Car shipping is an easier process than you might think, especially with the right company on your side. But before you even book your shipment, there are some things you need to know about car transportation.
Shipping cars across the country mean knowing what to do – and what not to do – ahead of time. That way, your shipment will carry out as smoothly as possible, and your car will be where you need it when you need it. Let’s discuss a few dos and don’ts of car transport.
Do: Book Your Shipment Way in Advance
When you are shipping cars across country, book the shipment well enough in advance. When you book it, you will have approximately three days in which the car will be delivered. You should book your shipment as soon as you can in order to get the dates that you prefer. Try to at least book your shipment a month out so you can schedule the pick-up and drop-off dates that you want.
Don’t: Leave Your Personal Items in the Car
Never leave your personal items inside of the car – especially if they are items that hold a lot of value. None of your personal items – including smartphones and tablets – are covered under the insurance you get with your auto transportation shipment. If they get lost or stolen during the shipping process, they cannot be replaced, hence why they should always be removed prior to shipping.
Do: Take Pictures Prior to Shipping
After you take your car to the car wash, clean it up inside, and check that your license is valid, you should take pictures of your car. This provides you with an extra insurance buffering in case something does cause damage to your car during the shipping process. You should use a digital camera that has the correct time stamp set for each picture that you snap.
Don’t: Leave More Than 1/4 Tank of Gas if Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska
Another thing you should avoid is leaving more than 1/4 tank of gas in your car if you are shipping it to Alaska or Hawaii. This is due to the fact that any vehicle being transported on a ship could be a potential fire hazard if there is enough fuel in it. This fire code is strictly enforced on all ships, which is a necessary method if you are shipping to either Hawaii or Alaska.
Do: Speak With Your Auto Transport Driver About Pick-Up and Drop-off Locations
Most companies will offer door-to-door car transportation, but there are some instances in which a driver might not be able to access your location. For example, local ordinances could stop the driver from being able to transport your vehicle along a certain route or your road might be too narrow or steep. If that’s the case, check with your transport driver to discuss the pick-up and drop-off details. Find an accessible public location where you can meet for the exchange.
Don’t: Go With a Company That Doesn’t Offer an Instant Quote
Finally, you should always go with a company that offers you an instant quote for your car transport shipment. A company of good repute will offer a free, instant online quote to help you figure out whether you want to go with their service. If a company’s website does not offer this service and looks kind of sketchy, then you should consider finding a different company that offers an instant online quote free of charge. In fact, comparing quotes is an essential part of the process, but it is a step many people don’t take.
Shipping cars across the country isn’t as difficult as it might seem, but taking the precautionary steps above is important. Sure, there are some things you need to avoid doing, but the checklist for what you should do prior to transporting your car is pretty short and sensible. Knowing what to do and expect beforehand will make the shipping process much less stressful. Use a reliable company to help safely ship your vehicle to whichever state it needs to reach.