How to Ship an Important Car

A car is one of your most important assets, and you want to make sure that it’s in the best shape possible. This is especially true when you’re trying to relocate, and you need to bring a vehicle with you. It also applies to rare cars, expensive cars, and vintage cars. Shipping a car means entrusting it to the hands of strangers. It’s not easy, but it has to be done. Don’t worry, though! Here’s the best guide on how to safely transport a car that you hold dear.

Find the Right Shipping Company

It’s easy to find a car shipping company. They’re everywhere! However, not all of them will do a good job. That’s why you have to ensure you’re working with the best one possible! 

To find out which is right for your needs, here are some criteria you should consider.

  • Is the company registered with the Department of Transportation?
  • Do they offer specialized services? This includes things like loading and unloading assistance as well as customs clearing. 
  • What sort of damages and up to what amount does their insurance coverage cover? 
  • Can the car stay at their premises during transit if necessary?
  • Are they experienced in shipping cars of the same type as yours?

Your goal is to find a compatible company that will do everything in its power to ship your car without a single scratch or delay.

Compare Quotes from Multiple Carriers

This is basic advice not only for car shipping but for every paid service in general. You should always compare quotes from multiple carriers before making a decision. You want to check that you’re not overpaying for the shipping service. At the same time, you don’t want it to be too cheap and end up being subpar work. Comparisons allow you to choose the most affordable company without endangering your vehicle’s condition.

Don’t just simply go for the cheapest. Check out reviews. You’ll never know what you’ll find.

Choose an Appropriate Method of Transport

There are two primary methods of land transport in car shipping. First, you have the most common, open-air trailer. As the term implies, it involves hoisting your vehicle in a roofless transport and driving it to the designated location. Normally, this works well enough for regular or used cars. However, you’re shipping a vehicle precious to you, right? You see, open-air transport involves several risks since onboard cars will be exposed to the outside environment. 

If you want a much safer option, an enclosed trailer will suit your needs better. Contrary to open-air, your vehicle will be transported in a secured container, protecting it from external elements. The only downside to this is that it typically comes at a higher price than the latter. But it shouldn’t be a problem if you genuinely want to keep your car intact.

Prepare Your Car for Transport

Once you’ve settled the deal with your carrier, it’s time to proceed to the next stage. In order for your car to be transported safely and swiftly, it has to undergo a few preparations beforehand.

  • First, you need to wash your car squeaky clean.
  • Next, drain the fuel tank and leave about 3/4 for the trip.
  • You also need to make sure that all fluids are topped up, especially with oil which can easily spill during transport.
  • Remove accessories and valuables inside the car.
  • You should also have some air in the tires to ensure that they don’t lose air during transit.
  • It would be best to have a mechanic perform a comprehensive check on your vehicles condition.
  • Lastly, document pre-existing damages or mechanical issues so you have proof if something terrible happens during transit.

What To Do When Your Car Arrives

When your car arrives, the first thing in your mind must be to drive away with it. But wait! You first need to inspect for any damage. Do this in the presence of the driver or a shipping company representative. If something bad has happened during transit, then you should have some documentation ready that proves this. If you see any issue, don’t hesitate to file an insurance or compensation claim right away. 

Make sure the vehicle is in check.

Conclusion

Shipping an important car might sound like an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to. In the end, everything will fall on your carrier’s expertise in handling the vehicle. Make sure you do a thorough background check before you commit to any agreement. Wish you the best!