For a lot of students, the transportation of their car to school is the main cause of many issues and worries. In such a case, if moving to a far-off college, a car shipping company is the best way to simplify your task Checklist for college student auto transport. But a step-by-step plan is necessary if it is to be done with safety and less time spent on it.
This time, we are going to have a complete college student auto transport checklist for you to help you figure out the important considerations without having to face troubles on the way. You’ll get the information here you need to take care of your car to transport it via the most appropriate method and so on. We will be accompanying you on this tour, and you will be having a nice, relaxing, and hassle-free journey.
Why Students in College Prefer Auto Transport Services
Car shipping to college or back home off campus during breaks has a lot of advantages:
- Convenience: CUS, in particular, are the case when students who are going to a foreign state or country may find it a more comfortable option to send their cars than driving by themselves for a long distance.
- Time-Saving: Long-distance driving of a vehicle consumes a lot of time and energy, especially for students having tight schedules. Hence an auto transport will save them the valuable time which they can use to concentrate on their other duties.
- Safety: A vehicle can suffer a lot if it is driven to a long-distance and car shipping helps in taking the car to a destination where it is guaranteed that the car will not be involved in any breakdown or accidents.
It may be car shipping that eventually turns into a new and unfamiliar event for a majority of students along with their families, however, having a thoroughly prepared checklist will surely make the journey easier.
Key Factors to Consider Before Shipping Your Vehicle
1. Select the Proper Transport Service to Begin With
Car shipping is an option that comes with a plenty of choices regarding the type of transport service to choose. It is either you go with an open or an enclosed transport – two are the main alternatives.
- Open Transport: This is the most common and cheapest way of shipping. Basically, your vehicle will be put on an open carrier along with other cars. At the same time, however, it means that your car can be hit by small pieces of the road or rain. Almost any car can be transported through open transport, especially if you want to go for the cheapest way.
- Enclosed Transport: In case you are shipping a car like a luxury one or a vintage model or if you want to provide an extra layer of safety to it, take an enclosed transport into consideration. The idea is that a fully enclosed trailer will be used and so the car will be kept safe from the can weather, small scraps, or theft. Still, the difference in cost is quite significant and hence only those that require the utmost safety for their precious or fragile vehicles choose this option.
2. Compare Shipping Quotes and Services
Different companies in the auto transport business may not provide the same services; therefore, it is vital to collect more than one quote. When comparing quotes, you should consider these aspects:
- Price: While one of the major things to look for is a low price, take care of the companies that offer you extraordinarily low prices. Very low rates could be a sign of a bad service or that there are some fees that are not disclosed.
- Reputation: You may find the reviews and ratings of the customers on different platforms to measure the company’s reliability and customer service.
- Insurance Coverage: Make sure to find out the kind of insurance coverage that is included. Most companies will give you basic liability insurance, but you can check with them if they have any other coverage for your car, if it happens to be of remarkable value.
If you get more than one quote, you will be able to select an auto transport company that offers you the best value, which balances money and quality service.
3. Timing and Flexibility
The time at which your car is transported is of great importance. Make sure you look at the following:
- Pick-Up and Delivery Times: One of the reasons for the shipping companies’ tardiness is the occurrence of delays, and thus it is important to allow some time when you set off for the pick-up and delivery dates. Get the estimated timeline for your shipment and allow some time for delays.
- Peak Seasons: Car transport business gets more hectic during peak seasons like summer (when students are going to colleges) and the days around the holidays. It is therefore better to plan your car transport during off-peak seasons so that you can enjoy lower rates and have more vehicles available.
A satisfactory experience by being flexible with timing especially during the months of high demand is what you save money for.
4. Inspect Your Vehicle Before Shipping
It is a must to take a complete car inspection by yourself before you give your car to the transport company. Here is the way to do it:
- Take Pictures: Take detailed pictures of your car from every side, focusing on any small scratch, dent, or any other minor without exception. These documents will be very helpful in case the car has been damaged during the shipping, other than that you cant use them as a proof of your car condition .
- Remove Personal Belongings: Most car shipping companies don’t allow personal items to be transported in the car, and even if they do, it’s best to remove all valuables and belongings. This will not only stop the thief from stealing your stuff but will also lower the possibility of the shifting of your items that can scratch or even dent your car during shipping.
- Check the Fuel Level: Most car transport companies want your vehicle to have no more than a quarter tank of fuel. When the fuel is over the limit, it adds extra weight, which can affect the delivery cost. Make sure the car is good and it can be easily started.
5. Think about the differences between Door-to-Door and Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping
Two main delivery options are door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal.
- Door-to-Door Shipping: A transport company using door-to-door shipping will take your vehicle from your location (home, campus, etc.) and deliver it to the destination specified. It is the most comfortable way, especially for students who may be somehow occupied with time or lack of resources to take their car to a terminal.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping: In case you want a cheaper option and don’t mind driving your car to a shipping terminal, you can go with terminal-to-terminal shipping which will save you money. However, this may be a more tiresome task for you, as the car will have to be picked up and delivered at the terminal on both ends of the trip.
You can have the choice of door-to-door shipping if you are focusing on comfort although it could be a bit more expensive.
Checklist for College Student Auto Transport
Here’s a straightforward checklist to get you ready for auto transport and to be sure the process is handled without any glitches:
- Choose a suitable transmit service kind as either an open or a closed.
- Obtain several auto transport quotes and compare prices.
- Allow for a scheduled pick-up or delivery during off-peak months.
- Have the vehicle inspected by taking clear photos of it before the transport.
- Do not leave any of your personal belongings inside the car.
- Make sure the fuel tank is less than a quarter full.auto
- Either a door-to-door or a terminal-to-terminal method can be selected as the most handy dispatch way.
- Check the extent of insurance and get familiar with the policy terms.
By accepting this checklist you vehicle will reach its destination in the same condition as it was without any added trouble and worries.
As a college student, the shipping of your car should not be a complicated or costly process. Through the use of the checklist for college student auto transport, you can go through the process with minimum inconvenience. The detailed planning will not only provide you with a better choice of open or enclosed transport, set up with a trustworthy auto transport company, and make sure your vehicle is shipment-ready but also save you time and money. Besides that, you will be able to avoid the unnecessary stress that is caused by poor planning.
We at Car Shipping are committed to delivering simple, low-cost, and efficient car shipping services to college students. Call us for a price and vehicle transport scheduling for your next semester!
