9 Tips to Prepare for Shipping Your Car
Before you use our Affordable Car Shipping Services, there are a few things you should do.
The following are the most important things to remember when shipping your car:
- Take all belongings out of the car. These can include GPS units, CDs, electronic devices, and important documents. You don’t want your belongings to get lost or damaged in transit, so remove them from the car.
- Deactivate the alarm. Consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to do it.
- Fill the car with half a tank of gas and charge the battery. A non-run fee is charged when the car can’t be driven on and off the trailer. It is possible to avoid this fee by making sure you have enough gas in the tank and that your battery is sufficiently charged.
- Let the driver know the quirks of your vehicle. To prevent unnecessary non-run fees, tell your driver as much as you can about your car’s unique features. Provide written instructions as well in case the driver forgets. In some cars, for instance, the brakes work only during engine operation, while other cars have unusual cut-off switches.
- Check the level of antifreeze in the engine. Ensure it is appropriate for the climates the car will be exposed to during transportation.
- Remove all personal items from the interior and trunk before shipping. Don’t ship items that you normally keep in your car. Any loose items in the car may roll around and cause damage if the carrier hits potholes along the way.
- Remember to remove your EZ Pass. Transponders can even be read inside trailers!
- Make sure your car is clean on the inside and outside. Have your car cleaned and document any existing damage to the car that you notice, like dents or scratches. It will be easier to identify any potential problems with a clean car when you do your inspection with the driver after receiving your car.
- Take pictures of the car. Taking photos of your car from every angle is always a great idea before transport. In this way, you have unmistakable proof of its condition before pickup in case damage occurs during transportation.
Following these tips will help ensure that your car arrives at its destination in the same condition it left.
On the day of car shipping, make sure you are there on time to hand over your keys and documents. As soon as your car has been loaded onto the truck, you have done your part, and now you just need to meet them at the drop-off location or have a representative over 18 years old do it for you.
What Are the Different Types of Auto Shipping Options?
You have a few shipping options available to you if you need to move your car.
Open shipping is the most popular method, as it is the most economical. Your car will be loaded onto an open carrier and transported to its destination. Shipping your car in this manner is ideally suited for short distances.
When shipping your car over a long distance or if you want to ensure that it arrives in pristine condition, enclosed shipping may be the best option. In this type of shipping, your car will be loaded into a covered trailer or container. It protects your car from the elements and reduces the risk of damage during transportation.
Make sure you compare shipping rates from different shippers for the best deal, no matter which shipping method you choose.
