Thinking about shipping your prized collector car to a show, auction, or new garage?

You are not alone. The classic car world is exploding and more owners than ever are bringing their most prized vehicles to professionals to transport their vehicles cross country. The problem is…

One wrong move can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Prestige auto transport should really be treated differently than standard car shipping. It takes special equipment, experienced drivers and carriers who truly value your vehicle. Mess this up and you can end up with scratched paint, dinged up body panels or much worse.

Here you will find all the information you need before turning over the keys.

Here’s what you’ll uncover:

• Why Prestige Auto Transport Is Different
• Open vs. Enclosed Carriers: Which One Wins?
• What To Look For In A Carrier
• Preparing Your Dream Car For The Journey
• Insurance & Paperwork That Actually Matters
• Timing, Routes & Delivery Reality

Why Prestige Auto Transport Is Different

Let’s clear something up first…

Regular auto transport and prestige auto transport should not be confused. Classic or collector cars represent a massive and rapidly expanding market. The classic car market size was $39.7 billion in 2024, projected to continue growing thru 2032.

That means more owners are moving high-value machines across the country than ever before.

Here’s why a dream car needs specialised handling:

• Custom paintwork that is nearly impossible to match
• Rare parts that may not exist anywhere else
• Low ground clearance that most trailers cannot handle
• Historical value that no insurance payout can truly replace

Hydraulic liftgates, soft straps, air-ride trailers; Prestige carriers go to great lengths to ensure your vehicle arrives the way it departed. Budget haulers? They haul cars, they don’t care.

That’s the key difference right there.

Open vs. Enclosed Carriers: Which One Wins?

This is the biggest decision you will make before shipping…

Soft carriers are less expensive because they can transport up to 10 vehicles at a time. They leave your vehicles exposed to the elements, road debris, and curious onlookers. That’s not a big deal if you’re transporting your daily driver. What about that $200,000 collector car you want to transport?

Railboxes are expensive, but they pretty much fix everything. They protect your vehicle from:

• Rain, snow, and hail
• Rocks and road debris
• UV damage
• Theft and vandalism

When you own a rare, exotic or high-dollar vehicle, luxury vehicle shipping with enclosed transport just makes sense. The additional expense is nominal when you consider the price of one scratch repair.

Food for thought: A $600 enhancement for enclosed transportation on a $120,000 vehicle is less than 0.5% of that vehicle’s value. One paint job will cost you $10,000+.

That’s a no-brainer.

What To Look For In A Carrier

Some prestige car transport companies are great. Others…..skimp.

Here are the non-negotiables:

• DOT and MC numbers: All real carriers have these. If they can’t produce them, walk away.
• Cargo insurance minimums: Request minimums of $250,000. More for six figure cars.
• Enclosed fleet: They should own the trailers, not sub-contract them.
• Reviews from actual collectors: Not just moving customers. There is a huge difference.
• Experience with your car type: Have they moved your type of car before? A Ferrari isn’t a Model A. What have they moved?

Don’t ever book the lowest quote. Low-ball carriers skimp and they skimp on what covers your investment.

Ideally get quotes from at least 3 companies. Ask each one the same questions. Their answers will reveal everything.

Preparing Your Dream Car For The Journey

Here’s what most collectors get wrong…

Condition your vehicle prior to loading. You’ll regret it if you don’t and try to make a damage claim.

Before pickup day, you should:

1. Wash the car so any pre-existing marks are visible
2. Take detailed photos from every angle (including underneath)
3. Remove all personal items and loose accessories
4. Disable the alarm system
5. Leave only about a quarter tank of fuel
6. Note any existing scratches, dings, or issues on the Bill of Lading

Ok that last one is big. The Bill of Lading is a legal document. If there is no record of damage on the BOL it will be very difficult to pursue later.

Pretty simple, right?

Insurance & Paperwork That Actually Matters

This is where things get serious…

Every reputable auto transport company offers cargo insurance. However, that standard insurance policy might not offer enough coverage for a valuable collector car.

Here’s what to check:

• Coverage limit: Is it enough to replace the full value of your car?
• Deductible: Some carriers charge $500-$2,500 before coverage kicks in
• Diminished value: Does the policy cover the loss in value after repair?
• Deductible waivers: Some premium carriers waive it for enclosed transport

Buy additional transit insurance if it feels inadequate. Companies such as Hagerty insure transit riders made specifically for collector cars.

Then there is the paperwork…

Become friends with your Bill of Lading (BOL). Study it at PICKUP and DELIVERY. Don’t sign and give back blindly. List every pre-existing mark you see and verify at drop-off.

Should you see damage, document it on the BOL prior to signing. Time-stamped photos from your phone are also great evidence.

Timing, Routes & Delivery Reality

One last thing worth mentioning…

The collector car market is larger than many people realise. Hagerty reports 80,000+ collector cars sold at auction in 2024 — and each of those vehicles had to be transported from somewhere.

Translation: Peak season shipping is always competitive. Pricing can fluctuate dramatically during large auction events such as Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale and Monterey Car Week. Book your transport early or be prepared to pay higher prices.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Delivery windows are estimates, not guarantees
• Weather delays are common in the winter months
• Cross-country routes typically take 7-10 days
• Guaranteed pickup dates cost more (but are worth it)

Communication is key. Find a company that will keep you informed without having to constantly bug them.

Bringing It All Together

Shipping a dream car across the country doesn’t have to be stressful.

Car shipping isn’t like shipping your toothbrush. It takes professional know-how to get it right. That means finding a carrier who values your car as much as you do. Look for these things:

• Enclosed carriers with proper equipment
• Strong insurance coverage
• Documented paperwork at every step
• Realistic timelines and clear communication

Research your carrier thoroughly and prep your car correctly. Your paint will thank you, your parts will thank you, and your peace of mind will thank you when the doors open and your dream car rolls out looking just as it did going in.

That’s how you ship a collector car the right way.