cars on a truck

As your moving day gets closer and closer, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made to get organized for a smooth and easy experience. For example, you’ll need to decide whether you’re hiring professional Miami movers to help with some or all of the moving process, or if you’re planning on doing it all by yourself. Another question you’ll need to address early on is what you’re packing—are you planning on selling, donating, or throwing away some of your belongings, or taking everything with you?

Aside from these questions, many more are bound to come up during the moving process. After all, no relocations are the same—and every moving project will require specific solutions to a distinct set of problems.  At A-1 Fargo, we’ve seen it all, done it all when it comes to moving. One very specific problem that might not be as common is a vehicle shipping or transfer—a special situation that happens when movers are moving very far away and unable to drive their cars to the new destination themselves.

The good news is that with improvements in the moving industry and technology, there have never been so many options available to make moving with a car so easy. The trick is to understand the options available to you so that you can choose the method of dealing with your car that’s right for you and your situation.

What to Do with Your Vehicle

The vehicle is an important piece of machinery for people. It gets you to work, takes you on road trips, and helps you run the necessary errands of your day-to-day life.

However, while you’re most likely taking your car with you when planning a long-distance move, this doesn’t mean that moving with a car is always an option. Maybe your car isn’t in good enough shape to handle a cross-country drive, or the vehicle you’re concerned about is a second vehicle. It’s also possible that you’re not interested in driving the distance yourself—and are planning on flying there instead.

Regardless of the situation, there are three main options available for those that are unable to drive their car on a long-distance move:

  • Sell: If the car is old, in disrepair, or if you’re moving to a city that makes a vehicle unnecessary, it may make sense to sell. This is also an option for international moving. Selling your car means you’ll have to buy a new one wherever it is you’re going, which should also be taken into account when making your decision.
  • Tow: For those driving a rental truck or a vehicle that can tow another vehicle, you may want to consider towing your vehicle behind you. While a seemingly simple solution, it does present additional risks so it’s best to leave towing in the hands of professionals.
  • Shipping: If self-transporting is a no go and selling isn’t a decision you want to make, consider taking advantage of the increasingly popular option of shipping your vehicle. All cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles--including boats, ATV’s, and motorcycles can be shipped, making it a practical option for many people looking to move.

Exploring Your Transportation Options

When determining how to transport vehicles, there are some things to be aware of that will help you ensure the process goes smoothly from start to finish.

Cost: 

Different transportation companies and situations make for a wide cost range. Some factors that affect cost include a delivery method, cost of fuel, type of vehicle being shipped, and even if the car is operational. You can minimize the cost by finding a shipping company that prices things in one complete package instead of as add-ons.

Booking Window: 

If you’re shipping, book and reserve the shipment for at least 30 days ahead of moving day. Consider the transit time and desired delivery date when picking the shipment date. The last thing you want is to have the car show up long after you have finished the move.

Prep Work: 

Some companies require you to prep the vehicle by draining the fuel, disabling alarms, and removing personal belongings. Others may have no such restrictions. Check their protocols so you can ensure there are no problems when they come to load your vehicle.

Length of Delivery: 

Most companies provide estimated delivery times based on the distance between the two locations. However, for an additional cost, they may offer guaranteed delivery. Guaranteed delivery is when they promise to deliver the vehicle on a specific date so it’s there exactly when needed.

Insurance: 

Some shipping companies provide insurance for your auto transport and some don’t. It depends on the carrier. When shopping around, verify if they offer insurance or not. In addition, check with your own provider to determine your level of protection so you can be as covered as possible.

For the best experience possible, consider a full-service moving company like A-1 Fargo. Not only can the team pack and move your belongings, but they also provide vehicle-shipping services so one company on one quote can handle everything.

Transport your Vehicle with A-1 Fargo

At A-1 Fargo, we strive to provide the best service possible for our customers. Our Miami movers are professionally trained as local movers and long distance movers and offer premium vehicle shipping services for a highly personalized moving experience. Whether you’re moving a large van or a small ATV, and any-sized vehicle in between, you can count on us to deliver it to you quickly and safely.

Ready to start exploring your vehicle moving options? Give us a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional moving services, or fill out our online form to schedule your free, in-home moving quote.