How safe would it be to ship a corvette via open top carrier? Would you double the price (1100 vs 500) to do a closed top shipment? Only going 500 miles.

 

I would do closed, but would look around for the best price...you may have already done that. I'm going to have to do the same thing around Sept. Here are a couple of websites I found searching around on the forum for quality/trustworthy transportation.

Best of Luck,

www.intercitylines.com
www.exoticcartransport.com

 

well maybe for 500 miles i would not worry about having an enclosed trailer. if you know any buddies with an enclosed trailer, maybe you can rent it from them for cheap and do it yourself?

 

I think a majority of us would always recommend enclosed but quite a few have posted that they shipped open and had no issues other than the car needing a good, careful bath afterward. Just for info, Intercity Lines is a Forum Sponsor and gives a discount, might want to check with them.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1576362641-post17.html

 

500 miles is a one day drive (or less depending on the weight of your right foot). What are you waiting for?

 

Intercity offers discounts to forum members. So, I would check the price from them. I have used them for a 500 mile transport, and a 3000 mile transport, and would recommend them highly.

 

osugasman,

Intercity Lines will be glad to give you a CF price for your move. Please let us know the make and model vehicle to be moved and pick up and delivery cities.

Thanks,
Jim
Intercity Lines
www.intercitylines.com

 

Depends on the value and purpose of the car.

Transporting by open trailer really should not have much more risk that driving it. Get someone to inspect and take photo's before going on the trailer.

Had mine shipped from AZ to MO with no problems.

The car could be transported a lot further than 500 mi depending on the pick-ups and drops of the transport. Make sure there is a delivery date with consequences if late in the contract. I had a car shipped from MO to NC a few years back that made the trip via Chicago, Detroit, NJ and then NC. It arrived in good condition but about a week late, which was not good since I was paying for a rental car.

 

Jim,

Several days ago, I asked for a quote for a transport but there wasn't any place I saw that asked for a date when that transport was to happen. I got an email back saying that your company is not able to service the route that I requested (Laurel, MT to Redmond, WA). Was that a date-dependent thing or is this just a route you don't service at any time?

Thanks.

 

Drive it!

 

Vasta, would drive it but it'll be mid-March and possibly still snow/ice on the several mountain passes between the dealer and home, and all of the resulting gravel and sand on the roads. May still do that as this will be a daily driver and track car, but wanted to investigate all alternatives. The purchase was kind of a fast and rash decision, done without thinking it through.

 

Same boat. Trying to upgrade 08 Vert to 11 Z06 (w/Z07) and need to do it before 2/28/11 for driving school optional incentive. Unsure of weather and am working all weeks between now and then (only have Friday night/Sat to get there and complete paperwork for Sunday drive home.

 

I used Intercity before, and was happy with their service.

 

I have shipped my '09 vert 4 times now on open carriers. That doesn't count the original from BG. I ship between FL & CT every 6 months
I watch both the loading and unloading and have never seen a problem.
The last trip down had two Vettes and two Porches on board.

There are several types of open carriers. The loading and unloading has never been a problem. The issue could be as they transfer the car from one section to another on the lower rack. It takes a little adjustment to the transition from one track to another so that the spoiler doesn't touch. Every driver handled that perfectly.

So whats the problem? Shure, driving it is more fun, but that is subject to so many variables for damage while driving as well as overnight parking at some motel. Not a chance. Besides we are always driving the second car.

On the first ship down it came through a huge snowstorm up north and one heck of a rainsorm in FL. The driver had it located right behind his cab on the lower level and the car arrived with barely a need for a wash.
If you have a vert, I would recommend that you have it on the upper rack in case you are under a leaking car above. I would never pay the double charge for a closed carrier. Shure it's safer, but by how much?
From what I have wittnessed, the greatest risk for damage is loading and unloading anyway, and I know what to look for in the transition track to track by the driver.

 

500 miles is nothing.

 

When we moved from Dallas to Indianapolis in September 2009, I shipped my Vette via enclosed trailer. Cost was ~$1,200 for the 950 mile journey. Had to no choice to ship it --- we have two SUVs in addition to the Vette and only two drivers in the house. Packed the SUVs with items the moving company would not take, and off we headed to Indianapolis. Towing the Vette myself was not an option.

 

I've seen this happen when they carry wrecked cars, parts can fall off, brake fluid leaks. I wonder if the stick-on material they use on new cars is available? Or even a cheap car cover.

 

MisterMidlifeCrisis,

Thanks for the follow up. Unfortunately it a timing thing. We do not get through MT on any kind of regular basis and to be honest with you we just cannot give you good availability with timing and would rather be honest with you up front than to take on the order and not provide you with the service you deserve. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us.

Thanks,
Jim
Intercity Lines
www.intercitylines.com