When moving cross country, one of the biggest questions you’ll have to answer is how to get your car to your new home. There are several ways to do so but none as safe, convenient, and economical as a car moving service.
You could drive the car yourself. Most people assume it’s cheaper than hiring someone to transport it. But once you add up the fuel cost, not to mention food and hotel rooms, the cost is generally greater than a moving service would have been.
Or you could tow the car behind your moving van. This seems like a simple solution, except that the extra weight burns more fuel. At the same time, towing a car poses risks to untrained drivers. Towed vehicles are hard to maneuver. You’ve got more weight behind you, so braking distances are larger. The car’s going to sway as well, especially going through tight turns, which can cause you to lose control and swerve off the road.
A moving service, on the other hand, lets you avoid these issues. There’s less planning, less stress, and less wear and tear on your car. At North American, our team handles all the details. We even provide door-to-door delivery!
5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Car Moving Service
Once you’ve decided a car moving service is the best option, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Get Multiple Quotes. Car moving services charge different rates over different distances, so shop around before committing to one.
Look for an Established Company. Your car is one of your most valuable possessions, so make sure it’s in the hands of someone you can trust. A car moving service that’s been around for several years has a reputation. You can look up reviews online and compare their customer service records to see whether they have the knowledge and experience to handle your car.
Decide Between Open or Enclosed Carrier. You’ve seen open carriers on the road, the big rigs with cars stacked behind them. They’re the most common and least expensive form of auto transport. However, they’re also exposed, which means the cars they're carrying can suffer damage from road debris ‒ rocks, trash, dirt, etc. If it happens, it’s usually minor, nothing worse than what you’d encounter driving down any highway in America. But if the car is an exotic, vintage, or luxury vehicle, an enclosed carrier may be the better option. It’s more expensive, but fully protects your car.
Tune Up Your Car. Your car needs to be driveable in order to be transported. Top off the oil and fluids. Check your tire pressure. Test the emergency brake. Give it a wash. However, don’t fill up the gas tank. You want your car light. Under half a tank is ideal.
Buy Extra Insurance. Your car insurance will protect your car during transport, but it’s always a good idea to purchase extra protection, just in case. Ask your car moving service what coverage they offer.
Source: northAmerican van lines
I was initially nervous about transporting my car during my move, but Downtown Toronto Movers company did an outstanding job. The team was attentive to my concerns and handled my vehicle with utmost care. I appreciated the transparency in their communication and their overall professionalism.