Whether you are relocating due to a job, going back north for the summer after a warm winter, or want to sell your vehicle to a buyer from the East Coast, getting a car from Florida to New York can be much more involved than most people realize. Not only is a trip from the Sunshine State to the Empire State over 1000 miles, but it also traverses through various weather patterns and traffic conditions. Knowing what to do when looking for Florida to New York car shipping is key to ensuring your transfer goes smoothly and as planned. Here are some of the most important things to remember when making this type of move.
Open vs. Enclosed
The first consideration when looking into car transportation services is whether to use open or enclosed carriers. Open carriers are the standard for most transport services and provide suitable transportation for most vehicles. The vehicle you are transporting will be placed along with other cars on a multi-level trailer.
Enclosed carriers offer increased protection but cost more. An enclosed carrier transports your car inside of a closed trailer, which offers better protection against the elements and prying eyes. While an enclosed carrier is ideal for transporting valuable or exotic cars, most everyday vehicles will be totally fine on an open carrier.
Timing
When shipping a car from Florida to New York, you need to consider how long the transport typically takes. A trip from the Florida panhandle to the far north of the city in New York will usually take between 3 and 7 days, depending on the pickup/drop-off points, the carrier’s route, and the weather.
If you have a specific time to deliver your transport car and meet your new circumstances at your new location, you need to allow some buffer time due to weather conditions and other factors beyond your control. Most transport companies will give you a time range rather than a fixed date, so you know your timeframe when you get your quote.
Preparing Your Car
You should prepare your car in advance of your car shipping to make your relocation as smooth as possible. Wash your car beforehand so that any scratches or marks are visible, and photograph them as evidence for your carrier. Remove any personal effects or valuables from the car, as most carriers are not responsible for personal belongings or items not belonging to the carrier.
It is a good idea to keep the tank about a quarter full, as it will make it easier to load and unload your car, and you do not want to burn gas unnecessarily when you have to move it. Ensure the battery is charged and there are no fluid leaks, as the car may not start when it needs to be loaded or unloaded.
Costs
Your costs will be determined by multiple factors, including the size and weight of your car, the distance you are traveling, the time of year, and the type of carrier. You can get an estimate for all of these from your preferred carrier. You should always compare estimates from different transport companies to ensure you understand the going rate for shipping your car. Keep in mind that an estimate significantly lower than the rest might include hidden costs.
Ask whether the estimate you were given is for door-to-door transportation or if you will need to meet the carrier at a central pickup point. Door-to-door transportation, where the carrier delivers and picks up your car at your front door, is more convenient.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a great way to see how others have had similar experiences with transport companies and what they thought of customer support and the resolution of any issues. You should always look up reviews from other customers before choosing a carrier. When in doubt, choose the more expensive option, as it is more likely to offer better service and coverage.
Inspection Checklist
When you pick up or deliver your car, it is always a good idea to do a walk-around inspection and compare your notes with the driver in charge. This is important because the bill of lading serves as evidence of any damage sustained during transport, and you want to ensure there are no dishonest practices by either the transportation company or the driver. You want to make sure the bill of lading is filled out completely and accurately, and that everything wrong with the car before it was transported is noted and photographed before signing it and giving it to the driver.
Making the Move Easy
Shipping is almost always a better alternative to driving when moving. For people who have to choose between the two options, it comes down to whether they would rather spend money on a hotel and road tolls or deal with the inconvenience of a long road trip. Most of the time, people choose shipping, as it is far and away the most convenient option. You want to look into the various options that you have when dealing with a carrier to ensure that your move goes without a hitch. East Coast Auto Haulers is an experienced company in the car transportation field and has worked with many drivers to help move their vehicles across the East Coast without stress.