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Tips for Finding the Best Luxury Auto Transport Companies

Finding the Best Luxury Auto Transport Companies For Your High-End Vehicle
November 13, 2023
18 min

You’ve invested in a high-end vehicle, a beautiful piece of machinery that’s more like a work of art than mere transportation. Will you trust just any run-of-the-mill shipping company to handle your precious cargo? Not on your life! You need the best of the best, the crème de la crème of luxury auto transport companies.

That’s where we step in, turning the nerve-wracking task of finding a trustworthy luxury car shipping company into a smooth ride. Right now, we’ll help you learn how to find the best luxury auto transport companies in the business and discuss why Easy Auto Ship Luxury Auto Transport LLC is worth your consideration as well. So, let’s get started:

What Makes a Car Luxury?

Any vehicle that is considered expensive has a sentimental value, or is famous among auto enthusiasts is considered a high-end, luxury car. Some examples are:

Classic Vehicle

Referring broadly to any road-going automobile between 20-40 years old, these vehicles are cherished by many for their nostalgic design cues and analog driving experiences. Features like manual windows, locks, and basic infotainment systems distinguish them from modern cars. While interiors may show signs of wear over decades, diligent restoration and refurbishment allow exteriors to remain in sharply styled condition. Fine details, craftsmanship, and compelling performance identities still make for spirited and engaging drives.

Exotic High-Performance Vehicle

Representing the pinnacle of engineering ambition and automotive innovation, exotics prioritize extreme capabilities over practicalities. Cutting-edge carbon fiber and exotic material construction help achieve peerless power-to-weight ratios. Aerodynamic form and downforce-generating bodies are optimized for triple-digit top speeds. Limited production numbers and six-figure price tags cement immense rarity and exclusivity on public roads. Pushing technical boundaries in fields like hybridization and lightweight symbolize these brands’ relentless quests for superiority.

Luxury Vehicle

Catering to only the most discerning and affluent clientele, luxury brands immerse occupants in the finest leathers, premium audiophile sound systems, and the latest in connectivity and comfort technologies. Flagship sedans, SUVs, and coupes integrate world-class craftsmanship, intuitive infotainment, and multi-zone climate controls into spaciously appointed interiors. Powerful yet efficient V8s or hybrid powertrains smoothly transport up to 5 in isolated serenity. Long-term resale, individualization, and pampering features cement prestigious appeal.

Antique Vehicle

Any automobile manufactured in 1975 or earlier gains protected antique classification and access to special events. Despite advancements elsewhere, committed preservation allows select functional examples to retain the earliest motoring ambiance. Intricate carbureted engines and manual gearboxes provide raw mechanical connectivity absent computer interfaces. Though incomplete or slightly worn in places, validating refurbishment allows an intimate appreciation of period build techniques and designs preceding mass production.

Vintage Vehicle

Dating from the dizzying developmental period of the late 1910s through the exuberant Roaring Twenties, surviving vintage autos showcase fledgling industry advancements. Simple bodies married basic internal combustion engines to three-speed transmissions, establishing the fundamentals of 20th-century personal conveyance. While stripped of mod-cons and requiring greater mechanical empathy, their nostalgic design languages and uncomplicated driving manners attract enthusiasts of bygone engineering eras.

Sports Car

Low-slung two-seat coupes prioritize exhilarating handling over practicality. Scaled-down footprints allow negligible weight over front axles for razor-sharp turning. High-revving 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines awaken with just a tap of the gas for neck-snapping acceleration. Close-ratio manual gearboxes and stiffer suspensions encourage heel-and-toe downshifting through canyon roads. Aerodynamic silhouettes contribute solid grip for corner carving well beyond typical speeds.

How to Find The Best Luxury Car Shipping Companies For High-End Vehicles

Specialization in Luxury Vehicles

The most competent luxury car shipping companies are those that specialize in high-end vehicles. They come with specialized equipment such as custom tie-downs that securely hold the vehicle in place during transit, hydraulic lifts that are rated for high vehicle weights, and enclosed carriers with climate control to protect the vehicle from harsh weather conditions.

Find The Best Luxury Car Shipping Companies For High-End Vehicles

For instance, a company dealing with a precious Rolls-Royce Phantom would use a climate-controlled, enclosed carrier to ensure the vehicle remains in a pristine condition.

Reviews and Ratings

The reputation of a luxury auto transport company can often be deduced from the reviews and ratings on sites like Google, Facebook, Trustpilot, etc.

For instance, if a company has a 4.5/5 rating on Google with over 200 reviews, that’s a good indicator of consistent, quality service.

Another resource to check out is Us Luxury Shippers Reviews, which provides detailed analyses of luxury car shippers in the United States.

Experience with Luxury Brands

Look for a company that has significant experience in shipping prestigious brands. A history of hauling luxury vehicles like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Aston Martins for over 10 years is a good benchmark.

This level of experience shows they understand the unique requirements and value of such high-end vehicles.

Equipment and Processes

The right equipment and processes are crucial for the safe shipping of luxury cars. Ask about the tiedown methods they use; for instance, custom foam blocks or straps are preferred for maximum security.

The company should also have a meticulous paperwork process for condition reports detailing every aspect of the vehicle before and after the transport.

Insurance

The best luxury car shipping companies offer comprehensive insurance coverage of over $250,000 for cargo and vehicles.

Make sure to ask about the deductible amount in case of damage or loss, as this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket.

Driver Qualifications

The drivers should have specialized equipment like hydraulic lift gates, which ensures they are trained to handle high-value vehicles properly.

Cost Comparison

When comparing costs, ensure to get estimates in writing for the origin-destination pair, including details of any extras like door-to-door service.

Comparing different company quotes will help you get the best deal for your luxury car shipping.

Volume Experience

A good benchmark for a company’s experience is if they transport at least 100 high-value vehicles annually. This shows they have the capacity and expertise to handle such precious cargo.

Safety Measures

Ensure that the company conducts rigorous background checks on its drivers, maintains regular vehicular maintenance records, and conducts recent safety inspections. This further ensures your vehicle’s security.

Tracking

Luxury Car Shipping Companies should offer real-time tracking of your vehicle. This could be through regular phone calls with the carrier, live chats with the support team, or live tracking through an app with updates every 2-4 hours.

References

Don’t hesitate to ask for 3-5 references from past clients who moved vehicles worth over $100,000. Their experiences will give you a better idea of what to expect.

Associations

A reputable company will likely be a member of associations like the International Car Carriers Association or be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This shows their commitment to maintaining high standards in the luxury car shipping industry.

In your search for the perfect luxury car shipping company, always remember to take your time, do your research, and ask the right questions. Your high-end vehicle deserves nothing less than the best care and transport.

Which Transport Trailer is Right For High End Car Transport?

  • Enclosed Car Haulers: Fully enclosed trailers are the best option for shipping expensive cars. They protect the vehicles from weather, debris, and prying eyes. Look for straight deck or multi-level enclosed car haulers.
  • Multi-Vehicle Trailers: These can haul 2-4 high-end vehicles at once in separate climate-controlled compartments or “pens.” Compartments have padded walls and secured doors/ramps. Good for transporting a small fleet.
  • Motorcycle Trailers: For hauling a single luxury sports car or motorcycle. Offer a very secure, enclosed environment. Look for higher-weight capacity models that can accommodate heavier exotic vehicles.
  • Dollie Trailers: Used to load/unload individual vehicles onto a shipping trailer. Useful for low-clearance supercars that can’t drive up ramps. Dollies secure the vehicle while being moved.
  • Car Lifts: Integral lifting platforms built into the floors of some trailers allow vehicles to be driven directly on, secured, and then lifted/lowered for easy loading/unloading. Help avoid manhandling high-value cars.
  • Climate-Controlled Trailers: Necessary for temperature-sensitive vehicles. Have integrated heating, A/C, and monitoring systems to maintain a consistent interior environment during transport.
  • Chassis Trailers: For moving individual cars that are extremely low to the ground or delicate. Secure the car body to a driveable tow chassis for transport.
Type of TrailerCar CapacityCar ProtectionHauling SpeedShipping Cost
Luxury Car Carrier3-7 carsFullMedium$$$
Open CarrierUp to 10 carsNoneFast$$

Cost For High End Vehicle Transport Service

High-end vehicle transports are typically done in enclosed car haulers, and we’re sure you know the reason by now: extra protection and better insurance coverage. Yes, they cost up to 40% more than open carriers, which means, let’s say, if you want to do luxury car transport Miami to Los Angeles, you’ll pay $1620 for an open carrier and $2260 (40% more) for an enclosed carrier.

However, that small difference of a few hundred bucks can potentially save you from a loss of thousands of dollars because repairing even a single scratch on a high-end vehicle can cost that much. That said, here are some cost examples for you for moving high-end cars in enclosed trailers:

To & From StatesDistance & RoutesEnclosed Car Shipping CostEstimated Time
Montana to Louisiana1,855 Miles via I-25 S$1,393.755-7 Days
Los Angeles to Texas1,245 Miles via I-10 E$937.504-6 Days
Louisiana to California1,904 Miles via I-40 W$1,437.505-7 Days
California to Illinois2,084 Miles via I-80 E$1,312.506-8 Days
Michigan to California2,403 Miles via I-80 W$1,5007-9 Days
New York to Los Angeles2,789 Miles via I-80 W$1,393.757-9 Days
Florida to California2,703 Miles via I-40 W$1,3507-9 Days
Los Angeles to Florida2,568 Miles via I-10 E$1,281.257-9 Days
Hawaii to California2,467 Miles via Honolulu Port$1,875+ (Port to Door)7-14 Days
New Jersey to California1,119 Miles via I-95 S$838.754-6 Days

Preparing Your Luxury Car For High End Auto Transport

Vehicle Inspection

  • Check for any existing dents, scratches, or defects and document them thoroughly beforehand in case they are exacerbated during transit. Photograph problem areas from multiple angles.
  • Inspect tires for proper inflation and check tread wear. Shipping on uneven or low tires increases the risk of damage.
  • Check brake, transmission, and engine fluid levels and top off as needed.
  • Inspect suspension components for signs of wear.

Cleaning and Detailing

  • Thoroughly wash the clay bar and wax the exterior to protect the paint from elements during car transport. Luxury cars have soft paint that shows swirls easily.
  • Shampoo carpets and leather/Alcantara upholstery. Remove any debris that could get embedded.
  • Clean the engine bay of grease and grime. Transporting with residue risks attracting dirt and debris.

Protection and Securing

  • Apply protective film or wrapping to exposed paint areas like the front, mirrors, and rims that could chip or make contact during transport.
  • Inflate tires to the maximum psi listed to prevent flat-spotting during extended stationary periods.
  • Retract or remove exposed components like spoilers, splitters, and skirts that could break off.
  • Disconnect the battery or put on a battery tender/maintainer to prevent drain.
  • Secure loose items and cargo with custom-fitted interiors. Tie down or pad sharp edges.
  • Place craft paper or foam between aluminum/carbon components to prevent scratches.
  • Use blankets or types of foam around the exterior and interior to protect from other vehicles.

Loading/Unloading

  • Drive slowly and carefully during loading and unloading. Luxury suspensions have low clearance.
  • Make sure the carrier secures the vehicle with tie-downs in multiple contact points, not just wheels.
  • Inspect the vehicle again upon arrival and note any issues for carrier responsibility.

Risks Involved When Using Cheap Luxury Auto Transport Companies

Ways to Protect Your Luxury Car while Shipping

Lack of enclosed trailers

Open-air shipping leaves expensive cars exposed to weather, road debris, accidents, etc., which can damage paint, upholstery, and electronics.

Inadequate securement

Without proper tie-downs, padding, and compartmentalization, high-performance vehicles can be damaged by excessive movement during transport.

Driver training/experience

Less experienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes when loading/unloading delicate exotic cars. Risking scratches, dents, and other cosmetic damage.

Lack of special equipment

Budget carriers may not have dollies, lifts, or climate control needed for low-clearance supercars or temperature-sensitive components.

Poor maintenance of equipment

Older, worn trailers/ramps pose falling/collapsing risks. Carriers cut corners on repair/replacements.

Subcontracting/multiple hands

Valuables change multiple hands, increasing the risk of theft or tampering during transfers between carriers.

No monitoring/tracking

Budget carriers often don’t offer real-time GPS or environmental/motion monitoring to ensure quality transport.

Inadequate insurance

Carriers may have insufficient coverage to fully compensate for damage to a six-figure exotic car in an accident.

Unverified/untrained drivers

Cheap rates could mean uncertified, undisciplined drivers with shoddy safety/driving records transporting cars.

Lack of auto-transport specialization

A general carrier may not devote the resources needed to properly handle luxury vehicles.

What Makes Easy Auto Ship One Of The Best Luxury Car Shipping Companies?

Experience With Luxury Cars

Be it the Latest BMW, Audi, Mustang vintage Ford, or the Newest Tesla, we have moved and still move them all.

Specialized Equipment

We have special enclosed carriers with hydraulic lift gates, durable straps, and paddings to ensure the safe transport of exotic vehicles.

History

We’re not some newcomers claiming to do it all. We’ve got a decade-old history of gradually equipping ourselves with the best equipment, expertise, experience, and people to handle even some of the most expensive vehicles like the back of our hand.

Easy Tracking

No hassle of getting disconnected with GPS, getting inaccurate locations, and not being able to talk to a human. We directly connect you with the actual driver carrying your vehicle. Call him whenever and get live updates.

Comprehensive Coverage

Not only do our carriers have their own coverage, but we also have our own extra cargo coverage. So, 2 times the safety in case something uneventful happens.

Licensed and Registered

Although that’s obvious, we would’ve not been operating such a big business for over a decade; we’d still like to stress the fact that we’re FMCSA licensed with a Motor Carrier number.Because we’re not lead aggregators, we’re registered standard and luxury auto transport LLCs who ensure our clients get the most trusted and experienced car carriers.

Here’s What People Say About Our High-End Luxury Car Shipping Service:

⭐ Review From Melissa Russell

“This is the second time I’ve used Easy Auto Ship. It was as great the second time as the first. Audi Q7 shipped from NC to CA and then back again a year later. Easy Auto Ship is responsive, as are the carriers they contract with. I worked with Colin both times, and he was great. The carrier both times was Discovery Enterprise, and they were great. Highly recommended.”

How We Handled Melissa’s Repeated Cross-Country Audi Q7 Shipping

Melissa is one of our regular customers and has already shipped her exotic Audi Q7 from North Carolina to California twice through Easy Auto Ship.

Both times, our professional rep Colin arranged reliable, safe, damage-free enclosed auto transport with our expert transport partner.

Melissa found the whole moving process convenient and stress-free for end-to-end moving each time. Our responsive carriers exceeded expectations, earning repeat business and referrals for Audi shipping.

⭐ Review From Lewis Williams

“This entire process was Excellent! It was managed by Charity Cousins, who was always available by phone, email or text, and facilitated by Tiffany Beeson, who was also available, as well as their entire staff! From the ease of signing up! Very competitive prices! Online payment was a breeze! Scheduling was quicker than expected! The transport staff was Awesome! From pickup in Fl. to Cali! My Porsche Carrera was handled with “kid gloves”! They actually have , “Door to Door Excellent service”! Jarvi the driver was very professional, polite, and efficient! They went over the vehicle with me upon arrival, ensuring there were no issues. I can’t say enough about my entire experience with EasyAutoShip! You absolutely will not be disappointed with their pricing, and definitely their Superior service! They even pay for your first car wash! (Up to $20.00) Ask for Charity! Then just wait for your vehicle to arrive in Excellent condition!”

How We Helped Lewis Williams Safely Transport His Porsche Carrera from FL to CA

Lewis Williams wanted to move his beautiful Porsche Carrera from Florida to California and needed a reliable transporter to do the job for him. After combing through the internet, he reached us and decided to give us a go, and we didn’t disappoint!

Lewis got in touch with Charity Cousins and Tiffany Beeson from our support team, who were always available to help and guide him throughout the transit. We also offered Lewis a convenient online payment offer, which he appreciated a lot (it’s the little convenient things that make customers happy).

The transport driver, Jarvi, was fast, professional, and efficient; he treated the Porsche with excellent care and ensured it moved door to door without any hiccups. Once the vehicle was delivered to California, we helped Lewis thoroughly inspect the vehicle and even covered his first car wash as a gesture of goodwill. You can guess how happy Lewis was when everything was done!

⭐ Review From Jason Knight

“Fantastic experience! I received quotes from five different companies for enclosed transport of my ‘67 Mustang. Most were unrealistic ’lowball’ quotes for open-air transport that were meant to simply connect me with the company, only to raise the price at booking to account for enclosed transport. That was not the case with Easy Auto Ship. Their quote was realistic right from the start and proved to be extremely accurate. However, I chose them because of their representative that reached out to me to understand my specific situation before providing me a quote. Abby Cartumini was friendly, understanding, and responsive. I had a very tight window for pick-up, with less than two weeks’ advance notice. She proactively messaged the shippers in my area to see who might be able to meet my needs. She found one quickly and confirmed the price she originally quoted me before booking the shipment. When I had trouble reaching the shipper, she worked with dispatch to confirm both the pick-up date and time. She contacted me after both my scheduled pick-up and delivery to verify everything went smoothly. Throughout the entire process, she answered every phone call, responded to every email, and texted me with relevant updates. I was not just a number; she knew me by name and treated me like family. This seemed like a daunting process at the outset, but working with Abby at Easy Auto Ship removed all of the stress. I would STRONGLY encourage you to use them for any of your auto shipping needs!!”

How We Shipped Jason Knight’s ‘67 Mustang from NY to CA in Enclosed Trailer

Jason Knight needed to move his ‘67 Mustang from New York to California, so he contacted multiple auto transporters for an enclosed car transport quote, and most offers he received were unrealistic or too good to be true. He knew the companies were only offering him dirt-cheap rates to get him to book the transport and would increase the prices later. But when he contacted Easy Auto Ship and talked to Abby Cartumini (our friendly customer rep), he knew we’re built differently. We do not bait clients with low-ball offers. We work on the idea that you get what you pay for the model.

Abby understood Jason’s requirements, including the need to move his ‘67 Mustang from New York to California carefully in an enclosed trailer, picking up the vehicle in a very tight window and delivering it with meticulous handling. She arranged for the carrier to do just that and kept Jason updated throughout the transit. He was super happy when we delivered his baby-like Mustang in the same condition it was picked up.

⭐ Review From Sabine Pietri

“I used this company again to ship my antique Mercedes to my daughter’s wedding from MA to SC in an enclosed container, and the transporters Maurice found me were wonderful; all worked out, and I would highly recommend them and will use them again if needed, thank you.”

Easy Auto Ship Helped Sabine Pietri Move Her Antique Mercedes from MA to SC

Sabine wanted to move her vintage beauty, an antique Mercedes that she adored from Massachussets to South Carolina for a special occasion; her daughter’s wedding. Now, there were two things here that we needed to be extremely careful about.

Firstly, it was her daughter’s wedding, so she had to tread carefully not to let anything happen that could ruin her mood on this occasion. Secondly, we had to ensure the expensive, exotic, and antique Mercedes was handled with care and did not even get dirty during the journey.

Our transportation rep, Maurice, helped Sabine move her vehicle safely from Massachusetts to South Carolina in excellent condition, and Sabine was more than happy about the whole experience. We arranged an enclosed transporter to ensure VIP treatment and security for her car, and that ensured safe delivery.

⭐ Review From BMack

“I needed transport for my 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 from a dealership in Belle Plaine, MN, to my home in Charleston, SC. Upon speaking to Charity, she did a great job explaining the process and found me an enclosed hauler transport for my dream car. The transport company was excellent and was able to deliver the vehicle a full day ahead of their projected delivery day. I would certainly use DIY again.”

How We Aided in Transporting BMack’s Dream Car, a 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The 2017 Chevrolet Corvette z06 is a beauty with a beast of an engine, but at the same time, quite an expensive vehicle. So it was understandable when Bmack asked us to move the vehicle.

He had purchased the Chevrolet Corvette z06 from a dealership in Belle Plaine, MN, and now wanted it moved to his home in Charleston, South Carolina. He contacted Charity, one of our top reps, and explained his situation.

Charity immediately started finding a reliable enclosed carrier for his beautiful car, and thanks to her experience, the chosen enclosed transporter met and exceeded all expectations. The vehicle was picked up from the dealership in Belle Plaine, MN, and safely dropped off at Bmack’s home in Charleston, SC a day earlier.

Want To Get The Same Shipping Experience as The Folks Above? Call Easy Auto Ship

You can call us at (888) 687-3243, or talk to one of our transport agents via live chat. Alternatively, you can use our free quote calculator to get an idea of the cost in a few minutes.

You can also email us or even text us, or if you’re feeling like driving, come over to our office and have a coffee while we sort out your luxury auto shipping needs.

PLEASE BE AWARE OF SCAMS

Easy Auto Ship will never call you from our toll free number. Any emails from our company will from an "@easyautoship.net"email address. We are an auto transport broker, and we do not sell any products on our website or any other website. We will never ask for payment through Western Union, Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, etc. unless previously discussed, and the name on the account that you would be sending to will always be Easy Auto Ship.

If you are unsure about a correspondence you've received regarding your order or payment, please call us directly at 888-687-3243 to confirm the information that you received.


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