For a lot of us moving a car means that getting into a car and driving from our old home to our new one. In some cases, for instance, a long-distance or even international moves we need to ship our vehicles separately. Some will need to ship cars, trucks, RVs, caravans, motor homes, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles. When this is the case, it can be easier, and more cost effective to have professional assistance.
Transporting cars can be rather intimidating, but in the right hands, it can be a fast, secure, and painless process. Your first task should be to find a well qualified, licensed, and bonded auto shipping company to ship your car for you. As with all car moving specialists you should be looking for one that has done it before. Depending on your individual needs you might be looking for companies with experience of moving boats, large RVs, motorcycles, motor homes or even moving internationally. Some vehicles, for example boats, need special lifting equipment to put them on to their moving trailer so you should ensure that the transport company of your choice has experience with the particular type of vehicle that you need to ship. Shipping a car within your home country is reasonably straight forward, but shipping internationally can be more complicated, and may require special attention. Make sure that the shipping company that you choose has experience with international shipping and can help you with the documentation, fees, restrictions and regulations of your chosen destination country as well as ensure that your vehicle gets there in one piece, and on time.
Another important thing to remember with auto transporters is that it isn’t always just a case of somebody hauling your auto from one place to another. Many companies use large vehicle transporters for standard-sized vehicles and your car may travel all over the country to deliver other loads before it reaches its destination. In some countries the transport truck will have to go through customs, weigh stations, and check points. The position of your vehicle on the transport itself can also determine when you get it. All of these factors, and more play a role in determining when you get your vehicle. Be sure to ask whether the car shipping company can give a fixed delivery date or an estimate within a fixed period of a few days. You may also want to ask if the transporter can guarantee a door to door service for the transportation, or if you will need to go pick up your car from a lot. The transport vehicles are often too large to negotiate small residential streets. In this case the auto transport service may offer an alternative pick-up point or the driver may use his judgment to unload the car in a safe and suitable location close to your home.
The type of transporter vehicle will vary from company to company and according to the type of vehicle you need to move. Options include open transporters, closed transporters, simple trucks, trailers and, in the cases of international moves, freight containers. Some people prefer to use a closed vehicle because your vehicle isn’t exposed to the elements but this is up to your personal preferences. Your primary concerns should be the safety and security of your vehicle – talk to your chosen mover in-depth about how they transport and what measures they take to protect vehicles.
Before you choose a provider you’ll also need to talk to them about insurance cover to check exactly how protected your vehicle is. Also take the time to talk to your own insurance company to assess your coverage during transit. In both cases look for any exclusions and restrictions so you can make sure you have the fullest possible coverage and you avoid any unpleasant surprises if an accident did occur.
Check out the small print of the company’s terms and conditions very carefully BEFORE you agree to hire them! You may need to pay more for coverage that suits the value of your vehicle.
Once you’ve chosen your vehicle mover you will need to prepare your vehicle. Most companies will check your vehicle out before they load it for existing damage and so forth. They will then agree the current state of the vehicle with you (you need to be present for this) and you will sign an agreement stating that the check has been accurately done. This covers them and you in the event that you need to make a damage claim after the move. You should wash your vehicle before they do this check so that they can see exactly what it looks like! Finally, you should talk to the company before they take your vehicle to check exactly what they need you to do to it before it’s loaded.
General tips include:
- Empty out all of your personal possessions, documents etc including those you store in the trunk – many companies are not insured for damage or loss of personal goods.
- For larger RVs or mobile homes close and lock all hatches and make sure everything is as secure as possible!
- Check all of the fluids in the engine and check your battery is fixed in place.
- If your vehicle is going by transporter or trailer your gas tank should have only about 1/4 tank. Some transporters charge by weight, and in cases car transporters are weighed at checkpoints and they can be delayed or fined for being overweight. Losing a bit of fuel can be a real help offset costs!
- If you have customized your vehicle at all with specialty items remove them or make sure they are secure.
- Finally, turn off any alarm systems, and make sure that the driver has the keys to be able to disarm and/or move the car when needed.
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