Whether visiting another city for a leisurely trip or a business meeting, having your own vehicle can be incredibly convenient. However, driving your car might not always be the best option due to time constraints, fuel costs, and safety concerns. In such scenarios, an auto shipping company can be a lifesaver.
What does it take to ship a car across the country? Curious about the cost involved? Keep reading this step-by-step guide to learn all about shipping your car. From choosing the best auto transport company to preparing your vehicle for the trip, we’ve got you covered.
So, let's dive into the ins and outs of how to ship a car!
Research Reputable Car Shipping Companies
With the vehicle moving industry expected to expand by 2.80%, selecting the right auto shipping company can be challenging. To find a reliable auto shipping company, you must:
Ask for Referrals
Reach out to your friends, colleagues, or neighbors and inquire about their past experiences with car shipping. They can offer insights into the reliability, efficiency, and overall satisfaction with different vehicle moving services. Once you gather recommendations, take the time to research each company to ensure you make the best choice.
Search Through Social Media Platforms
Search through Facebook community groups, Reddit, or LinkedIn for recommendations about reputable vehicle transport services. These platforms often provide valuable insights from real customers, helping you make informed decisions.
Review Testimonials
Check out what other people say about auto shipping companies on their websites. These reviews can help you understand what working with a particular company that moves vehicles is like. You can also look at places like Google Reviews or Trustpilot for more opinions.
Evaluate Shipping Company Licenses and Insurance
Before you select an auto moving company, ensure they are licensed and offer sufficient insurance coverage for unexpected events. You can verify their license using their USDOT or MC numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
Additionally, request proof of insurance and review the policy details. It's crucial to ensure that the coverage is adequate for the value of your vehicle and the risks associated with transportation.
Choose Transport Method
When it comes to shipping cars across the country, there are two main transport methods: open and enclosed. Let's delve into the specifics of each method:
Open Transport
As the name suggests, open transport is a shipping method in which your vehicle isn't enclosed in a carrier. Instead, it's strapped onto an open carrier and often stacked with two or more other cars. However, you can also opt for a carrier that accommodates only one car.
While open transport is cost-friendly, it exposes your car to various external elements such as harsh weather conditions, dirt, debris, and theft risk. Therefore, it's not advisable to use this transport method for longer distances and valuable vehicles.
Enclosed Transport
The most preferred transport method for shipping vehicles is the enclosed one. It utilizes closed or packed carriers to transport cars from one location to another. The advantage is that the vehicle is securely held in the carrier using special equipment. Therefore, you never have to worry about your car getting damaged during transit.
While enclosed transportation can be more expensive than open transport, the peace of mind it provides is unparalleled.
Obtain and Compare Quotes
At this point, you can contact the shortlisted auto shipping companies and request quotes from them to transport your vehicle. Additionally, many transportation companies offer online shipping calculators. You can obtain quotes from these calculators by entering pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and your vehicle's make and model number.
Decide on Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
The location you choose for picking up and dropping off your vehicle can significantly impact the final shipping quote.
Opting for door-to-door service offers great convenience. You won't have to worry about going out to pick up your vehicle since the company takes care of it. However, this service might cost more than usual.
If you want to ship your car while keeping costs down, consider managing the drop-off and pick-up locations yourself. While this approach may require more effort, it can result in substantial savings.
Prepare Car for Moving
Your car will be traveling a long distance, so it needs to be prepared well for this purpose. To have your vehicle ready for transport, start with:
Removing Personal Belongings
Before shipping your vehicle across the country, it's crucial to remove all personal belongings. Whether it's clothes, documents, or any accessories, make sure to take them out beforehand.
Leaving any loose items inside the car might damage the vehicle's interior. Additionally, these leftover items could be lost during transit due to theft or vandalism. In either case, the shipping company won't take responsibility for these things. As a result, most companies advise emptying your car prior to shipping it.
Documenting Any Existing Damage
Capture photographs of your vehicle from all angles before handing it over to the auto moving company. Document any existing damage, including dents or scratches. Having this evidence will be invaluable in case there are any disputes regarding damage during transit.
Handing Over Legal Documents
Be sure to provide the auto shipping company with the necessary legal documents, such as the vehicle registration and insurance. They may need these documents for their records and to ensure compliance with regulations.
Obtain the Bill of Lading
The auto shipping company will provide you with a Bill of Lading (BOL) upon pickup. This legal paper serves as a receipt for your vehicle's transportation. Be sure to keep this document safe until your car is delivered.
Inspect Car Upon Arrival
As soon as you receive your vehicle, thoroughly inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during transit. If you notice any issues, document them immediately and contact the auto shipping company to file a claim.
Nexus Auto Transport: Making Auto Shipping a Breeze
Shipping a car may seem daunting, but it can be a breeze with the right tips and tricks. Our comprehensive guide on how to ship a car has everything a beginner needs to know before moving their vehicle.
And when it comes to hassle-free auto transportation, Nexus Auto Transport is your ultimate solution. With our expert team and top-notch services, we ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Ready to ship your car with ease? Contact Nexus Auto Transport today and experience the difference firsthand.
