Are you getting your vehicle ready for shipment and trying to figure out how to make sure it gets there unscathed? Don’t stress, we know what to do! Here are six of the most important things to remember when shipping a car or any vehicle, as revealed by our specialists. Our article will provide you with all the knowledge you need to successfully relocate your vehicle, from choosing a reliable carrier to filling out all the essential documentation. Discover the fundamental methods that vehicle owners should know before hitting the road.
Choose a Reputable Company
When shipping your car, it’s important to work with a reliable company. You shouldn’t trust your valuable asset to the first firm you find that offers low prices and speedy turnaround. So, how to choose a trustworthy company?
Start by learning all you can about the potential companies. Do some research on the company’s website, read some reviews, and get some recommendations from people you know who have used their shipping services before. Second, examine documentation to guarantee that the shipping service is legitimate. This way, if something happens to your shipment while in transit, you’ll be covered. Third, find out what choices you have for pickup and delivery. There are services that deliver and collect your vehicle right at your door and others that have you go to a terminal. And fourth, find out everything they charge for, including hidden costs like gasoline surcharges and storage fees.
Decide on Shipping Options
When shipping a vehicle, you need to choose between open and enclosed shipping. What are the differences? Since several vehicles may fit in an open trailer at once, it’s a good place to start looking for affordable vehicle shipping if you’re on a budget. Shipping vehicles in the open is also faster since open vehicle carriers are more prevalent and make fewer stops. Enclosed shipping, on the other hand, is the method of choice for transporting classic cars, expensive SUVs, or other luxury vehicles. As the folks at Road Runner reliable car transportation state, all-weather protection from wind, rain, and snow is provided in fully enclosed transports. The increased price tag is worth it for the assurance they provide. However, there are fewer enclosed carriers to choose from, which may increase shipping times or make scheduling more challenging.
Visit Your Local Mechanic
It should go without saying that you should schedule frequent checkups. However, it is crucial while moving locations. Make sure your car’s engine, tire pressure, and brakes are all in good working condition by having a professional inspect them. Your trusted local technician should also check for hydraulic system leaks and make sure everything is working properly. Tell them why you’re there, and they’ll know what to look for, and they may even have some suggestions for you.
Document and Photograph Your Vehicle
The insurance company and you will both greatly benefit from a detailed record of the vehicle’s present condition before departure. It gives a standard against which delivery may be evaluated. Make a written note of any dents, scratches, or other obvious damages. After that, take clear, good-quality pictures of your vehicle from all sides, making sure to capture its current state as well as any damage it may have sustained in the past. Be careful to focus on specific areas of concern.
Remove Personal Belongings
There are a number of good reasons why you shouldn’t leave any personal belongings in your vehicle while shipping it. First, for reasons of safety and liability, vehicle shipping businesses normally do not carry customers’ personal things. Second, removing valuables and other personal goods from the vehicle lessens the possibility of theft or loss. Clean out your vehicle completely and take anything of value out of it. Make sure you check the trunk, the glove box, and any other concealed spaces. You should also take out any GPS units or aftermarket stereos that can be removed.
Track Your Vehicle’s Journey
Pick a vehicle shipping company that offers a tracking service to ease your mind throughout transit. With tracking, you can keep tabs on your car’s whereabouts at all times. It lets you know when to expect your car, where it is, and if there will be any delays in its arrival. Maintaining open lines of contact with the shipping business may provide you with peace of mind and allow you to better prepare for the shipment’s arrival.
To sum up, shipping a vehicle is a challenging task that calls for careful preparation. If you follow the advice we’ve given, transporting your vehicle shouldn’t cause you any undue tension or anxiety. Consider the company’s track record and commitment to safety, prepare your car as described above, and you’re good to go!
