When Do You Need to Have Your Vehicle Transported?
Anywhere from 13% to 15% of the U.S. population makes a move in a year. That’s a lot of boxed-up clothing and assorted kitchenware to get from point A to point B. However, plenty of consumers look for trusted transport carriers for other reasons beyond relocating to another state. Those might include:
- Seasonally moving to warmer climates like a Snowbird going from Wisconsin to Florida.
- Accepting a career change that includes a move to a new part of the country.
- Purchasing your dream vehicle online and needing it shipped to your home.
- Having a reliable car available for college students or military deployment.
- Gifting a prized car to a family member or ensuring a luxury vehicle is protected before a show.
Whatever the reason, getting a transparent quote or estimate for car shipping ensures you can have your ride ready to go as you move about the country for business or pleasure.
Navigating the Car Shipping Process with Confidence: Quick Tips
Not all transport carriers are made the same. Car shipping can come with some issues, so it’s essential to plan, prepare, and make well-informed decisions. That will reduce the risk to next to nothing and give you the peace of mind needed to enjoy your holiday. Here are some quick tips to get you started.
#1 – Prep Your Car
Many professional transport companies will require you to empty your vehicle of any personal items before it is picked up. It’s a good idea because it removes the risk of losing valuables like car navigation systems, tablets, or handicap placards.
Besides clearing personal items, you should also give it a quick cleaning. That will provide you with a fresh canvas for your trip. Be sure to check the fluid levels, tire pressure, and battery condition to lower the chances of unwanted breakdowns. You should also turn off any toll tags or alarms so the driver isn’t stuck hearing your horn for their long drive.
A pro tip some people forget about is to close the sideview mirrors once the car is on the truck. It’s a small detail, but it goes a long way to reducing the chances of damage.
#2 – Gather Important Documents
Your vehicle is an investment, and car shipping puts that resource at risk. A professional car shipping company will require some documentation to maintain records, but it is also advisable to have as much information on hand as possible to prove ownership and document the domestic transport.
Some of the more important documents you’ll need include:
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of ownership (usually a car title or bill of sale)
- Your photo ID
- Auto insurance
- Lienholder authorization
- Signed shipping agreement (or bill of lading)
Some states, like Hawaii, also require an “Absent Owner Authorization,” which the fleet management company can provide. It’s a good idea to have a folder with all your documents easily accessible in case something unforeseen arises.
#3 – Decide on the Shipping Method
This is a crucial tip for your car shipping journey. There are two primary ways for a vehicle to move – either open or enclosed.
Open shipping means your vehicle will be exposed to road debris, weather conditions, and sunlight. It is usually a little cheaper than the other options and easier to schedule, but may require you to pay extra attention to inspections before and after delivery.
The other is enclosed car shipping. That will place your vehicle inside a truck with some form of roof and side protection. You get way more shielding against accidents, but it often comes at a higher price point and may be more challenging to schedule.
The shipping method doesn’t only apply to enclosed or open air. You must have precise pickup and drop-off locations for your door-to-door service. Be extremely explicit about the time, date, and location of both pickup and drop-off. It may help to have a backup location ready in case of traffic, construction, or weather events.
#4 – Book as Early as Possible
The best way to save a bit of cash for the best auto transport services is to schedule as early as you can. It’s kind of like buying a flight ticket. You’ll get more access to deals and discounts early, as this will help car shipping companies determine their future schedules and needs.
Seasonal peak times also apply to booking availability. If you’re planning on shipping your vehicle, consider working around high volume periods like:
- Start or ending of college moving days
- Major holidays
- Spring break
- Weekends
Try to give your carrier a delivery window of a few hours or days. That flexibility helps lower costs. If you can ship during the springtime or fall, you’ll find the best prices. Summer is busy, and winter can mean weather delays. Usually, Monday through Thursday is your best bet.
#5 – Choose a Reputable Cross Country Car Shipping Crew
Who you trust to ship your vehicle will significantly impact the level of stress you feel during the process. Look for the best companies with a lot of positive reviews who can produce licensing and insurance upon request.
Pay attention to how the company communicates. The more they are willing to answer questions, offer clear estimates, and walk you through the process with complete support, the greater the confidence you will have that your car will arrive in the same shape it left your driveway.
#6 – Use Photo Inspections
Whether you’re opting for enclosed or open shipping, always take photos before and after transport. Take your time to walk around the vehicle with the driver and capture high-resolution, time-stamped pictures from all the angles you can.
A good logistics company will have a pre-shipment inspection or checklist to review with you, but the photos are what you need to resolve any damage claims quickly.
#7 – Verify Insurance
The car shipper is required to have auto insurance for each vehicle being moved. Some personal insurance companies might provide shipping insurance, but it is up to you to verify that before the event occurs. States like New Hampshire don’t require car insurance, so you may have to select new insurance anyway if moving to a new area.
If you do have the option, find out what the coverage limit is, if it includes cosmetic damage, and if personal items are excluded. There may be a temporary add-on you can purchase if you’re worried, but the best car shipping services should have you well covered.
Bonus Tip: Enable Active Tracking & Save Contact Info
One final note to consider is real-time tracking. You can place an Apple AirTag on your car for real-time monitoring, but the easiest thing to do is obtain the phone number of the driver moving your vehicle. That way, if any delays happen or you notice a weather warning you’ll have a way to make contact.
Ship Your Car with Confidence
Car shipping doesn’t have to feel like a roll of the dice in a casino. As long as you take the time to do the prep work and find a reliable provider, you should be able to leave the details to the driver and focus on more important decisions.
Always look for the best car shipping company. That will make this entire process safe and easy. Find one backed by a wide network of professional drivers and strong customer reviews to help ensure a seamless move.
Don’t forget to put a map of your destination in the glove box so you’re prepared for wherever you want to go next!
