Car shipping preparation entails more than just scheduling a pick-up with a car shipping company and calling it a day. Do your due diligence once you’ve gathered some car shipping quotes and chosen a reputable car shipping company and start arranging for shipment of your vehicle. This will ensure that the shipping process goes more smoothly. Let’s take a look at some methods to ensure your car reaches your new home in good condition.
1. Gather all of your vehicle’s paperwork
Auto carriers will require confirmation of ownership before shipping a car. Keep the following items in mind to avoid shipment delays and last-minute file cabinet and glove box searches:
- Vehicle registration information
- Insurance proof
- A bill of sale or other document proving ownership is required.
- Original vehicle title
- Valid identification (driver’s licence or passport)
For international shipping, expect additional paperwork, including the payment of import fees and taxes.
2. Wash your vehicle both inside and out
Although washing your car before shipping may seem contradictory, starting with a clean automobile allows you to notice any existing dust, dings, or scratches, which help you, catch any additional damage that happens during the car transport service. Don’t overlook the interior of the vehicle: sanitise surfaces and remove clutter.
3. Check for damage
Once your vehicle is clean, it is necessary to for any pre-existing external damage. Dents, scratches, paint are all examples of this. It is good to photograph your entire vehicle and document any current damage for your records. If the car transportation company rejects responsibility for damage that had occurred during shipment, these images serve as proof of your claim.
4. Remove any personal belongings
Storing hefty boxes in your car before shipping it if you’re running out of space in your moving truck, is a massive no-no. Items stored in your car will not be insured against theft or damage, and transportation companies may be punished if they transport your goods in your automobile. Remove any personal or unnecessary items from your vehicle instead.
If you insist on leaving personal things in your car, make sure they’re stowed into the trunk to keep them out of sight and out of the sun while the car is being transported. To avoid an additional increase in your shipping costs, remove any parking passes or toll tags.
But don’t get rid of everything. If something goes wrong, have your spare tyre, emergency kit, jack, and licence plate in the vehicle.
5. Carry out any required maintenance
Check for leaks and mechanical faults on cars in good working order, and top off any fluids. If you find a leak before your automobile is picked up, have it fixed. The following are a few to look into:
- Tire pressure: To avoid vehicle damage, tyres should be adequately filled on the day of shipment.
- Battery charge: Make sure the battery in your automobile is fully charged.
- Fluids: Make sure your car’s fluids are full (oil, brake, coolant, power steering, and washer). Then look for any leaks.
- Mileage: Keep track of your car’s mileage at pick-up and drop-off.
6. Make sure your gas/fuel tank is empty
It’s not required to fill up your tank before shipping. Furthermore, additional gas/fuel implies additional weight for your vehicle and car carrier, which can increase your transportation costs. Instead, fill your gas/fuel tank to about a quarter capacity. That’s more than enough fuel to get it on and off the transport vehicle without running out.
7. Remove any extraneous items
Any accessories on the outside of your vehicle may be damaged during transport. Before shipping your car, remove or secure any valuable accessories.
8. Lock the door but keep the keys
Before shipping, you can lock the vehicle after placing it onto the auto transporter for added theft protection. In case, the car transport driver, on the other hand, requires a set of keys to your vehicle to be moved or driven off the transporter. Don’t hand over your only set of keys to the transport driver.
9. Put your signature on the bill of lading and wave goodbye
It’s time to get a licence now that your car is clean and ready to ship. Before arriving, the auto transport driver will call you to confirm that you are at home and that the vehicle is ready to travel. Sign the bill of lading, which serves as a receipt as well as legal protection for your vehicle. BEFORE SIGNING THE CONTRACT, READ IT.
That’s it! A similar inspection and signing process will be done with the driver when your car arrives at its destination. Some of these methods can also be applied to shipping motorcycles. Organizing and setting up everything in advance ensures hassle-free transportation.
