When planning a move, you may find it challenging to find a better way to move your car safe and sound over a long distance.
As difficult as it may sound, it can be arranged in a few simple steps. One option is to hire a professional car transportation company, so you do not have to worry about whether your car will be moved to a new destination and get damaged.
Consider Using Professional Services To Ship Your Car
In terms of safety and cost-effectiveness, it is a good idea to entrust cross country vehicle transport to professionals. When getting professional services, you pay to have your car delivered safely. Transporters like shipacarinc.com offer various solutions that would better fit your individual case: door-to-door transportation or picking up from a certain place, enclosed or open carriers and so on.
The amount you spend depends on where you are at the beginning and end of the journey, the size of your car, and the type of truck you choose.
Keep in mind that when you have to choose a reliable long distance moving company, the best way to proceed is to check reviews online, as well as ask your friends for recommendations.
Also, be sure to check if the company that you want is licensed. You will see this by browsing their USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
Never Give A Deposit
Red flags must be raised if the company asks for a deposit! Reputable auto transport companies often do not require a deposit but ask to pay when the vehicle is picked up or delivered.
It allows you to be sure that you are getting the service you expect and gives you a way to refuse if they do not meet your expectations.
How Much Can It Cost?
It will vary considerably depending on many variables. However, the price usually fluctuates according to where you transport your car and what size your car is.
How To Get Quotes
Share this necessary information with the company:
- The place the car is coming from
- Where is your delivery location?
- The rough date you want it to be shipped?
Do you want to make sure that is is a suitable choice? You should get up to four quotes to see if you are getting a good deal.
Never Base Your Decision On Price Alone
You may find that the old expression “quality vs. quantity” is essential in the road transport industry, especially when shipping a car.
When it comes to the costs to ship a car across a country, the cheapest is usually not the best or safest choice. Pricing of car delivery companies reflects the quality of equipment, experience, and service level for car delivery services.
A new closed car carrier with high-quality security equipment can be costly, and closed car drivers are among the industry’s highest-paid drivers.
Open transport equipment is much cheaper, and old cars are cheaper than modern ones. When the price is low, you are likely to be dealing with a road transport broker or open carrier with below-average equipment or drivers with little experience.
They can also ship cars from one terminal to another to reduce the cost. When the vehicles are delivered to the transit terminal, they are unloaded, stored, and then loaded onto another truck.
It increases loading and unloading, and the driver who took your car will not be the one to deliver it.
Ensure You Get A Contract In Writing
If you have an excellent broker, getting a user-friendly contract will be straightforward. However, you should still be careful (just like with every signed contract!).
What Should I Be Aware Of?
Read the contract carefully. If your contract says something – and it will be small – about the price “not guaranteed,” it is a big warning sign.
There are many stories from clients about how they signed a contract with a broker. Only at the last minute, they say that the price is 100-500 dollars, which is more than expected.
Just imagine the moving truck has all of your things, then a broker calls and says they have a carrier, but it would cost $200 more. At that point, you won’t have a choice.
Shipping Options
The first thing that you want to discover is whether you prefer to send your car to an uncovered or closed carrier. Here is a little information on the options for delivery.
Uncovered
Uncovered are a cheaper option to transport your car and the better option for closer destinations.
This type of transport can be more available as shipping companies usually have more open carriers. However, your car is more vulnerable to elements.
You may be charged for any damage caused to your car that is most likely to be in an open trailer, depending on the carrier’s insurance.
Enclosed
It is a good option If you need to transport a vehicle and want to reduce the risk of damage from elements. It may cost more than a carrier without a cover, but the vehicle’s risk is much less.
Another important decision when you ship your car is whether you want door-to-door or terminal to terminal shipping. Here is a little about each option.
Door-To-Door
It is the more expensive option. However, it can save you money and time in the end.
The car is taken directly to an address or place. Therefore, you can get your car is picked up at your doorstep and conveniently taken to a new place.
Terminal-To-Terminal
This option forces you to deliver the vehicle to a local terminal. The terminal may be quite a distance from the desired destination and not controlled around the clock.
How to Safely Get Your Car Ready for Shipping
Once you have received several quotes for your car delivery and have chosen a reputable company to transport your car, you can follow these steps to get your car ready for safe and secure shipping.
Make Sure Your Documents Are In Order
Car carriers will want to prove that the car belongs to you before they transport it. To avoid delays in delivery, prepare these documents before-hand:
- Information about your car’s registration
- Evidence of Insurance
- A bill of exchange
- Original car name
- Your identification documents
Clean Your Car And Document Damage
Cleaning your vehicle sounds like an illogical thing to do before your car is shipped, but when you have a clean car, you are able to see if there are any scratches or dents. It will also be easier to see if during transport your car was damaged in any way.
It doesn’t matter if you have chosen an outdoor vehicle or a more expensive closed trailer with delivery, it is very rare that your vehicle will be harmed in any way while it is being transported.
Still, it is a good idea to take a few photos of the exterior of your vehicle so that when your car is delivered it will be quick and easy to fill in the status report.
Have Your Vehicle Checked By A Mechanic
It is important that your vehicle is checked in case there are leaks or any mechanical problems.
Take note of the following things you need to have checked before you ship your car:
- Tire pressure: If you want to avoid damage to the vehicle, the tires must be inflated appropriately for shipment.
- Battery charge: Make sure the vehicle’s battery has been charged.
- Liquids: Add fluids to the car and make sure that there are no leaks.
- Mileage: Pay attention to your car’s mileage when you receive and deliver it.
Sign Documentation
Your precious car is sufficiently prepared to be shipped, it’s time to legalize it. The driver of the motor vehicle will contact you to make sure you are at the destination and the car is equipped to be shipped.
When the driver arrives to inspect the vehicle, the vehicle’s owner or someone else should be present and sign the document, which is known as the Bill of Lading. It is an agreement between the owner and the car delivery company, which acts as a receipt and legal assurance for your road transportation.
The following is what it covers:
- Where the vehicle is transported from and to
- The state of your car in a pickup truck
- Any technical problems
It is advisable to read the report before signing. It will save you headaches and trouble while ensuring that all parties are protected by law.
Once your vehicle has been put on the carrier, and the documents have been signed, that’s it! When your car gets to its new location, you will need to check out its condition again and sign it with the transport company representative.
To Sum Up
Moving all your belongings is stressful enough without the extra hassle of transporting your car. However, rest assured that there are several options for moving your car in turmoil.
Whether it’s the door-to-door service you are looking for or a plan that will save you a lot of money. If you follow these tips, you should be able to move your car safe and sound over a long distance.
