Shipping a car isn’t fun, but it’s often a necessary for people who are relocating or purchasing a car from a seller located outside their geographic area. If you find yourself in this position, read on for more information on how to ship an automobile.
If you have to ship an automobile, the first thing that you should ask is what’s behind your need to ship the thing? If you’re being relocated, you’ll find that most large companies, including the U.S. Military, have experience moving people and their belongings – including automobiles. They’ll not only have guidelines – they may even have specialists ready and willing to help you with the move.
But if the task has fallen to you to organize, you can find companies that specialize in shipping cars by checking your local telephone directory, or performing a quick Internet search. As with anything else, it pays to comparison shop for the best price and services. You’ll be entrusting your vehicle to this company, so make sure they’re a reputable business. Use the same research methods you’d use for any other expensive purchases – contact the Better Business Bureau for complaints, ask for references, etc. Be sure to ask how your car will be protected during shipping, and how you’ll be reimbursed for any damage that might occur when the vehicle is in transit. A call to your auto insurance company to let them know what’s going on is also a good idea.
The following are a few things to remember when preparing to ship your automobile.
1. Be sure your vehicle is operable. If it’s not, additional fees may apply.
2. You must tell the carrier about any modifications made to your vehicle such as a lift kit, camper shell, or similar upgrade.
3. Your vehicle may not exceed a certain height – check with your carrier for exact numbers.
4. Check on ground clearance requirements.
5. Leave a working contact number with the shipping company. Things do happen on the road, and they’ll need to get a hold of you if anything happens.
Your transit times will vary, depending on the time of year and the origination and destination of your particular move. Work these details out long before you put the car on the transport.
To prepare your car to be shipped, make sure there are no fluids leaking from the car. All parts and equipment must be securely attached – for example, the battery should be firmly secured in its bracket. Have your car washed and cleaned so that it can be inspected, and remove all personal items. The gas tank must have a minimum amount of fuel – just under a quarter of a tank, but no less than one eighth. Disconnect all alarms, and remove any electronics that aren’t built into the car. Remove, or fully retract any antennas. The jack and tire can stay, but everything else must go. Exterior covers like tire covers, grill covers, or car covers have to go. Essentially, you want to remove anything that can fall out of or fall off your car to prevent it from being lost or damaged while in transit.
This will get the car on the transport, but there are a few things you’ll need to do once the car arrives at its new home.
1. There will be an inspection when the car arrives. You or a designated representative must be present for the inspection at the time of pick-up and delivery.
2. You or your designated representative must sign the bill of lading.
3. You or your designated representatives are responsible for confirming your vehicle’s condition. This will be done before the car leaves, so be sure to plan time for this.
If you take a little time to compare vendors, understand what services you’re purchasing, prepare your car for shipment, and then inspect it when it arrives, you can ensure that you’ll have a pleasant automobile shipping experience.
