Moving across the country needs a lot of preparation. One of the hassles you have to deal with is moving everything you own to your destination, including your car. Most people don’t want to endure the long drive as it is an unnecessary burden to an already stressful situation. Luckily, car shipment services can make your life easier. On that note, read on to learn how to prepare and safely transport your car across the country.
Consider Your Options
When moving your car across the country, there are three options for shipment: air transport, truck transport, or rail freight. Airfreight tends to be quite pricey, so it’s not ideal if you’re just moving across the country. However, it is the quickest method, which is why it’s suitable for those moving abroad. Rail freight means putting your car on a train, which is one of the cheapest options, but you may have to ride along with it and follow their schedule. Therefore, if you want a cheap option that allows you to choose the timeframe in which you’d like your car to be delivered, it’s best to consider truck transport.
Compare Car Transport Services
Before making a decision, compare the various transport options available while keeping your needs in mind. Are you prioritizing affordability or rapid transit? Keep in mind that the size of the truck, the distance that your car will travel, and the timeframe will affect the cost. Luckily, you get to decide what suits you best. One of the best options is open auto transport carriers, which transport up to 10 cars at a time. Your main goal should be to find reliable and trustworthy car shipping services, and you can find really cheap ones if you look hard enough. Although the cheapest method is terminal-to-terminal transport, there are some great door-to-door services with reasonable prices out there.
Prepare Car Documents
Your first step in preparing your vehicle for take-off after deciding on the right shipment company is to gather all your car documents. You’ll need proof of insurance along with car registration information, a receipt of sale or proof of ownership, the original vehicle title, and an up-to-date driver’s license or passport.
Inspect the Car’s Condition
Inspect the condition of your car before sending it underway. Test the brakes, check for leaks, and then empty the gas tank. Don’t forget to inspect for any existing damage or scratches to determine the condition of the car upon arrival. Moreover, check the tires, make a note of your car’s mileage before and after transport, and make sure the car battery is fully charged.
Schedule Maintenance
You must schedule maintenance before traveling to ensure your car is in tiptop shape. That means scheduling a thorough clean inside and out. Washing your car will help you inspect it properly, too. Make sure you wipe down the surfaces, windshield and remove any clutter. You can always send it to the repair shop beforehand to wash your car for you and handle any repairs.
Remove Personal Belongings
Make sure you remove any personal belongings before handing over your car. Check the glove compartment and take out all items that don’t need to stay in the car. Moreover, don’t forget to lock the car but leave the keys for the shipment company. Last, disable the alarm so that it won’t be bothersome for the driver.
Make Sure you Have Insurance Coverage.
Typically, shipment companies offer excellent service, but you must understand that accidents can happen. Therefore, you should make sure you have enough coverage in case of any incidents. Transport companies are legally obliged to have basic insurance, but it’s best to err on the side of caution and make sure your auto insurance coverage can handle any mishaps.
Have All the Details
Make a note of all the details you need to know regarding the shipment. If you haven’t opted for door-to-door service, you’ll need to know where the drop-off and pick-up are located. You’ll also want an estimate of the time and date that your vehicle will be transported and delivered.
Some companies offer GPS; however, a simple phone call to the shipping company will help you track the location of your vehicle. In any case, make sure all the details are in the bill of lading and thoroughly read the contract before signing.
Once your car has been delivered, you should immediately inspect it and compare its condition with its pre-shipping condition. If you follow this guide, you will be well aware of the condition of your car before you dropped it off, so you can determine whether it sustained any damage during transportation. Although damage isn’t likely, taking pictures of the car will help put your mind at ease.