WARREN, Mass. – When it comes to preparing and loading a car for long-distance transport, Intercity Lines President Dave Wilson has seen just about every misadventure imaginable – clutches blown during loading, six-figure paint jobs damaged by hail, engine blocks cracked by freezing temps, glove boxes packed with leftover meals.
Which is why Intercity Lines – the small, family-owned business that has evolved into the nation’s premier enclosed automotive transporter – approaches the task of transporting vehicles with special care and precision. According to Wilson, the key to safe and secure transport of a car is proper equipment, preparation and attention to detail. And with 30 years of experience under its liftgate, no one does it better than Intercity. Just ask Barrett-Jackson, The Auto Collections in Las Vegas and the Petersen Museum, all long-time clients of Intercity Lines.
“There are many factors to consider when selecting a transporter and preparing the vehicle for shipping,” Wilson explained. “The most important question to ask is: does the transport company have the right experience and equipment to get the job done safely? For more than three decades we've safely moved vehicles ranging from the Pebble Beach recipients to the winners of the Lunar Rover to American's Most Beautiful Roadster Award. There's more to it than simply rolling the car onto the trailer.”
To ensure that your vehicle receives the best care possible during shipping, Wilson and Intercity suggests you consider the following in regards to the transport of your automotive family member:
Reputation. It's always best to work with a known company, one with a proven track record and experience in moving special-interest vehicles. Visit websites. Get referrals. Check references. Do your homework.
Carrier vs. Broker. Always work with a carrier direct. Avoid brokers. Make sure the carrier operates its own equipment – brokers don't.
Insurance. Make sure the carrier supplies a Certificate of Insurance, an agreement that states the insurance coverage as well as and pickup and delivery times. Vehicles are typically insured for up to $1 million.
No Deposits. Never, never give a deposit. Legitimate carries never ask for a deposit in advance; brokers typical do ask for a deposit. Another reason to avoid using a broker.
Tracking. Reputable companies know where their trucks – and your car – are at all times. All Intercity trucks are equipped with GPS tracking; a quick call to Intercity informs you of your vehicle's whereabouts.
Enclosed vs. Open Trailer – Enclosed trailers provide maximum protection of a vehicle; it's why Intercity only uses enclosed trailers. Rain, sleet, snow, hail, sand, road debris all can damage vehicles left exposed to the elements. Moreover, cars hauled in enclosed trailers are secure against vandalism.
Liftgates vs. Ramps – All Intercity trailers use hydraulic liftgates to load the vehicle into position. Vehicles with low ground clearance – exotic sports cars, lowered street rods, vintage race cars, etc. – can be damaged driving up a ramp. In addition, if a vehicle is transported often, moving up and down a ramp can strain the the vehicle's driveline. Yes, clutches have been smoked on the short trip up a loading ramp.
Inoperable Vehicles – Often, cars are in various stages of restoration or construction need to be shipped. No problem. Wrap spare or loose parts carefully and put them inside the car or the trunk if they will fit securely and not hamper the view from inside or risk damaging the vehicle. Extra wheels and tires can also be shipped with the car for a modest extra charge.
Winch Availability – If a vehicle is not drivable, or if its brakes are inoperable, the transporter should use a winch to move the car on and off the truck in the safest possible manner. However, if the trailer is equipped with liftgates – as are all of Intercity's – the vehicle can be pushed onto the gate, then into the trailer.
Loading on Empty – Vehicles should be transported with a quarter-tank or less of gasoline in the tank. This is not only safer, it makes for a lighter vehicle. A gallon of gas weights just under 7 pounds, so a full tank can significantly increase the overall transport weight.
Check the Antifreeze – Many vehicles based in Florida, Arizona or Texas may be running straight water in their cooling systems. Of course, the temperature never drops below freezing in those states. However, if a car is being transported during winter to a cold-weather climate, that water could freeze in the engine block and/or radiator – with disastrous results. The solution is simple: Prior to shipment, flush the cooling system and fill it with the recommended blend of antifreeze and water.
Properly Secure or Remove Batteries – If not properly fastened, a battery can shift or dislodge during shipping, causing corrosive damage to wiring and sheet metal. It could also be a fire hazard. Also, it's also a good idea to disconnect the ground strap once the car is loaded into position.
Use the Cut-off Switch – If the car is equipped with a battery cut-off switch (many race cars have one), it should be placed to the “off” position to reduce electrical hazard. Naturally, remember to instruct the transport crew of the switch's location and operation.
Keep the Interior Free of Loose Items – The transport team needs a clear, unobstructed view from inside in order to move the vehicle safely. Exotic cars, for example, have a limited rearward view, so loading the car with personal items – that floor jack in the back seat – to save on outside shipping costs, could decreases visibility even further. Moreover, such items are not covered by the transporting carrier's loss policy – only the consigned vehicle is insured against loss.
Check for Food or Perishables – Simply put, your car isn't a pantry or a fridge on wheels. Before shipping, be sure the car's interior is free of food. A Snickers can melt, a Coke can explode or puncture. Perishables call damage a vehicle's interior; spoiled food items can leave behind a stench that can linger.
More information on Intercity Lines, Inc., can be found on the Web at www.intercitylines.com. Contact them by phone, 1-800-221-3936; fax, 413-436-9422; or email, info@intercitylines.com.