Getting a car shipped because you’re relocating, going to a special event, or buying a car from another state entails a little bit of preparation. On the surface, the process of car shipping might seem simple. However, a great deal of customization and preparation has to be done so that the vehicle is ready for transport. Along with managing the paperwork such as title deeds, it also involves inspections and various forms of meticulous work. Such preparations tend to improve the overall experience, making it as smooth as possible.
In this blog post, we present an elaborate and comprehensive checklist on car shipping preparation. These checklists are essential as they help capturing each and every single task that must be accomplished prior to the vehicle’s shipping. Following the checklist will help in ensuring that the vehicle is not only fully safeguarded during transport, but any unnecessary hold ups or extra costs are avoided as well.
Choosing a Vehicle Transporting Company
The very first part of a car shipping process is to choose the vehicle transport company that will take care of your car as it is being transported. These companies should be reliable, have some sort of reputation in the industry, and provide some history of servicing their clients. Consider these car shipping service provider’s important factors below:
– Operational License and Insurance: Verify that the business practice of the vehicle shipping company is licensed and insured. This is easily verified by checking their DOT (Department of Transportation) number for interstate travel shipments or asking for the insurance policy of the company.
– Reputation: Customer reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previously served clients provide the reputation of the company. Some great testimonials mean that the company has served most of the clients willingly and efficiently.
– Range of services: Select whether you prefer open or enclosed transport, door to door or terminal to terminal shipping, ensure that the option that best fits your needs and budget is provided regardless.
Trust and customer satisfaction is prioritized here at 1A Car Shipping which ensures reliable, insured, and licensed auto transport services.
A Car’s Exterior and Interior Cleaning
Prior to the transport pickup, giving the automobile’s interior and exterior a clean is helpful. Although this particular step in the cleaning process might seem unnecessary, it is very important for the following reasons:
– Examination Procedures: An automobile with uncluttered surface aids and simplifies inspection attempts on what damages the car might have incurred. Clean surfaces permit you and the transport driver to identify imperfections like scratches, dents, and other flaws that were not noticeable prior to shipping. Damage free transit depends on proper documentation which inspection clean surfaces.
– Personal Belongings: Carriers need to advise such items be removed from the car as they do not get insurance that cover losing these items because the items fall outside the scope of policies intended to cover loss or theft or damage. If items have to be placed in the vehicle, ensure that they are placed correctly in the trunk and not scattered all over the cabin.
– Vehicle Mechanics: Ensure all of your vehicle’s systems are operational and there are no active issues. In this instance, you will not want to be struggling with the vehicle and its systems while attempting to load it onto the transport truck.
Inspecting Your Vehicle for Damage Damage assessments tend to involve vehicles and cars undergo deeper assessments.
Visual assessments are part of the transporting the vehicle process. The car transport companies do not just take your word and drive off with the vehicle. There are basic checks and instructions that need to be adhered to:
– Exterior: Conduct a complete perimeter check on the vehicle. You will need to confirm there are no visible bruises, scratches, or even finger prints on the body surface of the vehicle. Further, there is no textual clarity required, but condition proving the vehicle does not need any condition is needed.
– Interior: Check whether any personal articles which might be left in the car. Scribbling of private writings on the car upholstery needs to be considered. The endeavor is to expunge all, yet drawing this conclusion should imply a portion must at the focal point be this observation should suffice as the vehicle’s representation.
– Mechanics: Make sure the starting, stepping on the gas, and cruising functionalities have been checked as well. Structure special engagements to the estimated date of shipment but make the arrangements well ahead especially for cars that do not operational.
Make Certain That All Loose Components Are Secured
Transporting vehicles comes with a large risk of parts getting damaged, lost, or misplaced, as well as individual components getting scattered during driving. The following steps can be taken to avoid such issues:
– Detach All Exterior Vehicle Accessories: Any and all external vehicle mounted accessories such as antennas, bike racks, and spoilers should be taken off beforehand, as they pose a risk of bearing major damages during transportation.
– Mirrors Should Be Folded: For vehicles with retractable side mirrors, the mirrors should be folded in. Non-retractable mirrors should have protective coverings taped around them to shield them from debris.
– Conduct a Fluid Check: Check for oil or any other fluids leaking out of the vehicle’s body as it needs maintenance to prevent fees and added complications due to the extra delays.
Remove or Secure Personal Items
To ensure your vehicle is ready for shipping, all personal possessions must be removed, especially in the scenario where the car is shipped by transporters. Since these transporting companies do not cover liabilities on personal items, idiosyncrasies like clothing, jewelry or even electronics can be forfeited since the vehicle can no longer be accessed. So, it is much better to clear everything out rather than regretting later. Also, the chances of loss due to neglecting personal items also increase during window shipping. You can follow the set guidelines below:
– Take Everything Out: Everything socked must be taken out with all the required glam and bling to ensure no valuables or electronics are damaged because of car weight dropping my shipping. In most cases, weight can aid during shipment.
– Check Trunk and Glove Compartment: Most people throw it to the back of the trunk and glove compartment for easy masking and so stand by do not go near, forgetting to these small nooks.
Verify Easy Access For The Car Pickup
Double Check Ease of Vehicle’s State location for Transport Pickup. Obstructions need to be folded with other vehicles and ornamentation as well. Long shrub and tree markings should be adjusted as they exude portions said above too.
The driver needs sufficient clearance to work and secure the vehicle onto the transport trailer.
– Parking Restrictions: While shipping from an urban center or a busy apartment complex, kindly confirm if there are any parking constraints that would limit the transport truck’s access to your vehicle. If your vehicle is stuck in a tight location, you might need to meet the driver somewhere else.
Keep Important Documents Handy
Most importantly, make certain you have all the relevant documents. While most documents will not require your attention for an auto transport company to improve the logistics, here are some documents you might want to think about:
– Bill of Lading: This document contains parts of the vehicle shipping contract including the starting point and endpoint of transit, condition of the vehicle, and other significant clauses.
– Insurance Documents: Retain insurance transport documents just in case something happens during transportation, and also check the supplied transport insurance.
– Registration and Title: Make sure your vehicle is registered and title or proof of ownership is accessible if it is required.
Key Points
Following the car transport checklist minimizes the risk of damage, delays, and extra costs. Be it an open or enclosed compartment, reputable auto transport companies such as 1A Car Shipping ensures that the vehicle arrives on time.
1A Car Shipping offers complimentary assessments and consultations, escorting shipping clients step by step. Get in touch with us and ship your vehicle without any concerns!
