Auto Transport - Even Your Clunker Can Ride

By Author: Richard Burke
Total Articles: 15
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Most vehicles moved by auto transport companies are new cars, trucks, and SUVs bound for dealerships. But there are many inoperable vehicles that travel by car transport, too—single vehicle shipments. Is it worth the money to pay for shipping a car that doesn't run?
That depends on the vehicle. If it's a classic that you're planning to renovate, it probably is. If it's an old family clunker that has sentimental value, it still might be worth the cost. After all, the alternative is to junk it, sell it, or move it yourself. That last option is not always possible and it certainly isn't fun. Finding a trailer that can handle the weight, a vehicle with a towing package, a bunch of buddies to help you push the car onto the trailer—not to mention the beer and pizza you'll have to shell out for in order to get those buddies to help—and an auto transport service starts to sound pretty good.
So what's the first step in using an auto transport company to move your inoperable vehicle? First, find a company that can handle the job. Auto transport brokers, personal references, the Yellow Pages, or the Internet ...
... are a few ways to find the many companies available. Make sure you choose a carrier with the proper credentials. In addition to a decent price, that means reputation, experience, insurance, and equipment.
When interviewing auto transport companies, let them know that your car or truck doesn't run. It's possible that the carrier will need special equipment or even a driver with the expertise to load and transport an inoperable vehicle. After all, a car or truck that doesn't run can't drive onto a trailer under its own power. The auto transport driver will probably use a winch to pull the vehicle onto the trailer. If no winch is available, a hired helper may be necessary. Either way, your vehicle must be capable of being steered and rolled.
After you've selected an auto transport company and they've agreed to handle your shipment, you're still not done. Before the trailer arrives, you need to take care of some housekeeping. Empty the oil, transmission and steering fluids from the vehicle. Make sure there isn't much fuel in the gas tank—preferably less than a quarter of a tank. When the auto transport driver arrives, verify his insurance and certification. Fill out a written inspection form. Then turn over your vehicle knowing that you've done all the work that's necessary to transport your inoperable vehicle safely.

Richard Burke is an freelance writer who writes on all various subjects. In this piece of write up the author tries to highlight the different modes of auto transport, auto shipping, car shipping, and the different shipping agencies available in United States of America. Find more information on one of the major vehicle shipping service providers.