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There are many reasons to utilize car shipping, whether you are making a move cross-country or whether you are moving your company that has a fleet of vehicles. If this is your first time using these services, there are important things that you should do and know. You can find a list of three tips below.
1. Compare Prices
If this is your first time arranging for car shipping services, you may opt to go with the first company that wants to offer services to you. There are a variety of types of companies who will ship your vehicles for you though, to start. You can find shipping via a tractor-trailer that is enclosed or via a hauler that is an open method that is less safe. There are also drive-away services that offer a team of individuals who directly drive the vehicles to a new location and even trains that can ship vehicles. Whatever you prefer, make sure you find the best auto shipping company for your needs.
For any of the shipping services that you want to use, you can receive a free quote from almost any company before committing. Make sure that you get at least a few quotes before you make up your mind as you may be surprised by the affordability of one company over another. After you get any quote, look at what the price includes, including safety protocols, insurance, and any certain weights or distances. This will help you to avoid any extra costs that may come to your services that you were not expecting to receive when you sign the contract.
2. Make a Plan
After you have signed a contract with a specific service company, you need to ensure that you know the plan from beginning to end. This will help you to avoid the stress that may be associated with the move as you are not always in communication with the company. It will also help to ease your mind as you are giving the keys to your most prized possessions to someone else. Make sure that you ask the questions that you need to about the details that you want to know about the services you are receiving.
One of the first questions that you should ask is whether you should utilize a shipping terminal or whether the vehicles will be picked up and dropped off. After determining the arrangements, ask about how long the transportation process should take so that you can know a general time when your vehicles should arrive. Ensure that you ask for communication methods just in case as there are chances for traffic jams and other concerns. You should also ask for proof of certification from the Department of Transportation and for the licensure for the shipping services that are being performed.
3. Put Safety First
Ensuring certain licensure and registration for the company is the first step in safety for the transportation services. Start with inspecting your vehicle before it is picked up or before it goes to the terminal, including taking photos of its current condition. After it arrives at the new location, reinspect the vehicle to look for any damage that was not there previously. You can even take your vehicle in for a professional inspection to determine if the mechanics are still working on your vehicle as they were before it began the shipping process.
It should be common sense that you should remove all valuable material from your vehicle before it starts the shipping process as well as you do not want anything stolen. You also will have to pay more money if your vehicles are loaded up with cargo as one of the costs has to do with the weight of the vehicle. You should also try to drain the gas tank to prevent any potential fires, and it will save you weight. You can leave as little as a quarter of a tank if you want to have some so you can get to the gas station.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your vehicle should be a stress-free process. Arrange for a transportation company that you can trust, that is registered, and that offers great rates for your needs. Make sure that you put safety precautions in place like removing your belongings and inspecting your vehicle before shipping as well.
