STEP BY STEP
10 Tips to Prepare for Car Transport
This step by step guide will help you when shipping your car, truck, or any other vehicle. The concept of shipping a vehicle over a long distance can feel intimidating. It is a lot to wrap your head around. I mean, where do you even start with this sort of thing? Plus, who can you trust to move such an important possession?
Well, take a deep breath. We can cover you! Below is a checklist that’ll have you ready to handle the car shipping process.
Get Started Right Away – Getting a vehicle transported across the country or through multiple states takes time. Unfortunately, the transportation process can take a while depending on how long the customer needs to research, get a quote, and then set up the actual transport. Below is a sampling of estimated time frames:
- In-state Delivery: 1-3 days.
- Up to 1000 miles: 3-5 days.
- 1000-1250 miles: 4-5 days.
- 1250-2000 miles: 6-8 days
- 2000-3000 miles: 7-9 days.
- 3000 Miles and Above: 9-11 Days.
Furthermore, cross-country or multi-state travel can be long. Therefore, it’s best to make sure there are no loose items floating around inside the vehicle. With the sometimes bouncy ride you want to ensure nothing is able to be broken. Among the items to be mindful of are air fresheners, pocket change, and electronics like phone chargers.
Here Is A List Of Procedures To Follow When Shipping
Maintain Your Vehicle – Shipping your vehicle a long way is a good excuse to get your car spotlessly clean. Both on the inside and out. This way when it arrives at its new destination it’ll seem new all over. Plus, having a sparkly clean vehicle will show any of its permanent dents, scratches, or other damage. You’ll want this noted before turning it over.
Examine Your Vehicle – Be sure to examine your car carefully prior to turning it over. This way you can identify any blemishes or damage. In the interest of thoroughness, it’s also wise to all check tire pressure and under the vehicle. All car leaks should be made note of prior to its long-distance.
Get Rid of Customized Additions – Custom additions to the car like spoilers and antennae are excellent personal touches but can be vulnerable to loss or damage. Rather than risk loss, it’s best to remove them prior to shipping. No sweat, you can reapply them when you meet up with the car later.
Start With an Empty Tank – Unlike rental car services, for shipping, it’s actually best to settle the car at a quarter tank of gas or even less. With more fuel that means more weight to the cargo which is less desirable. Since the car is simply being dropped off, a full tank is not really a necessity.
Select the Pick-Up Option – By choosing door-to-door transport, the driver can pick the vehicle directly up from your home or another nearby location. However, door-to-door service is not always available, so be sure to check with your agent.
Complete Formal Inspection with Driver – The driver will do a comprehensive examination of the vehicle at the time of pick-up. It’s important to dialogue with the driver about any current damage. After all, you’re most familiar with any of the blemishes of your automobile. It’s your duty to make sure the driver is aware of them.
Lock Car and Disarm the Alarm – Nobody should enter your vehicle during the shipment process. Therefore, ensure you lock your car before it’s loaded on the truck. Even more importantly, disable the alarm so it doesn’t activate every time the truck hits a bump during the long trek. Our drivers are excellent but American highways do have potholes.
Relax and Be Patient – The most important part of the shipment process is ensuring the safety of your vehicle. With that in mind, it’s key for you to remain patient during this time. Weather and road conditions can be unpredictable and alter shipment time-frames. This is fairly normal.
Regulations
There are also regulations preventing truck drivers from going too far in one single day. Before the carrier leaves, you will receive the driver’s number. This way you can contact them directly to track your car’s whereabouts. Dispatch agents are also available. But again, remember to be patient.
Retrieve the Vehicle – It’s your responsibility to coordinate with the driver regarding when and where you can pick up your vehicle. Make certain that the pick-up spot is accessible by truck. Generally, parking lots and wide streets are selected if your location does not allow the truck to enter.
Once you meet up with the driver and your vehicle, do a complete and thorough inspection with him. At that point, update the Bill of Lading if it’s required. (Note: the Bill of Lading is the contract between you and the driver and works as your receipt, as well as listing the pre-existing damages.)
This is all it take and you should be ready for car shipping. Contact us today and we will ship your car!