While shipping items from one place to another has become a norm, with one having the ability to shop their product from the comforts of their homes, car shipping is still a challenge. You cannot hire just any transporting service provider to handle this task. It requires specialized skills and knowledge to complete the task at hand.
However, before you hire a car shipping company, it is wise to be familiar with the process. This will ensure you are familiar with what to expect during shipping.
Research the car shipping company
Before you hire a car shipping company, it is essential that you do proper research on them. That is why it is the first step in this car shipping guide. Doing so will allow you to find a reliable and trustworthy company that can handle your requirements.
You can begin by looking up car shipping companies online and reading reviews and ratings from previous customers. You can also ask for referrals from friends and family who have used a car shipping company before.
While choosing a car shipping company, you must consider factors such as insurance, license, and experience. The car shipping company should have experience in shipping cars, and their customer service should be responsive and helpful.
Request A Quote
After finding a reliable car shipping service provider, the next step would be to connect with them and request a quote for your requirement. Usually, you would only need to fill up an online form at the website of such companies, and they will give you a call back to better understand your requirement. However, you can also contact them directly, especially if you have an urgent need.
Make your reservation
If you are comfortable with the prices and the details of shipping, then make a reservation immediately. However, before doing so, you must make a crucial choice – determining between open and closed containers.
The open-air carrier is the most common and affordable option, but it has the drawback of exposing your vehicle to outdoor elements during transport. This may be a concern for some customers. However, if you are transporting a brand new, luxury, antique, or exotic car, you may prefer to opt for enclosed transport, which protects the outdoors but may come at an additional cost.
Prepare your vehicle for shipment
Once you have requested a quote and made your booking for the shipping, it is evident that you need to prepare your car for the process. You are required to clean your car and inspect its damages before shipping thoroughly. This will allow you to claim insurance if it is damaged during shipping. It is also recommended that you remove any personal items from the vehicle.
Many shipping companies also offer pre-shipping preparation services. Ask your car shipping provider whether they provide such services or not. Also, if you do not have insurance, get one.
Make your reservation
If you are comfortable with the prices and the details of shipping, then make a reservation immediately. However, before doing so, you must make a crucial choice – determining between open and closed containers.
The open-air carrier is the most common and affordable option, but it has the drawback of exposing your vehicle to outdoor elements during transport. This may be a concern for some customers. However, if you are transporting a brand new, luxury, antique, or exotic car, you may prefer to opt for enclosed transport, which protects the outdoors but may come at an additional cost.
Prepare your vehicle for shipment
Once you have requested a quote and made your booking for the shipping, it is evident that you need to prepare your car for the process. You are required to clean your car and inspect its damages before shipping thoroughly. This will allow you to claim insurance if it is damaged during shipping. It is also recommended that you remove any personal items from the vehicle.
Many shipping companies also offer pre-shipping preparation services. Ask your car shipping provider whether they provide such services or not. Also, if you do not have insurance, get one.
Pick up and loading
Once all the formalities are completed, you only need to wait for the pickup date to come. On the day of your scheduled pickup, a carrier will arrive to load your vehicle onto their trailer for shipping. To transport your car, you’ll be required to provide proof of ownership. During this pickup, you’ll have an opportunity to exchange contact information with the carrier, allowing you to stay informed about delivery updates.
Before the carrier takes custody of your vehicle, you’ll conduct an inspection to document its condition. You’ll need to record this information on the Bill of Lading, which will be used to assess any damage that may occur during transit. At this time, you’ll also sign your final contract and hand over the keys to the carrier. Be sure to keep a copy of the Bill of Lading and agreement for your records.
It’s recommended to take some photos of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the carrier, which can serve as additional documentation of its condition in case of any disputes later on. Once the carrier has secured your vehicle onto the trailer, you’ll say goodbye and await delivery at your destination.
Check-up after the delivery
Upon delivery, it’s essential to conduct a final inspection of your vehicle’s condition. This is when you should carefully note any damages that may have occurred during transit. Once you’ve completed the inspection and signed the Bill of Lading, you’ll be required to make your final payment before taking possession of your vehicle.
Conclusion
The shipment of your car can be hassle-free, but only if you partner up with a reliable service provider. Luckily, USA AUTO SHIPPING is one such partner that you can connect with. Reach out via email at info@usaautoship.com or 888-996-8228 with your requirement today!
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