In recent years, the ownership of exotic and luxury cars has reached new highs. With more and more people finding themselves in possession of high-end vehicles, there’s also a need to transport them across great distances.
However, shipping an exotic car is not the same as shipping a sedan. Not only can these rides easily cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but they’re also a status symbol, meaning that their value extends far beyond the monetary.
In other words, high-end cars demand high-end shipping. The solution presents itself in the form of reliable exotic car transport services – specialized companies focused on meeting the topmost standards of service quality to the ultimate satisfaction of their customers.
What should exotic car owners expect from shipping companies?
Given the sheer value and importance of exotic cars, their handling should only be entrusted to carriers who can ensure the vehicle reaches its destination in the same condition it was when it departed, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle for the owner, regardless of the distance traveled.
Needless to say, not many companies can meet these criteria, but those that do are typically the ones that focus on the following four factors:
- Specialization in exotic car shipping;
- Emphasis on advanced security measures;
- International reach;
- Personalized customer service.
Specialization & exclusivity
How many times have you seen a bunch of standard cars loaded and strapped in an open carrier and shipped that way? Probably every time you’ve hit the highway. But, have you ever seen exotic cars treated that way? No – and you never will.
The reason for this is that exotic cars – Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Bugattis, McLarrens, you name them – require tailored transportation solutions, the likes of which only companies specializing in handling these types of vehicles can provide.
For example, enclosed carriers are traditionally used to protect high-end cars from elements and road debris. However, the top companies take it a step further by offering climate-controlled carriers, which offer additional protection from temperature- and humidity-related wear, thanks to the ability to control the environmental conditions with excruciating precision.
However, equipment quality is still just a secondary factor. The first one is expertise. With exotic car transportation, every single little detail must be accounted for – from suspension to humidity and even how the vehicle is loaded into the carriers. It’s precision logistics at its finest – and only those with extensive experience and expertise have what it takes to pull it off.
Advanced security protocols
When shipping vehicles whose value easily reaches six or even seven figures, advanced security measures are not optional – they are mandatory. The best service providers know this, which is why they implement protocols similar to those used in luxury goods shipping:
- Real-time GPS tracking;
- 24/7 surveillance;
- Biometric access (for staff members);
- Encrypted communication channels.
Some companies even go so far as to hire insured drivers who specialize in exotic car handling – even if it’s just to move the vehicle from the terminal to the gate where the client is waiting. And, yes – these measures may look excessive (to put it mildly), but, for top-tier carriers, they’re just an everyday way to ensure their clients’ confidence and peace of mind.
Global reach
With the increased globalization of the exotic car market, sourcing a vehicle from halfway around the world has become a common occurrence, and buyers are expecting nothing less than seamless and timely delivery. That’s where international exotic car shipping companies come in.
In addition to everything mentioned so far, these specialists also handle everything necessary for long-distance transportation, including regulatory compliance, customs clearance, port logistics, and international insurance coverage, as well as choosing between containerized or roll-on/roll-off shipping methods.
Personalized customer experience
While the logistics behind car shipping are extremely complex, the premise behind it isn’t: whether your car is traveling hundreds or thousands of miles, it should always feel like it’s under your personal care. This is why leading providers now offer white-glove services with benefits such as door-to-door pick-up/drop-off, regular real-time updates, and custom delivery schedules.
With everything said, it’s easy to see that exotic car shipping isn’t just about moving a vehicle from point A to point B – it’s about a luxury experience as well. Because, let’s be real, if your ride is impressive, why should your experience be anything less?
