If it’s your first time preparing for auto shipping, the process can seem a little complex, especially if you have no prior experience. Be it relocating or sending over a car to a family member, it is important that the entire journey is planned out step-by-step to ensure there are no discrepancies throughout the travel. We provide some of the best auto transport with zero complications. With our expert tips for first time shippers, you’ll be confident in navigating through the process for the first time.
Learning the Cycle of Car Shipping
There are multiple things that need to be worked on before booking an appointment. Each auto transport has their own set of requirements, so make sure you are aware of each of them before diving head first into the project. Here’s a shortened version of the steps:
- Researching for a Quote: Each auto transport corporation has their own setting for the price based on factors such as the distance and mode of transport. Make sure you have the specifications ready so that you can get an estimate right from the start.
- Finding a Trust Worthy Carrier: Again, like every single business out there, there are a few with suspicious dealing. It’s a given to do some form of background check and you can do so using a lot of online tools, for example, Zoom Info.
- Preparing the Vehicle for the Trip: Special care needs to be taken for the vehicle before your specific date arrives. Remember to clean the car, check if there are any underlying damages, and most importantly make sure the automobile can be driven.
- Set Off with the Vehicle: After the vehicle already is riding along the transport, you will be able to make your way to the destination and continue on without any extra jumps in the journey.
- Delivery and Inspection: Check the vehicle for damages prior to signing the delivery confirmation.
Choose the Right Auto Transport Service
The initial step towards effective vehicle transport begins with careful consideration of the shipping company. Evaluate these points:
- Reputation: Check existing online reviews, testimonials, and ratings on reputable businesses such as BBB or Trustpilot.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the transport service is registered with the FMCSA and offers comprehensive insurance.
- Honest Pricing: Avoid companies that offer extremely low quotes and promises since it can indicate hidden charges or compromises in service quality.
- Transport Options: Select open transport which is common and cost-efficient, or enclosed transport which offers additional protection for luxury or classic vehicles.
With Automobile Shipping, you will find increased flexibility with transport choices because we offer fully insured and licensed open and enclosed transport.
Prepare Your Car for Shipping
A few steps towards proper vehicle preparation include:
- Cleaning the car: Washing the car will allow drivers to document any existing damages such as scratches or dents. Proper documentation will limit the chances of disputes when claiming damages.
- Removing personal items: Ship your valuables separately because shipping companies do not bear responsibility for items left behind.
- Check for Leaks and Maintenance Issues: Assess whether any fluids are leaking and ensure the battery is adequately charged.
- Document the Car’s Condition: Capture, in high-resolution prints, a vehicle’s images for shipping, with need to settle controversies related to the condition of the vehicle post shipping.
- Disable Alarms and Toll Tags: Turn off any active toll tags to prevent incurring extra charges as well as stopping any alarms that may lead to distractions.
Evaluating Costs vs Requirements for Delivery Time
The cost of shipping vehicles is dependent on multiple factors such as:
- Distance: Vehicles shipping over long distances will have additional costs when compared to vehicles that are shipping over short distances. However long distance vehicles may have per-mile rates that are lower than those of short distance vehicles.
- Vehicle Type: Vehicles that are bulky tend to take up more space and require additional fuel leading to extra cost.
- Transport Method: Open transport is cheaper compared to enclosed transport due to added protection.
- Seasonality: Summer and holiday seasons are peak times for shipping vehicles which tend to hike prices due to high demand.
Most commonly, vehicle shipping done over the country takes from 5 days to 10 days. However this highly depends on weather conditions, the parameters of the route, and other uncontrollable factors. At Automobile Shipping, precise estimates and constant tracking updates are guaranteed so you are always informed.
Protect Yourself from Scams and Other Red Flags
Like any industry, some car shipping services are less scrupulous than others. Here are some tips for avoiding scams:
- Keep an Eye on Absurdly Low Estimates: Quotes that feel too low probably are, so exercise caution.
- Verify the Company Has Legitimate Copyrights: Check the company’s USDOT number and MC number on the FMCSA website.
- Do Not Make Upfront Full Payments: A trustworthy service provider will often ask for a deposit rather than fully prepayment.
- Pay Attention to the Terms of the Agreement: Check the document to confirm there are no unclear terms or undisclosed fees before signing.
Check Your Vehicle After Delivery
Before signing the delivery receipt, ensure to conduct an in-depth evaluation of your vehicle post-delivery.
- Perform a Review With the Pictures Taken Pre- Shipment: Scan the vehicle for any damage that may have been inflicted after the display period.
- Ensure All Damages are recorded in the Bill of Lading: Procure all damages and inform the carrier right away.
- Go For a Test Drive: Make sure the vehicle was delivered in working condition.
At Automobile Shipping, we aim to keep our customers happy. We partner with trusted carriers so that your vehicle will always be delivered safe and in pristine condition.
Concluding Remarks
The initial times shipping a vehicle might seem difficult, but can be straightforward if done correctly. Hope these instructions for first-time shippers were helpful in simplifying the booking and delivery processes. At Automobile Shipping, we take pride in offering professional, reliable, and affordable auto transport services. Get in touch with us today for a free quote and see for yourself how easy it is to ship a vehicle without worries!
