A Step-By-Step Guide On Relocating With Your Vehicle

Relocating is one of the most exciting things that life can offer! There are lots of reasons people might relocate to a new spot, from an enticing job offer to attending university or being relocated for the military. You may also just choose to relocate with a move closer to family or a winter relocation from the cold to the sun (hello, all you lovely snowbirds!) 

Whatever the motivation and the reason behind your relocation, there is one trusty item that can lead to a lot of stress: your vehicles! How are they going to get where you're going? What if you're relocating internationally? Will it be safe? Will it take a year!? There are so many unknowns, but we’re here to help expel that stress in this article where we will break down the details of relocation with your vehicle! 

First Decide If you Need To Relocate Your Vehicle

Relocating to a new place is an exciting adventure as we said, but yes, it can also lead to some high stress with the extremely time-consuming to-do list that seems to keep expanding! 

Among the many decisions you'll need to make, one of the most significant is whether to bring your vehicle with you to your new destination. This decision can impact your budget, convenience, and overall experience of settling into your new destination.

The distance between your current location and your new destination is a fundamental element to consider. If your move is within a relatively short driving distance, bringing your vehicle with you may be more convenient whereas if going far, it should be shipped for safety purposes. Assess your immediate transportation needs in your new location. If you anticipate requiring a vehicle right away for work, daily activities, or potential emergencies, having your vehicle readily available can be a significant advantage. 

It's good practice to conduct a financial assessment that weighs the costs of relocating your vehicle against the value of your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle's cost and value are worth the costs of shipment.  When you evaluate the value of your vehicle, consider both practical and sentimentality.  If your vehicle has substantial monetary value or is of significant importance, you’ll want to relocate it!

By carefully considering these factors and conducting a thorough evaluation, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision regarding the relocation of your vehicle. Remember that this decision can have a substantial impact on your overall relocation experience, so take the time to assess your unique circumstances and needs before finalizing your relocation plans.

Pick The Best Shipment Method For You

Whether shipping a car, motorcycle, heavy equipment, or even a golf cart, transporting your vehicle safely and efficiently is crucial to us.  Unless you are relocating to a very close destination, we never recommend driving your vehicle yourself, due to safety concerns, as it can lead to excess and unnecessary wear and tear to the vehicles. Instead, we say ship! 

Depending on shipment location and type of vehicle, we offer various methods of shipping, including open transport, often referred to as open car transport, which is a widely used method for relocating vehicles. This transportation method involves loading vehicles onto open-air carriers, typically in the form of multi-car trailers. It is a practical and cost-effective choice for moving vehicles over long distances, whether it's a single car or multiple vehicles. While the vehicles transported via open carriers are exposed to the elements, such as weather and road debris, open transport remains a popular choice due to its affordability and efficiency. It is especially suitable for everyday vehicles, such as sedans, SUVs, and trucks, and is a preferred option for many individuals and businesses looking to move their vehicles safely and within budget.

Enclosed transport, in contrast to open transport, is a more premium method for relocating vehicles that offers a higher level of protection and security. This transportation approach involves loading vehicles onto enclosed trailers with fully enclosed sides and a roof. Enclosed transport is recommended for transporting high-value, luxury, classic, or collectible vehicles. By sheltering the vehicles from external elements, including adverse weather conditions, theft, and road debris, enclosed transport ensures that vehicles will arrive at their destination in pristine condition. This offers extra protection, making it a strong choice for those who want to safeguard their investment during transportation. 

While enclosed transport may come at a higher cost compared to open transport, it offers peace of mind for vehicle owners who prioritize the utmost care and protection for their prized automobiles.

Going international? Container shipping, aka “RoRo” or Roll-on/Roll-off shipping, is a method where vehicles are driven onto the vessel at the origin port and driven off at the destination port. This process minimizes handling and reduces the risk of damage, making it a preferred choice for shipping a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and even construction equipment. 

RoRo vessels are designed with multiple decks to accommodate various types and sizes of vehicles, optimizing space and ensuring cost-effective transportation. Plus, opting for container shipping is a more eco-friendly approach when compared to air freight, as it consumes fewer resources and generates fewer emissions per unit of cargo. 

Preparing Your Vehicle

Once you have decided what method of shipping you are going with, and have completed a transparent and personalized quote, it's time to prep the vehicle you are shipping! Depending on the type of vehicle and the destination, there will be variables on what each shipment needs. However, for this article, we will provide a general overview of what we recommend. 

First, prioritize maintenance by scheduling a comprehensive inspection and maintenance check for your vehicle. Address any necessary repairs or issues that could affect it during transport. Pay special attention to the condition of your tires, ensuring they are in good shape and properly inflated to prevent any mishaps along the way. We absolutely ship non-running vehicles, it's just vital we know about this in advance, so that we can prepare the right tools and necessary things for a smooth shipment. 

Next step, gather all essential documentation such as your vehicle's title, registration, insurance, and maintenance records. Make sure that your insurance coverage is not only up-to-date but also valid during the entire move, providing you with peace of mind in case of any unforeseen incidents.

Taking care of your vehicle's appearance is also important. Removing dirt and debris prevents any potential damage that could occur during transport. Also, take out all personal belongings and any items that could shift or become a hazard during the trip. Don't forget to take out those sneaky items that often get left behind like sunglasses, water bottles, USB cables, GPS devices…you know the items! Also, make sure to take off toll tags or parking passes and any external accessories. 

Don’t forget to empty the gas tank. There's no need to fill up your tank before relocating because your vehicle will be transported, not driven. Moreover, a fuller tank means more weight, potentially leading to higher transportation expenses. Instead, aim to have approximately a quarter of your gas tank filled. This amount will suffice to get your vehicle on and off the transport vehicle without the risk of running out of fuel.

Lastly, we beg of you to disable any alarms or anti-theft systems your vehicle may have. This is for our sanity! It also prevents disruptions during transportation, ensuring a smooth and uneventful journey for your vehicle. Fret not, we will provide you the list of the needed elements for your specific shipment. 

We encourage everyone to please clean down their vehicle ahead of their trip because it can help you identify any additional damage. A clean exterior helps you see pre-existing damages, like small dents and scratches. Now that it looks nice and shiny, it's time to whip out your camera. It’s essential to document your vehicle's condition thoroughly with photographs of your vehicle from various angles. These photographs serve as a visual record of your vehicle's condition ahead of its transportation. Make sure to capture all sides of the vehicle, including close-ups of any existing scratches, dents, or damage. 

Additionally, when it's time to hand over your keys, don't forget to hand over your vehicle's title, registration, insurance information, and maintenance records. We need this to verify ownership and insurance coverage but also as a reference point for the condition of your vehicle. These measures provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in good hands and that you have a clear record of its condition before it embarks on its journey to the new destination.

Wave Hello Your Vehicle On The Tracker

Once your vehicle is en route to its new destination, stay informed about its progress. We offer tracking services, in which you can regularly check the status and location of your vehicle using the provided tracking tools or information. 

In addition to tracking, stay informed about any potential delays or issues during transport. While we strive for efficiency and safety, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes crop up and arise. 

Your Vehicle Arrives!

When your vehicle arrives at its destination, verify the proper documentation and keys required for the vehicle's safe handover.

Next, inspect your vehicle by checking it meticulously for any new damage or issues that may have occurred during transit. Compare its current condition to the photographs you took before the move to identify any discrepancies. This is crucial for assessing the vehicle's condition accurately.

This examination involves comparing the current condition with the notes and photographs taken during pickup. Any new damage, no matter how minor, should be documented on the bill of lading. The bill of lading serves as both your car's travel diary and insurance policy bundled into one essential document. 

This document is needed if you need to file a damage claim, making it essential to review it diligently and ensure it's securely preserved. 

How Much Does It Cost To Ship My Vehicle With ShipLux?

The cost to ship a car with us varies based on several factors. Everything that we do is personalized for every shipment, rather than a set cost, so you’ll have to complete one of our quick comprehensive quotes to get the exact cost for your shipment. 

These factors that go into our costs include the distance of the shipment, the type of vehicle, the shipping method, the vehicle's size, weight, and condition, as well as the time of year.  Here are some key factors that influence the cost of shipping:

• Distance: The distance your car needs to be transported is a primary determinant of the cost. You guessed it, longer distances generally result in higher shipping costs.
• Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle you're shipping matters. Smaller cars are typically more inexpensive to ship than larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, or luxury cars.
• Shipping Method: There are different shipping methods, including open transport (less expensive) and enclosed transport (more expensive but offers more protection). 
• Vehicle Condition: Non-operational or inoperable vehicles may incur additional fees due to the extra effort required to load and unload them.
• Season: Shipping costs can fluctuate with the seasons. The summer months are typically busier and can be more expensive due to higher demand.
• Pick-up and Drop-off Locations: The specific locations, including whether they are in major metropolitan areas or more remote areas, can impact the cost.
• Additional Services: Additional services such as door-to-door delivery, expedited shipping, or insurance coverage can add to the overall cost.

Conclusion

Relocating with your vehicle can be a seamless process with planning, preparation, and the right shipping company! By selecting the right company, your vehicle will reach its destination safely, with limited stress on your part so you can focus on the fun elements and settle in to enjoy your new surroundings.