Classic Car Transport

At National Express, we have years of experience in shipping classic, vintage, and collectible vehicles. We take that experience and provide a service that is based on quality and customer satisfaction from start to finish. All carriers are held to stringent standards covering safety, higher insurance limits, and interstate compliance. As one of the most established auto transport companies, we ship classics every day.

We pride ourselves in having an excellent track record for purveying safe and secure classic and vintage car shipping across the country.  National Express is the best for classic and vintage vehicle shipping services, has affordable rates, and comes a strong track record for quality customers love.

What is The Safest Way to Ship a Classic Car?

When shipping a classic, enclosed car transport is safest option for classic or vintage car owners who own these cherished and valued vehicles. Because of the additional protection enclosed classic and vintage vehicle shipping services afford, it is it is the preferred method of auto transport.

 

What is The Most Cost Effective Way to Ship a Classic Car?

When looking for the most cost effective way to ship a classic car, you can look towards open carrier car shipping. With open carrier, your classic is on an open trailer that can hold several cars at once. 

Though considered reliable and the most common method of transport, your ckassic is exposed to weather elements as well as road conditions.

How Much More Does Enclosed Classic Vehicle Transport Cost?

The cost of a classic enclosed car transport service varies depending on a variety of factors. Smaller cars are less expensive to ship. Longer distances are less per mile but have an overall higher car shipping cost. With the demand of enclosed transport on the rise,  we see around 40-60% increase on cost for enclosed shipping over regular open car transport. Here are some sample prices to give you an idea.

Car Shipping Cost Table - Shipping a Classic

Here you will find examples of enclosed transport for classic cars for most vehicles:

MilesTransport TypePrice Per MileExample DistanceExample Price
1-500Enclosed$1.35400 miles$540
501-1000Enclosed$1.25700 miles$875
1001-1500Enclosed$0.901200 miles$1080
1501-2000Enclosed$0.801750 miles$1400
2001-2500Enclosed$0.752100 miles$1575
2501-3000Enclosed$0.702800 miles$1960
3000+Enclosed$0.633200 miles$2016

 

Your Classic Car Transport Options - Enclosed or Open?

The process of going through classic car transport companies does require a little more thought than you would an ordinary vehicle.  You will be trusting an auto transport company with your prized possession.

Before shipping classic cars, you'll need to go over the choices you have available.  Thankfully, there are some services to choose from that will fit just about nay budget.

What Option Is Best For My Budget?

You want to choose the right classic car transporter that provides fully insured auto transport, has a large carrier network, and is heavily experienced in enclosed transport of prized vehicles.  But what service options is right for you?

If you are like the majority of classic car owners out there, you want your vehicle to be in tip top shape not only before it leaves and after it arrives as well.  If you want to see your classic in the exact condition it was before shipping, then enclosed trailer transport is your choice.  This is also the ideal choice for vehicles that are always parked inside, are not driven daiy, and never see bad weather.

Enclosed Classic Car Transport Provides an Extra Layer of Protection

Trailers used for enclosed classic car shipping services should only utilize nylon straps rather than metal hooks or chains, which might harm your car. We stay away from using those types of auto transport carriers. To minimize the chance of damage, loading and unloading is done slowly and carefully. 

If your classic has is not a show car, unrestored, maybe has a bit of wear and tear, then it may be just fine on an open air carrier. You wont't have the same level of protection but will be far more cost effective for a vehicle that is daily driven and parked outside. 

Open Classic Car Transport is Economical and Safe

Your vehicle is traveling with up to 9 other vehicles both new and old on a two story car carrier. It's economical because the cost to ship from one part of the country to another is divided between on the cars onboard. It's safe because cars are inside this large trailer and though exposed to road dirt, debris, and the elements, report of damage are minimal.

Regardless of your choice, we make sure your classic car transporter has sufficient expertise, the right equipment, and proper insurance coverage for your vehicle's trek so in the rare occasion something happens, you are covered at delivery.

Getting an Instant Classic Car Transport Quote

When looking for instant classic car shipping quotes, try our calculator and select the enclosed auto transport option. There you will see the total for your classic car transport cost. Unlike other auto transport companies, National Express does not have hidden fees.

How Does Arranging Classic Car Shipping Work?

To make it a reliable and efficient, we have made forged ahead with a proprietary system that we can break down for you into 3 easy to understand steps:

Get your quote and book online or by calling
Delivery - Your vehicle arrives and you receive it

Auto Transport Broker or Fleet Owned Car Transport?

When it comes to choosing a classic car transportation company, you should consider the advantages and drawbacks of dealing with a reputable broker or shipping classic cars with an experienced fleet-owned firm.

An auto transport broker, on one hand, does not own or manage the truck fleet that is used to carry your classic car, antique car, or every kind of vintage vehicles that are out there. A brokerage firm works with shippers like you and independent carriers that need specialize in moving a classic vehicle and other special vehicles. Because of the way brokers work with  thousands of carriers, it's faster and simpler to find classic auto transport to virtually any location in the nation.

Fleet owned carriers, on the other hand, lease their own trucks for classic car enclosed shipping. While these businesses are usually smaller as most operate just a few trucks and an enclosed carrier, some feel service is more personal experience when shipping their classic vehicle.

The issue with fleet owned car transport companies is that they go where needed. The chances of one of these small firms being in the area where you are shipping a classic car is being picked up and also going to your delivery location can be slim.  In most cases, it is more expensive and takes far longer to ship your classic car.

Why National Express Should Be Your Choice to Ship Your Classic Car

When choosing a car shipping service for your classic car, you want to go with an established company that has been in the industry like National Express. We have expert advisors that know just how to take care of your car during the shipping. We also work directly with carriers that have the equipment needed for the loading and strapping of your classic car, safely. National Express specializes in the shipping of classic cars, rather than others that just deal with a regular open shipping only.

Reputation

Spend some time doing research and you will see our reputation speaks for itself. You can also see word-of-mouth based reviews found on classic car forums and other publications. Scour the internet to see what other classic car owners are saying about National Express classic car transport.

Insurance Policy

As  required by law for a classic car shipping provider, we are licensed, bonded and insured. We are registered with the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA has a website where you can review a company’s safety record and background information. Look up our registration number of a company there.

Tip: If you don’t a the company  you are thinking of working with at all, cross it off your shortlist. If you see a long list of safety complaints on the website against a company, keep your classic car as far away from it as possible.

Fair Pricing

 While some companies are more expensive than others, you never want to base your choice on price alone. Enclosed transport for your classic car is an art and a science. The safety of your classic car should be most important in your decision. Besides, if a car transport company is charging you a surprisingly low amount for the shipping, chances are their shipping methods are questionable.

National Express Auto Transport Understands Your Need For Utmost Protection

Specifically Qualified for Classics

Usually, high end classic cars require specific shipping methods to ensure that they incur no damage during the transport. For example, certain muscle cars or classic race cars have low hanging oil pans or subframes. We know about these specific cars and know how to handle them accordingly. 

Safest Delivery Method

Although it’s the more expensive option compared to open transport, enclosed transport is better for your classic car because it’s safer. Also, insurance coverage will be higher as is usually the case with both exotic car transport and classic car transport services. Your car will be protected from road debris and weather damage during the transport. As with our exotic car transport or roadster electric car transport, we know how to protect vehicles..

Attention to Detail

There are a number of smaller details that make a world of difference to how your car reaches its destination. For instance, our experts work with enclosed auto transport carriers that feature shift resistant transport trailers to minimize movement if swaying occurs during the transport. They also advise that it’s best for a classic car to be strapped down using nylon strips to prevent damage to the chassis. Your trucker may be able to use wooden blocks or a pallet underneath your car as well so it can be lifted without damage.

Note: Make sure to give your trucker written instruction for any additional requirements that your specific classic car may need.

About Auto Shows / Rallies / Special Events

Want to ship your classic vehicle for your next car show or meet? Whether it be a a rally, club meet or other venue there are carriers available that can do this quickly and safely. If you organize a bulk vehicle transport, it can save a ton of money.