subject: Auto Transport - Even Your Clunker Can Ride [print this page] Most vehicles moved by auto transport companies are new cars, trucks, and SUVs bound for dealerships. But there are many inoperable vehicles that travel by car transport, toosingle vehicle shipments. Is it worth the money to pay for shipping a car that doesnt run?
That depends on the vehicle. If its a classic that youre planning to renovate, it probably is. If its an old family clunker that has sentimental value, it still might be worth the cost. After all, the alternative is to junk it, sell it, or move it yourself. That last option is not always possible and it certainly isnt fun. Finding a trailer that can handle the weight, a vehicle with a towing package, a bunch of buddies to help you push the car onto the trailernot to mention the beer and pizza youll have to shell out for in order to get those buddies to helpand an auto transport service starts to sound pretty good.
So whats the first step in using an auto transport company to move your inoperable vehicle? First, find a company that can handle the job. Auto transport brokers, personal references, the Yellow Pages, or the Internet are a few ways to find the many companies available. Make sure you choose a carrier with the proper credentials. In addition to a decent price, that means reputation, experience, insurance, and equipment.
When interviewing auto transport companies, let them know that your car or truck doesnt run. Its possible that the carrier will need special equipment or even a driver with the expertise to load and transport an inoperable vehicle. After all, a car or truck that doesnt run cant drive onto a trailer under its own power. The auto transport driver will probably use a winch to pull the vehicle onto the trailer. If no winch is available, a hired helper may be necessary. Either way, your vehicle must be capable of being steered and rolled.
After youve selected an auto transport company and theyve agreed to handle your shipment, youre still not done. Before the trailer arrives, you need to take care of some housekeeping. Empty the oil, transmission and steering fluids from the vehicle. Make sure there isnt much fuel in the gas tankpreferably less than a quarter of a tank. When the auto transport driver arrives, verify his insurance and certification. Fill out a written inspection form. Then turn over your vehicle knowing that youve done all the work thats necessary to transport your inoperable vehicle safely.
