Around 62% of the population identify moving as the most stressful event they have experienced.
With so many components to shifting your life from one location to the next, the last thing you need is added stress due to car shipping uncertainties. Unexpected expenses for car transport company or delayed arrival can cause panic and disrupted plans.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to alleviate these worries and have the best car shipping experience possible. Whether you are feeling unsure of how to proceed with shipping your car across the country, or you have heard horror stories about damage and missing vehicles, we’re here to clear up the lines.
From choosing your company to ensuring a safe trip, follow along to learn the 7 factors to consider when hiring a car transportation service.
1. Car Transport Company Type of Service
Before you start shopping for the best provider, you will need to identify what service you are in search of. If you are moving overseas, you will be in the market for a boat shipping service.
It is important to consider what elements your car transport company will be facing when crossing the sea to decide on the best option. Exposure to salt water and unfamiliar elements can often leave damage to your car. For this reason, most companies will offer a shipping container for boarding. This ensures your car will be sealed off and protected on the trip.
On the other hand, if you are remaining on the same continent, you can start looking into land-transportation options. Like the sea, you’ll have a choice of enclosed trailer transport or open carriers. Enclosed options offer better protection from road debris and break-ins but often run at a higher rate.
On top of this, you will likely have the choice of a top or bottom rack transport. Essentially your car can take the top bunk position of the trailer or take shelter under the top layer of cars.
2. Cost of Car Transport Company
The cost of shipping a car is highly dependent on the distance of shipping and the timing of your trip.
While there is not much you can do to reduce the miles, you need your transporter to cover, it is a good idea to get on top of your shipping dates in advance. Last-minute bookings can drive up the cost of your quote and may not get your car to the destination at the same time as your move.
If possible, remain flexible with your shipping dates and secure the best price by joining in on a pre-scheduled trip.
3. Insurance
Touch base with your prospective car transport company to determine what kind of insurance options they have available. Since shipping a car requires different coverage than general use, you will be able to save yourself the headache of dealing with insurance companies by utilizing their convenient coverage.
Opting in for these insurance addons will provide you with peace of mind that no matter what happens during transport, you will have the proper coverage to make a claim.
This will save you on unexpected expenses due to an accident or damage caused during moving.
4. Documentation
Before the car transport company will load up your car, you will need to provide ownership and applicable registration. This may involve providing a bill of sale document, original title papers, and unexpired registration.
While gathering these documents may feel inconvenient, companies take this measure to ensure no unauthorized or stolen vehicles are shipped across the country.
Ask ahead of time what documentation is required for car shipping and be sure to bring photo identification to sign the bill of lading.
5. Preparation
You know what to do to pack your home, but do you know what to do before you ship a car?
Eliminate surprises and reduce your chances of damage on the trip by preparing your car for the shipping process. Make sure you clean your car inside and out to make identifying any damage caused by the moving process. This will also ensure no unsecured items can move around and break during transport.
Disable any movement alarms, fold in your side mirrors, and lock up your car once it’s loaded and ready to go.
Since your car will not actually be driven to the location, you can skip fueling up the tank and aim for about 1/4 of gas in your car for transport. This will reduce the amount of weight on the shipping truck and reduce risks.
6. Potential Damage Liability
Before you load up your car and sign the agreement for shipping, take note of any damage that already exists on your car. This damage will be documented in your contract, but it is always a good idea to take photos for your own records.
Upon arrival, your car will undergo an inspection to identify any issues caused by the shipper/shipment. Take special note of what damage your potential company is willing to cover, and what you will need to gather additional insurance for.
Having a clear description and photos of pre-shipping conditions will also eliminate confusion if there are any damages in question at the inspection.
7. Shipping Time Frame
The timeline for your shipment may not be the same as your flight schedule. Some companies may take longer to deliver your car due to multiple drop off locations and longer routes.
If you need your vehicle delivered by a certain date, it is a good idea to communicate this to your company right from the start. Expedited trips will likely impact the cost of shipping a car but will ensure you are not left waiting on your car’s arrival for unrealistic lengths of time.
Take these shipping timelines into consideration when shopping for the best shipping service and reduce any stress associated with delayed arrival.
Enjoy the Best Car Transport Company Experience
Now that you know what options to look for in a car transport company and what to do before you ship a car, you can ensure a stress-free experience. From locking in the best price to ensuring the fastest arrival, we are confident you’ll be mastering the car transport process in no time.
Want the best possible car shipping service for your vehicle? Get a free quote today and ensure a stress-free shipping experience for your move.
