Step by Step Guide: How to Ship Your Vehicle with an Auto Transport Company
Step by Step Guide: How to Ship Your Vehicle with an Auto Transport Company
Blog Article
The process of shipping your vehicle from one location to another can be really aspired which is very true. Of course, this would be the case if you have the most appropriate and most reliable auto transport company.
If you are moving, purchasing a car online or simply need to ship your car to a different place, it is important to know how part of the moving process works. Other than just encapsulating how vehicles can be shipped, this guide will show you how to calculate the amount to ship a car and when to use a car shipping cost calculator.
Look For Transportation Services
The first step in shipping your vehicle is to choose an auto transport company. Every company has its positive side and its dark side hence it is advisable to check a few before picking in your choice. Companies that are in business for a few decades, have a valid license and are properly insured are often safer than others. Customer feedback can serve as an objective tool in determining the performance of a given company.
In making such comparisons of the auto transportation companies the following should be considered:
Experience: the longer a company has been transiting their experience the more chances are greater in the delineation of reliable services.
Services Offered: Determine whether the company provides open transport, enclosed transport, door to door car shipping services and whether they have tracking.
Customer Support: Auto transport companies usually have decent customer relations to assist you in your queries as they arise.
Obtain a tender and ascertain the Expenditure on Shipping.
Having suggested a few companies, the next step is to ask them for a quote in order to ship your auto. The cost to ship a car can be affected by many other things and they include:
Distance: The lo Longer the distance, the More the cost.
Vehicle Size and Weight: Bigger and weightier cars are obviously more expensive to ship.
Shipping Method: Enclosed transport would call for higher rates as it provides better protection than open transport.
Seasonality: The prices associated with shipping may vary. For instance, the price of shipping goods during a moving season is likely to be higher than the rest of the periods. i.e. A summer season when people move the Most
Most auto transport companies include in their websites a car shipping cost calculator which enables you to fill in the required information concerning the Car (like which area It should be picked from, where It should be taken) and provides you an estimate instantly. It is wise to request quotes for kindred services price from several Insurance companies in order to rank the cheapest price.
Wait for the Client to Raise a Concern Regarding the Open or Enclosed Transport Selection.
In the decision- making process, you will have to make your choice between the two modes of transport.
Open Transport: This is the most widely used and inexpensive method of transporting your car. It involves transporting the vehicle using an open trailer with various other vehicles. Although it is secure for your car, it will not be covered during the entire traveling process.
Enclosed Transport: This transport method is suitable for cars that are expensive, vintage, or classic; there is an extra layer of shipping protection utilized when the motor vehicle is enclosed within a covered trailer lorry. This option is more expensive but is favorable.
All of these options come with benefits and flaws. It is, therefore, necessary to weigh them properly before making a decision.
Book Your Shipment
It is time to book a shipment after picking the best auto transport company and transport method that you require. While booking, you should include the following;
Pickup and Drop-off Locations: Specify whether you want door-to-door car shipping or terminal-to-terminal service. This is because the carrier will come to your address to collect the vehicle and when delivery is required the carrier will bring it to your address.
Preferred Shipping Dates: Choose your shipping dates and also see whether there is an option to be flexible. You should know that most transport companies give a time range for when a particular activity will be done rather than date specific ones.
Do read the terms and conditions, the cancellation policy, and all fees. Get everything right before you go any further with the procedure.
Get Your Car Ready for Transport
It is key for a vehicle owner to get the car ready for transportation before the driver or designated person arrives to pick it up. Before this can be done, the following steps can be taken to prepare the car:
Wash the Vehicle Externally: It is prudent to wash your car especially before inspection so as to take note of any pre-existing damage on the car.
Clear Out Packed Items: In general, auto transport services discourage shipping personal items inside the car for various reasons. Clear them out so that there are no delays or unplanned additional charges.
Take Photos of the Car in its Original state: All dents, scratches or any damages to the car should be fully captured by taking clear pictures of the car from various angles. This will come in handy in case you need to make some claims after the transport of your car.
Examine for Oil or Other Fluid Leaks and Car Maintenance Conditions: Ensure everything in the car is working right including checking and replenishing fluids, preventing further leaks. You should also keep the gas level at a quarter tank in order to lessen the weight.
Vehicle Pickup and Inspection
The day designated for vehicle pickup generally requires the driver to perform a thorough assessment of your vehicle to record its state in insurable terms for inclusion in a document referred to as the bill of lading. Participate in this inspection to verify that all discrepancies are dealt with. Now the driver will place the vehicle on the trailer and your vehicle will be evacuating the area to begin the journey.
Track Your Shipment
As a part of their obligation, most automobile transporters offer tracking services that allow you to check the position of your vehicle while in transit. Usually your vehicle will be tracked either via the internet or customer service. Keep in touch with the firm regarding the movement of the order and when you are likely to expect it.
Vehicle Delivery and Final Inspection of Vehicle
When the time comes when your car has been delivered to the given location, there has to be either you or someone you have designated to accept the delivery. Another inspection will be done by the driver to determine if the vehicle still retains the same state as at the time it was taken. The bill of lading has to be taken and studied in relation to the pre shipment papers. Seek assistance from the transport company and invoke the insurance cover if there are such incidences of damage.
If at all you like the state of the car, go ahead and make the payment if it has not been made already. There are some who ask for payment on delivery and others will ask for payment in advance.
Conclusion
Moving your car through an auto transport company is an easy task if you adhere to these procedures. Choosing the right auto carrier company and using the cost calculators to obtain quotes together with preparing your car for shipping, speedy shipping and timely delivery would require planning.
Also, by understanding the factors that impact the cost to ship a car and knowing what to expect at each stage of the process, you can tip the odds on your side and enjoy the whole experience of moving a vehicle from one place to another. Report this page