Whether moving to a new state for work or just taking a vacation, shipping your car can make the process easier. Here are some pointers to make your experience sending a vehicle go more smoothly.
Keep your car clean and remove all personal items before shipping. Also, be sure to maintain a record of the current condition of your vehicle. If you leak, the driver will need to know so they can put your car on the bottom row of the trailer to avoid spilling fluids.
Choose the Right Transport Company
The right car shipping company can break or make your vehicle shipping experience. When choosing a shipper, it’s important to research to find out which ones have the best reputation and are known for excellent customer service.
Looking at online reviews for any business you’re considering is one way to achieve this. It’s also a good idea to compare prices. A reputable car shipping company will only sometimes have the lowest price, but it will provide competitive rates and will be transparent about its costs.
Be wary of companies that don’t give you a binding quote upfront, which may indicate they will charge you more later. Also, be sure to look for any discounts you may qualify for. For example, many car shipping companies offer military and student discounts. These can significantly lower the cost of car transport, making it more affordable for people who need to move their vehicles across the country. In evaluating the top car shipping businesses, we considered many variables, such as the types of vehicles sent, unique features, pricing, offers, discounts, and client feedback.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Shipping cars can seem daunting, especially for those who have never done it. Many things must be done before your vehicle can embark on its cross-country adventure.
After negotiating a quote, choosing a transport company, and booking your shipment, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for shipping. It would be best to do this so your car carrier could load it quickly and easily without any unnecessary delays.
Wash your car and remove any personal items inside. It will make it easier for your auto shipper to get the car loaded and better for its condition.
Record your mileage on the odometer, and if you have any mechanical problems, have them fixed before shipping. You must report any issues to your auto transport company before they start transporting your car so that you can be delighted with the finished product. Also, be sure to resolve or report any leaks so that your car doesn’t cause any damage to other vehicles in the same container.
Prepare for Pickup
Before you schedule a pickup date with the auto transport company, ensure your vehicle is ready. You should clean it inside and out, empty it of any personal items, and take pictures of the vehicle’s interior and exterior. You should also document any pre-existing damage to the car.
This step is essential if you ship with an open carrier. While statistically, there is less than one claim per two hundred shipments with open-air shipping; it is always best to be prepared for anything. Taking a few quick pictures before the driver arrives will help you protect yourself against any claims that may arise during transit.
You should also prepare a list of the vehicle’s specifications and any special handling instructions for the driver. It will save you time and effort upon delivery and ensure the driver can drive your car straight onto its delivery truck. Lastly, give the car a good wash and leave a quarter gas tank.
Ensure that your car is in good working order
Car shipping is a convenient way to get your vehicle from one place to another. Cleaning your car and removing any personal items is essential to prepare it for its journey. Keeping the gas tank below a quarter full is also a good idea. It will help reduce the weight of your vehicle and prevent it from getting damaged during shipment.
Taking pictures of your car before it is picked up is a good idea. It will help you document the condition of your vehicle at pickup and make it easier to file a claim if damage occurs during transport. You will sign a bill of lading at both pickup and delivery, so it’s crucial that this document accurately describes the condition of your vehicle.
If your car is a high-value model or exotic, consider enclosed transport to protect it from road elements. However, open transport is the most affordable option for most people.
Schedule Your Shipment
It is essential to schedule your vehicle shipment as early as possible. The best possibility of achieving your desired pickup and delivery dates will be provided by doing this. Ideally, you should book your car shipment a month before your desired date. It will also help ensure you get a reasonable price for your auto transport.
The location where your car is being picked up and delivered will also affect how long it will take to ship. It is because truck drivers are constantly traveling all over the country and picking up and dropping off cars. If you send it to a metropolitan area, shipping it to a remote location will likely take less time.
Remember that your vehicle will probably share space with others if you send it on an open carrier. It can lead to delays if other cars have issues or need loading or unloading at different times.
