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Archive for month: August, 2022

What to Expect From Best Luxury Transportation Provider?

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Owning an exotic or luxury car is prestigious indeed, but for many people, it’s more about appreciating the design, build quality, and comfort. But exotic cars also require a lot of maintenance and customized care to keep their value.

So, when you need to ship your expensive, super car to another state or country, standard car shipping companies just won’t do. Instead, exotic car vehicle owners are advised to seek the services of a luxury car transportation company.

These providers know precisely how to approach shipping exotic, vintage, and super cars and ease the minds of vehicle owners. If you’re on the hunt for reliable exotic car transport, perhaps you’re unsure what to expect and which services to focus on.

Before scheduling a pickup, here’s everything you should expect from a top luxury transportation provider.

Best Luxury Transportation Provider

What Are High-End Cars?

High-end, luxury, super, sports, vintage, and exotic are all terms that describe the same thing: expensive cars. Indeed, high-end vehicles are typically very expensive and rare, but not every term mentioned can be used interchangeably.

For example, exotic cars are typically two-seater sports cars with low-slung designs, tiny trunks, and over-the-top horsepower. These vehicles are usually produced by European automobile manufacturers, although not exclusively. On the other hand, a luxury car doesn’t have to be a sports car but a high-end model of mainstream car manufacturers.

Vintage vehicles are in a separate category, though they may overlap with exotic and sports cars based on their design. These vehicles have one common denominator, and it’s that they’re very valuable.

Their value is monetary, of course, but also often sentimental. Motor enthusiasts take special care and interest in keeping their vehicles in excellent condition, including using luxury car transport service when necessary.

So, who are the people in need of high-end car transport?

A luxury car transport service may cater to anyone who owns a luxury vehicle. Still, these companies are well-versed in accommodating the needs of corporate executives, professional athletes, celebrities, government officials, and collectors. The best luxury transport providers offer professionalism, discretion, and a wide range of services.

How Luxury Auto Transport Works

The logistics involved in planning a transport could be overwhelming if you own a luxury vehicle and need to relocate it to another city, state, or country. Unless you plan to drive the vehicle to the destination, you’ll need a reliable exotic car transport company. Sounds great, but what do their services precisely entail?

Here’s a step-by-step rundown to get the complete picture of the process.

Vehicle Prep

Before you hand over the keys of your luxury vehicle to the transport company, you need to prepare it for shipping. This includes several crucial elements, but you should always start with removing personal belongings from the vehicle.

Don’t leave anything behind, not even loose change or random items in the glove box. You should also take down the vehicle’s antenna if it has one.

The second important part of this process is documenting exiting vehicle damage if there is any. Detailing your car before transport will make it easier to see any existing scratches and notice potential new damage when the vehicle arrives.

Vehicle Pickup

The best luxury vehicle transport companies use specialized hydraulic-powered liftgates to move your vehicle to avoid even the slightest damage.

Drive-on ramps might be the norm, but liftgates are a safer solution when it comes to high-end vehicles, especially those with low-slung profiles.

The service providers will come to wherever your vehicle is and safely place it in an enclosed trailer. Finally, they’ll use custom tie-downs that prevent movement during transport but do not damage the expensive vehicle finish.

Vehicle Shipping

Your car is ready for the road, and you’re naturally worried about how it will go. Asking for reassurance from your exotic car hauler is normal, and they should be able to give you the peace of mind you deserve.

Open-air trailers are not the best option for exotic vehicles, and you should always expect your transportation provider to offer only enclosed shipping for your car. That way, weather elements, road grime, and other environmental damage are reduced to a minimum.

Vehicle Delivery

The final step in the shipping process is vehicle delivery. In some instances, you might need to keep your vehicle in storage until you can pick it up.

HOW LUXURY AUTO TRANSPORT WORKS

The best high-end auto transport companies offer storage services and can always find a solution for safely keeping your vehicle until you get to the destination. However, if there’s no need for storage, the company can deliver your luxury car directly to a specified address.

Are There Any Other Shipping Options for Luxury Vehicles?

When discussing high-end auto transport, the focus is on choosing enclosed road carriers. But when you need to move your vehicle to another country or continent, air and ocean shipping are also options.

The fastest and most exclusive way to transport your exotic car is by air, but that’s understandably the most expensive option too.

Ocean freight relies on container shipping which offers another layer of protection against damage but is significantly slower than air freight. But it’s also less costly and usually the go-to option for international car transport.

Keep in mind that if you need to transport your high-end vehicle to another country, the chosen luxury transportation provider should be able to offer several safe solutions.

How to Choose the Best Exotic Car Transportation Company

You should have high expectations from your luxury car transport service. But if you’re unfamiliar with how these companies operate, there are things you might not think to ask but absolutely should to avoid unrealistic expectations.

To avoid confusion and, ultimately, dissatisfaction with the service, here’s a list of tips on how to choose an exotic car hauler.

Do the Research

That’s easy enough to say, but what should you be doing precisely? The first order of business should always be to check public reviews and complaints.

That’s an entire goldmine of information, especially if you know how to discard the exaggerated testimonials and focus on those that keep things real.

Don’t forget that the best luxury vehicle transport companies care about their reputation and will often reply to customers and not ignore the bad reviews.

The research process should also verify if the company you’re looking into is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA.) If they are, they’ll likely have that info available on their website.

Experience Matters

Every new business must start somewhere, and it might be tempting to give a chance to a fledgling company with little experience because they offer lower prices. While that’s an option, experience still goes a long way in this business.

You should be able to talk to someone from the company with extensive experience with high-end auto transport and who can reassure you that your vehicle will be delivered safely.

If you’re on the phone with a company and none of their agents can’t answer your questions about their process, you’re better off moving to another candidate.

Ideally, you should team up with a luxury vehicle transport company with an excellent track record and who proudly displays their achievements in the business.

Familiarity With the Law

Your high-end auto transport company should be prepared if they’re moving your vehicle across state lines or internationally. The shipping process requires gathering a lot of documentation, and it’s vital they be familiar with the specific laws in another state or country.

A luxury transportation provider should cover all their bases on this front and know how to prepare the paperwork.

Multiple Modes of Transport

We’ve touched on this factor, but it’s important to reiterate it. A high-end car shipping company that doesn’t offer enclosed trailer transport is a no-go.

Sure, an open carrier might be a faster option, but it leaves your vehicle vulnerable to environmental elements. Also, don’t forget to ask about the ocean and air freight transport options if you’re relocating your vehicle to another country.

GPS Tracking

You must be able to track your high-end vehicle while it’s on its journey. Your luxury car shipping provider should give you an online tracking code that tells you precisely where your car is at all times.

Otherwise, you might be feeling uneasy the entire time, especially as some national and international shipping can take days.

Insurance Coverage

Excellent insurance coverage is a critical aspect of planning high-end vehicle transport. Most car shipping companies offer insurance, but that’s rarely enough when shipping luxury vehicles.

It’s vital to point out that customers are not required to purchase insurance for car shipping, but the car shipping companies provide the coverage. Therefore, the luxury auto transport company you select should be able to offer insurance that covers the value of your vehicle.

Competitive Prices and Free Quotes

Naturally, luxury car transportation costs more than shipping standard vehicles. If you’re seeking customized service, then you already expect this. However, this doesn’t mean you have to pay a fortune to transport your exotic car to a different state.

Any extreme pricing, whether cheap or over-the-top, is a sign that the company likely doesn’t have great business practices. With a bit of research, you’ll be able to learn about standard prices.

However, remember that many factors will influence the cost, starting from the time of year. Mid-May is typically the most expensive time to ship a car and winter months are traditionally more affordable.

Other factors that impact the overall luxury cars transportation cost include.

  • Shipping distance
  • Vehicle type and size
  • Current fuel price
  • Transportation method
  • Storage
  • Delivery time frame

Finally, a high-end auto transport business should offer free quotes to potential customers. They should be able to give you a fair estimate that doesn’t include hidden fees.

Great Customer Service

If you’re shipping your luxury vehicle for the first time and don’t have experience with a specific company, you should be able to ask all your questions.

Preferably, you will have a designated agent to talk to who can tell you everything you need about the shipping process.

Quality Over Quantity

We know that experience matters, and you want to work with an exotic car hauler that stays busy year-round, but that’s not the only relevant factor.

How much business a company has should be less important than how they treat their customers. A more personal approach can make all the difference in any business, and the same applies to luxury cars transportation.

Reasons to Hire a High-End Car Transport Company

Many car shipping companies do their jobs well, but not all are qualified to handle a vehicle that might be worth hundreds of thousands, even millions, of dollars.

Luxury vehicle transport requires specialized equipment, knowledge, and experience. Choosing a reliable exotic car transport company should offer several important benefits.

By far, the most relevant advantage is the protection against road hazards. Your vehicle has an expensive finish, and you’ve probably spent a lot of time and money detailing the car.

You don’t want it potentially ruined on an open carrier where rain, hail, snow, or harsh winds can damage the paintwork.

Another reason to consider luxury transportation providers is the insurance that comes with this type of service. Your high-end vehicle requires more substantial coverage, and that’s not something you get with the standard car shipping companies.

Lastly, luxury vehicle transport means privacy. The enclosed trailers keep your vehicle hidden while it’s on its way to a specific destination. Enclosed shipping is safer and more discreet.

Luxury Vehicle Transport Companies

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Transporting High-End Vehicles

In terms of choosing a car transportation company, one of the most common mistakes is falling for scam-like practices. Overly low prices and unrealistic deadlines might sound fantastic in theory, but you’ll likely only get disappointed.

Other pitfalls to avoid include neglecting proper vehicle preparation before shipping and not doing thorough research on the company’s licenses and registrations.

Always Demand the Best and Do Thorough Research

It is a good idea to expect high standards from a high-end auto transport company that will ship your expensive vehicle.

That’s why you should probably never outsource researching different services unless it’s someone you trust completely.

There are some telltale signs regarding which companies to avoid, but there are also clues that tell you that an exotic car hauler knows its business and will deliver exceptional service.

If you need an outstanding luxury car transport service, reach out to Exotic Car Transport for a free quote.

Exotic Car Transportation – How It Works, Costs, and More

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What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions an “exotic car” or “super car?” You probably imagine a red Ferrari, Porsche coupe, or a similar ride, and you’d be right. Exotic cars, super cars, and vintage cars are unusual, beautiful and, yes – expensive.

Shipping exotic cars can be stress-inducing for the owners, but fortunately, exotic car transport companies can come in to save the day. Choosing an exotic transportation system means your precious automobile doesn’t have to withstand road grime or potential damage in the standard open transport.

The main goal of an exotic car transportation company is to pick up and deliver the exotic vehicle in perfect condition. But how does it all work, and what do exotic auto transport companies focus on to deliver flawless service? We’ll give you all the details, including how much it costs to transport your super car.

Taking a Closer Look at Exotic Cars

If you’re thinking about starting an exotic car transport business or using an exotic transport service, it’s essential to fully understand the definition of an exotic car. While some might find their brand new SUV plenty luxurious, it doesn’t mean it falls into the category of exotic.

Specific brand names are associated with the production of exotic cars. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, McLaren, and several others are the leading names in exotic car manufacturing.

However, some mainstream automobile manufacturers also produce exotic cars. Cars like Nissan GT-R, BMW i8, or Chevrolet Corvette are considered super cars too. But what do all these vehicles have in common?

Exotic cars usually have a low-slung design, only two seats, and barely any trunk space. On top of that, exotic cars are typically brightly colored and instantly recognizable on the street.

But most importantly, super cars offer racetrack-worthy performance, an absurd amount of horsepower and are made from the rarest and most expensive materials.

By now you might be wondering what’s the most expensive exotic car in the world. In May 2022, Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut was sold from the Mercedes-Benz museum in Germany to a private collector for a whopping $142 million.

Exotic vs. Luxury Cars

We’ve explained briefly that exotic and luxury cars are not precisely the same, although they are often used interchangeably in the exotic car transportation business.

The best exotic car transport companies offer a wide range of services for exotic, vintage, and luxury vehicles.

But for the sake of clarity, we’ll note the distinction between exotic and luxury cars. In a nutshell, exotic cars are what we also call sports cars.

It’s the kind of vehicle you don’t usually see on the road; when you do, it’s a special moment. But luxury cars are more common, and nearly all automobile manufacturers have their version of luxury vehicles.

Exotic Car Transport Services

How Does Super Car Transport Work?

If you have an exotic car and want to move it to another city, state, or country, you might wonder what luxury car transport companies offer that standard car shipping companies don’t.

Because exotic cars are so valuable, the emphasis is always on protection and insurance.

A luxury car transporter takes extraordinary measures to minimize the chances of even the tiniest damage to the vehicle’s exterior or interior. But to get the right idea about the entire process, here is everything shipping exotic cars entails.

Detailed Car Examination

Checking the vehicle for existing damage benefits the exotic car transport companies and their customers.

If it’s your exotic car, documenting existing scratches or dents allows you to quickly verify whether the vehicle suffered any additional damage during transport.

For super car transport companies, a record of existing damage protects them from insurance claims or lawsuits. It’s also crucial to document the mileage, turn off the anti-theft system, and leave at least 1/4 of a tank of gas in the car.

Removal of Personal Items

This might seem like an unnecessary step to talk about because, of course, you’ll take your things out of the car. But it’s imperative not to forget to empty the glove box, lower the antenna if possible, and gather up any loose coins inside the vehicle.

Even the smallest item can cause damage in a specific situation or become misplaced. So, taking the time to clean out your car is an essential step for transportation of any type of vehicle, including exotic cars.

Exotic Car Pickup

After scheduling luxury can transportation services, the company will arrive at the agreed destination to pick up your car. Your prized possession is lifted with a custom hydraulic-powered liftgate designed to reduce the risk of damage.

It’s much safer than a drive-on ramp typically used for transporting regular vehicles. The best exotic car services offer more convenient lift gates designed for exotic cars that are much lower than standard vehicles.

The pickup process also entails securing the exotic car with soft tie-downs that will be gentle on the vehicle’s finish and ensure there’s no movement during transport.

Exotic Car Transport

When shipping your exotic car across the country, you’re naturally concerned about road hazards and environmental elements.

That’s why luxury car transportation companies ship vehicles in enclosed carriers. They don’t take any chances with open carriers and take every precaution to prevent all damages.

Exotic Car Storage

Coordinating vehicle shipping and personal travel can be tricky. What if your exotic car arrives a day before your plane lands? You can’t leave your expensive vehicle in a random parking lot.

Instead, super car transport companies are likely to offer vehicle storage services. That way, your exotic car stays in a secure place until you are ready to pick it up.

Exotic Car Delivery

The final step in exotic car transportation is delivery, whether it’s coming from a safe storage space or another state.

A luxury car transporter will bring your car to the previously arranged destination, allowing you to check the vehicle’s condition and ensure everything is in perfect order.

Exotic Car Transport Cost

Exotic vehicles are expensive and require a specialized form of transport, but that can also get pricey. However, the exotic car transport cost can drastically vary depending on several factors, including the exotic car transportation company’s reputation.

If you’re planning to ship your luxury vehicle and are wondering what kind of budget to set aside, here’s everything you need to keep in mind.

Shipping Distance

Unsurprisingly, shipping distance is the primary indicator of the exotic car transport cost. Also, the price per mile decreases as the shipping distance increases. Again, while these prices may vary, here’s the average price range for shipping exotic cars.

  • $1.25 for 0 – 500 miles
  • $1.00 for 500 – 1,000 miles
  • $0.70 for 1,000 – 1,500 miles
  • $0.65 for 1,500 – 2,000 miles
  • $0.62 for 2,000 – 2,500 miles
  • $0.52 for 2,500 – 3,000 miles
  • $0.47 for 3,000+ miles

Vehicle Type

The size of the vehicle plays a role in the total transport cost. Smaller exotic cars are typically cheaper to transport.

Larger exotic cars – those with non-standard dimensions and higher curb weight – are likely to cost more, but this is something you should always check with the luxury car transport companies.

Fuel Price

Apart from shipping distances, all car shipping companies consider the fuel expenses too. As fuel prices change, so does the cost of exotic car shipping.

You also must consider that the fuel prices can vary by region due to distance from supply and local and state taxes. Furthermore, exotic auto transport in different countries can significantly affect fuel prices.

Transportation Method

While open-air trailers are the most common form of car shipping for standard vehicles, enclosed trailers are the go-to option for exotic cars.

The four walls and a roof are constructed from shock-proof material to deliver cushioning for valuable cars.

Also, air and ocean freight shipping are the preferred luxury car transportation methods when planning super car transport overseas. Naturally, enclosed road, ocean, or air shipping will impact the overall cost significantly.

Storage

We’ve talked about storage being an optional service: if an exotic auto transport company keeps your vehicle in a safe storage space, that will also increase the final price tag.

It’s essential to ask about the cost of storage services beforehand as some might assume the price of the standard service of an exotic car transport business.

Shipping Insurance

All auto shipping companies, including those that exclusively transport exotic cars, are legally required to offer insurance for vehicles they move.

Since shipping a high-end vehicle requires higher insurance, it’s no wonder exotic car shipping is more expensive than transporting standard vehicles.

Time of the Year

Another vital metric determining exotic car transport cost is the time of the year. The highest prices are in mid-May and around Labor Day, but during the winter, you’re much more likely to find affordable prices.

Delivery Time Frame

Finally, exotic car transport companies might not always be able to accommodate customers’ wishes regarding exact shipping dates. Ideally, you should schedule shipping at least 10 days in advance of when you want to ship it.

However, if you’re in a hurry, some exotic car shippers might be able to schedule a faster transport, but at a higher cost.

Benefits of Using Luxury Car Transportation Companies

As an exotic car owner, it’s your right to use any shipping company, but choosing one that doesn’t specialize in luxury vehicles is risky.

The open trailer transport system generally works well, but it’s not the best option for exotic cars. Plus, there are other considerations to keep in mind.

If you’re on a fence about whether you should hire a super car transport company, here are a few reasons why that’s usually the right choice.

Protection From Road Hazards

Harsh weather, road salt, rocks, and gravel can damage your exotic car’s high-quality finish, detailing, and waxing. You don’t have to worry about your vehicle arriving dented or messy because a storm caught the open trailer.

Instead, the enclosed trailers provide a safer environment and temperature for transporting your exotic car. Once it arrives at its destination, you don’t have to worry about washing or detailing the car.

Insurance

As mentioned, exotic car transportation companies offer higher insurance coverage. A regular car shipping company might not be able to provide such comprehensive insurance for your exotic vehicle, so choosing them means taking a risk. If something goes wrong, they might be unable to cover the damage cost.

Privacy

In addition to being driven, exotic cars are designed to be looked at and admired, but not necessarily when you’re shipping your valuable vehicle across several state lines.

Enclosed transport protects your exotic vehicle from prying eyes and prevents potential nefarious actors from tracking it.

Exotic Car Transportation FAQs

What Are Some of the Common Complications Regarding Shipping Exotic Cars?

Unfortunately, complications happen, and not even the best exotic car transport companies can prevent them. Delays due to road accidents, extreme weather, or vehicle malfunction occur, but hopefully not often.

Other issues regarding exotic car shipping could stem from a lack of communication with the luxury car transporter, such as wrong pickup or delivery date or whether the vehicle needs to be secured in a storage facility.

How Long Does It Take to Ship an Exotic Car?

That depends on several factors, but you can generally expect professional drivers to cover around 500 miles daily.

Who Primarily Uses Exotic Luxury Car Transportation Services?

The shortest answer is anyone who owns an exotic car. But you also must consider that people in some high-profile professions are more likely to relocate frequently and want to bring their super car with them.

Many exotic car transporters specifically cater to celebrities, professional athletes, private collectors, auto companies, corporate executives, government officials, and motor enthusiasts.

Should You Expect a Free Quote From a Reliable Exotic Car Transport Business?

Absolutely. Because so many factors impact the shipping cost, asking for a fair and free estimate is essential.

Experienced and professional exotic car shippers can provide a free quote without any hidden fees involved.

Shipping Your Exotic Car Safely to Any Destination

Exotic car owners often enjoy testing sports vehicles on different racetracks or highways, which sometimes means shipping the cars to the new destination first.

Frequent relocations for work or leisure are also reasons exotic auto transport is an important service to have available.

The associated cost is understandably higher than what the standard car shipping companies charge, but the service is customized, and the insurance coverage is more significant.

Don’t forget that preparing your exotic vehicle for transport is essential and that choosing a trustworthy luxury car transporter sometimes requires research.

Reach out to Exotic Car Transport for a free quote for your next exotic car relocation.