Navigating the intricate process of safely transporting a classic car can be a daunting task, particularly if you're not familiar with the unique considerations that classic cars entail. From understanding their value and unique care requirements to selecting the right classic car transport service, such as RoadRunner, each step requires careful planning.

This article aims to guide you through each stage of the shipping process, from preparation, loading, and transportation to receiving your classic car at the destination and ensuring its long-term care thereafter. Whether you are shipping locally or shipping your car across the country, RoadRunner Auto Transport has your back.

Understanding Classic Car Transportation

Unlike modern cars, transporting classic and antique vehicles requires special care and handling. Their age and rarity mean extra steps must be taken to protect the car's value and your investment. Key things to consider are the car's running condition, its size/weight limitations, insurance coverage, and types of enclosed shipping carriers.

Collectors also need to evaluate climate control and suspension adjustments and realize longer transit days are required for vintage and exotic car transport, which cannot withstand long interstate speeds. With some antique cars, transport by covered vehicle shipping carriers may be the only safe means to prevent damage en route.

Age and Wear Factors

The age of a classic car's parts and components makes it more vulnerable to vibration, shocks, and movement compared to modern vehicles designed for transport rigors. Their outdated suspension systems can also handle only minimal speeds and road stresses. Antique tires, glass, trim, and furniture wear easier too. So specialized handling keeps them protected across long distances.

Insurance Requirements

Standard auto insurance normally limits around $100K in coverage which falls far short of classic car values ranging from $150K up into the millions. Collectors must carry added limits above normal policies to ensure their investment — whether the car gets driven locally or shipped nationally. Enclosed vehicle shipping companies tailor extra insurance specific to collector cars.

Climate Control Concerns

Extreme cold or heat can damage delicate classic car parts and finishes. Enclosed vehicle shipping for these vehicles requires climate control like heating/cooling systems, humidifiers, and ventilation for interstate transport. Vintage components and seals dry out or deteriorate if subject to temperature extremes over the many days required to cross the country safely.

Different Methods of Classic Car Transportation

Enclosed Vehicle Shipping

Enclosed car shipping carriers offer the highest level of protection by transporting valuable automobiles inside a covered trailer safeguarded from road debris/weather. These trailers come equipped with specialized equipment like wheel straps, tie-downs, rails, and even air-ride suspension. Enclosed transport methods keep cars completely covered and are ideal for vintage vehicles.

Open Auto Transport

Open car shipping carriers like two-car haulers transport vehicles uncovered on top racks. This is the most affordable antique car transport method and works well for classic cars still in good running order. Open carrier transport exposes cars to weather and road elements best suited for shorter transport distances.

Door-to-Door Transport

As a complete white-glove service, enclosed classic car transport companies like RoadRunner can transport directly from your home to a show venue or garage, bypassing terminal delivery. This door-to-door service ensures your dream car see minimum handling by drivers/exposure during transport.

Self Drive Transport

While risky for valuable classics, some owners choose to self-drive valuable automobiles to classic car shows and other events. This can work with a modern chase car accompanying flatbed trailers. Self-transport is time-intensive and leaves responsibility solely upon the owner behind the wheel.

Port Transport

When exotic sports cars and other collector vehicles get shipped overseas by boat, port transport is another option. Cars get driven inside shipping containers and protected for international ocean transport. Upon arrival at ports, they are driven to new domestic destinations. This method of shipping classic cars requires trusted freight agents skillful at port clearances/requirements.

Choosing the Right Classic Car Transport Service

To choose reputable classic car transport, follow this criteria:

Experience with Antiques

Look for well-established classic car transport services specializing in collector vehicles with a proven track record. Crosscheck company history, reviews, and information on their drivers.

Reliable Equipment

Transport trailers should be top-grade, meeting all DOT inspections/regulations with air-ride features to carefully cradle cars. Confirm they offer enclosed vehicle shipping carriers to fully shield your classic vehicle.

Insured for Collector Value

Standard car shipping insurance has low limits. Ensure the auto transport service carries increased limits to cover collector market values, typically $150K to $1M policy limits.

Door-to-Door Capabilities

Seek out enclosed carriers that can offer white-glove services with door-to-door delivery to limit vehicle handling and direct transport to your location.

Reputable National Networks

As an alternative to regional auto haulers, leading transport firms like RoadRunner have reliable nationwide transport fleets reaching over 98% of U.S. destinations. These extensive carrier networks are key for crossover routes to meet any collector's door-to-door delivery demands.

Ask An Expert

When selecting classic car shipping services, ask vintage car clubs for advisor references or trusted contacts. Fellow enthusiasts have valuable first-hand experience identifying the quality car shipping companies from those best avoided. Check collector car forums too.

Tips for Safe Classic Car Transportation

To keep your prized vehicle safe en route, be sure to follow these key preparation tips:

Document Condition

Thoroughly photograph/video vehicle condition all around before it ships for transport. Note any flaws in the condition report given by the transport company as well.

Disable Loose Parts

Remove or secure hood ornaments, loose trim pieces, tonneau covers, or anything that could vibrate/fall off during car transport.

Check Fluid Levels

Top off windshield wiper fluid and all other reservoirs since cars may slosh fluids in transit. The fuel level should be no more than a quarter tank.

Inflate Tires Properly

Ensure collector tires meet inflation specs so the suspension can absorb shock during transport. Over/under-inflation causes tire issues.

Battery Disconnect

Disconnecting the battery prevents the possibility of electrical shorts and saves charge since the engine does not run during shipping.

Set Parking Brake

Always ensure the parking brake is engaged per manufacturer specs to hold the car securely in place within the transport trailer.

Avoid Car Alarms

Make sure factory alarms or aftermarket systems are fully disabled before shipping. Motion sensor or tilt alarms get triggered in transit, running down batteries when access is unavailable. Update alarm system codes afterward for security.

Clear Cabin Areas

Any loose items inside driver/passenger areas like maps, manuals, cases, or equipment may bounce around transport. Remove all articles to prevent scattered debris or cab damage.

Caring for Your Classic Car After Transport

Once your vehicle reaches its destination, be sure to take these post-delivery actions:

Inspect for Damage

Before signing off on the delivery, walk around your vintage vehicle to check thoroughly for any new scratches, chips, or flaws incurred during transit.

Check Fluid Levels Again

After transport motion and engine vibration, recheck all fluid reservoirs to spot any leaks or lags requiring a top-off.

Reconnect Battery

If the battery was disconnected pre-transport, replace connections to provide power to your vehicle again.

Test Functionality

Safely start your classic's engine, test brakes/lights/signals, and take a brief test drive to spot any issues.

Clean Off Debris

Use a deep cleaning wash and wax regimen to remove any road debris that accumulated on your classic car through the open transport process.

Check Wheel Alignment

If your classic has manual steering, have a trusted mechanic check wheel alignment upon arrival. Towing motion or suspension jostling can throw off vintage wheel alignments needing readjustment.

Update Insurance Records

When your dream car reaches its destination safely, contact insurance agents immediately with updated garaging location details and new pictures of the vehicle if transport caused any minor flaws.

About RoadRunner

In the world of classic car transport, reliability, and precision are paramount. RoadRunner exemplifies these qualities, standing as a beacon in the logistics realm. Their proven track record and commitment to tailored solutions make them an ideal choice for ensuring the safe passage of these automotive treasures.

Utilizing cutting-edge technology and a diverse fleet, RoadRunner offers not just transportation but a seamless experience. Much like the meticulous care classic car owners put into preserving their vehicles, RoadRunner handles each shipment with precision, providing free estimates, real-time tracking, customized services, and unwavering customer service. Their dedication to quality aligns seamlessly with the values cherished by classic car enthusiasts — safeguarding the legacy of these vintage beauties during their journey on modern roads.