Car transportation is becoming increasingly popular. With more and more people moving across state lines and even making cross-country moves, individuals are looking for ways to avoid tacking extra miles on to their vehicles. Car transportation, traditionally a commercial enterprise, has moved into the private sphere and it is now easier than ever to have your car shipped.
The best part about having your automobile transported is that it takes the hard work off of you and gives you the peace of mind to know that it’s being professionally handled. However, there are still a few steps any responsible car owner should take before having their vehicle professionally shipped.
The first step is to take pictures of your vehicle. Reputable car transports can be trusted to get your car safely from point A to point B, but it’s still always better to be safe than sorry. Occasionally accidents can happen and having documentation about the condition of your vehicle will make it much easier for you to file a claim. Before taking pictures, wash your car thoroughly so that the pictures will clearly demonstrate the condition of the paint and other aspects of your vehicle. While any responsible mover will certainly do its own inspection, it is always pragmatic to double up on this due diligence.
Before the move, remove any personal items from your vehicle. These items are not covered by a mover’s insurance and occasionally certain items can even pose hazards during a move. Find out if your mover’s insurance covers items like car CD players and GPS devices. If not, see if it is possible to remove these items.
Make sure your vehicle is working before the transport. While many car transports will move a vehicle that is non-operational, they need to be informed of this ahead of time and take special steps to accommodate these types of cars. Check aspects like your car’s battery and the levels of antifreeze, as the trip might include adverse weather. If your vehicle has any mechanical issues, be sure to let your movers know about it ahead of time.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that you hand your keys over to your mover, as opposed to simply leaving them for the transporter. If you can’t be there personally, make arrangements for someone trustworthy to meet your transport. This should be done on both ends of the move, from pick-up to drop-off. This not only accommodates DOT laws, but it also ensures that you have an opportunity to inspect your vehicle before and after the move and ask any questions of the driver that you might have.
Moves can be stressful experiences. Hiring a transportation company to ship your vehicle will take one more thing off your plate and make your experience that much easier. By taking a few simple but important steps prior to the transport, you can ensure that both your vehicle and your moving company are ready for the trip.