Car Shipping Advice You Need for Your Next Auto Transport

The Ultimate Car Shipping Advice – Do Your Research

When relocating, people tend to focus mainly on moving and packing-related services, because that seems to be the most complicated part of the process for everyone. But whether you’re looking to find the cheapest way to ship a car or exotic auto transport options, you shouldn’t leave it for the last minute.

You should start by researching what good car shipping companies are, compare their prices, and pay attention to the type of service they offer. Remember that the cheapest option might cost you more in the end. So to avoid car shipping scammers and common mistakes when shipping a car, you should do a thorough research of the market before you hire this or that company.

Get to Know the Basics of Auto Transportation: Types of Services

If you can’t imagine living without a car, you should know some basics about this industry. It is pretty straightforward, and there are two main types of services involved. If you are wondering which car shipping service should you choose, or if you should opt for door-to-door auto transport, you should take a few factors into consideration.

People who opt for open trailer auto transport are in the vast majority, simply because this type of transportation is significantly cheaper and more widespread. On the other hand, owners of more expensive cars usually prefer the enclosed trailer because it provides extra safety for their precious four-wheeler. Another important aspect is the season. Are you preparing for summer or winter auto shipping? Make sure you are aware of all the pros and cons.

Check If Your Vehicle Is Ready for Transport

If the idea of driving your four-wheeler cross country is giving you driving anxiety, then there is no dilemma about using car transport services. But before your four-wheeler hits the road, you should prepare your car for shipping. Take a look at some of the tips we prepared for you.

4 Things You Need to Do to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Long Road Ahead

• Wash your four-wheeler thoroughly inside and outside. If you are wondering why, it’s because dust and dirt can easily conceal some scratches and dents. Once you clean the machine, take detailed pictures from every angle so that you have proof of the original condition in case of any damage.
• Do not forget to disable the alarm and anti-theft system if you have them. It can annoy the truck driver if it goes off, and the driver also needs to have access to your car in order to load and unload it.
• If there are any detachable parts such as antennas, you should either retract or remove them entirely. You should fold your side mirrors, but you can also use protective covers to wrap them.
• Visit your local mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly. If you plan to continue driving your car as soon as it arrives, it is better to check up everything with someone you trust before you find a new reliable mechanic.

Items That Should Not Be Left Inside During Transportation

• All documents, such as driver’s licenses, paperwork, and other things you usually keep in your car should be removed from the vehicle and travel with you.
• Accessories, such as air fresheners, ornaments, gadgets, also have to be removed because they could start bouncing around the interior and possibly damage something. Plus, in the majority of cases, the company is not responsible for things that are inside your four-wheeler.
• Money and other valuables should not stay in your car or in its trunk, and neither should household goods. Many try to save up money on packing and moving services by trying to smuggle a few items in their vehicle, but you’ll hardly find a company that accepts that, so you will be asked to empty the car.
• Too much fuel. You should leave as little fuel as possible since leakage may occur during transportation, and it adds additional weight to your four-wheeler. It is recommended to leave no more than a quarter of a tank – just enough to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer.

Is It Worth the Money?

There are so many reasons why people ship cars with auto shipping companies, but perhaps even more myths and misconceptions about car shipping. But at the end of the day, using these services is pretty straightforward and convenient because you don’t have to drive for hours to your new home. Just board your plane, and your four-wheeler will be waiting for you at the preferred destination and at a scheduled time. When you take into consideration how draining and time-consuming it could be to drive for hours or even days, there’s no doubt that shipping a car cross-country is an investment that pays off.