Moving History: How to Ship an Antique Car the Right Way

If you've ever owned a vintage or antique car, you know it’s not just a vehicle—it’s a living piece of history.

Whether it’s a fully restored '69 Mustang, a barn-find Porsche 356, or a family heirloom that’s been passed down for generations, transporting a classic car safely is an emotional and logistical challenge.

I work with a company called TCI Logistics, and we specialize in making that journey as safe and stress-free as possible. I’ve seen everything from one-of-a-kind collector pieces to beautifully preserved muscle cars loaded onto our enclosed trailers. Every one of them comes with a story—and every one of them deserves care.

Not All Car Transport Is Equal

The first thing people don’t realize?

Shipping an antique car is nothing like shipping a modern sedan. These vehicles often have:

1. Fragile or discontinued parts
2. Custom paint jobs that can't be duplicated
3. Low ground clearance that risks scraping
4. Higher appraised value—and emotional value

And let’s be honest, many of them aren’t even fully operational.

That’s why enclosed transport is essential. With TCI Logistics, we offer enclosed soft-sided and hard-sided trailers that protect your vehicle from weather, debris, and exposure. For truly rare or concours-level cars, we even have single-vehicle trailers, so your car never shares space with another.

How the Process Works

When you book with us, we don’t just throw your car on a truck and call it a day. We walk you through the process:

First, we ask questions. What’s the year, make, and model? Can it drive? Are there any known issues?

Then, we choose the right trailer type for the job.

We assign a driver who is trained in handling antique and collectible vehicles.

During transit, we provide real-time tracking, so you’ll always know where your car is.

And yes, every shipment comes with insurance up to $250,000—because your car deserves that peace of mind.

Who Ships Antique Cars?

You’d be surprised. Our clients include:

1. Classic car collectors shipping vehicles to auctions
2. Vintage car buyers making out-of-state purchases
3. Families moving with inherited vehicles
4. Museums and restoration shops
5. Auto enthusiasts preparing for shows and events

We’ve even had retirees who spent years restoring a car finally ship it to their dream retirement spot. The moment that car rolls off the trailer—priceless.

Mistakes People Make

I’ve seen it all—people booking with cheap brokers who farm the job out to the lowest bidder, and their car shows up with paint damage or worse. Or folks who choose open transport for a high-value vehicle because it saved $200—only to regret it later when rain, dust, or road debris leaves a mark.

If you're moving a car that can't be replaced, don’t treat it like any other shipment.

What You Should Do Instead

Document your car: Take clear photos from every angle before pickup.

Check fluid levels and tires: Even non-running cars should be leak-free.

Keep fuel low: Less than ¼ tank is ideal.

Choose enclosed: Always. No exceptions for classics.

Use a reputable carrier: With insurance, tracking, and experience.

And if you’re not sure what your transport will cost, you can use this free quote tool to see exact pricing with no obligation.

Final Thoughts

Your car is more than metal and rubber. It’s stories. It’s legacy. And when it comes time to move it, you need people who respect that.

At TCI Logistics, this isn’t a side gig—it’s what we do every day. We don’t just move cars.

We move history.