Vehicle Transport | Car Shipping Process

Step 1: Research and Preparation

There are several reasons why people choose to hire a vehicle shipping company. One of the main reasons is convenience. Hiring a vehicle shipping company offers convenience and peace of mind. It eliminates the need for individuals to personally drive their vehicles over long distances, especially in cases where the destination is far away or across international borders. Instead, they can rely on professionals to handle the logistics, saving them time and effort. Second, it is very efficient. Vehicle shipping companies specialize in transporting vehicles, which means they have the necessary expertise and resources to handle the process efficiently. They have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of transport regulations, paperwork, and logistics. By leveraging their expertise, individuals can ensure their vehicles are transported safely and promptly.

Before you entrust your vehicle to a transportation company, conducting thorough research is essential! As professionals in the industry, we are sadly aware of the harsh reality that there are several sketchy companies out there that try to take advantage of people wishing to ship their vehicles.

When researching be sure to look into the following factors to avoid red flags and bad companies:

Bad or fake reviews
A lack of business details
Customer service is very hard to get ahold of
The company demands payment ahead of any service
There is a lack of a detailed agreement, quote, or insurance
Delivery time and date are too specific
The company has consistent breakdowns
The company offers very low prices

Start by exploring reputable companies such as ourselves, who specialize in vehicle transportation. In your research, evaluate their experience, read all the customer reviews, and understand what services are offered to ensure they align with your needs. Some companies do not offer vehicle transport and only specialize in car shipment, so if you want to ship something unique, such as an RV or a boat, opt for ShipLux which works with all sorts of vehicles. If what you wish to ship isn’t listed on our website, contact us because we are flexible and will do what we can to accommodate all sorts of requests.

Opting for a professional shipping service offers numerous advantages. First and foremost, it helps minimize unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Long-distance drives can take a toll on your car, causing increased mileage, potential mechanical issues, and additional depreciation. By entrusting your vehicle to our expert team, you can save it from undue wear and preserve its wonderful condition for years to come.

Moreover, utilizing a shipping service saves you a significant amount of time. Long road trips can be exhausting and time-consuming, particularly if you’re navigating unfamiliar routes or encountering traffic delays. By opting for vehicle shipping, you can bypass these challenges and focus your time and energy on other important matters, whether it’s organizing your new home, attending to business matters, or simply enjoying a stress-free journey to your final destination.

One of the key benefits of choosing our shipping service is the peace of mind it offers. Your vehicle will be handled by a team of experienced professionals who specialize in vehicle transportation. From loading to securing and unloading, our experts ensure the utmost care and attention to detail throughout the entire process. You can rest easy knowing that your valuable asset is in safe hands.

While vehicle shipping does come with a cost, it’s important to consider the overall savings it provides. Opting to drive your vehicle yourself would entail expenses such as fuel costs, accommodations for overnight stays on long trips, and additional wear and tear on your car. By utilizing our shipping service, you can mitigate these expenses and enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that come with letting the professionals take care of your vehicle.

Step 2: Request a Quote and Booking

The next step in the vehicle transport process is to request a quote.

To get a quote from us, all you need to do is head to our website and complete the three-step quote to provide details about your vehicle and the transportation requirements.

Our quote process is straightforward and takes about 5 minutes for you to complete, and all we ask is that you provide as many details as possible. Be sure to include factors such as distance, final destination, vehicle type, and any additional services requested! That way, we can provide you with as best a quote as possible. At ShipLux, we refuse to adhere to any hidden prices and hidden fees and instead are dedicated to providing our customers with a straightforward price. What you see in the quote, is what you pay—simple as that!

You might be wondering…can’t you just tell us the price?! As much as we’d love to provide a set price, it’s not possible as everything we do is personalized to specific needs. There is no one set price.

Here are the different factors that go into how we determine the quotes:

Your personal flexibility and the timing of shipment.
Your vehicle’s size, make, and model.
The time and year of shipping.
The total distance being traveled.
Location traveled.
Whether or not your vehicle is operable.
The type of shipping you opt for.

When it comes to paying, once you confirm your booking, we ask for a deposit to confirm your shipment. This deposit is not the full amount owed, that charge happens when the Network Carrier pickup is scheduled. After payment of a deposit, ShipLux may allow payment on delivery, whereby the customer pays the remaining balance upon delivery of the vehicle after the transport is received. If there is a remaining balance that remains on delivery day, this needs to be paid in full by certified check, cashier’s check, or cash.

Step 3: Determine which type of shipment method is suitable

When it comes to transporting your vehicle, there are two primary options: enclosed and open transportation. There are more options for going international, which we discuss below. At ShipLux, regardless of which option you choose, our premium service ensures that every vehicle shipment receives expert handling from door to door, constant communication available 24/7, and unlimited tracking updates. We pride ourselves on providing a white glove service that guarantees the utmost care for your vehicle.

Wondering what exactly we ship? We ship it all, including:

Boats
Recreational Vehicles
Golf Cars
Trucks
Cars
Trailers
UTVs
Motorcycles
Commercial Buses
Construction Equipment
Tractors
Freight Container

Picking what process you want is important to your vehicle transportation process. Here is the down low on the details of each method!

Enclosed Transportation:

With enclosed transportation, your vehicle is securely loaded into a protected covered trailer. This option offers complete shielding from potential harm or damage caused by various weather elements such as snow, rain, sleet, wind, and temperature changes, as well as protecting against potential thieves, taggers, and debris. Enclosed transportation is considered a more luxurious option, ideal for ensuring ultimate protection and delivering your vehicle in pristine condition.

Due to the premier protection offered, enclosed transportation is beneficial for vehicles with a higher price tag, such as classic or antique cars, or vehicles that hold sentimental value.

Depending on what vehicle you are shipping with enclosed shipping, we have all the specialized equipment to ship anything you want! For example, if you are shipping an exotic car, we can accommodate the low ground clearance as our trailers feature hydraulic lifts for safe loading. Additionally, we use smaller-sized trailers to minimize shaking and movement during the journey to your destination.

Open Transportation:

Although not fully covered, open transportation is very much a premium service, still. With open transport, your vehicle will be transported on a trailer that is open on all sides. We have a huge variety of open trailers in a range of sizes and styles, ensuring your vehicle is securely placed under the watchful eye of our meticulous and experienced team. With open transportation, it’s important to note that your vehicle may gather some dust and mud along the journey. However, if you are comfortable with that, our open transport options provide reliable service with regular shipments, minimizing waiting times.

Shipping your vehicle further afield? No problem! We offer the following options for long-distance travel:

Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) Shipping:

RoRo shipping is a convenient and cost-effective method for transporting your vehicle abroad. With this option, your vehicle will be driven onto the ship using its own wheels, eliminating the need for lifting it with a crane. Safety measures will be in place to securely hold your vehicle throughout the entire journey without causing any harm. RoRo shipping offers a hassle-free experience as your vehicle remains safe and intact.

Closed Container Shipping:

If you prefer maximum protection and security for your vehicle during transit, closed-container shipping is the ideal choice. Our highly trained professionals will handle your vehicle with the utmost care, placing it inside a fully closed container for the duration of the trip. This ensures 360-degree coverage and shields your vehicle from external elements. ShipLux provides a range of container sizes, including 20 and 40-foot containers, to accommodate vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Air-Freight Shipping:

For the ultimate speed and security, air-freight shipping offers a luxurious option to transport your vehicle. Opting for air-freight shipping ensures the fastest delivery time and provides the highest level of safety. The airplanes are meticulously monitored, offering protection against external elements and minimizing the risk of theft. However, it’s important to consider that air-freight shipping is the most expensive option due to the premium service and expedited delivery it provides.

Where do we ship internationally?

Europe: Currently, we offer car shipping to Bremerhaven in Germany, Drammen in Norway, Southampton in England, and Livorno in Italy.

Puerto Rico

New Zealand and Australia: The main ports are in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.

Africa:

Nigeria
Benin
Togo
Ghana
Senegal
Côte d’Ivoire
Gambia
Guinea
Cameroon
Gabon
Sierra Leone
Congo
Ghana
Angola
Liberia
Tunisia
Morocco

Dominican Republic and Jamaica

Asia and Southeast Asia: We have ports in the Philippines and Japan.

North America: We have ports in Canada and Mexico.

Middle East:

Israel
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Dubai
Lebanon
Qatar
Bahrain
Jordan
Saudi Arabia
UAE

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection and Preparation

It’s step 4, which means it is time to prep your vehicle for a safe and secure journey. Let’s be honest: shipping a vehicle involves more than just handing over the keys to our ShipLux team. You will receive specific requirements and instructions based on your vehicle but there are general things you should do:

Thoroughly Inspect Your Vehicle:

Prior to the shipping trip, it is crucial to have a comprehensive inspection of your vehicle conducted. We highly recommend scheduling a routine service where a professional mechanic can check and top up fluids, reinflate tires, and inspect the vehicle’s battery.

Take detailed photographs of your vehicle:

Photoshoot time! Focus on any existing dings, dents, scrapes, or scratches around your vehicle. It’s equally important to document the interior condition of your vehicle. These photographs serve as evidence and help us understand any damages that may (while highly unlikely) can occur during the shipping process, ensuring accountability and proper handling.

Remove Items from Inside and Outside Your Vehicle:

To ensure a smooth and secure shipping experience, we ask you to remove all personal belongings from your vehicle, particularly valuable items and important possessions. It’s also good practice to remove any external attachments such as bike racks or roof packs that are in a prime location for being easily damaged during loading and unloading.

Check the Fuel Levels

For optimal transportation, it’s recommended to have your vehicle with a quarter- to a half-tank of gas. Avoid exceeding this amount, as excessive fuel can make the loading and unloading process more challenging for our wonderful team!

Create an Extra Set of Keys:

If you don’t already have a spare set of keys for your vehicle, it’s a good idea to make one before shipping. While one set of keys will accompany your vehicle during the journey, the driver will keep it safe. However, having a second set of keys can be a lifesaver in the unlikely event that the original keys are misplaced or stolen. Check out a local hardware store as they offer key duplication services at a reasonable cost.

Get Your Paperwork in Order:

As part of the shipping process, we will typically require certain documents, including the bill of lading (our cargo shipment receipt), a driver’s license, and the title and registration of the vehicle. Ensuring your paperwork is in order will facilitate a smooth and efficient shipping process.

If you are shipping your vehicle abroad, then proper documentation is of utmost importance, as it can prevent serious issues, delays, or unexpected fees at the port of arrival. Some countries may even hold your vehicle until all necessary paperwork is provided, so it’s crucial to be organized and attentive in this regard.

While the specific requirements may vary depending on the destination country, here is a general overview of the information you will need to provide:

Personal information such as two copies of government-issued identification cards, such as a passport or driver’s license.
Detailed Vehicle Information, including the year, make model, and estimated value of the vehicle.
Owner Information:
- Original copy of the vehicle title.
- If the vehicle has been recently purchased, you will need to provide both the vehicle title and bill of sale.
- If the vehicle is financed, a notarized copy of the title and a notarized lien authorization will be required.

Vehicles with existing liens are generally not permitted to leave the USA for shipping. However, exceptions can be made for members of the US military and government employees or contractors. In such cases, a letter of authorization from the lender is required to proceed with shipping, despite the lien. For others, it is necessary to pay off the lien in full before shipping the vehicle.

Step 5: Pickup and Loading

Once you’ve prepared your vehicle for transport, we will schedule a pickup time. We do our best to tell you an exact time, but there are plenty of factors that go into it, so it won’t be a precise time until we are en route to your place! At ShipLux, we proudly offer door-to-door transport, which means we come straight to your door and collect your vehicle. This means you don’t have to drive it somewhere fancy for us to get your vehicle. Urban, rural, whatever, we’ll come right to your door.

Someone from our team will arrive at the designated location, and it’s essential to be present to hand over the keys and sign any necessary paperwork. If you cannot be there for whatever reason, no problem! All you need to do is let us know the name and information of the person that will be doing the handoff, for security purposes.

Whether it’s you or your designated person, the professional driver will inspect the vehicle alongside you, verifying the pre-existing condition and noting any additional information and details. Once the inspection is complete, the vehicle will be loaded onto the transport carrier, an open or enclosed trailer depending on your preference and the level of protection desired! All you need to do is wave your vehicle goodbye, and you will see it on the other side. Simple as that!

Step 6: Transit and Tracking

As your vehicle embarks on its journey, you can stay informed about its progress through the tracking systems that we provide. We offer a tracking system that allows you to monitor your vehicle’s location, estimated arrival time, and other relevant details. This feature provides peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands and that you can stay updated throughout the entire transportation process.

How long it takes to ship a vehicle depends on various factors. When you complete your quote, we will be able to determine the time frame. Here is what to consider:

Route Length:

Naturally, longer journeys will require more time to deliver a vehicle. Shipping a vehicle across the U.S. can take approximately 5-7 days, while transporting it a shorter distance of a few hundred miles may only require a day or two.

Location:

The pickup and drop-off locations are important to the overall shipping time. If these locations are in or near major cities or accessible highways, the transportation process tends to be more streamlined and quicker.

Vehicle Type:

Special considerations are necessary for valuable or rare automobiles, such as vintage cars or luxury vehicles as transporting these vehicles requires specialized trailers and experienced drivers. Finding suitable car transport services for such unique vehicles may require additional research and preparation.

Time of Year:

The summer season, spanning from late spring to early autumn, is the busiest period for shipping. If you plan to transport your vehicle during these peak months, it’s advisable to schedule the pickup earlier. However, it’s important to note that winter months may have limited truck availability, potentially leading to longer lead times for scheduling pickups and deliveries. Considering these factors, it’s recommended to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the shipment of your vehicle, especially during peak seasons or when transporting unique vehicles that require specialized handling.

When you work with us, we offer an exclusive customer service program that helps us to stand out! We have 24/7 customer service! You read that right! Someone will answer your questions, comments, concerns, whatever it might be any time! We also are available to be contacted via a large medium of platforms: Whatsapp, Text Messages, Phone Calls, and even Facebook Messenger. We understand everyone has different needs, and we want to support all of our customers. Also—you will not be met with an annoying robot, but instead a proper human! Yay!

Step 7: Delivery and Inspection

As your vehicle nears its final destination, whether that is in the same state or internationally, ShipLux will reach out to schedule the delivery and handoff. One of our friendly drivers will safely and carefully unload the vehicle and conduct a final inspection with you there to watch and ensure you are content. This inspection allows you to ensure that your vehicle has arrived in the same condition it was loaded, and to address any concerns immediately. Once you are satisfied with the condition of your vehicle, you will be required to sign a delivery receipt, officially completing the transport process.

Please note, that in certain destinations, including Dubai, we are not allowed to offer door-to-door shipment, due to immigration purposes, and we will make arrangements to do a port pickup!

Step 8: Post-Delivery Follow-Up

After your vehicle has been delivered, it’s important to take a few final steps to wrap up the process. Inspect your vehicle thoroughly once again to ensure that there are no damages or issues that may have occurred during transportation. In the rare event that you do discover any damage, promptly inform the transport company and provide any necessary evidence. Most reputable companies have insurance coverage to address such situations and will guide you through the claims process.

Conclusion

The process of shipping your vehicle, whatever that vehicle is, has many steps and nuances. However, our qualified and professional team of vehicle enthusiasts is here to help and support you every step of the way. Contact us today to see how we can work together to make your next vehicle shipment another ShipLux shipment success story!

General Shipping Information