How to Ship a Large Car

Shipping a Large Card

One of the most common questions that come up when shipping a vehicle is, “does the size of my car matter when it comes to calculating the cost?” In short, yes, shipping a large vehicle does end up costing more than small cars. The main two reasons are the weight and length of the car. 

Weight of a Car 

One of the main factors used to determine the cost of shipping a vehicle is your car’s weight. Auto carriers must pass weight checks along the highway and cannot exceed the maximum weight. Most auto transport trailers can carry between 7-9 cars at a time depending on the weight of each vehicle. However, If they transport large vehicles, they won’t be able to carry as many cars at a time. To offset the loss of revenue and space from not being able to transport as many cars, large vehicles cost more to transport. 

Length of a Car 

Carriers can’t transport as many vehicles at a time when they’re hauling large trucks and SUVs because they take up much more room than compact cars. Carriers charge more when transporting longer vehicles to make up for the added expenses it costs to move them and to make up for the revenue they would make if they were shipping all compact cars. 

3 Ways to Prepare Your Vehicle to Ship

No matter the size or weight of your car, there are a few ways that you can prepare for your upcoming vehicle transport. 

1. Remove All Personal Items From Your Car 

When shipping a car, it’s important to remove all of your personal belongings from the vehicle before the auto transport driver arrives. The carrier is not liable if your items are lost, damaged or stolen. The last thing you want to worry about during your move is replacing valuable items.

2. Do a Self Inspection of Your Vehicle 

Take the time to inspect your car before the driver loads it onto the auto transport trailer. Make sure to take before and after photos. If any damage occurs during transport, you’ll need to be able to prove that the damage wasn’t there prior to shipping. 

3. Leave Your Gas Tank a Quarter Full 

You’ll need to have enough gas in your car if you have to drive to your final destination from where the car transport drops off your vehicle. If your car runs out of gas at any point during the shipping process, you will be charged a hefty fine, so it’s best to avoid that by leaving a small amount of gas in the tank. 

So, even if you have to schedule a large vehicle transport, you have the information you need to make sure that you save money regardless. 

Give Metti International a call today to schedule your upcoming car transport at 866.620.1776 or request a quote online. We look forward to serving you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.