Used Car Shipping 101

So you’ve tracked down the perfect car. It’s an unbelievable deal, and it’s the exact make and model you’ve been searching for. For all intents and purposes, it’s the perfect car! There’s just one issue… it’s in a different state. Now you have to deal with the hassle of used car shipping, along with getting insurance, a new registration, and all the other little challenges of buying a used vehicle. 

There are a lot of things you need to know about used car shipping before you can get started. Car shipping companies require specific documents from you before they can ship your vehicle, and you may need to hire someone to prepare the car for transport if you can’t drive over to do so yourself.

Considerations for Buying a Used Car Out of State

Whenever you purchase a car without being physically present to inspect it, having a third party to help you out can be a huge relief, since you can verify that the seller is doing what needs to be done on their end. 

Before you decide to actually purchase the used car, there are a few things you should ask for. Those things are:

1. A Vehicle History Report, like those available on Carfax. You can do this yourself if the seller refuses to provide it, as long as you have the VIN number for the car you are buying. This report will give you important information about past accidents and mechanical repairs that the car has undergone under previous owners. It can also be helpful for understanding which parts of the car are stock, and which parts have been replaced.
2. A Pre-Purchase Inspection. This service can be ordered through a third-party company that will send someone out to professionally inspect the car for defects and damages. They will then generate a written report detailing everything you need to know to help you make the decision about whether to get the car or not. If the inspector has determined that the car is unsafe to drive, they will state that in the report. 

If, after seeing these two reports, you decide to purchase the car, then you will need to do a few other things before you can have it shipped. 

1. You will need to get a new title and registration for the vehicle, which you will, unfortunately, have to pay for.
2. You will need to contact your insurance company about adding the car to your insurance policy.
3. You will need to calculate the difference in state tax between the state you bought the car and the state you will be delivering it to.
4. Some states, such as California, require a state inspection, courtesy of the local DMV. This is to ensure that the car meets the emission and safety standards for that individual state, so you will need to bring the car there as soon as you can.
5. You will need to arrange to move your car with the help of a car carrier company. 
6. Before you have the car shipped, make sure the seller prepares it properly before the auto transport company arrives. 

How Used Car Shipping Costs are Calculated

The cost of shipping a used car can vary wildly depending on a huge list of factors. Though some factors have more influence than others, they all play a part in the quote you receive when you contact a shipping provider. 

Those factors are:

• The age of the vehicle
• The weight and dimensions of the vehicle
• The make and model of the vehicle
• The condition the vehicle is in
• The pickup and delivery locations
• The distance the vehicle will be shipped
• The time of year
• The weather
• The current price of fuel
• The direction of the shipment

There are a few other factors that could play a part in the cost, but those are the biggest factors that you can use to determine what kind of price to expect from car shipping companies. 

Contact a Shipping Provider

The next step in the process is to start reaching out to shipping companies to find the right service and price to transport your vehicle. The price is obviously one of the most important factors, but you shouldn’t base your decision on price alone. Some shipping companies offer a range of value-added services that their competitors might not, while others might have less experienced staff.

In general, you should avoid any company that gives you a suspiciously low price. Those companies are able to do so usually because they neglect expensive maintenance on their trucks, haphazardly train new crewmembers, and rush through jobs to get them done quickly. You will truly get what you pay for in this industry, and why take a chance with your vehicle?

Provide Car Shipping Documentation

Once you have decided on a shipping company, you will need to provide some documents in order to start the shipping process. You will need to provide:

• Proof of insurance, to show that the car is insured under your policy
• Photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Some companies may request more than one form of photo ID.
• Title and registration, or a bill of sale to show that you have recently purchased the vehicle in question and you are the verifiable owner. 

Once you provide those documents, the shipping company will ask you to sign a Bill of Lading (BOL). Make sure you read this document carefully before you sign it, since it is a legally binding document that details the agreement between you and the auto transport company. 

Used Car Shipping with R+L Global Logistics

Used car shipping is a difficult process, especially if you have to worry about shipping the car over a long distance. However, with R+L Global Logistics, we can help make the process go smoothly. Our network of experienced auto shippers can deliver your vehicle anywhere in the United States, with little hassle on your part. In addition to providing quality service, we also offer:

• Door to door shipping
• Expedited car delivery
• A 99.5% on-time delivery record
• A knowledgable customer support staff, available 24/7

What are you waiting for? Contact us today to get your free quote!