If you’re moving across the country or buying a new ride, hiring an auto transport company is the best way to get your car from one location to another. You’ll need to follow some auto-shipping tips to ship your car safely and effectively. Also, these will help you prepare your vehicle for transit.
Do Your Homework
During transport, your car may be jostled around a bit. You can reduce the likelihood of damage by removing any personal items from your vehicle before shipping it. It includes sunglasses, water bottles, charging cables, GPS devices, and jewelry. These items aren’t insured and can be a risk of theft during transportation.
Additionally, wash your car before having it picked up for shipment. Doing so makes it easier to spot scratches, dents, and chips. Further, you must document any existing damages in writing and take numerous images from various perspectives. It will help you and the carrier stay on the same page about your vehicle’s condition.
Leaving about a quarter gas tank in your car is also a good idea. It reduces weight and gives you enough fuel to drive it to the nearest terminal. It is essential because most transport companies will only drop off your car once the driver has inspected it for damages and signed the bill of lading. You must be present for this inspection to avoid any issues with your vehicle.
Do a Deep Clean
Whether shipping to another state or the other side of town, you must prepare your car for transport. You must remove personal belongings and ensure everything is in working order. Before you can ship your car safely, take a few more steps before allowing the carrier to load your car onto the car carrier.
Dirt and dust can hide dings, scratches, and other damage to your car during shipping. So, it’s best to wash it thoroughly before shipping it. It also makes it easier for the inspector to note any pre- or post-transport damage when they inspect your vehicle for delivery.
You should also drain your gas tank and leave at most a quarter full. It helps lower your weight and costs and prevents your car from running out of fuel while in transit. It also helps the driver safely drive your vehicle on and off the transport truck. Once your car has been loaded, the driver will perform a quick inspection, and you’ll need to sign off on the bill of lading.
Remove All Accessories
You want to have only a few loose items inside your car during transportation. They can get tossed around or even disappear during the process, and you’ll have to go through a lot of trouble to find them again once your car is delivered. So, remove all items that are not secured, like air fresheners and pens, and anything that could break or fall from the dashboard or console.
You also want to reduce the vehicle’s weight as much as possible so it doesn’t affect shipping costs. It means removing personal belongings and filling the tank to about a quarter of its capacity, leaving you with enough gas for driving once your car is delivered.
You can have your car shipped on an uncovered trailer, the most affordable option, or send it in an enclosed carrier, usually used for high-value or classic cars, providing more protection from the elements. Regardless of which option you choose, you and the driver will inspect your vehicle before loading it onto the truck to make a note of any pre-existing damage or scratches.
Also Check: Top 6 Reasons To Consider International Shipping
Take Pictures
You must sign a bill of lading when you deliver your vehicle to the transport firm. It is a record of your vehicle’s condition and is what you’ll need to refer back to should you discover new damage during shipment. Take pictures of your car before the carrier loads it so they can be time-stamped if you need to submit a claim. It’s a good idea to remove personal items from the car and leave only approximately a quarter tank of gas to reduce weight and shipping costs.
If your budget is tight, choose terminal-to-terminal shipping instead of door-to-door service. This method saves you money and protects your car since it will be loaded and unloaded at different locations. If you’re shipping a high-value or classic car, you may opt for enclosed transportation. It offers better protection against harsh weather and road debris. It is more expensive but worth the extra cost to protect your investment.
Schedule Your Pickup
Once you have chosen a shipping company and completed the pre-shipping steps, it is time to schedule your pickup. Most reputable auto transport companies offer online or phone-based quote tools for customers to submit their shipment details. Having a few quotes helps ensure you get the best shipping price.
When scheduling your pickup, try to be flexible. Trying to meet a specific pickup or delivery deadline will almost always cost more than allowing the carrier or broker to work around your timeline.
Also, remember that your car won’t be driven while shipped. You will need to leave it a quarter full of gas so it can be loaded onto the car carrier without running out of fuel. Additionally, a spare set of keys is recommended. It will allow the driver to unlock your vehicle for inspection if needed. It is important to note that most reputable auto transport companies offer insurance coverage. However, getting an additional policy for peace of mind is a good idea.
Also Check: How To Prepare For Transporting A Car Across Country: A Step-By-Step Guide
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