Your vehicle just may be one of the most valuable things you own. So, putting it on a car carrier for a cross-country transport may be stressful. If you’ve never shipped a car, truck, or maybe a motorcycle on a commercial vehicle carrier, there are a few things to know that will go a long way towards ensuring a trouble-free transfer as well as your peace of mind:
10 Tips for a great vehicle transport experience:
- Confirm your pickup date, time and location with the carrier.
- Be on-time with the required paperwork in-hand and the vehicle prepared as requested.
- Confirm the payment method is it payment in full upon delivery or is there a down payment with a balance due upon delivery? Know this before the pickup date.
- Review the Vehicle Prep list and follow it for a smooth vehicle transfer.
- Have your contract in hand.
- Have the contact info for your shipping broker.
- Take your phone and flashlight (for nighttime inspections).
- Bill of Lading: Do a walk-around with the driver and note any damages and overall conditions of your vehicle prior to loading. Note your vehicle’s condition cosmetic, undercarriage, running condition, mileage on the Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading is your evidence of condition upon receipt, critical if anything goes wrong during transport.
- Stay until your vehicle is loaded and secure. Document with pictures.
- Get copies of all documents, signed by both you and the car carrier agent, before releasing your vehicle.
Following these car transportation tips will help to ensure a safe and secure vehicle shipping experience. Taking these steps and ensuring that the vehicle transport carrier follows them as well, will give you the confidence that your vehicle is in good hands.
