A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship Your Vehicle with an Auto Transport Company

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship Your Vehicle with an Auto Transport Company

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Shipping a vehicle appears to be an overwhelming task, in particular to the first timers. Relocating, selling a car, or simply wanting to move your vehicle across the country are some of the reasons that may drive you to seek the services of an auto transport company which is easy and comfortable with it. With this step by step guide, you will learn how to ship a vehicle, what to anticipate, and how to estimate shipping costs effectively.

Scrutinize Auto Transporters

The initial and important step in shipping your vehicle is to choose the right auto transport company for your vehicle. The chances of getting the same price and quality of service from different companies are slim which is why one needs to research to get the best.

Companies that have been receiving positive feedback from their customers based on safety and timely delivery and have the appropriate licenses and insurance should be considered.



 

Assess Possible Transport Service

There are basically two types of transport methods employed by auto shipping companies which include, open auto transport and enclosed auto transport.

Open Car Transport: This is the most popular and less expensive method of transport available. Your car is going to be placed on an open trailer which is similar to the one which delivers cars to a dealership. However your car is going to be unprotected, therefore you have to factor in the weather and the road.

Enclosed Car Transport: If you are shipping a valuable or classical automobile, enclosed transport gives added safety. Your car will be transported in a closed trailer so there will be no dust, rain or debris on it. However, you risk paying more cost than usual to ship a car using this option owing to the cost of enclosure that is more secure.

Once you have assessed which transport method suits your vehicle best, you can contact the company for further quotes clearly related to those activities.

 

Get a Quote and Book Your Shipment

Choosing an auto transport company and deciding which service you want has now come to requesting the price. The company’s customer service can be reached via phone, or a car shipping cost calculator can be used that is found on the company’s website.

It is critical that you fill in the information on the vehicle type and model, pick-up and delivery details, and needs.

Last, when you get your quote, try to read the fine print that is the terms and conditions before making a commitment of booking. Most auto transport companies will require that you make a small deposit to confirm your reservation with the balance payable upon delivery.

 

Prepare your vehicle for Shipping.

Prior to the scheduled day of the transport company, you will have to make your vehicle ready for shipping. Below are basic procedures that you have to follow:

Clean Your Vehicle: Wash your car completely to avoid wasting time on looking for any pre-existing damages after cleaning. As with you, and the transport company, it will be important to record the current state of the car prior to shipping.

Clear Out Belongings: It is advised to erase everything including personal effects that were either within or are in a moving car, as auto transport companies will assume no responsibilities over such belongings during the transportation of the motor vehicle.

Check for Fluid Leaks: Ensure that there are no leaking fluids from your car, which could lead to unanticipated problems during the process of transportation. In the event that there are, report to the auto transport company because leaking cars cause problems in transit.

Draining Fuel: For this purpose, it is a good idea to fill the tank slightly halfway but preferably not more than one quarter filled.

Remove car security systems including alarms: They may not be important when the car alarm is depressed, but that is very impressive, however, disable the alarm since it might come on during the movement.

 

Inspect the Vehicle in the Presence of the Carrier

The driver will review the order form again when they pick up the car. You and the driver would check the automobile for damage and document it on a condition survey or Bill of Lading. Examine and retain a copy of this document.

The record and insurance company need this investigation. If your vehicle is damaged during transit, the condition report will be the sole proof to the carrier that it was not damaged at loading. 

 

Track Your Shipment

After the car has been dispatched, most auto shipping companies let you track your vehicle. Tracking can either be through the GPS or In-Cabin updates sent through phone calls or emails. Ensure you have a way to reach out to the driver or the transportation company as it will save you much hassle.

Transit durations change due to the distance and the direction being taken. Most of these cross-country shipments are usually done in the span of anywhere between 7 to 10 days however this period may be cut short or even extended depending on other factors in your case.

 

Receive and Accept Your Vehicle

When the car has been delivered, more so than not, check for damage, which is usually caused by handling and transportation. Assess the vehicle’s current state against the report taken of it during the pick-up inspection. If everything is well and as presented, you can sign the Bill of Lading and make a payment in case it was needed.

On rare occasions, when your vehicle would have incurred damages while being transported, it is still important that the damages are recorded and reported to the transport company as well as the insurance claim within the shortest time. Almost all transport services deploy such insurance cover for potential losses, however, it is advisable to understand how they handle claims especially at the time of confirming the booking.

• Elements That Shall Affect the Cost to Ship A Vehicle

 

• There are many aspects that affect the cost to ship a car:

 

Distance: It is understandable that long distances will involve long distances.

Vehicle Type: The 'portability' of shipping methods that enables movement of larger bulkier and clunkier cars is higher.

Transport Method: It is more expensive to use enclosed transport than open transport.

Season: It has been noted that the majority of the shipping is done during certain periods of the year e.g. peak.

Location: The other factor that may contribute to the cost of shipping the car is the small radius covered for pick up or the deliveries made.

While using a car shipping cost calculator, you will be able to make estimates quickly and check prices offered by various auto transport companies.

 

Conclusion

Moving your vehicle with this method is no need to be panicky at all. A step by step follow up is adequate to help anyone growing up ensuring that from the time you initiate research on a company to the time you get your vehicle in a designated place is a walk in the park.

There are a lot of reasons for using auto transport companies whether it is for transport across the states or within the state. Proper preparation, understanding as well as determination enables this process to be easy.

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