Professional car shipping companies transport different types of vehicles, such as classic cars, luxury vehicles, and daily drivers. Special equipment like hydraulic lifts and secure tie-downs help verify the safe loading and transport of vehicles. Transport companies coordinate pickup and delivery times to match customers’ schedules and requirements. Here are tips for a smooth car shipping experience:
Prepare Vehicle
Before transport, personal items should be removed from the car’s interior and exterior. This helps minimize the risk of damage, as loose items can shift and collide with the car’s surface during transport. Some items to remove include:
- Phone chargers
- Navigation devices
- Toll transponders
- Removable spoilers
- Bike racks
- Custom badges
Removing items may also lower the vehicle’s weight, which often impacts shipping costs. Standard equipment, including spare tires and jacks, should be left with the vehicle. Keeping all of your vehicle’s original parts together makes sure nothing is misplaced when moving.
Gather Required Documentation
Comprehensive documentation leaves no doubt about your vehicle’s condition and ownership before transport begins. Most transporters note any existing cosmetic issues, such as paint scratches, door dings, or bumper damage. This makes it easier to verify your vehicle’s unchanged condition upon delivery. Cleaning your car’s exterior before transport can help make existing dents and scratches visible, streamlining the documentation process.
Vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a copy of your valid photo ID may be required when scheduling transport services. Many transport companies also require a signed Bill of Lading (BOL), which documents information about the vehicle shipment. The BOL includes pick and delivery information, license plate and VIN numbers, and odometer readings. This document authorizes a transporter to move your vehicle and serves as a transaction receipt.
Complete a Maintenance Check
Before arranging transport, care for any maintenance issues, such as fluid leaks or loose components. For open transports that carry multiple cars, this helps make sure these issues do not pose a damage risk to other vehicles. Make sure the battery keeps enough charge to start the car when it is time to unload your vehicle. If your vehicle has any existing mechanical problems, such as difficulty starting or transmission problems, notify the car shipping company, as these can impact loading and unloading.
Understand Transport Contracts
Review a transport company’s shipping procedures, insurance policies, and pickup and delivery requirements when shipping your vehicle. This helps avoid unexpected delays or fees. Some contractual information to review includes:
- Insurance coverage liability limits and what damages are covered
- Payment terms, such as deposit requirements and final payment schedules
- Acceptable time windows and where pickup and delivery will take place
- Procedures for reporting concerns or issues during transport
- Cancellation policies and associated fees
- Communication protocols, like status updates and delivery notifications
Inspect Vehicle Upon Delivery
At delivery, document the vehicle’s arrival condition by walking around the car with the transport driver. Compare the car’s current condition to that of the pre-shipping inspection report. If there are any new dents or other damage, follow the shipping company’s reporting procedures for claiming compensation. The BOL often needs to be signed again to verify delivery. Make copies of all delivery paperwork, including the BOL, for your records.
Get Started With Car Shipping
Shipping companies are experienced in meeting various client needs, including interstate shipping, temporary relocation for college students or military personnel, and vehicles with special requirements, like antique or classic cars. Transporters can recommend shipping methods and transport routes to match your car’s requirements or delivery expectations. Reviewing your vehicle’s condition, gathering required documents, and understanding contract terms can help streamline vehicle relocation. Contact a car shipping company today to get started.
Keep an eye for more news and updates on WellKnowFigure!
