Shipping your vehicle is an endeavor that requires planning and research before loading your car up for the long haul. Going with Joe’s Ship-A-Car could prove disastrous when your vehicle shows up three days late or you’re hit with hidden fees. What does a reliable shipping company look like?

• They’re licensed. Make sure the company has the appropriate qualifications and certifications to operate their business. Their compliance with both federal and organizational practices and procedures ensures some responsibility.
• They have experience handling the type of vehicle you are shipping and the necessary equipment/tools. If your vehicle has special needs because of size or make, double-check their ability to provide these additional services.
• They have good references. The Better Business Bureau is not after them.
• They deliver on time and at a reasonable price. They have a history of performance and great customer service. Check out their website or other online tools to research their track record.

Finding a company that meets these basic requirements for reliability will really save a headache in the long run. You can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is safe with a reputable company and will arrive in excellent condition.

Does it ever make sense to ship a car that is not actually working? While this may seem a strange request, you’ll be surprised to know that many owners do move non-working vehicles. Why? The main reason to transport a non-running vehicle is that the car may be a classic. People who build or customize their own cars often work on the body and details first and only add the engine at the end. In cases such as those, it makes sense to keep the car and pay the shipping fee, even if the actual value of the car seems lower than the shipping fee.

Some companies specialize in working with non-running cars, but most will agree to take you on anyway, regardless of the condition of the car. As long as the car can roll (it has functioning wheels), you should expect to pay about the same as for a working vehicle. Some companies may charge you a “rolling” fee, especially if they use large carriers that require your car to be pushed or hauled into the truck. If your car can’t roll, expect to pay extra or to be limited to an enclosed carrier only.

Rolls-Royce, one of the most expensive luxury cars in the world, has a fascinating history behind it. Next time you wonder why it is considered a “royal car,” try to remember the following:

• The Rolls-Royce is one of the few cars with many parts still built by hand. This includes the radiator grille, which takes a full day of work and is done without specific molds or measurements. The engine itself is also put together entirely by hand. In the Silver Spirit model, each glass part of the car is polished by hand with the same kind of stone used to polish optical lenses.
• The first Rolls-Royce cost $800. If you can find one of the original models, you should expect to pay at least a quarter of a million dollars for it.
• 60 percent of all Rolls-Royce ever produced are still running.
• Rolls-Royce factories have their own vocabulary that workers must use when referring to the cars. For example, cars are said to “fail to proceed” rather than “break down.” Managers and owners are referred to by their first initial, rather than a full name. Sir Henry Royce started the tradition when he insisted to be called “R” by everybody, even on written memos.
• John Lennon’s own Rolls-Royce, the Phantom V. Chassis 5VD73, had some unique adaptations, including a Sterno Radio Telephone (in 1965!), a backseat that converted to a double bed, a portable refrigerator and a TV. The car was also custom painted in yellow, with lots of colorful flowers, following the inspiration and look of a gypsy caravan.

When it comes to shipping your car, some things apply to everybody: inspections, contracts and paperwork. If you’re shipping your car internationally, however, there are some special considerations that need special attention to make sure the trip is as uneventful as possible (and that’s definitively what you want when it comes to shipping your car!).

Do you speak the local language at the arrival port? If not, it probably makes sense to spend some extra money and have an agent meet you at your destination to help with the pick up of the car. This is especially important because there will be documents to sign, which you should only do after close inspection.

Make sure you know what you’re getting. International shipping is usually not door-to-door. Instead, you will be expected to show up at the port and process the receipt of the car on your own. Sending somebody else on your place usually not acceptable, so make sure you will be there in time to take the car.

Find out what taxes you will be responsible for at the destination port. Ask the shipping company first, but don’t count with them knowing the exact details or amount. If you get conflicting information, contact the port yourself or talk to your local embassy to see if they have a direct number you can use.

Will you be there to pick up the car? Rules may be different in other countries, and while you might be able to choose somebody to accept the delivery within the US, this option may not be available elsewhere.  

Is car shipping always a good idea? Most of the time, the answer is yes. However, there are a few occasions on which doing so can actually not be a good choice.

• If you need your car delivered on a specific date. Car shipping companies will give an estimate, but they can’t promise you a specific date (and you should be wary of any company that does so).

• If you won’t be available to pick up your car ASAP. After 24-48 hours, storage fees will start running.

• If you have a really expensive, unique car but are not willing to pay for enclosed shipping. An open carrier is not a good choice for a custom-made car. You need protection from the elements.

• If you’re not willing to do your homework. You shouldn’t sign up with the first company you talk to. This will not only end up costing you more, but it will also shortchange your chances for negotiation regarding price, warranty coverage and pick up and delivery issues.

• If you can’t bother to get your car ready. You will need to take photos of your car (to compare its condition at the time of delivery), clean out the trunk, tighten or remove lose objects and empty the car of fluids (almost but not completely). You need to put some time into getting your car ready for pick up in order to avoid complications later on.