If this is your first time booking auto transport, you might be asking yourself this question: Why do I need to concern myself with the details of Vehicle Shipping Day? As with any other transportation service, reputable automobile shipping companies have well-defined protocols and procedures from the moment your automobile is picked up to when it is safely dropped off at the agreed location.
Understanding the process helps with managing expectations, preventing unnecessary stress, and avoiding last-minute hitches. In this guide, we will give you a comprehensive walkthrough, providing you with pre-emptive steps you can take to aid a seamless experience.
Before Pickup: Preparing The Automobile
While many people may assume that shipping a car is as simple as getting a modern-day concierge service, the process involves more preparation than most anticipate.
Start conducting routine inspections and cleaning for your vehicle. From a logistical standpoint, cleanliness helps in identifying pre-existing damage like scratches or dents. Making this a standard practice ensures you don’t miss out on any hinges that the majority of reputable car shipping companies account for before loading your automobile on their transportation.
To begin, devoid all items from the vehicle. Most transport companies and federal regulations do not permit the shipping of household goods in a vehicle. Even if the shipping company tells you it’s fine to leave several items, remember those items will not be covered by any claim made on the shipping insurance.
Also, ensure your fuel tank is approximately a quarter full. This is sufficient to drive the car on and off the carrier while avoiding excessive fuel weight.
Finally, disable and remove any alarm systems, toll tags, or parking passes as they can trigger unwanted charges during transit.
For additional peace of mind, follow a moving checklist that allows tracking every step, from prepping the vehicle to tracking its delivery.
What Happens On Vehicle Pickup
On the scheduled date of pickup, the driver from this car shipping service usually comes to your location, or you will meet them at a nearby place. A lot of companies claim to provide door-to-door shipping, however, large transport trucks are not able to drive through narrow streets or low clearance areas. In those cases, you will meet the carrier at a nearby parking lot or other accessible location.
A Bill of Lading will be issued when the driver arrives. This document is important as it contains the contract and inspection report. You will review and note damage, including scratches and dents, alongside the driver.
Make sure to snap timestamped photos as well to ensure protection in case of later disputes. After the vehicle inspection, both parties sign the report, and your vehicle is loaded onto the carrier.
If you’d like to skip the physical attendance part, you can give instructions to authorized personnel to bypass the pickup steps on your behalf. Ensure your proxy understands what you want them to do.
During Transit: What You Want to Know
Movement of the vehicle marks the start of the journey. Regardless of open or enclosed carrier, your vehicle is secured and monitored throughout the trip. For classic or luxury cars, enclosed transport is often preferred as it shields the vehicle from the elements.
Estimated timeframes differ by distance and specific cases, such as transport from one coast to another in the U.S. usually takes 7 to 10 days, while 2 to 5 days for shorter routes. Additionally, weather, road conditions, and traffic can all affect the timeline.
You won’t be left in the dark wondering where your car is, though, as functions such as GPS tracking allow for real-time updates, and dispatch or customer service will provide you with status updates.
If you’re planning to relocate across the country or send a vehicle for sale, preparing your new home is just as important as planning ahead. In case this move is part of a bigger relocation, check the moving checklist to ensure everything is organized.
What You Should Look Out For The Day Your Car is Set To Arrive
During vehicle delivery, the driver will call to confirm the time and location of delivery. Like pickup, the car can be dropped off directly at your door or at an approximate location accessible by the truck.
As to the shipping of a car, just like in the pickup part, a visual inspection will be performed with the driver, and you will compare the state of the vehicle with the Bill of Lading. Inspect for scratches, dents, or any new damage.
If all sticker points are fine, you will sign the delivery and receive your copy of the Bill of Lading. In case of any discrepancies, make sure to document any discrepancies with photos, irrespective of how trivial they may seem, and inform relevant shipping channels without delay. It is pertinent to mention the discrepancy on the delivery paperwork before signing as well.
In closing, relax knowing that the vehicle traveled without problems and was delivered on time.
Smooth shipping experience tips
Avoid Last Minute Booking: Especially during peak seasons, booking early guarantees better rates and shipping options.
- Check carriers: When selecting a company, confirmation of licensing and insurance policies should be verified. Look for reviews and comments on websites with DOT registration.
- Maintain contact: Step-by-step instructions should be provided as to where the person will be at what time. Make sure you can be reached throughout the process.
- Do not be afraid to ask: Be it insurance cover, duration of moving the car, or what happens in cases when delays are experienced.
- Be There or Designate A Proxy: If you are unable to attend the designated pickup or drop-off location, you may assign someone responsible to act on your behalf.
Should You Just Drive Instead?
A lot of people seem to wonder: Should I just take my vehicle and drive it personally? This works for short-distance relocations, but long-distance travel can also be challenging in its own right: fuel expenses, wear and tear on the vehicle, time consumption, and safety risks all come into play.
In the majority of cases, allowing an operator to move my car via auto transport would save me time, insurance claims, common errors, manual effort, and even resources. Moreover, it allows you to divert your attention towards more important matters such as settling into a new job, commencing school, or arranging family affairs.
Conclusion
Car shipping day does not need to be accompanied by anxiety. When you know what is expected in advance, such as preparing the vehicle, meeting the carrier, tracking progress, as well as performing checks on the vehicle during and upon delivery, you tend to feel more confident and in control throughout the entire process.
Whether it’s for relocation purposes, buying an online vehicle, or gifting a car, the right professionals are what make the difference for a smooth process. Trusted car shipping companies, adherence to a detailed moving checklist, and simple phrases such as “I need to relocate my vehicle” allow the professionals to handle it.
