Car Shipping
Have your ship run as smoothly as your engine
If you’re looking to ship your car, no doubt your primary concern is getting it
there quickly and efficiently – and in one piece. If that’s the case, you’re
doing the right thing by getting informed.
Car shipping companies are, for the most part, reliable. Often run by car enthusiasts,
you can expect them to meet your needs in a timely and cost-effective fashion, while
still treating your car as if it were their own. However, as is the case with cars
themselves, you’ve got to be prepared to weed out the “lemons.”
Before Shipping
A smooth shipment comes down to the details. Here’s what you need to know about
shipping your car and finding the right shipping company before signing on the dotted
line:
Advertiser Links for Car Shipping
- Get the paperwork. Make sure the company you choose is fully licensed and
carries
freight insurance. Most reputable companies will advertise their credentials,
so if you’re not hearing about it, ask.
- Take notes. You’re responsible for the condition of your vehicle. That means
making a full inspection before your vehicle is picked up and ensuring that it is
in the same condition when it arrives. Make sure you submit your inspection to the
shipping company so you can both sign off on it.
- Go with the pros. Many shipping companies are keeping up with technology.
Look for a company whose trucks have satellite tracking – this will help make
sure your delivery is timely, safe and well-monitored.
- Customize your shipment. Shipping companies often have designated depots
for vehicle pickup and drop-off, but for a fee, many will provide more convenient
locations. If convenience is more important to you than cost, look into this feature.
- Prepare your vehicle. For your protection and the company’s, you’ll be asked
to remove all detachable items from your car. This includes bike racks, external
spare tires and grill covers. You’ll also be asked to remove any personal items
from your car.
- A caveat on international car shipping. Many companies will only deliver
to designated areas in the world. Leave yourself a little time when planning an
international car shipment, so you can iron out the details.
Car Shipping Cost
The beauty of car shipping is that it’s measurable – you’ve got point A and
point B, and you need to get between the two. That makes it easy for a freight company
to give you an advanced quote, so you know what you’re getting into. Check the company’s
website or give them a call to get a price and timeline right away.
Remember that a quote is just an estimate. There are many factors that can alter
the price and time of a standard shipment, including vehicle size, time of year
and any special needs you might have. Be sure to provide as many details as possible
to the shipping company so they can give you the most accurate quote possible.
Timing Your Shipment
Depending on the details of your shipment, timing could be everything – while
most shipping companies prefer as much notice as possible, some are able to accommodate
last-minute requests. The important thing is that you iron out all the details of
arrival and departure. Make sure you establish a clear time of pickup, and have
a designated person on hand for the chosen drop-off time. This will ensure your
trip runs smoothly.