You know you want to ship your car across the country, but how do you do it? Here are some tips for shipping your vehicle across the country with minimal fuss and stress.
1. Check Car Before Delivery
Before loading a car into a truck, check whether it has any damages: tires with flat spots, cracked windshields, and dents in bumpers are common problems for vehicles being shipped from one place to another but not necessarily entitlements for compensation in shipping company’s terms of service. If you find out that there are some damages in your vehicle, report them immediately to the company representatives involved in the shipping process prior to delivery and request them to be repaired before they arrive at their destination.
2. Request an Estimate For Costs
Be sure to ask what the shipping company’s overnight charge will be. Many companies charge extra for this service. Also, ask about any additional insurance coverage that may be necessary. After all, it’s not worth your time if you have to spend more money because someone else damaged or stole your car on its way from one place to another. If you’re in a rush, consider hiring a professional auto transport company, these services can usually schedule appointments within a few days of request and carry out the work faster than you could yourself.
3. Make Sure the Vehicle is Properly Loaded
The shipper’s representative will show you how to load your vehicle and how it should be secured on the truck bed or trailer. You should ensure that all of your items are properly secured so that they do not shift during transport. Do not place anything on top of or in front of any item or object that might damage another part during transit, such as placing a box on a wheel or roof rack.
An excellent way to secure items is by using straps, bungee cords, ropes, or canvas straps. Ensure all items are tied securely with these straps and ropes so they do not shift during transport because movement could cause damage to them or other parts of your vehicle during transport. Never use rope ties that have sharp points as they can damage other parts of your car and injure people who may be working nearby when they fall off during transport.
4. How Quickly You Need the Car Back
If you’re planning on getting back into your vehicle as soon as possible after receiving it, consider paying for overnight delivery to get back behind the wheel sooner rather than later.
5. Right Shipping Company
As a rule, you want to choose a company that offers you the best value for money. While it may seem obvious, there are many hidden costs for shipping cars. You should ask the freight company about its services, such as car lift and driving time. If you’re dealing with a large company, consider paying for insurance coverage covering your entire vehicle. You might also want to get quotes from several companies before choosing one to ship your car. When it’s time for pickup or delivery, ask about which carrier picks up from which location and how much it costs. Then pick a carrier with an open space at its designated pickup area and delivers within your time frame. It’s best to reserve space at every location so there are no surprises when it comes time to load your car.
6. Insurance Coverage Inquisition
If you’re shipping your car, it’s good to get some insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is not included in the service price, but you can purchase it separately. The amount of money you have to pay depends on the value of your vehicle and the number of miles it has traveled.
7. Sign The Contract
Once you’ve confirmed all is well with your vehicle and the truck, you can give your signature to a representative of your chosen shipping company. You will have a few days after signing to pick up your vehicle at its destination or ship it back to the company for a refund of its cost, depending on how long you need it held in storage. Suppose there are optional services or surcharges that you don’t want or need, ask about them before signing any contracts with shipping companies. For example, some companies require proof of ownership before delivering your vehicle; others may charge extra if they’re forced to store it while they wait for another driver’s signature.
The best car shipping companies offer a wide range of services, including insurance coverage. You can also find great deals on car shipping if you shop around for the best prices. If you follow the tips listed above, you’ll have no trouble getting your vehicle transported from one place to another.