Getting your car from point A to point B for a move is harder than most people realize. If you’ll be flying, driving a moving truck, or using a primary vehicle, there’s a good chance you’re going to have at least one car left behind. This is probably what’s on your mind right now if you’re planning a move to or from the Augusta County area.
It can feel downright painful to drive a car yourself once you factor in all of the wasted gas and time. As Happy Eco News points out, every mile driven on a “car relocation trip” accelerates a car’s aging process and increases your odds of needing for new parts.
The trick that people who have done a cross-country or long-haul move before know is to ship their cars. This option keeps miles off your car while also removing the burden of having to make a second trip. Here’s how to make smart choices for your next auto transport service need for your Augusta County move.
How does shipping a car in Augusta County work?
With professional car shipping services to or from Augusta County, vehicle owners have the option to have their cars securely loaded and hauled whether they’re moving across the country, to a nearby state, or to another part of Virginia. Nexus Auto Transport helps to securely ship thousands of vehicles to their destinations each year. The first step for a new client is simply selecting which type of shipping service they prefer. The two options for shipping a car to or from Augusta County are open carriers and enclosed carriers.
Open carriers: Pros and cons
With open car transport, your car is sharing a space with other vehicles that are also being shipped. It’s considered the most cost-effective option because the driver is splitting the cost between multiple vehicles. In addition, this option is often faster because customers can “hop on” an existing scheduled route that has space for their car. In exchange for added convenience and a lower cost, vehicle owners do need to accept that their cars will not be shielded from things like weather and road debris during the journey.
Enclosed carriers: Pros and cons
Enclosed carriers keep vehicles protected from weather and road debris. This is why open carriers are generally recommended for luxury or antique vehicles valued at $60,000 or more. While generally readily available, it can sometimes take extra time to book an enclosed carrier because they are not as common as the default open carriers.
Choosing a reliable transport partner
The best way to ensure your car is being placed in the best hands possible is with a little research. Here’s a checklist for finding a reliable and transparent auto partner to ship your car to or from Augusta County:
- Decide between local and national vehicle shipping companies: Calculate your moving distance. In general, a “local” transporter is a company that can move your car up to 200 miles. Beyond that, you’ll need a nationwide broker to help you out. One tidbit to know is that nationwide car movers generally provide better rates and faster service.
- Verify legitimacy: With most people only moving a car to or from Augusta once in their lifetime, the vehicle transport industry can feel like a mystery. Most don’t know the importance of having a motor carrier number (MCN) issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCS). In addition, the carrier must have an eight-digit number issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT).
- Study insurance coverage: Ask about insurance coverage and cancellation policies to ensure that a carrier is fully bonded and insured. Additionally, the carrier’s policy must cover in-transit damage based on your vehicle’s actual cash value.
- Ask about tracking: A telltale sign of a transport agency’s responsibility and transparency is its tracking protocols. Reliable auto transport companies offer routine updates or real-time GPS tracking.
Transparent pricing in auto transport: Smart choices for your next auto transport services needs
Of course, the most important factor is price transparency. Currently, average prices for auto transport services range from 80 cents to $1.25 for up to 500 miles and 45 cents to 65 cents for 3,000 miles or more. While pricing can change due to time of year, weather conditions, and availability, it’s important to select a company that provides an honest and clear quote that won’t change.
There’s a lot on your plate when you’re moving. In fact, one study from 2020 found that relocating homes is actually the most stressful life event. Take some of the burden off your shoulders with reliable automobile shipping in the Augusta area. Nexus Auto Transport is a reliable car transport broker with an incredible reputation. In addition to helping you compare carriers to find the best car shipping service for the value, they also assist with logistics and monitoring your car’s journey. With more than 500,000 cars shipped and an A+ BBB rating, Nexus ensures pickup and delivery can’t be easier. Call (224) 218-2949 for your free quote or estimate 24 hours a day.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Support AFP
Share
