Posts Tagged ‘Open Carrier Shipping’

Can I Ship a Non-Running Car?

Old truck restoration

The short answer is yes, you can! Many auto transport companies can ship any kind of vehicle, ranging in make, model, and size. Therefore, big or small, truck or compact, it can be shipped for you. When it comes to shipping a non-running car, not all companies have the proper equipment and manpower to do so. However, National Dispatch is well-equipped to handle the shipment of your inoperable car.

Before booking auto transport services, you must take into consideration the factors that may affect your car transport rate. Car transport rates vary depending on the services you select in addition to other specifics about your shipment. Non-running vehicles require special care and attention. For this reason, it is good to have a general understanding of the auto shipping process, beforehand.

What Is a Non-Running Car?

A non-running car is just as it sounds. It is a car that does not run or is not safe to drive. Therefore, auto shipping services are required to transport the car. Many cars get in this condition from collision damage, which ultimately leads to mechanical failure. However, there are other cases in which the inoperable car happens to be a classic car that is being worked on to restore it to its former glory.

Damaged red car

Shipping a Non-Running Car

Requesting car shipping services for a non-running car is not that different than for a car that runs. However, there are some extra steps and details that you want to be sure are taken care of prior to shipping. Here are the steps that you will want to go through.

  • Do your Research. When shipping any car, regardless of if it runs or not, you will want to make sure you are getting the best deal. To do this, you will need to do your homework to find the right auto transport company. The company should offer affordable rates, have the services you need, and be friendly in providing customer service. Read more on How to Find an Auto Transport Company.
  • Contact Company. After finding an auto transport company to ship your vehicle, you want to contact a representative with the company to be sure that they offer non-running car shipping services. Not all companies have the required equipment or are willing to handle these types of vehicles.
  • Compare Pricing. Most auto shipping companies offer an online quote form. This gives you the opportunity to fill in a little information about your car to receive a free quote. Many quote forms allow you to choose if you will be shipping a non-running or running vehicle. You could also ask about the cost of shipping, while you speak to the auto transport representative.

How to Ship a Non-Running Car

Non-running cars cannot be driven onto the car carrier. Therefore, the auto shipper must use other means to load the vehicle. These will vary depending on the type of carrier that you will be using to ship your non-running vehicle. There are two primary car carrier options, which include:

  • Open Auto Transport: The car will be loaded on to an open carrier using a winch. There are different types of winches, which may be manual or hand cranked. The car is pulled up on the carrier by the chain, which is attached. It is important to keep in mind that because this is an open carrier, the car will not be protected from natural road elements and weather conditions. Read more on Open Auto Transport.
  • Enclosed Auto Transport: If you want to use this method of shipping, then your car will be loaded on to an enclosed carrier, usually using a liftgate. These liftgates limit movement when loading. They are especially useful for low clearance vehicles, as they prevent damage to the car. Unlike open auto shipping, enclosed auto transport protects the vehicle from a variety of road elements and weather conditions. Read more on Enclosed Auto Transport.

Dollar signs with question mark

Determining the Cost of Shipping

Cost is the factor that most people are concerned about when shipping any car. This includes inoperable cars. You may be wondering how the company came up with the car transport rate you were given. In general, the cost to ship a non-running car is more expensive than that of a running one, because of the extra time and effort required to safely transport the vehicle. The cost of shipping varies depending upon many factors, including the typo of car, distance, route, shipping method, and type of carrier.

How does type of car affect your rate?

You will be transporting a non-running car. This service is more expensive than if you were to ship a car that operates properly. Why is that? This is because of the equipment that the trucks must have to safely load and unload your vehicle. In addition, the drivers must be trained to transport these types of vehicles. You wouldn’t want to hire someone who has no idea what they are doing. In addition to the condition, the make and model of the car will have an affect on your rate. This is mainly due to size. If you own a larger car, then it will take up more space with more weight on the transport carrier, usually contributing to a higher cost.

How does distance affect your rate?

Distance is one of the most important factors when determining a car transport rate. In general, the farther you need your car shipped, the more expensive it will be. This is because the truck will require more fuel to transport the car a longer distance. In addition, it requires more drive time. Therefore, shipping a car coast to coast, say New York to California, is going to cost more than just a few states away.

How does route affect your rate?

You must consider where you need the car shipped to and from. This can affect the cost of shipping. Transport carriers often go through major cities, across the nation, picking up cars for various customers. Large cities are easy for transport carriers because of their proximity to major highways. If you need your car shipped to or from a rural location, your car transport rate may be more expensive. This is because transport carriers do not pass through these areas as frequently.

How does shipping method affect your rate?

Pricing also varies depending on how soon you need your vehicle. The more flexible you are on your shipment time, the lower the cost of shipping will be. However, accommodations can be made for those who need their car shipped, as soon as possible. Many customers offer a rush shipping option. At National Dispatch, we offer a guaranteed shipping option. It is more expensive than our other standard shipping options. However, you will get your car within a shorter time window.

How does carrier type affect your rate?

You can choose between the transport carriers we previously discussed, an open carrier or enclosed carrier. This will be based upon personal preference and needs. It depends upon exactly what type of vehicle you are transporting. If you are transporting a non-running classic car, you may want to opt for an enclosed carrier. It is more expensive, but it will protect the car from the open air, weather, and outside elements.

Tips for Shipping a Non-Running Car

The transport of a non-running car requires proper planning, as well as special equipment. To ensure that the transport of your vehicle goes smoothly, we have assembled a few tips. Check them out below:

  • Hire the right company. We mentioned this before, but it cannot be overstated. To safely load and unload your inoperable vehicle, the auto transport company needs to know what they are doing. Hire a company with a driver who is equipped and qualified to handle the task at hand. At National Dispatch, we hire nothing but the best. We understand that it takes time, effort, and expertise to transport your car safely to its destination.
  • Inform the company about the car’s condition. The auto shipping company cannot properly assist you in transporting your vehicle if they do not know that it does not run. You must tell the company when booking that is inoperable. This way they have all the necessary equipment and manpower before showing up at your door. This will also prevent any added fees or time delays.
  • Know what is wrong with the car. A major part of telling your auto shipper that it does not run is knowing why it does not run. Maybe, the problem is an easy fix. It might cost you less to fix the car and ship as a running vehicle than to ship as a non-running car. This would be the case if a dead battery or flat tires were the problem. If it is wrecked car, then you should understand what does and doesn’t work to inform the auto transporter. Does the car roll? Does it brake? Can you steer it? These are all great questions to ask yourself.
  • Book ahead of time. Car shipping takes proper planning. Not only must the auto shipper make the appropriate preparations, but you must, as well. There may be some preparation tasks that you need to take care of prior to shipping. In addition, booking ahead of time ensures that you get the best car transport rate, as well as the pick-up and drop-off time that you prefer. Be aware of the busy times in the auto transport industry, typically in the summer.
  • Prepare your car for shipping. As we mentioned, there are some preparation steps that you must take to ensure that your car is ready to be loaded and transported. The most important one is to secure all loose parts on the vehicle. In addition, you should remove all personal belongings from inside the car. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

National Dispatch logo

Why National Dispatch

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We have years of experience in the auto transport industry, shipping cars for individuals undergoing a residential move, vacation, corporate relocation, and more. This is just one of the many reasons why our customers rely on us to safely transport their vehicles across the nation. If you book with us, here is what you can expect:

  • On-time delivery. Businesses and individuals rely on scheduled delivery dates. They need their cars picked up and delivered when they say they are going to be. Otherwise, they may be forced to miss a day of work waiting around. By booking with National Dispatch, you can count on a timely delivery.
  • Reliable services. It can be hard giving your car keys over to a stranger. However, we make it a little more easy. You will have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in the best hands. We will treat your car as if it was our very own.
  • Convenient pick-up and delivery. At National Dispatch, we offer door-to-door auto transport. This is a service in which the driver will come directly to your home or place of business to pickup and deliver the car. This is much more convenient than the alternative method of terminal-to-terminal auto shipping.
  • Fast delivery. We also offer a guaranteed delivery service. This acts as a kind of rush delivery service for those individuals or businesses who need their car within a short time window.

Are you in need of car shipping services? Whether it is a running or non-running vehicle, National Dispatch can assist you! We can ship your car anywhere in the United States. Our representatives are standing by ready to answer all your questions and help you book auto transport services today. You can call us at 800-321-2051 to get a free quote. If you prefer an alternative method, you can fill out a quote using our online quote calculator. Requesting a free, instant quote is easy. Only four simple fields are required: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. No personal information is needed. We look forward to hearing from you!

Luxury Car Transport Anywhere In The Country

Transporting A Luxury Car

Whether you are undergoing a residential move, corporate relocation, or purchasing a luxury car out of state, we can take care of all your auto transport needs. Shipping a luxury car is not the same as shipping other types of vehicles.

You likely invested a lot of money into purchasing your luxury car, so you want to ensure that it will arrive safely at its destination. Therefore, it is important that you choose a reliable car transport company, such as National Dispatch, to ship your vehicle where it needs to go.

For first-time luxury car buyers and transporters, we have created this post to assist you in the process. You will learn:

  • Tips and food for thought about buying your first luxury model
  • How to choose the best auto transport company
  • Recommended method for shipping a luxury car
  • Cost to ship a luxury car from one city to another

Things To Consider Before Making A Luxury Car Purchase

Luxury cars come in a wide array of sizes and body styles, as well as makes and models. If you own or seek to own of these vehicles, you will experience the best in safety, technology, comfort, and driving experience. Many brands have sought to make these cars more affordable for the consumers. You can get a luxury car for under $35,000. However, a luxury model can reach $100,000 or more.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a luxury car. Here are just a few:

Features

Luxury cars are known for being, well, luxurious. This means coming with top-notch safety features and technology. Some of these features include blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, rear-seat entertainment systems, satellite radio, and navigation systems. When looking for a car, it is important to note which features are a must.

Maintenance/Repairs

Maintenance and repairs often cost more at luxury car dealerships. However, some dealerships offer a deal, such as a free maintenance program, when you purchase a new car for incentive purposes. You should be prepared for the upkeep, as well as the expense, that is involved in owning a luxury car.

Type

When it comes to a luxury car, there are a variety of body styles to choose from. You must decide which best fits your needs and lifestyle. There are SUVs, sedans, and sport models. Maybe, a coupe or convertible is your style. On the other hand, if you have a large family, a SUV with third row seating may better suit your needs.

Fuel Economy

You must take into consideration how much gas will cost you. Most luxury cars require premium gasoline, which cost more in comparison to regular fuel. There are hybrid and diesel luxury vehicles, available. Be prepared, and budget effectively.

New Vs. Used

Buying new versus used is a personal choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to buying each. Purchasing a new vehicle will come with all the latest technology on the market. This may not be important to you, so a used car may be the way to go. A used luxury car will give you what you are looking for in a luxury model at a lower cost. However, you must remember to factor in the possibility of added repairs and maintenance. Whether you are buying used or new, do your research to find a reliable dealer.

Budget

One major factor to consider before making a large purchase, such as a car, is your budget. Get all your finances in order, establish a budget, and stick to it. This will make the car buying process go much more smoothly.

Choosing A Company To Ship Your Luxury Car

It is crucial to find a car transport company that you can rely on to ship your luxury vehicle. It can be hard giving the keys over to a stranger, especially since you have invested so much time and money into finding the perfect car. Therefore, you should conduct some research to ensure that you find a company that will put your car’s safety above all else.

Here are some DO’s when it comes to choosing an auto transport provider:

Check Licenses.

A good car transport company will be licensed, insured, and bonded. All auto transport companies in the country are required to be registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Check to make sure that the company meets these criteria. It is important to know that your vehicle will be taken care of while in transit.

Read Reviews.

It is recommended that you review the company’s website and social media sites. This will allow you to get an idea of who you will be shipping your car with. It will also allow you to confirm that the company is reputable and trustworthy. Read some of the company’s reviews on Google to see what others have to say about the company.

Ask Questions.

After doing some initial research, contact the car carrier to get all your questions answered. Speak with a representative who is knowledgeable about the process. You can also find answers to some of your questions on the FAQ page.

Here are some DON’T’s when it comes to choosing an auto transport provider:

Don’t Think Cheaper Is Better.

There are some non-reputable companies out there in every industry. These are the companies that will offer a cheap quote to get your business. Cheaper is not always better. In most cases, you get what you pay for. It is better to pay more for a company that offers a higher quality service than for a company that offers a cheap rate, especially when it comes to your car.

Don’t Avoid Research.

When it comes to car transport companies, you have numerous options available to choose from. Therefore, research is a very important step to finding a professional auto transporter. It will help you avoid spending time and money on a company that is not worth it.

The search ends here with National Dispatch. Contact us today for a free, instant car shipping quote on our website. No personal information is required. You can also contact a representative by phone at 800-321-2051.

Luxury Car Transport Services: What’s Recommended?

Safety is of the utmost importance when shipping a luxury car. You must ensure that your car receives the care and attention it needs and deserves during the shipping process. This means, not only choosing the right company, but the proper shipping methods. So, how should you transport your luxury car? There are two primary methods of shipping. This includes the following:

Open Auto Shipping

This method of shipping involves transporting the vehicle on an open-air carrier. A typical open carrier is multi-level and can haul up to nine vehicles at one time. Due to the construction of the carrier, it does not shield the car from elements that one might typically encounter while traveling on the road. This would include dirt, dust, grime, and more. In addition, the car is not protected from a variety of weather conditions. This is the standard method of shipment. Therefore, it is the most economical.

There are some ways to add more protection with an open carrier, such as by requesting top-loading. Top-loading means that your car will be placed on the top level of a multi-level car carrier. This reduces the risk of encountering road debris and other material.

Learn more about open auto transport.

Enclosed Auto Shipping

The alternative method of shipping is via an enclosed carrier. This type of carrier features side walls and a roof. It may even have added features, such as a lift gate or climate control capability. This method is more expensive than open carrier shipping due to the added protection it provides. Your luxury car will be shielded from all elements and weather conditions, including wind, rain, snow, and ice. This is the recommended method of transport for luxury, exotic, sport, and classic vehicles.

Learn more about enclosed auto transport.

Whichever method you choose, open or enclosed auto shipping, you can be rest assured that your car will be delivered in a safe and timely fashion. At National Dispatch, we provide these services, in addition to door-to-door service to make for the best experience, possible. With door-to-door service, our driver will come directly to your location to pick up and deliver the vehicle. No extra driving on your part needed.

Cost To Ship A Luxury Car

When shipping your luxury car, there are many items to consider. An auto transport company factors many components into the price of your car shipping quote, including:

  • Distance: This is the main factor in calculating a quote. The price will increase if the driver must travel across the country. It is also important to note if you live or are shipping from a major city, as this will play a part in the cost, as well.
  • Vehicle make and model: This is primarily used for the purposes of size and weight. The cost to ship a large luxury SUV is different than that of a small luxury sedan.
  • Transport type: When shipping a luxury car, you will likely want to use an enclosed carrier. However, the choice is yours. An enclosed carrier is more expensive than an open carrier.
  • Shipping time-frame: If you need your car shipped on short notice, we offer an option to suit this need. Our guaranteed shipping option is best for individuals who need their car ASAP. However, the convenience and fast shipping does come at an added expense.

Learn more about car transport rates.

Requesting A Quote

Since there are multiple factors that go into the cost of a car shipping quote, it is best to request a quote directly from the auto transport company. This way it is a quote specifically suited to your needs and situation.

National Dispatch offers a free, instant car shipping quote through our online quote calculator. All you must do is fill out four simple fields of information. No personal information is required of you. This means no email and no phone number.

  1. Select the Vehicle Make.
  2. Select the Vehicle Model.
  3. Type in the Zip code of the Pick-up Location.
  4. Type in the Zip code of the Delivery Location.
  5. Get a quote.

After you have entered in the information, you will get a page, instantly, that looks something like the following:

Prices are subject to change. This quote was formulated using a BMW 3 series sedan traveling from Boston, Massachusetts to New York City, New York. The trailer type used was an enclosed carrier. However, you may select from an open carrier, as well. Priority shipping is pre-selected, but we have other shipping options, depending on your unique needs.

National Dispatch

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We specialize in the shipment of your standard car, truck, SUV, van, and motorcycle. In addition, we transport specialty vehicles, such as classic, luxury, sport, and exotic vehicles, as well.

Whether you are moving or going on vacation, you are sure to find the services you are looking for at National Dispatch. We believe that you deserve nothing but the best when it comes to the shipment of your vehicle. Therefore, we offer enclosed carrier and guaranteed shipping options in addition to our standard shipping methods for added convenience and peace of mind.

Our auto transport services are licensed, insured, and trackable. Therefore, you never have to worry where or when your car will arrive. You also can be rest assured that your vehicle is receiving the best care and service, available. Our services are not just intended for individuals undergoing a residential move. We also cater to large corporations and dealerships.

We encourage you to read more about our services on our website. Remember that we offer a free, instant online auto shipping quote using our online quote calculator. Our quote is different for several reasons. You will receive a quote in a matter of seconds. In addition, you are not required to put in your name, email, or phone number. If you prefer to speak with someone by phone, call us at 800-321-2051.