Classic cars are a piece of history and a source of pride for the people who own them. They are considered family heirlooms passed down through generations. Some people see them as treasures that have taken years to find.
A beautifully restored classic, with its deep paint, mirror-finish chrome trim, and timeless black vinyl top, is the kind of car many classic car lovers dream of. These are the cars people spend years tracking down, restoring piece by piece, and eventually putting on display for others to admire.
But what happens when the car you’ve spent years searching for is thousands of miles away? Or when you’re moving, and your prized classic can’t make the journey with you? That’s where professional classic car shipping can make a real difference.
Rather than adding unnecessary miles to a valuable vehicle, specialized auto transport gives you a convenient and safe way to move it. If you’ve just bought or sold a classic car across the country, relocating, or need to get your car to its next show. In this guide, we’re going to discuss simple steps to ship your classic car safely, so you can enjoy it and pass it on to your great-grandchildren.
Why Choose Ship That Car?
Shipping your classic car with Ship That Car gives you a safer and more convenient way to move it from one place to another. The goal is simple, you want your car to arrive looking the way you want to see it, clean, well cared for rather than tired and worn out from a long drive. Every mile you drive adds wear to the engine, tires, and paint, and shipping lets you avoid all of it.
Just one shipment with us can open the door to more. Whether you want to ship your whole classic car collection at once or come back to use our service again for future moves, and shows, we are here to make every shipment process easy and seamless
Enclosed Transport Especially Built for Classics
We ship pre-1990 classics on enclosed trailers with soft-tie protocols designed for chrome bumpers, non-running survivors, and cars that haven’t been on a trailer since the dealer floor.
- Hard-side enclosed trailers: High protection along the way from weather, dirt and rocks
- Soft-tie wheel straps: no contact with body or undercarriage
- Concours-timed delivery: Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Barrett-Jackson
How Enclosed Classic Car Shipping Works with Ship That Car
Not all enclosed transport is the same. Some brokers rely on low-quality equipment, such as pickup trucks pulling worn-out trailers, to move high-value vehicles. At Ship That Car, we work only with experienced, professional carriers who operate full-size enclosed semi-trucks with hard-sided trailers and hydraulic liftgates. Your vehicle stays fully protected from weather, road and damage from start to finish.
What Factors Affects the Price of Your Classic Car Shipping
The cost of shipping a classic car depends on several factors, including the distance, type of transport, insurance requirements, vehicle condition, and any special handling or delivery needs.
| Factor | What it means | Effect on price |
| Distance | Shipments under 500 miles cost more per mile. Longer shipments of 2,500 to 3,000 miles cost less per mile. | Lower cost per mile on long hauls |
| Vehicle size and weight | Larger vehicles, such as classic SUVs like Broncos, Blazers, and K5s, and classic pickups. | About $185 to $280 more |
| Seasonality | Car show season and snowbird traffic on popular East Coast routes. | 18% to 27% (show season), 12% to 20% (snowbird) |
| Route popularity | Popular routes have more carriers, so dispatch is faster. | Can help keep costs lower |
| Vehicle condition | A car that doesn’t run but can still roll. Non-rolling projects may need a flatbed-equipped enclosed trailer. | About $160 to $225 more |
| Transport equipment | Soft-tie straps, enclosed trailers, lift gates, and climate-controlled transport, available on request. | Can increase the price |
| Declared value and timing | Cars over $250,000 might need carriers with $500,000 to $1 million in coverage. Arriving for a specific car show weekend takes extra coordination. | May add to the price |
Ready to Move Your Classic?
Contact Ship That Car, and if you ship more than one classic, you’ll get a multi-classic discount. Don’t hesitate. Book your classic car shipping today, leave the rest to us, and we’ve got your back!
