Have you ever thought about how to transport a car across the country or overseas? Perhaps you’re relocating to an area buying or selling a vehicle or going on an extended vacation. Regardless of the reason shipping your car can offer convenience and cost effectiveness in getting your vehicle from one place to another. However, what should you anticipate when it comes to car shipping? How do you properly prepare your car for shipment? How do you select a reputable car shipping company?. How can you keep track of your car during transit? In this article we will address these inquiries and more ensuring that your experience with shipping a car is smooth and worry free.
Preparing Your Car For Shipping
Before you ship your car, there are some steps you need to take to ensure that your car is ready for transport. Here are some of the things you should do:
Clean your car inside and out
This will help you inspect your car for any existing damage and take photos as proof. It will also prevent any dirt or debris from causing scratches or stains during transit.
Remove any personal items and valuables from your car
Many car shipping companies have a policy of not accepting vehicles with belongings inside. This is because these items can add weight and potentially cause damage or get lost or stolen. It is also recommended to remove any aftermarket accessories, like spoilers, roof racks or antennas as they can be easily damaged during the loading and unloading process.
Check your car’s fluids, tires, and battery
You should make sure that your car’s fluids are at the appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. You should also inflate your tires to the recommended pressure and ensure that your battery is fully charged. This will help prevent any mechanical issues or delays during transport.
Disable your car’s alarm system
You don’t want your car’s alarm to go off during transit, as it can cause annoyance, confusion, or even damage to your car or other vehicles. You should also disable any anti-theft devices or tracking systems that can interfere with the driver’s ability to operate your car.
Keep a spare key with you
It’s always an idea to have an extra key for your car in case the original one gets misplaced or damaged while you’re on the go. Additionally it’s important to keep a duplicate of your cars registration and insurance papers handy, for verification purposes.
Choosing A Car Shipping Company
When it comes to transporting your vehicle one of the choices you have to make is selecting a trustworthy and dependable car shipping company. There are factors to take into account while deciding on the right car shipping company, including;
The type of service they offer
There are options for car shipping services, including open transport, enclosed transport, door to door service, terminal to terminal service, expedited service and more. It’s important to select the option that aligns with your requirements, budget and preferences.
The cost of shipping
The cost of shipping a car can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance, the size and weight of your car, the type of service, the season, the demand, etc. You should compare different quotes from different companies and look for any hidden fees or extra charges.
The reputation and reviews of the company
You should do some research on the company’s background, experience, credentials, ratings, reviews, testimonials, etc. You should look for a company that has a good track record of delivering cars safely and on time, and that has positive feedback from previous customers.
The insurance coverage they provide
It’s crucial to ensure that the company you select has insurance coverage for your vehicle in case of any damage or loss, during transportation. Request a copy of their insurance policy. Carefully review what it includes and excludes. Additionally verify whether you need to obtain insurance from your own provider or a third party insurer.
Tracking Your Car During Transit
After you’ve completed the process of booking your car shipping service and ensuring that your car is ready for transport you might have questions about how to keep tabs on its whereabouts while it’s in transit. The methods for tracking your car can vary depending on the company you select and the type of service they provide. Here are a few used approaches to track your vehicle;
Using online tracking tools
Some companies provide online tracking tools that allow you to track your car’s location and status using a tracking number or a reference number. You can access these tools through their website or app and get real-time updates on your car’s progress.
Calling or emailing the company
Some companies provide phone or email support that allow you to contact them and ask for updates on your car’s location and status. You can call or email them anytime during their business hours and get accurate information on your car’s progress.
Communicating with the driver
Certain companies offer the option to directly communicate with the driver for transporting your vehicle. You have the convenience of contacting them via phone or text to get real time updates regarding the location and status of your car. Moreover you can coordinate a time and location, for both delivery and pickup arrangements.
Conclusion
Transporting a vehicle across the country or overseas can be an economical choice.. It’s important to understand what to anticipate when shipping your car, how to get it ready, for transport, how to select a trustworthy car shipping company and how to keep tabs on its journey. By taking these suggestions into account you’ll enjoy a seamless and hassle free car shipping experience.
