Shipping a car across the country can be a convenient and stress-free way to move your vehicle, whether you’re relocating, purchasing a car from a distant seller, or sending a vehicle to a family member. However, to ensure the process goes smoothly, it’s important to follow best practices that ensure both auto transport safety and the protection of your car. In this article, we’ll cover the top tips for shipping a car across country safely, offering valuable advice for a successful, worry-free experience.
- Choose a Reputable Auto Transport Company
The first and most crucial step in safely shipping a car across country is choosing the right auto transport company. Not all car shipping services are created equal, so it’s important to research and select a reputable provider that offers reliability and safety.
Here’s how to find a trustworthy company:
- Check Reviews: Look for reviews on trusted platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Positive reviews and high ratings indicate customer satisfaction and reliability.
- Verify Credentials: Make sure the company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates car shipping companies in the U.S.
- Ask About Insurance: Ensure the company offers sufficient insurance coverage to protect your vehicle during transit. Most reputable companies provide basic coverage, but you may want to purchase additional insurance for higher-value vehicles.
Choosing a reputable company is the best way to guarantee auto transport safety and protect your vehicle during cross-country shipping.
- Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Properly preparing your car for shipping is essential for ensuring a safe journey. Taking the time to prep your vehicle can prevent potential issues during transport and make the process more efficient for the shipping company.
Here are some key preparation steps:
- Clean Your Car: Wash your car thoroughly, both inside and out. This will allow you to spot any existing scratches, dents, or other damage before shipping.
- Document the Vehicle’s Condition: Take clear photos of your car from all angles, including close-ups of any existing damage. These photos will serve as proof of the car’s condition before shipping and can be helpful if any disputes arise after delivery.
- Remove Personal Items: Auto transport companies do not allow personal belongings in the vehicle during shipment. Items left inside can shift during transport, potentially causing damage to your car or other vehicles. Clear out any valuables and personal items before shipping.
- Check for Leaks or Mechanical Issues: Inspect your car for any fluid leaks, mechanical problems, or loose parts. Address these issues before shipping to prevent complications during transport.
- Leave Some Gas in the Tank: Your car only needs about a quarter tank of gas for loading and unloading during transport. Keeping the fuel tank low reduces the vehicle’s weight and saves fuel costs for the transport company.
By following these car transport tips, you’ll ensure that your car is ready for a safe and successful cross-country journey.
- Choose the Right Transport Option
When it comes to shipping a car across the country, there are two main options: open car transport and enclosed car transport. The choice you make depends on your budget, vehicle type, and how much protection your car needs.
- Open Car Transport: This is the most common and affordable method of car shipping. Your vehicle is transported on an open trailer with other cars, exposed to weather and road debris. While open transport is generally safe, it does leave your car vulnerable to the elements. If you’re shipping a standard vehicle, open transport is typically sufficient.
- Enclosed Car Transport: For high-value, classic, or luxury vehicles, enclosed transport offers added protection by shielding your car in a covered trailer. This method costs more but is worth it if your car requires extra care and protection from the elements.
Choosing the right transport option for your vehicle can make a big difference in ensuring its safety during transit. While open car transport is ideal for most vehicles, enclosed transport provides peace of mind for those shipping valuable or rare cars.
- Insure Your Vehicle Properly
Insurance is a crucial part of the car shipping process, especially when shipping a car across the country. Most auto transport companies include basic insurance coverage in their services, but it’s important to understand the details of this coverage.
Here’s what to consider:
- Ask for Proof of Insurance: Make sure the company provides a copy of their insurance policy and understand what it covers.
- Check Coverage Limits: Basic coverage may not be enough for high-value vehicles, so if you’re shipping a luxury or classic car, you might want to purchase additional coverage.
- Understand the Claims Process: Ask the company how claims are handled in case of damage and clarify any questions about the process.
Having proper insurance in place ensures that you’re protected financially in case anything happens to your car during transport.
- Track Your Shipment
Most reputable car transport companies offer vehicle tracking services, allowing you to monitor your car’s journey in real-time. This feature is especially valuable when shipping a car across the country, as it keeps you informed about your vehicle’s location and estimated delivery time.
Tracking your vehicle can give you peace of mind and help you stay updated on any potential delays or issues during transport. Be sure to ask your shipping company if they offer tracking services and how to access them.
- Inspect the Car Upon Delivery
Once your car reaches its destination, it’s important to inspect it thoroughly before signing off on the delivery. Compare the car’s current condition to the photos you took before shipping, checking for any new scratches, dents, or other damage.
If you notice any issues, document them immediately and report them to the shipping company. Most companies have a limited window for filing damage claims, so prompt action is necessary. Having pre-shipment documentation will help resolve any disputes quickly.
Shipping a car across country can be a safe and stress-free process when done correctly. By choosing a reputable transport company, preparing your car, selecting the right transport method, and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can protect your vehicle and ensure a smooth journey. Following these car transport tips will help you enjoy a successful auto transport experience, leaving your car in great hands from pick-up to delivery. If your car is to be scrapped, look for a company for buying scrap cars (koli za skrap).