Helpful tips for shipping a vehicle within the US
Do you need to send a vehicle long distance? If so, there are a few things you need to know to make the process smooth. Read on for some helpful tips for shipping a vehicle across city or state lines.
Whether you’re relocating for work, lending a loved one a car, or simply moving far away because an opportunity presented itself, chances are you’ll need vehicle shipping if you’re catching a plane to your final destination. To do this, you will need to follow a particular set of steps.
Hire a professional long haul towing company
The first step in shipping your vehicle across city or state limits is finding a reputable towing company to transport it for you. Be sure to hire a licensed and insured towing company that has decades of experience with all types of trailers. They must maintain the proper fleet of trucks and the latest technologies in transportation equipment, as well as adhere to all industry best practices for long-haul towing. This will give you confidence that your car or truck is being transported safely and professionally. It also means you can expect timely delivery.
Prepare your vehicle for transport
The next step you want to take is to prepare your vehicle for your trip. Start by cleaning the interior of the vehicle and remove all personal belongings. Be sure to also disable any car alarm systems. Once the interior is done, schedule your car for a routine maintenance appointment at your trusted auto repair shop.
They will check all fluid levels, adjust tire inflation, inspect all braking systems (parking, emergency, etc.), charge the battery, and more; In general, they will make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. This way, you’ll know you’ll be ready to drive once you get to your new home. After your vehicle is repaired, take it to a car wash to have the exterior cleaned and waxed. This is important for the next step.
NOTENote: You don’t need to remove the license plate, but make sure the screws are tight and intact.
Make records for your own protection
To protect yourself and the carrier from liability, be sure to take plenty of photos and even some video recordings to confirm the condition of your vehicle before you travel. This can be used as evidence if a scratch or dent is disputed by either party. Take pictures of all minor and major defects along the surface, including scratches, nicks, paint chips, dents, dings, rust, and more. You should even write down the numbers on your car’s odometer.
NOTE: You won’t have to worry about documenting fluid leaks or internal damage since the vehicle was recently professionally serviced.
When you’re done making records, contact your auto insurance company to discuss your policy limits. You need to know if your vehicle is covered during its transport and after it arrives at the new location.
Disclose important information to your driver
When the towing company arrives to pick up your vehicle, be sure to disclose all information necessary to transport the car safely. This includes letting them know of any mechanical problems or defects, no matter how minor. It is especially important that you let them know if your car has parking or emergency brake problems. If your vehicle is in a dangerous condition or very fragile, you can even provide the driver with written driving instructions.