Did you know about 31 million Americans will move in one year?
Moving can be stressful and overwhelming no matter where you're going. If you're looking for car shipping to Los Angeles, you've come to the right place. We tell you everything you need to know about car transport in Los Angeles and what to expect when you send your car across the country.
So read on!
How Do I Ship My Car to Los Angeles?
Once you've decided to ship your car, there are a few steps you need to take.
First, you'll want to look through the car transport companies in Los Angeles. Then, you'll want to request a few quotes from different places to find the best deal on car shipping to Los Angeles.
After you pick a company, you'll give the pickup and drop-off addresses. Car shipping companies in Los Angeles will likely need the make, model, and year of your vehicle, so be sure to have the information.
It's best to schedule the pickup appointment about two or three weeks in advance. If you're in a rush, many car transport companies in Los Angeles will offer an expedited option.
How Does Los Angeles Car Shipping Work?
Typically you can have your vehicle picked up from your home. However, car shipping California laws may not allow trailers into some cities. It may not be possible for the transport vehicle to reach your residence. If that's the case, you'll need to meet the driver at a central location.
How long auto transport to Los Angeles takes will depend on the distance traveled. Your car likely won't be the only car on the carrier, so there may be other stops before yours. Car shipping to Los Angeles can take a few weeks, so have other arrangements lined up for transportation while you wait.
Similar to pick up, the driver will get as long to your residence as possible. The safety of your care and the driver is the priority, so you may have to meet the driver if the roads are too narrow.
How to Prep Your Car
After you schedule your pickup appointment for car shipping to Los Angeles, there are a few things you need to do to get your car ready for shipment. Be sure to ask what documents they will need from you at pickup.
Documentation
This may include a valid driver's license, license plate, your car's resignations, proof of insurance, and the original title. Gathering these documents before the day of pickup will keep you from scrambling and trying to find them at the last minute.
You'll also want to wash the outside of your car before auto transport to Los Angeles. The reason for this is so you can take photos of your vehicle.
Before leaving your vehicle with the car transport in Los Angeles, take photos of your whole car from different angles. If something happens to your car on the trip, you'll need these for the insurance company.
Personal Belongings
You might want to reconsider if you're planning on filling your car with your items and auto shipping to Los Angeles. Many car shipping companies in Los Angeles have a weight limit on how much you can add, affecting how many vehicles they can carry.
Another reason you may want to empty your car before auto shipping is that your items won't be insured. If something happens to the outside of your vehicle during transport, the company's insurance will cover it, but the policy won't pertain to your personal belongings.
If they aren't secured, they could cause damage to the inside of your car, too.
Maintenance
Before auto shipping your car, you'll want to have it serviced. If your car has any leaks, it could cause damage to vehicles below yours. It could also cause a fire and do reversible damage to your car.
Turning off your car alarms is also a good idea. If the trailer hits a bump and your alarm goes off, the driver has to pull over. This puts other vehicles, the driver, and your car in danger and increases the risk of damage.
Be sure your tires have the right amount of air in them. They shouldn't be under or over-inflated. The tires will absorb movement and protect your car's internal systems.
You want your car to be as light as possible to decrease the price, so it's recommended that you only leave a quarter of a tank of gas. This will allow you to drive your car to the meet-up if necessary.
Broken Vehicles
If your vehicle isn't mobile, you can still utilize Los Angeles vehicle shipping. However, it will cost you more money. A specific carrier will be required to get your car into the trailer.
If you're booking online, there will likely be a place where you can mark that your car is inoperable. If not, call to confirm they have the equipment that's required.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Los Angeles?
Vehicle shipping to Los Angeles can vary based on several different factors. The distance traveled will be the most significant determinant.
Los Angeles auto movers will charge you per mile, which changes depending on the length of the trip. If the vehicle is transported less than 200 miles, you'll likely pay $2.50 a mile.
If you want to ship a car from Chicago to Los Angeles, which is about 2,150 miles, you'll pay about $1,168. This price, however, doesn't take into account the size of your car.
Car transport services will likely put multiple cars on one trailer. They are limited by space and weight capacity meaning the bigger your car is, the fewer cars they can move at once. If you have a truck or SUV, be prepared to pay more for auto transport to Los Angeles than those who have small cars to the best car shipping company.
The Best Way to Ship Your Car to Los Angeles
There are two different ways of vehicle shipping to Los Angeles. They are both safe transport options but have different price points.
Closed Carrier
If you're shipping your custom vehicle to or from Los Angeles for a car show, you may want to consider close auto transport. This trailer will look like an eighteen-wheeler with walls and a roof.
Los Angeles car moving companies will suggest this option if you're worried about flying debris and unexpected weather conditions. These closed carriers are also more secure and offer theft protection. Some companies provide single car transport, which would include extra insurance.
The price for auto transport to Los Angeles with a closed carrier will be higher than an open carrier as the trailer is heavier and will spend more on fuel. They also don't hold as many vehicles increasing the cost for you.
You'll need to decide if the price is worth the extra protection. Auto transport companies in Los Angeles will help you decide if the closed carrier is the best option.
Open Carrier
An open carrier car transport in Los Angeles is going to require less fuel and will be able to carry more cars, which makes it less expensive.
An open auto transport is going to be more readily available, so if you're in a rush, you'll likely be able to find multiple car transport companies in Los Angeles with availability. Keep in mind your vehicle will be exposed to changing weather conditions and will probably arrive to you dirty and in need of a wash.
Cheap Car Transportation Options in Los Angeles
Finding affordable auto transport companies in Los Angeles can be challenging, and finding a reputable company is essential. Having your car professionally transported will be cheaper than driving it yourself.
After you factor in the fuel prices, your time, and the maintenance your vehicle will need after the long drive to Los Angeles, you'll want to book a carrier immediately.
What to Look for in a Company
When getting quotes from car transport services in Los Angeles, you'll want to look at more than just their prices. Consider how they communicate and how responsive they are.
You should also look at online reviews and see if other people have had good experiences with Los Angeles vehicle transport. If a company doesn't have written contracts signed by both parties, you'll want to move on to a different one.
You can also inquire about the driver's experience and how they handle unexpected situations. While you never want to think something terrible will happen to your vehicle, accidents happen, and you should know how the best car shipping in Los Angeles handles them.
Car Shipping to Los Angeles
Your car is a significant investment, and you want to be sure it's in good hands. We know you have many options, but we feel confident that we are the best of the car shipping companies in Los Angeles.
We have transported many cars to and from Los Angeles, and we can do the same for you. Now that you know everything about car shipping to Los Angeles, contact us here for a car shipping calculator. We'll answer all your questions and give you a quote.
