Moving a long distance is already a daunting task. Figuring out what to do with your vehicles might completely overwhelm you. Stressful things come to mind when you think of the long drive: racking up mileage, your car breaking down, and the risk of accidents, among other things.
It shouldn’t be stressful. If you move your car using a transport service, things become bearable. With a car shipping service, the provider is responsible for your car’s safety and security as it gets transported long-distance. The auto transport service also handles all the documentation needed to move across different states.
There are only a few things you need to do to prepare your car for safe shipping. Shop for the best provider for your needs. Look at Sherpa auto transport reviews and reviews of providers such as American Auto and U-Ship. Once you’ve done that, you need to clean, maintain, and secure your car.
Shop Around for Car Shipping Companies
Be very thorough in your research. Avoid quickly deciding on the first or the cheapest auto transport service you see. Cheap might mean your car is not safe or secure during shipping. Your goal is to find the perfect balance between quality and cost. A provider that has better quality will take care of your vehicle better.
Here are simple things to look for when shopping around for auto transport companies:
- Within Your Budget – You should not decide based on cost alone, but it is a significant factor. Set a modest budget. Use this to look for companies that offer up to a little over what you’ve budgeted. Cross out everything that is too expensive or over your budget.
- Registration – Check if the company is registered. They should have a Department of Transportation number and a Motor Carrier number. Make sure these are valid. If they don’t have these, cross them out of the list. They might be scammers or lead farmers.
- Insurance Coverage – Find out what type of coverage the shipping company offers. Reputable providers will give you options regarding insurance. This is important as you can avoid any liabilities if accidents happen. If you have the cash to spare, you can get additional coverage for your peace of mind.
- Experience – Auto-shipping is a complicated industry, with lots of moving parts. They need the best resources and trained professionals. You can be sure that experienced providers have both. Cross out any companies that have no track record. Take note of companies that has lots of testimonials and reviews.
Avoid calling companies or sending an e-mail right away when doing your research. You’re setting yourself up for non-stop sales calls from their marketing team. Instead, research online first. Look at online reviews of auto transport services. Compare and contrast the customer testimonials and factor in their cost and other services.
Prepare Your Car for Transport
Shopping around and choosing a long-distance car transport service is most of the work. The rest is easy. Here are some more things you need to do to ensure your car is safe and secure with the long-distance transport service:
- Clean and Clear Your Car – Remove grime and dirt from your vehicle thoroughly. Remove all personal items and aftermarket products from your interiors. Those cup holders can create dings and scrapes to your interiors if they become unattached while being transported.
- Perform Maintenance – Bring your car to your mechanic. Make sure the batteries are full. Check your tire pressure. Refill fluids and fix any leaks. Ask your mechanic to check your car for damages, and have it repaired before the shipping date.
- Remove or Secure Movable Parts – Uninstall movable parts from your car if you can. That bike carrier rack is essential to you, but it’s a hazard for transporting your vehicle long distance. If it gets dislodged while in transit, it can cause serious damage to your car or other vehicles. Ship these parts separately. Fasten and secure them thoroughly if you can’t remove them.
- Take Pictures of Your Car – Take photos of your vehicle from different angles. Get a picture of both the interior and exterior. This will serve as documentation of your vehicle’s condition before you hand your keys over to the shipper. If your car gets a dent or a scratch that was not there before, the insurance coverage of the auto transport company should cover the repair. But make sure that the pictures you take are clear and detailed, so you can easily use these to contest damages.
Safe and Secure
Once your car is shipped, all you need to do is move to your new home and wait for it. Your transport service will call you once the carrier or truck is near the target destination. They will check if you are available to receive it.
After that, it’s only a matter of receiving your car and inspecting it. If you don’t find anything unusual, sign some paperwork and you’re done. By hiring a car shipping company, your long-distance move becomes safe, secure, and convenient.
