It’s finally time to move across the country! You’ve found a new house, packed up all your belongings, and said goodbye to friends and family. But there’s one more thing left to do – transport your car. If this is your first time shipping a vehicle, you may be wondering what the process entails and how to ensure safe and successful transport. Don’t worry. This article is written to help you out! Follow these tips, and you can be sure that your ride will arrive at its destination without any problems.
Don’t Go for the Cheapest Shipping Quote.
Sometimes, cheap doesn’t always mean good. If you’re looking for a reliable and well-maintained shipment, go for a company that is already proven to provide satisfactory results. See, your money’s worth lies in the quality of services rendered to you, not just how much you paid for them. There will always be those companies who would offer lower prices than their competitors; this is why it might look like they give better deals at first but what they don’t tell you is that their services are subpar and shady. A good company might charge a little higher, but it’s always totally worth it for the peace of mind they provide.
Research Your Car Shipping Company
It’s not just enough to find a carrier. You need to take time to compare them with other companies. The internet is full of review sites that can help guide you to find the best fit for you and your car.
Look at the comments left by customers regarding their time working with the company. But also, be aware that some negative reviews might be posted by competitors trying to make their rivals look bad.
So don’t stop there, though; reach out to the company’s former clients and ask them about their experiences with the company in question. Such feedback from actual customers is more reliable than what an anonymous reviewer may post online.
Know Your Method of Shipment
When shipping your car, there are two ways to do so by land. The first is using a carrier company to pick up the vehicle and transport it to the location specified by the shipper. You can find these carriers through shipping directories, online, or even word of mouth.
The second method uses transportation services which means hiring someone else to drive the car to the designated location. This option is generally frowned upon because too many risks are involved, including wear and tear and theft.
If you decide to go with a carrier company, there are also two ways to ship your car: open-air and enclosed transport.
- Open-air transport involves hoisting the vehicle down on a roofless container with nothing protecting it from the elements. It’s typically cheaper at the expense of being less safe.
- On the other hand, enclosed transport is more expensive, but the vehicle is completely protected from any elements or damage. This option is usually recommended to ship an expensive or vintage car.
Get Insurance Coverage
Insurance is critical when shipping a car because you won’t know what can happen down the road. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, having a commercial insurance policy is required for most carriers, but you can’t trust this to cover extremely valuable vehicles. That’s why you might want to consider getting third-party insurance. Yes, you still have to pay for your own coverage, but this gives you additional protection in case anything goes wrong during transport.
Read the Contract Before Signing
When dealing with a carrier, many people mess up by not reading the contract before signing it. This mistake can make you pay for extra services you don’t need. So be patient and read the entire thing. Look for suspicious clauses in the agreement, and be sure to ask your potential carrier questions.
Properly Prepare Your Car for Transport
Your car needs to be in its best condition before you hand it over to the shipping company. Here are some ways you can get it ready:
- First of all, wash your car. Dirt and dust can leave minor scratches when exposed to air during transit.
- Remove any attachments that can be taken off (bike racks, snow tires). These pieces could potentially scratch other vehicles in transit or become loose and cause accidents while driving.
- Get rid of personal items and trash inside the car. It should be clean and composed before transit.
- Get an inspection done on your car. A mechanic will make sure the engine is in good working order, and there are no issues that could become problematic during delivery.
- Take photos of your car, specifically any pre-existing damaged. Additionally, document any mechanical issues to avoid misunderstandings with your carrier later on.
Conclusion
The success of your car transport operation will depend largely on the competency and reliability of your carrier. That’s why you shouldn’t cut any corners in trying to scrutinize and land the best company on your list.
