5 Questions To Ask When Choosing A Snowbirds Auto Shipping Company

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

3. What Types of Transport Services Do You Offer?

4. How Much Does It Cost, and What Does It Cover?

5. How do I book?

6. Can I Track My Vehicle During Transit?

7. Conclusion

Summary

For Canadians planning their annual winter escape to the southern United States, reliable auto shipping is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Choosing the right snowbirds auto shipping company requires careful consideration of key factors to avoid unexpected issues. Here are the essential questions to ask before making your decision.

Introduction

Canadians who go south for the winters, affectionately called the snowbirds, prefer hiring a snowbirds auto shipping company over driving the vehicle themselves. This saves them not just the hassle of a long drive, but also time, money, and unnecessary wear and tear on the vehicle. But to have such a stress-free winter vacation, you first need to choose the right auto transport company that offers special packages for snowbird shipping. So, here are some essential questions to ask as a snowbird when choosing an auto shipping company for your vehicle. 

Are You Licensed and Insured?

The first thing you need to verify when looking at different auto shipping companies is whether it is licensed and insured. Only a licensed company meets Canadian safety and legal standards. If the company is reputable, they’ll provide licensing details and proof of insurance. This point should never be overlooked because otherwise your vehicle may be transported by a company that doesn’t follow regulated safety protocols. 

What Types of Transport Services Do You Offer?

There are many service options when it comes to snowbirds auto shipping. Your final cost will depend on what type you choose. Generally, the options are on two criteria; one what type of transport vehicle you choose to transport your car and the second is where you want your pickup and drop point to be. These are:

• Open transportation: In this type, your vehicle is transported on a trailer that is open on all sides. It is the most economical, but the vehicle is exposed to harsh weather and road debris.
• Enclosed transportation: In this type, the vehicle is transported through a closed container trailer truck. This is costlier but your vehicle stays much more secure.
• Door-to-door service: As the name suggests, in this type of transportation, the vehicle will be picked up from your home or preferred location and dropped at your home or nearby preferred location. 
• Terminal-to-terminal: In this service, you have to drive the car to and from the terminals of the auto transport company. This is naturally cheaper than door-to-door service. 

How Much Does It Cost, and What Does It Cover?

This is the most common question when it comes to snowbirds auto shipping. Always ask for a detailed quote that will show all the costs involved like fuel surcharges, mileage, insurance fees, etc. A reliable company will be more than happy to provide this information. Knowing what is included and what is not will help you avoid unexpected additional charges at the last moment. As with any purchase, get multiple quotes, compare their prices and what’s included, and choose one that best meets your needs. 

How do I book?

If you want your vacation to be hassle-free you need to understand the booking process. So, ask them in detail about:

• What’s their window for advance booking?
• Do they take in last-minute bookings during peak season
• What is the estimated pickup and delivery time

Being prepared for each step makes the process smoother and helps prevent delays. So, don’t skip asking these details when booking. 

Can I Track My Vehicle During Transit?

Many companies offer “real-time tracking” options. You can use your mobile, check their website, or receive timely updates on your vehicle’s status. Receiving updates, especially for long-distance trips, will help keep you stress-free and enable better planning. Be sure to ask if this tracking is free or chargeable. 

Conclusion

Whether or not your winter vacation as a snowbird is stress-free and hassle-free, will depend very much on whom you choose as your snowbirds auto shipping partner. So, use these questions to find the best in the market and have the vacation you deserve.