Car Shipping Secrets: Why Checking Carfax Can Save You Thousands
No one can deny the fact that many people only care about getting the lowest price when it comes to car shipping. After all, everyone wishes to save some extra pennies to make things work in their favor.
But you know what the smart sellers and buyers do? Well, they know that the real key to protecting their investment goes beyond cost. That’s why they consider checking a vehicle’s history before any shipment.
Doing this helps many people save thousands of dollars in potential disputes, insurance hassles, and unexpected damage claims down the road. Keep reading to explore more!
Understanding the Car Shipping Industry
Understanding the car shipping industry well should be your priority before making a significant investment. So, let’s discover the basic relevant points everyone must be familiar with:
How Car Shipping Works
Car shipping is essentially a partnership between you and the professionals who move your vehicle safely from Point A to Point B. Most people don’t deal directly with a carrier at first—they start with a broker.
When you request a quote, that broker posts your job to an industry “load board,” which works like a matchmaking marketplace. Carriers scan this board for available shipments, submit bids, and the broker selects the best-qualified driver for your route.
Once a carrier accepts the job, the process becomes straightforward: your vehicle is picked up, secured onto the trailer, transported across the state (or across the world), and delivered right to your destination.
Types of Transport Services
Car shipping isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the service you choose can dramatically impact your experience, cost, and the level of protection your vehicle receives.
Open Trailer (Open-Air) Transport
This is the most widely used and budget-friendly option. Your vehicle travels on an open trailer shared with multiple cars, exposed to weather and road elements but still handled by trained carriers. For everyday vehicles, this option is generally safe and highly reliable.
Enclosed Transport
If you’re moving a luxury car, classic model, or any vehicle that requires extra care, enclosed transport is the gold standard. Your car rides inside a protected trailer, shielded from rain, dust, and debris. It’s a premium service with a higher price tag, but with increased protection.
International Shipping
Shipping a vehicle overseas introduces a new level of logistics. Depending on your destination and timeline, you may choose container shipping, roll-on/roll-off sea freight, or even air freight for urgent relocations.
Why Carfax Matters Before Shipping
Wondering how Carfax reports can help before the final shipping? It mainly helps with:
Documenting Pre-Existing Conditions
Before you hand over your vehicle for transport, it’s vital to document its current condition, including any dents, scratches, or previous damage. A full vehicle history report from CARFAX helps you understand whether the car has been involved in past accidents, flood damage, or structural issues. Get your now!
