If you’re one of the many people who are relocating across the country, you’ll likely need some car shipping tips to help you ship your four-wheeler. This can be a complicated process, but by following our tips, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives at its new destination safely and on time. Let’s get started!
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What Are the Benefits of Vehicle Shipping?
Many people choose to ship their vehicles when they move to a new city or state. There are several benefits of shipping your vehicle instead of driving it cross-country. These benefits include:
- No wear and tear on your vehicle – One of the most obvious relocation benefits of having your vehicle shipped is that it will avoid wear and tear. Driving long distances can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, which can lead to mechanical issues down the road. Transporting your vehicle this way will ensure that it arrives in the same condition as when it left.
- Save time – Another benefit of shipping your vehicle is that it will save you a lot of time. If you were to drive your four-wheeler to your new location, you would have to take several days off work to complete the trip. This is time that you could be spending settling into your new apartment. That’s how shipping your car will allow you to get settled into your new town more quickly.
- Reduce stress – Another benefit of shipping your vehicle is that it will reduce relocation stress. Moving can be a very stressful experience, and adding a long car trip on top of that can be too much for some people to handle. Having your four-wheeler shipped professionally will allow you to focus on other aspects of organizing your move and make the whole process less overwhelming.
One of the Most Important Car Shipping Tips – Research the Companies Before Hiring Them
When you are looking for a long-distance moving company to ship your car, it is important that you research cross-country movers before hiring them. There are a few things you should look for when researching car shipping companies and cross-country moving services:
- Check their Better Business Bureau rating – The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that rates businesses based on customer complaints. If a company has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau, it means they are likely to provide good long-distance moving services.
- Read online reviews – Another thing you should do when you are looking for a car shipping company and professional long-distance movers is to find online reviews on Google, Yelp, and other websites. Reading online reviews will help you get an idea of what other customers have thought about the company’s long-distance moving services.
- Ask for recommendations from friends and family – If someone you know has used a car shipping company before, they may be able to give you a good recommendation.
This research method will help you avoid moving scams, which are unfortunately pretty common nowadays. You want to learn how to avoid unnecessary complications and get the right information right from the start. To see if a mover is legitimate, it is usually not enough to only check the company’s website. Some other external resources and reviews will often give you more realistic information about the company, so you can really know what to expect.
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Ask Them About Different Shipping Options
When you are moving, it is important to ask different shipping companies about the types of shipping and packing services they offer. This way, you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Here are some of the most common types of services offered by shipping companies:
- Transportation in an opened trailer – If you choose transportation in an opened trailer, you can get a more affordable price. However, you should also know that your wheeler won’t be absolutely protected from all the external factors such as sun and rain, as it won’t be fully covered. These types of trailers can also fit more vehicles, which makes them a more affordable choice.
- Transportation in an enclosed trailer – Enclosed trailers fit fewer vehicles than opened trailers, but they are fully protected from any external factors. This is why this transportation option is more expensive and recommended for more valuable vehicles.
- Terminal to terminal relocation – In case you want to save on relocation expenses, this can be your choice of delivery method. With this method, you’ll need to drive your vehicle to a designated terminal that’s closest to your home and leave it to professional long-distance movers there. They will pick up your vehicle from that parking lot and deliver it to the designated parking lot in the city you’re relocating to. Once you get to your new home, you can go there and pick up your four-wheeler by yourself.
- Door-to-door relocation – This is a more expensive option, but if you choose it, you can stay comfortable knowing that cross-country movers will do everything for you. They will show up at your home, pick up your vehicle there, transport it in a chosen type of trailer to the new city and leave it in front of your new home. This method can be a more convenient choice if you have many other responsibilities to handle, and don’t want to worry about picking up the four-wheeler on your own.
Ensure That Your Car Is Insured During the Transportation Process
Even when you hire professionals, many unexpected situations may occur during the relocation process. This is why you should think in advance, especially when it comes to insuring delicate items. Your four-wheeler is one of the most important items to insure during the transportation process. Here are a few tips on how to insure your four-wheeler during transport and how moving insurance works in general.
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Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Your insurance agent is a great resource for questions about your coverage. They can help you determine if your policy covers the transport and, if not, what kind of coverage you need. You may need to purchase additional insurance for the duration of transport. Be sure to get quotes from a few different insurance agencies so that you can compare rates and coverage options and plan your potential expenses in advance.
Review Your Policy Documents
Even if you’ve talked to your agent, it’s always a good idea to review all the important documents before making any decisions. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t covered by your policy. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your insurance provider for clarification.
Choose the Right Type of Coverage
There are two main types of coverage for vehicle transport: liability and comprehensive. Liability coverage protects you from damages caused by an accident that is your fault. Comprehensive coverage protects you from damages caused by an accident that is not your fault, as well as from theft, fire, and weather damage. Be sure to choose the type of coverage that best suits your needs.
The type of insurance depends on the booked service and the company’s policy, so it is best that you contact the chosen company for additional information. They will tell you all the details about the insurance options depending on your specific needs and chosen services.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you’ve decided on a policy, be sure to get everything in writing before signing anything. This way, you’ll have a clear understanding of the coverage you’re getting and won’t be surprised by any hidden fees or exclusions.
It is essential that you have all the important things in writing
Auto Transport Tips – Short Preparation Goes a Long Way
Apart from the previously mentioned stuff, there are still some things you should take care of if you want to move efficiently. Here’s what you should do when preparing a four-wheeler for transportation.
Prepare your car for shipping
Remove all personal items from the interior of the four-wheeler as well as any external items like bike racks or spoilers. You should also wash the four-wheeler before delivery so you can more easily spot any damage that may have occurred during transit.
Keep communication lines open
Once you’ve chosen a company and scheduled pick-up, make sure you have their contact information handy in case of any changes or delays on either end. It’s also a good idea to have someone else’s contact information in case something happens and you can’t be reached.
Be available on delivery day
The exact time of delivery will depend on many factors like weather and traffic, but try to be available all day just in case the driver arrives early or late. If possible, meet the driver at the home destination address rather than having them deliver the four-wheeler to another location later on.
Inspect the vehicle upon arrival
Once the driver has unloaded your four-wheeler, take some time to inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during transport. If possible, do this in daylight and take pictures of any damage before the driver leaves so there is documentation in case you need to file a claim later on.
Do a test drive
Even if everything looks fine with the vehicle itself, it’s always a good idea to take it for a spin around the block before signing off on the delivery. This moving hack will help ensure that there were no problems with loading or unloading that could result in damage further down the road.
Pay attention to red flags
If something doesn’t seem right or raises concerns, don’t hesitate to speak up. You should feel confident and comfortable with both the company and the driver before handing over your keys.
Avoid Fueling up When Shipping Your Car
When you’re transporting your four-wheeler, it’s important to make sure that you don’t fuel up before handing it over to the shipping company. While it may seem like a good idea to have a full tank of gas in case of emergencies, there are actually a few disadvantages that come with fueling up before transporting your four-wheeler.
One of the disadvantages of fueling up before transporting your four-wheeler is that it can add unnecessary weight to the vehicle. This extra weight can throw off the shipping company’s calculations and result in your car being shipped improperly.
Fueling Your Vehicle Before Shipping Can Be Dangerous
The potential danger of fueling up before transporting your four-wheeler is that it could leak. If there’s even a small leak in your fuel tank, the gasoline could spill out and damage other parts of your car. Gasoline is very flammable, so a fuel leak could create a serious fire hazard. Even if there’s no leak, the fumes from the gasoline could be dangerous for the workers who are loading and unloading the cars.
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Learn moreUtilize These Auto Transport Tips, and Your Relocation Will Be a Breeze
Getting professional auto transport is a great way to relocate without the hassle of driving long distances. This service will certainly make sure the transport goes as smoothly as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your move while your four-wheeler is transported safely and securely.
FAQ
What Are Some Tips for Choosing a Reputable Car Shipping Company?
We recommend checking the company’s reviews and ratings from previous customers on trusted review sites. Look for a company that is licensed, insured, and registered with the Department of Transportation. Compare prices from multiple companies to ensure you are getting a fair price. Ask about the company’s experience and track record for transporting vehicles. Ensure the company provides a clear contract outlining their cross-country moving services and costs.
How Can I Ensure That My Car Is Protected During the Shipping Process?
Wash your car thoroughly to identify any pre-existing damages. Remove any personal belongings from the car, as they may shift and cause damage during transport. Disable the car alarm and ensure the gas tank is no more than one-quarter full. Take photos of your car before and after transport to document any damages.
What Is the Best Way to Prepare My Car for Shipping?
The best way to prepare your vehicle is to wash the exterior and clean the interior of your car. Remove any loose parts, such as antennas or bike racks, to avoid damage during transport. Check for leaks and make any necessary repairs. Check your car’s battery, tires, and brakes to ensure they are in good condition.
How Can I Save Money on Car Shipping Costs?
Book your shipping in advance to avoid last-minute rush fees. Choose open transport instead of enclosed transport if possible, as it is generally less expensive. Use a reputable car shipping or cross-country moving company that offers competitive pricing.
How Long in Advance Should I Schedule My Car Shipping?
It is best to schedule your car shipping at least two weeks in advance to ensure availability and avoid rush fees.
What Should I Do if My Car Is Not Delivered on Time?
The best thing you can do is contact the car shipping company right away to inquire about the delay and expected delivery time.
If necessary, file a complaint with the long-distance moving company or escalate the issue to the Department of Transportation.
Can I Pack Personal Belongings in My Car During Shipping?
Most car shipping companies do not allow personal belongings to be packed in the car during transport for safety and insurance reasons. It’s always a good idea to check with your car shipping company to confirm their policy on personal belongings.
How Do I Track My Car During the Shipping Process?
Most car shipping companies provide a tracking number that you can use to track your car’s location and estimated delivery time. You can usually access the tracking information online or by contacting the cross-country moving company’s customer service department. If you have any concerns about the status of your car during the shipping process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the car shipping company for updates.
What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping a Car?
Common mistakes to avoid while shipping a car are the following:
- Not thoroughly researching the car shipping company before booking.
- Packing personal belongings in the car.
- Not properly preparing your car for transport.
- Not documenting pre-existing damages with photos.
What Should I Do if My Car Is Damaged During the Shipping Process?
Take pictures of the damage to your car and make notes of any other relevant details, such as the date and time of the damage. Notify the long-distance moving company of the damage as soon as possible. You may need to file a claim with your insurance provider, so ask for instructions on how to do this. Follow the car shipping company’s instructions on how to file an insurance claim for the damages. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as photos and repair estimates.
