If you’re in the market for a car transport service, it’s important to know what to expect and how to prepare. By understanding the process and taking the necessary steps, you can ensure your car arrives safely and on time. Here are a few tips on what to do before your car is transported.
Are you looking for a vehicle preparation list? Click HERE to find full check list of things you can do to get your vehicle ready for safe and quick transport.
Gather the documents
The documents you’ll need vary by state, but they may include your car’s registration, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale.
The most important document is the car’s title.
Without it, the company cannot legally ship your car. Most car shipping companies will also require a bill of sale as proof that you own the vehicle.
You should also have a copy of your driver’s license and contact information for the transport company.
Remove all personal belongings
There are a few reasons why you should remove all personal belongings from your car before shipping it.
First, it is important to do so for safety reasons. Your car will be traveling on a large truck and there is a possibility that items could fall out or become lost during the trip.
Additionally, many auto shipping companies have strict policies against allowing personal belongings in the cars they ship.
By removing all personal items from your car before shipping it, you can avoid any potential complications or issues.
Clean the car
It is always best to clean your car before handing it over to a car shipping company.
This will ensure that the car is presentable and in good condition when it arrives at its destination.
A clean car also makes it easier for the shipping company to inspect the vehicle for any damage or wear and tear.
Ultimately, a clean car will make for a smoother and hassle-free shipping experience.
Pack any items you want to get shipped
Packing any items that you want to take with you in the trunk or inside the car before handing it to a car shipping company is always a good idea.
This way, you can be sure that your belongings will be safe and sound during the journey.
Additionally, by packing your belongings in advance, you can avoid any potential delays or issues that may arise during the shipping process.
Ultimately, by taking the time to pack your belongings properly, you can help ensure a smooth and seamless car shipping.
Disable the car alarm before handing the vehicle to the car transport service
One of the main reasons why you should disable your car alarm before handing it over to an auto transport company is because it can be extremely annoying and disruptive during the shipping process.
Car alarms often go off unexpectedly and can cause a lot of commotion, which can interfere with the smooth running of the shipping process.
Additionally, car alarms can also drain batteries, which can add to the overall cost of shipping your vehicle.
By disabling your car alarm beforehand, you can help avoid any potential disruptions or additional costs.
Check the tire pressure and fluid levels
It’s always a good idea to check your car’s tire pressure and fluid levels before shipping it.
This will help ensure that your car arrives in the best possible condition.
Tire pressure should be checked because it can affect how your car handles during transport.
If the tires are not properly inflated, they may roll or bounce during shipping, which could damage the vehicle.
Fluid levels should also be checked because if the fluids are too low, it could cause problems with the engine.
Auto transport companies typically require that all fluids be at their proper levels before transporting a vehicle.
Make sure there’s enough fuel in the car
It’s important to make sure there’s enough fuel in the car before transport for a few reasons.
First, the car may need to be driven onto the carrier, and if it doesn’t have enough fuel, it may not be able to make it up the ramp.
Second, once the car is on the carrier, it will be inaccessible to you and you won’t be able to add fuel if it runs low.
Finally, most carriers require that cars have at least a quarter tank of gas before they can be loaded, so if your car doesn’t have enough fuel, it may not be able to be transported at all.
Therefore, it’s best to play it safe and make sure your car has plenty of fuel before transport.
Inspect your car for any damage
It is always a good idea to inspect your car for any prior damage and take pictures of it before handing it over to a car shipping company.
This will ensure that you are able to point out any damages that may have occurred during transit, and also help to hold the shipping company accountable if something does happen to your car during shipping.
Additionally, taking pictures of your car before shipping can help create a paper trail in case there are any disputes over the condition of your vehicle after it has been shipped.
Coordinate a time and place for pick-up
When you’re ready to ship your car, it’s important to coordinate a time and place for pick-up with the transport service.
This will ensure that your car is delivered to the shipping company on time and without any issues.
If you don’t coordinate a time and place for pick-up, the transport service may have to delay your shipment or even cancel it altogether.
So, be sure to coordinate a time and place for pick-up well in advance of shipping your car.
Remain available to answer any questions
It’s important to remain available to answer any questions the transport driver may have during the shipping process.
This will ensure that there are no delays or issues with the shipment of your car. If you’re not available to answer the driver’s questions, it may cause delays in the shipping process, which could end up costing you more money.
Therefore, it’s best to remain available and accessible throughout the entire shipping process.
Choose the right car transport service
When you’re ready to ship your car, you want to make sure you choose a reputable and reliable car shipping service. There are a few things you should keep in mind when selecting the best car shipping company:
– Make sure the car transport company is licensed and insured.
– Get quotes from multiple companies.
– Read reviews of potential shippers.
– Ask for recommendations from friends or family working in the car shipping industry.
Once you’ve found a few companies that meet your criteria, compare their quotes and choose the auto transport broker that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about car transport service
Weren’t able to find your question? Click HERE to view a list of the most commonly asked questions to help guide your auto transport.
What is the difference between container shipping and RoRo shipping?
Container shipping is a method of shipping that involves using a container to transport goods.
This type of shipping is often used for large shipments or for shipments that need to be protected from the elements.
RoRo shipping, on the other hand, is a method of shipping that involves roll-on/roll-off vessels.
This type of shipping is typically used for vehicles or other large items that can be driven on and off the ship.
How do I choose a car transport service?
There are a few things you should take into consideration when choosing a shipping company.
First, you need to make sure the company is reputable and has experience shipping the type of goods you need to transport.
Second, you need to get quotes from several different car transport companies so that you can compare prices.
Finally, you should read reviews of the best car shipping companies you are considering to get an idea of their level of customer service.
What are the risks of shipping?
There are always risks associated with shipping, but there are ways to minimize those risks.
First, you need to choose a reputable and experienced shipping company. Second, you need to properly package and label your goods.
Third, you should take inventory of your shipment and insure it against damage or loss. By taking these precautions,
How much does a car transport service charge?
There are no fixed car shipping costs. The car shipping cost depends on a number of factors, such as the type of vehicle, the distance of the shipment, and whether or not the car needs to be shipped on an open or enclosed carrier.
Moreover, the prices in the auto transport industry keep fluctuating.
In general, car transport services can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more.
Make sure to check out if you qualify for an additional discount. Click HERE to see what discounts are offered by Scott’s Auto Carrier.
How long does it take to ship a car?
The time for the car shipping process depends on the distance of the shipment and the availability of the transport company.
In most cases of vehicle shipping, it takes about 2-5 days for the car shipment to reach its destination.
However, if the car needs to be shipped over a long distance or if the transport company is busy, it may take longer.
About Scott’s Auto Carrier
Scott’s Auto Carrier is a leading Owner/Operator auto transport company with 20 years of service and counting! Dispatching regionally and nationwide to our network of 20,000+ carriers. Scott’s Auto Carrier offers customized service, 24/7 availability, and owner/operator commitment to quality, giving you competitive, reliable moving trucks, cars, RVs, boats or motorcycles, industrial units, non-operational vehicles, and more, moving quotes and peace-of-mind auto transport service. Get your quote today at: ScottsAutoCarrier.com/Request-a-Quote/
