🗝️ Classic Car Shipping Secrets: 10 Must-Know Tips for Owners Who Love Their Rides

1) Choose Enclosed Transport (if protection is the priority)

If you’re shipping a collector vehicle and you care about paint, trim, and overall condition, enclosed transport is the safest option.

It reduces exposure to:

• road debris and rock chips

• weather and dust

• “helpful strangers” who get too close at stops

Internal link idea: Enclosed Transport / Protected Transport page (if you have one)

2) Ask about lift gate loading (low clearance = big deal)

Some classics sit low enough to scrape a shadow. If ground clearance is tight, ask if the carrier can accommodate low-profile vehicles and what loading method they use.

A lift gate can reduce risk compared to steep ramps—especially for:

• low front splitters

• classic bumpers

• older undercarriage components

  
  

3) Document the vehicle like you’re building a case file

Before pickup:

• take high-resolution photos of every angle

• record a quick walkaround video

• note mileage + fuel level

• capture any existing marks (even tiny ones)

This protects you and the carrier. It’s not paranoia—it’s professionalism.

4) Tell us if it’s non-running (project cars need different equipment)

If the vehicle is non-operational, say it upfront. Non-running cars often require:

• winches

• special loading considerations

• extra time and handling

It’s not a “gotcha fee.” It’s the difference between a smooth pickup and a mess.

5) Confirm insurance coverage and valuation limits

Every carrier has insurance, but classic cars aren’t priced like normal vehicles. Ask:

• what the coverage limits are

• how claims work (if needed)

• whether your car’s market value is properly covered

If you have a special valuation, bring it up early. That’s how you avoid surprises.

6) Remove loose / non-factory items

Classic interiors can be… let’s call them “delicate.” Remove:

• loose accessories

• spare parts

• custom mats

• covers that can shift

• anything you’d be mad about if it slid into a panel

Also: carriers typically can’t transport household goods inside the vehicle.

7) Disable alarms + secure antennas

Alarms going off during transport is the automotive version of a smoke detector chirping at 2am.

• disable the alarm

• retract/remove antennas if possible

• secure anything that could snag or bend

  
  

8) Check battery + fluids (it still needs to start and move)

Even if it’s not being driven cross-country, it still needs to:

• start

• steer

• brake

• roll safely during loading/unloading

Make sure the battery is charged and secured, and fluid levels are safe.

9) Communication matters more than people think

Be reachable during pickup and delivery windows. If someone else is receiving the vehicle, provide:

• their name

• their phone number

• any access instructions

A 2-minute call can prevent a 2-hour delay.

10) Don’t choose your transporter like you’re buying gas station sushi

Lowest price isn’t always the best value—especially for high-value vehicles.

Classic cars need:

• careful handling

• the right equipment

• experienced carriers

• clear communication

That’s what we focus on at A&A: protected shipping with a white-glove mindset.

Your classic deserves VIP treatment (because it is VIP)

If you’re ready to ship your collector vehicle across town or across the country—with the care it deserves—A&A Car Transport can help.

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FAQ

Is enclosed transport worth it for a classic car?

 For most collector vehicles, enclosed transport is the safest option because it reduces exposure to debris and weather.

Can you ship a non-running classic car?

 Yes, but it requires the right equipment (often a winch). Always disclose non-running status upfront.

How should I prepare my classic car for transport?

Document condition, remove loose items, disable alarms, and ensure the car can start/roll/steer safely for loading.