Shipping a car is sometimes the best option for relocating to a new state, buying a car from a distant seller, or even sending a vehicle to a student residing across the country. Car shipping, however, can be a little daunting for individuals doing it for the first time.
Gearing up for what to expect will make the process seamless in comparison to the headaches that come with failing to plan adequately. This guide will dive deeper into what to look out for before shipping a car and the importance of partnering with a dependable firm such as Automobile-Shipping.
Know the Flexibility of Different Car Shipping Options
Like most services, there will be numerous options to select from and hence, it is vital to have a full grasp of what you are looking for. Due to being a tailored service, car shipping comes with other forms. The shipping method ideally has to reflect the vehicle type, budget, and deadline.
Main forms of car shipping include the following:
Open Transport: This option is best suited for ordinary vehicles due to its affordability. When selecting open transport, one will need to be aware that the car will not be sheltered from road and weather conditions.
Enclosed Transport: This option is the most protective against the weather elements, which makes it the primary pick for classic, luxury, or high value vehicles. While this method is more expensive, it offers security for priceless investments which is worth it in the long run.
Here at Automobile-Shipping, we provide both alternatives, letting you select whichever option suits your preferences the most. Our experts can assist you in picking the method that makes the most sense for you.
Investigate and Identify a Quality Auto Transport Provider
Every shipping company has their own unique offerings. Selecting an experienced and trustworthy provider is the most critical step in the process. As with most industries, there are a number of scams and unprofessional businesses in this field.
Before making a reservation, here is a checklist of items that must be confirmed.
FMCSA Registration: Every legitimate carrier is required to be registered under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and must hold a valid MC number.
Insurance Coverage: Confirm that the business holds insurance and can provide documents verifying their coverage for possible damages.
Online Reviews: Customer reviews can be found on Google, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
Customer Service: Take note of the company’s responsiveness, professionalism and willingness to address your questions. True customer-centered approach.
Professionally, we maintain transparency, and have several years of industry experience Automobile-Shipping.com. You can trust us because we are FMCSA-licensed and fully insured.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Transport
Every vehicle has its unique ways of being prepped for transport in conjunction with an appropriate method of shipping. For every vehicle, in order to ensure a smooth pickup and delivery, a few steps need to be followed.
Checklist for prepping your vehicle:
Exterior Cleaning: Helps identify damages and simplifies the inspection process.
Condition documentation: It is a must that all areas are covered and if any scratches, dents or wears are noted, the date needs to be indicated.
Removal of personal items: Leaving items behind comes at a risk because insurance does not take them into account, and they add excess weight which can affect the cost.
Fluid and tire pressure check: If the car is not functioning and needs to be shipped, then there should be no leaks.
Alarm and toll tag disabling: Passes and toll tags need to be suspended to prevent unwanted charges.
We’ll help guide you through the preparation steps so that your automobile with little hassle while using the optimum amount of prep.
Be Aware of the Charges and Time Duration
Proper scheduling and budgeting are essential while planning to ship a car. The cost and time requirements must be kept in mind. The estimated costs and timeline may differ based on certain considerations.
Important driving distance and timing criteria include the following:
Distance: Further distance means more costs and longer estimated time, 3-5 days to a week.
Vehicle Type: Bigger and heavier vehicles pose additional fees.
Transport Type: Vehicle shipping using enclosed transport is more costly than open shipping.
Location: Transporting vehicles from rural locations require more time.
Seasonal Demand: Prices are known to increase during peak times such as summer and holidays.
At a reputable vehicle shipping company, important details and costs related to the shipping will be provided upfront. At Automobile-Shipping, we pride ourselves on offering competitive rates without concealed charges. You can receive a no-commitment quote online that will provide you with an expectation.
Track the Vehicle for Shipping Updates
Quality shipping services will ensure that details are maintained and shared periodically. Once your car has begun its journey, shipping updates should be routinely checked by you so that you stay aware of the vehicle’s current location.
Lookup companies that offer:
Support for damage claims (just in case)
Real time tracking
Set clear scheduled windows for pick up and drop off
Dedicated support for customers
Automobile-Shipping shines in the industry due to the automated updates that offer real time change notifications throughout the time period needed. There’s also a dedicated team to assist your needs at any given moment.
Final Words: Ship Without Doubt
A great majority of people fear the complications that come with shipping a car, however, with a little preparation and knowing what to look out for can vastly change the circumstances. Doing proper research, understanding your needs, and above all, choosing a reliable service will make everything easier and with less hassle.
With that said, prior to shipping your car, know the following:
Research and choose properly between open or enclosed transport
Evaluate your shipping company with scrutiny
Ensure that your vehicle will be prepared correctly
Be punctual regarding payments and schedules
Stay engaged during the process
With all of this said, once you are ready to ship your vehicle, the best option is Automobile-Shipping.com. With them, you’re guaranteed that your vehicle will be reliably and securely transported wherever needed.
Take the first step towards stress-free vehicle shipping and get your free quote!
