Do you need to transport your car across the country but have no idea where to start? Auto transportation can seem daunting, especially if you have never done it before. But don’t worry – in this post, we’ll break down the auto transport process step by step, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The Car Shipping Process
Step One: Get a Quote
The first step to transporting your vehicle is to get a quote from a reputable auto transport company. This quote will estimate the cost of the transportation based on several factors, including the distance of the transportation, the size and weight of your vehicle, and the type of transportation you choose (open or enclosed). Make sure to get quotes from several companies to ensure you find the best rate for your needs.
Getting an auto transport quote is simpler than you may think, especially when using an iphone or android app. First, you will need to determine what type of vehicle and size you need to transport. Different shippers will have different requirements for the size and type of vehicle they are willing to move as well as the distance they are able/willing to travel.
Next, you should contact multiple auto shipping companies and get quotes from each one detailing their services, cost estimates, deadlines for delivery, pick-up times or restrictions on when your car needs to be picked up based on availability in any particular area etc. If possible try to work with a company that offers 24/7 customer service support so that if there are any issues during transit (or before) someone can help address them quickly.
You should also ask questions about insurance coverage in case something happens during transportation (it`s always better safe than sorry). Make sure the shipping company has enough experience handling different types of vehicles and ask about their services such as door-to-door or terminal pickup/delivery services – these can all make a big difference depending on your situation and available budget so do not hesitate when asking questions.
Using this guide should make it easier for you to obtain an accurate auto transport quote based upon your specific requirements – giving you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is going with a professional and reliable firm while getting safely delivered within set timeframes at an affordable price!
Step Two: Book the Transportation
Once you’ve chosen an auto transport company, it’s time to book your transportation. Make sure to provide all of the necessary details, including your current location, destination, and preferred pickup and delivery dates. Most companies will require a deposit at this time. Once you’ve booked your transportation, the company will assign a carrier to pick up and transport your vehicle.
Step Three: Prepare Your Vehicle
Before your vehicle is picked up, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare it for transportation. These steps include removing any personal belongings from the vehicle, ensuring that there’s no more than a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle, and thoroughly cleaning both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. You’ll also want to take photos of your vehicle before it’s loaded onto the carrier to document any pre-existing damage in case an insurance claim needs to be made.
Preparing your vehicle for shipping is an important step in ensuring the safe delivery of your vehicle. Here are a few key things to do when getting ready to ship:
1. Make sure the car is clean and free of any debris or personal belongings. Do not leave items such as GPS systems, cell phones, or other valuables in the car during transport.
2. Record all existing damages to your vehicle before shipping and take pictures if possible, including any dents, scratches, marks on the exterior/interior of your car. This will help both you and the auto transport company establish owner liability in case of additional damage that occurs during transit.
3. Check tire pressure levels and make sure they have adequate tread so that they don`t blow out during transit due to uneven weight distribution on a trailer-bed or flat rack carrier. The battery should also be charged sufficiently for pick up at departure point; however it`s best practice not to drive your car onto the transporter if you can avoid it since this increases fuel consumption with no significant benefits to transportation efficiency or safety of shipment process itself (unless requested by shipper prior).
4 .Have a copy of valid registration documents available as these may need verification at pickup time; also note down Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which will be important when giving shipment instruction details over phone or email -no VIN no go! In addition ensure license plates remain attached during entire journey as required in some US states when transporting via open-air carriers -and always double check insurance status before paying final bill amount upon delivery completion!
Step Four: Pick-Up and Transportation
On the day of pick-up, inspect your vehicle with the carrier to ensure that there’s no new damage that wasn’t documented in your pre-transportation inspection. Once your vehicle has been loaded onto the carrier, it will be transported to its destination. Depending on the distance of the transportation, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for your vehicle to arrive at its destination.
Step Five: Delivery and Inspection
When your vehicle arrives at its destination, inspect it with the carrier to ensure that there’s no new damage. If there is, make sure to document it and file an insurance claim. Once the inspection is complete and you’re satisfied with the condition of your vehicle, pay the remaining transportation balance to the auto transport company.
Conclusion
Auto transportation may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to safely transporting your vehicle across the country. To ensure a smooth and stress-free process, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable auto transport company that meets all of your needs. Happy transport!