Differences Between Shipping One Car vs Two Cars

Individuals might need to transport cars when relocating to another location, and driving may not be feasible or will take a long time. Car collectors may need to transport automobiles to exhibitions or from one garage to another. While relocating cars with auto movers is often simple, policies could change when more than one car is being moved. Here are some differences between shipping one car and two cars:

Insurance

When shipping a single car, auto movers usually offer primary insurance coverage. This insurance often encompasses liability during loading, transit, and unloading. Standard insurance coverage may, in some cases, cap the amount that can be claimed for loss or damage. Due to this, some car owners purchase additional insurance to cover any potential mishap, especially when high-value or classic cars are being moved. 

For two cars, transport insurance requirements can become even more nuanced and broad. Each car is usually insured under an individual policy, resulting in high total costs. The value of both cars may be more than what can be covered by a standard insurance policy. A car transport company may offer package deals that increase insurance limits for multi-car shipments. Owners should consider purchasing gap insurance to cover the difference between the cars’ values and the carrier’s insurance policy. 

Carrier Type

Open and enclosed auto transport trailers are frequently used when shipping a single car. Open carriers, which are the most common and affordable, often have a freight capacity of 7-10 vehicles on two tiers. These carriers leave the car open to the weather but provide efficient transport for regular cars. Enclosed carriers protect vehicles from harsh weather and road accidents, which is suitable for luxury, classic, or valuable cars. Single-car enclosed trailers offer the highest level of security and privacy for your vehicle during transportation.

When transporting two cars at once, it is more common to use large, multi-car carriers, open or enclosed. Like single cars, a multi-car shipment can be transported on standard open-car carriers. Enclosed trailers that carry multiple cars may be harder to schedule and can be more expensive, but some are designed to carry multiple high-end or antique cars and include features like climate control. If the standard multi-car options are not available, single-car carriers might be employed for each car, though this can be significantly more costly.

Paperwork

The Bill of Landing is a key document when transporting vehicles. It acts as a receipt and a legal contract between the shipper and the carrier. Before the bill can be signed, a car’s owner must present documents of ownership, such as the car title or registration. A vehicle condition report is often done before the car is shipped, and any pre-existing damage is reported on the Bill of Landing. Some carriers might require a notarized letter of authorization if transport is across state borders.

When transporting two automobiles, each car requires its own Bill of Landing. Some transport companies may issue a combined Bill of Lading for all vehicles being transported by the owner in a single shipment. If the cars belong to different people or have different delivery locations, additional authorization forms could be requested. International shipments require customs forms to be filled out for each car separately.

Cost 

It is usually more expensive to ship two cars rather than one since more space is required. Some carriers offer multiple car discounts, and it may be more cost-effective to ship cars simultaneously rather than individually. Final shipping prices are often determined by parameters like weight, distance, and vehicle type. 

Working With Auto Movers

Most car transport companies offer a variety of shipping methods to best accommodate the type of vehicle you’re shipping, as well as its destination, size, and condition. Seasonal booking, transport distance, and the use of open or enclosed trailers should be considered when selecting a vehicle mover. Contact a professional auto mover to schedule your car transport today.