The U.S. classic car market is a multi-billion-dollar space, and thousands of collector vehicles cross state lines each year. For many owners, these cars are not only meaningful investments but also pieces of history and family heirlooms.
Preparing a vintage automobile for transport takes more care than moving a daily driver. While a modern sedan can often ride on an open carrier, a 1967 Shelby Mustang or a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing” may require enclosed transport and specialized insurance. Even a minor scratch can harm value and provenance.
If you’re shipping a classic vehicle for purchase, sale, restoration, or an event, this guide covers how to choose the right transport method, vet carriers, prepare your vehicle, and confirm proper insurance so it arrives in showroom-ready condition.
Understanding the Unique Needs of Classic Car Transport
Classic vehicles differ from modern cars in age, fragility, scarcity of parts, and value. These factors introduce transport risks that standard methods often fail to address.
What is a classic or collector car?
Industry usage varies, but common criteria include:
- At least 20 to 30 years old
- Original or fully restored condition
- Market value is significantly above typical vehicles of the same era
“Collector car” is broader and can include:
- Antique vehicles, often 45 years or older
- Exotics such as a Ferrari 250 GTO
- Hot rods or custom builds
- Limited-production or one-off vehicles with special characteristics
Icons such as a pristine 1969 Dodge Charger, a custom 1932 Ford hot rod, or a Jaguar E-Type carry value that can’t be easily recovered if damaged. Transport should be planned to preserve the condition and history.
Why Standard Open Transport Often Falls Short
Most modern vehicles move on open carriers. It’s economical, but classic cars face added exposure:
- Elements: Legacy paint, chrome, leather, and trim are more vulnerable to rain, snow, salt, and sun.
- Road debris: Rocks and gravel can chip paint and glass.
- Loading angles: Low-clearance vehicles can scrape ramps and undercarriages.
- Insurance gaps: Standard policies may not reflect the full appraised value.
For a Hyundai Sonata, open transport may be fine. For a 1967 Porsche 911 or a 1957 Chevy Bel Air, it usually isn’t.
Common concerns to plan for
- Physical damage: Even small marks reduce value and showability.
- Environmental wear: Older finishes and materials are sensitive to moisture, UV, and temperature swings.
- Security: Unattended open trailers can attract theft or vandalism.
- Handling: Not all drivers have experience with classics, non-running vehicles, or battery cut-offs.
- Claims: Poor documentation complicates insurance recovery.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method: Enclosed vs. Open
Enclosed transport
Best for classic, rare, or high-value vehicles. Enclosed trailers protect from weather, debris, and prying eyes. Many have liftgates or hydraulic ramps for low-clearance cars, and drivers are typically trained on high-end loading procedures.
Open transport
Less expensive and more available, but it can expose the vehicle to weather and debris. It may be acceptable for short distances, project cars, or lower-value classics where budget is the priority.
Price comparison
- Open transport: About $800 to $1,800
- Enclosed transport: About $1,500 to $3,000
Enclosed service often costs 30 to 60 percent more because capacity is lower, equipment is specialized, insurance limits are higher, and driver expertise commands a premium. For valuable vehicles, the added cost is often an investment in preserving condition and value.
How to Vet a Reputable Auto Transport Company
Finding the right carrier is just as important as choosing the right transport method. A reputable company will handle your vehicle with the care it deserves, maintain transparent communication, and carry proper licensing and insurance. Before booking, take time to verify credentials, review policies, and ask the right questions to ensure your classic car is in trusted hands.
Traits to look for
- Licensing and registration: Confirm USDOT and MC numbers and review safety info on the FMCSA site.
- Insurance coverage: Verify cargo and liability insurance. For enclosed carriers, limits may be higher to reflect vehicle values. Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance.
- Reviews and reputation: Check multiple sources for communication, care, and timeliness.
- Classic-car experience: Low-clearance loading, non-runners, delicate trim, and rare parts require know-how and proper equipment.
Questions to ask
- Can you provide USDOT and MC numbers and proof of insurance?
- What are your coverage limits for open and enclosed shipments?
- Do you have experience with my vehicle type and references?
- How do you load non-running or low-clearance cars?
- What is your claims process and timeline?
- Will tracking or proactive status updates be available?
How uShip Can Help
uShip is a marketplace that lets you post your shipment and receive competing bids from experienced vehicle carriers. You can compare prices, timelines, equipment, insurance details, and verified customer reviews in one place, then message carriers directly to clarify specifics.
Quick checklist
- USDOT and MC numbers verified
- Current Certificate of Insurance with adequate limits
- Documented experience with classics
- Strong, detailed reviews and clear communication
- Transparent answers to all questions
Preparing Your Classic Car for Shipping
Once you’ve selected a licensed and insured transport provider, your next step is to prepare your vehicle for its journey. Proper preparation helps protect the car’s condition, speeds up inspection, and ensures any potential claims are easier to resolve. Follow these key steps before pickup:
- Document condition
Wash the vehicle and photograph all exterior angles, interior, and undercarriage if possible. Capture existing flaws. Keep copies of the carrier’s condition report at pickup and delivery. - Remove personal items
Take out electronics, documents, and accessories. Carrier insurance typically excludes personal contents and they can complicate loading or increase theft risk. - Check for leaks, battery, and fuel
Fix active leaks. Ensure a healthy battery for loading and unloading. Keep fuel at one-quarter tank or less, per common carrier requirements. - Secure loose or custom parts
Remove or firmly secure spoilers, antennas, trim, and other delicate components to prevent damage in transit. - Keep paperwork in order
Good prep and complete documentation make any potential claim faster and easier to resolve.
Understanding Classic Car Shipping Insurance
Carriers must maintain liability and cargo coverage, but limits and scope vary.
- Liability insurance: Covers third-party injury and property damage. It does not cover your vehicle’s own damage.
- Cargo insurance: Covers your vehicle during loading, transport, and unloading, subject to policy terms and exclusions. Coverage limits often differ for open and enclosed carriers.
Supplemental options
If the vehicle’s value exceeds the carrier’s cargo limits, consider:
- Supplemental or contingent cargo coverage
- A collector-car policy with agreed value
- Confirmation of any limited coverage from your personal auto policy during transport
Verifying coverage
- Request the Certificate of Insurance and confirm dates, coverages, and limits.
- Compare limits to the vehicle’s insured or appraised value.
- Confirm any deductibles and exclusions in writing.
- Keep copies of all documents with your condition photos.
Added Protection Through uShip
When booking through uShip, you can add a uShip Protection Plan for extra peace of mind. This plan supplements carrier insurance by covering damage that may occur during transport and helps simplify the claims process. It’s an affordable way to safeguard your investment and ensure your classic car is protected from pickup to delivery.
Shipping Costs and What Influences Them
- Distance: Longer routes increase time, fuel, and labor.
- Method: Enclosed costs more but offers added protection.
- Condition: Non-running vehicles require winches, liftgates, or special loading.
- Route: High-demand corridors may cost less than low-traffic areas.
- Season: Summer and holiday peaks can raise prices; off-peak periods may be lower.
Typical ranges:
- Open transport: $800 to $1,800
- Enclosed transport: $1,500 to $3,000
How uShip Makes Classic Car Shipping Affordable
Classic car shipping can be expensive, but uShip helps make it more affordable by giving you the power to compare multiple transport options on one platform. Rather than relying on a single quote or calling several carriers individually, uShip brings the competition directly to you.
When you post your shipment, qualified carriers bid for your business. This competitive pricing model helps keep costs fair while still allowing you to choose based on quality, experience, and delivery timelines. The result is better value and more control over your budget.
Through the uShip marketplace, you can:
- See multiple bids side by side within minutes
- Review each carrier’s ratings, equipment details, and insurance coverage
- Balance cost, timing, and service level with complete transparency
- Communicate directly with carriers before booking to confirm expectations
By encouraging competition and providing you with all the necessary information upfront, uShip helps you find the best balance between protection, price, and peace of mind when shipping your classic car.
Why uShip is Ideal for Classic Car Collectors
- Specialized carriers: Many carriers on uShip focus on classic and collector vehicles and list equipment, credentials, and photos of past shipments.
- Side-by-side quotes and reviews: Compare bids, timelines, and feedback in minutes and message carriers directly.
- Payment options and support: Built-in protections and responsive support help keep booking and delivery on track.
Ready to ship your classic? Use uShip to compare, communicate, and book with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to transport a classic car?
Enclosed auto transport. It shields the vehicle from weather, debris, and unwanted attention.
What does it cost to ship a classic car?
Costs vary by distance, carrier type, route, and condition. Open transport often ranges from $800 to $1,800. Enclosed transport often ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 within the continental U.S.
Is enclosed transport worth it?
For higher-value vehicles, yes. The added protection often justifies the higher price.
How do I prepare a classic car for shipping?
Photograph the car, remove personal items, repair leaks, keep the fuel level at one-quarter tank, and secure loose parts. Confirm prep steps with your carrier.
What insurance do I need?
Verify the carrier’s cargo and liability limits and consider supplemental or agreed-value coverage if your vehicle’s value exceeds those limits.
Can I ship a non-running classic car?
Yes. Confirm the carrier has the right equipment and expect added cost for time and handling.
How long does shipping take?
Cross-country transit typically takes 7 to 10 days. Shorter routes can be 2 to 5 days. Weather, season, and traffic can affect timing.
What should I look for in a shipping company?
Active USDOT and MC numbers, adequate cargo and liability insurance, strong reviews, transparent pricing, and documented experience with classic cars.
How can I verify a transporter’s credentials?
Request USDOT and MC numbers and confirm them in the FMCSA database. Ask for a current Certificate of Insurance and review customer feedback.
Why use uShip?
You can compare multiple carriers, prices, schedules, and reviews in one place, then choose the best fit based on your priorities.
TL;DR: Classic Car Shipping Made Simple
Shipping a classic or collector car takes extra care and preparation. Enclosed transport offers the best protection for valuable vehicles, while open transport can work for shorter or lower-value shipments. Always vet carriers for licensing, insurance, and experience with vintage cars, and document your vehicle’s condition before pickup to protect your investment.
uShip simplifies the process by bringing multiple qualified transporters to one marketplace where they compete for your business. You can compare bids, check reviews, verify insurance coverage, and choose the right balance of cost, timing, and service, all in one place. With transparent pricing, optional protection plans, and dedicated customer support, uShip helps make classic car shipping secure, predictable, and affordable.
Ready to ship your classic car? Get a free quote on uShip and find the best carrier for your vehicle today.
