5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Classic Car

1. Choosing the Wrong Type of Transport

Biggest mistake: Going with open transport because it’s cheaper.

Classic cars are valuable and often irreplaceable. Enclosed transport may cost a bit more, but it offers full protection from weather, road debris, and potential damage — a must for vintage vehicles.

2. Overlooking Insurance Coverage

One of the biggest (and costliest) mistakes? Assuming the carrier’s insurance fully covers your classic car.

Carrier insurance policies can vary widely — and some may not fully cover the true value of a high-end classic. If something goes wrong during transit, filing a claim or determining responsibility can quickly become a complex and stressful process.

With King’s Classic Transport:
We go above and beyond. Not only do we verify the carrier’s cargo insurance, but we also provide contingent insurance at no extra cost to you — giving you an added layer of protection and peace of mind.

You're fully covered, no fine print, no surprises.

3. Failing to Document the Vehicle’s Condition

Without detailed, time-stamped photos, it becomes your word against the carrier’s. And when dealing with rare or irreplaceable vehicles, that’s a risk you simply can’t afford to take.

With King’s Classic Transport:
We take documentation seriously. Every client receives a pre-shipping photo checklist that walks you through exactly what to capture — including exterior angles, interior details, undercarriage, and any pre-existing imperfections. We also make sure the carrier has a copy of those photos on file so there’s no gray area if damage occurs. It's all about protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind.

4. Booking Too Late

When it comes to shipping a classic car, timing is everything — and this isn’t a service you can just schedule overnight. Specialty carriers who handle high-value, vehicles are in high demand, especially during peak seasons, auctions, and major car events.

Waiting until the last minute limits your options and often leads to compromises — like accepting a lower-tier carrier, rushing your vehicle prep, or paying a premium for emergency scheduling. In some cases, it could even delay your plans entirely.

With King’s Classic Transport:
We help you avoid all of that. We’ll map out a timeline based on your ideal pickup and delivery dates, secure a reliable enclosed carrier in advance, and handle all the coordination so you’re never left guessing. From the first phone call to final delivery, we keep you updated every step of the way — no surprises, no last-minute scrambling.

Planning ahead doesn’t just save you time and money — it gives you peace of mind that your classic is in expert hands.

5. Skipping Proper Vehicle Prep

Proper preparation is critical when shipping a classic car. Carriers won’t always tell you what to check, and skipping some simple steps can lead to unnecessary delays, damage, or even transport issues. For example:

• Fuel levels — Your car should have just enough fuel (typically ¼ tank) to be driven on and off the trailer. Too much fuel not only adds unnecessary weight but also increases the risk of leaks and fumes during enclosed transport.

• Battery — It's best to have a fully charged battery before pickup. This ensures the carrier can easily start and move the vehicle during loading and unloading without delay.

• Exterior components — Delicate or protruding parts like custom mirrors, spoilers, badges, or trim should be removed or securely fastened. These features are more prone to damage during loading or while in transit if left loose or unprotected.

With King’s Classic Transport:
We don’t leave anything to chance. When you book with us, we’ll ask the right questions about your vehicle’s condition and setup, and provide personalized recommendations to make sure it’s fully prepared for safe transport. From advising on proper fuel levels and battery charge, to helping you identify any parts that may need to be removed or secured — we guide you through it all, so your car is truly transport-ready.

If your car has special needs like low ground clearance, custom electronics, or other modifications, we make sure the carrier is fully briefed and equipped to handle it before they even arrive for pick-up. We don’t just prep your car; we prep the carrier too.

Why Choose King’s Classic Transport?

When you work with King’s Classic Transport, you get:

• Carefully selected carriers

• Insurance vetting and peace of mind

• Personalized scheduling and updates

• One point of contact — me — from start to finish