existing property:

Kitchen:

Cabinets, Racks, Shelves – You can never have enough storage. Consider installing cabinets that reach the ceiling or shelves on an open wall. All this storage means more places to put your dishes, utensils, and more. To spruce up your existing cabinets, brush on a new coat of paint.
Commercial Appliances – When choosing appliances, the focus should be on the overall design and functionality. You want to select long-lasting appliances from trusted brands. Do your research by reading reviews.
Lighting – Lighting can make a big difference. It has the potential to make a room look larger and brighter. Consider adding dimmer switches to control the amount of light. You can even add under-cabinet lighting.
Wood or Stone Floors – Natural wood, as well as stone flooring, is long-lasting. It holds up well against general wear and tear.
Stone or Granite Countertops – Granite and stone countertops are a big selling point. It is available in a wide array of colors. Therefore, it can easily match with any kitchen design. Most importantly, granite and stone is long-lasting and does not require much maintenance.
Backsplash – Adding a backsplash is not as complicated as you may think. Not only does it add value to the space, but it adds style.

Bathroom:

Walk-In Shower – If you do not have room for both a bathtub and a walk-in shower, consider replacing the tub with a walk-in shower.
Additional Bathroom – If your home is a one-bath house, consider adding another bathroom. This will significantly increase the value of your home.
Vanity – One easy way to improve your home’s bathroom is by transforming the vanity to make it more modern. Update the vanity with new paint, hardware, and light fixtures.

Outdoor Improvements

Updating the exterior of your home does not have to be overly expensive or time-consuming. It is about choosing the most important factors that will add curb appeal and ultimately increase value to interest buyers. Since many buyers view homes online first, curb appeal is a big deal.

Here are a few ways you can add value to your home’s exterior:

Landscaping – This means planting flowers, trees, and bushes. In addition, you may want to put mulch around these areas for added visual appeal. Make sure the lawn is cut. Lighting around the walkways leading up to the property is also a selling point.
Front Door – Replacing your front door can be beneficial to a sell. Get a door that is secure and energy-efficient.
Windows – Much like a door, the same goes for windows. You want to update your windows. Look for energy-efficient windows that will give you the most money back on your investment.
Fence – A wooden privacy fence provides a great return on your investment. It will attract buyers with pets and children. In addition, it is a plus for anyone who enjoys their privacy.
Paint – A fresh coat of paint can do wonders. Choose a neutral color.

Bonus Improvements

This is for people who want to go the extra mile and who have it in their budget to do so. Like how the newest car on the market has all the latest and greatest features, you may want this for your home. This is to attract more buyers.

Here are a few extra improvements you can make:

Smart Home Features – This is added technology that you can add to your house that can be controlled remotely from a phone or computer. It makes your life easier.
- Doorbell – Speak with people at the door from the comfort of your couch.
- Alarm system – Keep your home safe.
- Lighting controls – Control the lighting of a room.
- Thermostat – Control heating and air conditioning remotely.
- Keyless entry – Do not worry about carrying keys. You won’t need them.
- Shade control – Raise and lower window treatments at the push of a button.
- Irrigation – Water the lawn to keep it looking good.
Barn Doors – This rustic decor piece is very popular with buyers. It is easy to make and install one. You can use a barn door for the entry to a home office, closet, and much more.
Fireplace – Many home buyers prefer a wood-burning fireplace. If your home already has a fireplace, you can update the look of it. It may just need a deep-cleaning or fresh coat of paint. To add a decorative element, attach a shelf or mantel if your fireplace does not have one.
Solar Vents – If your upstairs’ space gets extremely hot in the summer, consider adding solar vents in the attic. These vents help to push the hot air out, so that your HVAC system does not have to work so hard to cool off your home. They can be helpful in lowering the cost of utilities.

More General Home Improvement Tips

When you are thinking about doing a home renovation, there are some things to keep in mind. Before doing improvements, we recommend:

Know the Area – How much do homes in your neighborhood typically sell for? Be realistic with your home improvement plan. Do not go over the top. If there is room in the budget to add more space, it makes for a nice return and investment. This includes attics, bedrooms, family rooms, and sunrooms. However, you should not add so much space to price your home outside what the rest of the homes in the area are valued at.
Do Maintenance – General maintenance, such as roofing, siding, plumbing, and electrical should come first. After conducting maintenance on your property, then you review the budget and decide what is next.
Spend Money Wisely – Where do people spend the most time? When considering where you want to invest your money, think about this. The best returns are on bathrooms, landscaping and exterior, kitchens, bedrooms, deck additions, basement remodels, and family room additions.

Moving Out Of Your Home

Now that you have done renovations on your house, your home will sell much more easily and you will get a better return investment. The next step is moving. When it comes time to move out of your home, consider our auto transport services.

Why use a car shipping company?

Easy – Moving can be stressful, but it should not be. With the help of National Dispatch, moving your vehicle to your new home is easy from start to finish. It all starts with a free, instant car shipping quote on our website. Our online quote calculator is easy-to-use and requires no personal information. You will receive a quote in seconds.
Convenient – Our door-to-door car shipping service is convenient, because we come directly to your door. Our driver will come pick up the car from your home and deliver it to its destination.
Safe – Using a professional auto transport company means that your vehicle will be delivered in a safe and timely manner. We offer both open and enclosed auto transport services to fit your unique needs and budget. You can be rest assured that your car is in the best hands.

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We transport vehicles all over the country for individuals undergoing a residential move, corporate relocation, dealer-to-dealer trade, military relocation, snowbird move, and more.

We ship cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. In addition, we transport classic, sports, exotic, and luxury cars. National Dispatch also has the means to transport your non-running vehicle. We understand that you are an individual with unique needs. Therefore, we tailor our car shipping services to meet those specific needs.

Use our online quote calculator to receive a free, instant car shipping quote. Only four simple fields of information are required. No need to input personal information to receive a quote in seconds. If you prefer to speak with a representative by phone, contact us at 800-321-2051.

Learn more about our car shipping services.

Coast To Coast Car Moving Made Easy

Coast To Coast Car Moving & Moving In General

Are you planning on moving from east coast to west coast or vice versa? Moving from one side of the country to the other can be quite the challenge. It is completely normal to feel nervous, anxious, or stressed over the experience. You must organize and pack up all your belongings. In addition, you must decide on the best way to get all your possessions to your new home, safely and affordably.

The best way to enjoy a hassle-free move from coast-to-coast is to use the moving tips and steps listed below and work with one of the best nationwide car shipping companies in the industry. National Dispatch provides superior service at an affordable rate to all individuals wishing to relocate anywhere in the United States.

Finding The Perfect Home Across The Country

One of the first steps in any move is finding a place to call home. There is much to consider before making the big purchase. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Look to the future.

Where do you see yourself five years from now? What about ten years from now? Are you looking for a temporary home or a permanent residence? You may be moving because of a job or due to retirement. Every person’s situation is different. Consider the time and effort involved in relocating to a new home. If you do not intend on remaining at a location for very long, think about renting. It would mean an easier move when the time comes.

Find a home to grow with you.

Maybe, you have hopes of starting a family in the near future. On the other hand, you may need to house your elderly parents. If you cannot afford a home that suits your growing needs, then purchase one that allows for expansion. Being able to see the bigger picture will greatly aid you in the home-buying process.

Consider your lifestyle and personality.

Look for a home that meets not just your needs but your wants, as well. There are many different types of homes, including condominiums, townhouses, single family homes, and apartments. Not everyone prefers the same type of home. Consider your personality and how you would prefer to live. Ask yourself these questions:

Do you own a pet? When you are a pet owner, you must also take into consideration the happiness of your animal. An apartment or condominium may not provide ample space for a large dog to run around.
Would you prefer a lawn? One downside of owning a home is the upkeep and maintenance involved. If you do not mind mowing the grass, then a house will suit your lifestyle. On the other hand, if you hate the thought of doing yard work of any kind, another style home may better suit your needs.
Do you prefer your privacy? Sharing a wall with a neighbor is not for everyone. Some people prefer their space. If you can not handle the possibility of noisy neighbors, then an apartment may not be the home for you.

Research the neighborhood and community.

When you move to a new city, you will see differences in the cost of living, climate, employment rate, safety, and culture. Researching the area you intend on moving to can help prepare you for the big change. If you can visit the location, then you will be able to explore, firsthand, and decide on a location you wish to reside in. This may not be possible, though, because cross country moves are quite far. Take into consideration the schools, medical care, and recreational activities in the area.

Purchase a home within budget.

Calculate your monthly expenses and income. Then, set a budget for finding a home within a certain price range. This way you know what you are comfortable paying for a house and what you can afford financially. Remember to calculate for car moving costs, general moving costs and future expenses, as well. If you intend on buying a fixer-upper, estimate the total costs to renovate the property. Remember that housing costs vary by community, neighborhood, and region.

Be reasonable.

There is nothing wrong with being picky during the home buying process. However, if you are shooting down home after home or not even considering a property, you may be missing out on your dream house. You may have limited options if you decide to be too choosy. It is important to keep an open-mind during the home-buying process. That does not mean settling for a home that you will not be happy in.

Moving A Car Coast-To-Coast

A coast-to-coast move is one of the most difficult moves to undergo due to the distance. Moving from New York to California is nearly a 3,000 mile journey through multiple states. It will involve several days in the car, driving from east coast to west coast. What if there was an alternative option available? Well, there is.

Rather than driving, many home movers choose to transport their car using a professional auto transport company. It is a safe, fast, and easy form of transportation that will save you time. The steps to shipping your vehicle using a long-distance car shipping company is easy. It will involve: Doing Your Homework, Choosing Auto Transport Services, Requesting A Quote, and Preparing A Vehicle For Transport.

Find The Right Car Moving Company – Doing Your Homework

There are thousands of auto transport companies to choose from, and it is up to you to pick the right one for the job. You can not trust your car with just any car moving company. It is important to find a reliable company that you will be comfortable handing your keys over to. This is accomplished through proper research. Check out the company’s online presence to ensure that they are reputable. Before hiring a company, be sure that they are licensed, insured, and bonded. Look around the company’s website, and call to speak with a representative. You can get any of your questions answered, regarding deposits, insurance, and rates. Learn more information about finding a car moving company.

Choosing Car Moving Services

Once you have found a reputable company, the next step is to determine the services you will need to transport your vehicle. At National Dispatch, we offer an extensive list of services to meet the unique needs of our customers. Here are some of the services that we provide:

Door-to-door moving: Our drivers will deliver the vehicle directly to your home, as long as conditions permit. This makes auto transport an easy and convenient option.
Open car moving: If you are looking to ship your family car, truck, van, or SUV, you will likely use this method. It is the most popular form of transportation, as it is affordable and safe. The vehicle will be transported on an open-air carrier, which is capable of hauling up to nine cars at one time.
Enclosed car moving: If you want your car to be shielded from the weather and outside elements, then shipping via an enclosed carrier is the way to go. However, this option is more expensive than the alternative. Enclosed auto transport is often used when you have a car that…
- Does not get driven often
- Is stored in the garage
- Has an expensive paint job
- Is a luxury, sports, or classic model
Non-running car moving: To transport a vehicle that is inoperable, special equipment is required. At National Dispatch, we have the means to ship your car, even if it does not run.
Top-loading: Top-loading is an additional service many auto transport companies offer their customers. It means that your car will be positioned on the top level of the transport truck. This reduces the chances of any encounters with dirt, dust, and grime during transit.
Guaranteed shipping: Are you shipping on short notice? Do you need your car as soon as possible? No need to worry with our guaranteed shipping option. This option may cost more than our other methods, but it is well worth the cost due to the added convenience.

Requesting A Car Moving Quote

Move your automobile safely and quickly with National Dispatch. It all starts by requesting a car moving quote on our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/ or by calling us at 800-321-2051. We offer an easy-to-use quote calculator that requires absolutely no personal information. Here is how to get your free quote today:

Enter your vehicle make.
Input your vehicle model.
Enter your pickup location (Zipcode or City and State).
Input your delivery location (Zipcode or City and State).
Get a Free, Instant Quote.

Car moving rates differ throughout the industry. There are numerous variables involved in calculating a quote, including distance, location, type of vehicle, and services. We make it as simple as possible to receive a rate by only asking for four fields of information. Learn more information about car shipping rates.

Preparing A Car For Moving

Before loading your vehicle onto the carrier and transporting it to its destination, there are some preparation procedures to take care of. Here are some tasks that should be accomplished before the driver’s arrival:

Remove all belongings from the car.
Clean the exterior of the vehicle, so that an inspection report can be completed.
Keep 1/4 to 1/2 tank of gas in the car.
Remove all toll road stickers.
Conduct necessary car maintenance.
Remove luggage, bike, and ski racks.

Coast To Coast Helpful Moving Tips

There are many difficulties that come with a long-distance move. We want your move to go as smooth as possible. Therefore, we have assembled a few tips to aid you in the process. Check them out, below:

Do not do everything, yourself. When it comes to a local move, you can complete a lot of the tasks on your To-Do list on your own. If you are moving down the street, you can even transport your belongings to your home, yourself. A coast to coast move is different. It is difficult to come back to get an item if you forget it. Furthermore, it is a long journey to make alone. Hire professionals to do the work for you. You won’t regret it.
Get rid of stuff you don’t want or need. Sort through your belongings. Pack only the items that you see yourself using in the future. This will be a huge space-saver in your new home. In addition, it means less stuff you have to haul from Point A to Point B. If you choose to host a yard sale, you could make some extra bucks to put towards moving expenses.
Protect your valuables. Invest in proper packing materials. This means getting strong cardboard boxes that can handle the long move. You also want to be sure that each item is protected with newspaper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, etc. You could even use items around your house, such as blankets and towels, to wrap breakables. It does not matter, so long as everything is protected in the move.
Start early. A move is stressful, but anyone can feel a little more stressed when under pressure. Do not put everything off until the last minute. This includes packing, making travel arrangements, and booking auto transport.

Long-Distance Car Move With National Dispatch

Moving your car across the country does not have to be a challenge, and it does not have to be stressful. National Dispatch offers insured, licensed, and trackable nationwide car shipping services. By choosing to transport with us, you will receive peace of mind. Your vehicle will be in the best hands and will be delivered safely and quickly to its destination.

We cater our services to meet your needs. We have shipped vehicles for vacationers, military personnel, construction teams, corporations, and more. In addition, we transport all types of automobiles, including family cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. This would extend to include luxury, classic, and exotic models, as well. We can even transport a non-running car.

If you have questions regarding our auto transport services, we encourage you to contact us at 800-321-2051. We also offer a free, instant car shipping quote on our website at https://www.nationaldispatch.com/.