Have you decided to move across the country, sell your vehicle to a far-edged place, or simply need enclosed car shipping? In any case, you need to properly prepare your vehicle for shipping. If you are new to vehicle shipping, you might not know how cars are shipped or the necessary steps to take before a car shipment.
That’s why we have covered all the important points you should know before a vehicle shipping to avoid any delays in the delivery process. So let’s get started!
1. Collect All Your Car Documents
Auto transport companies generally require vehicle documents like car registration, insurance reports, car titles, etc., to verify car ownership. These can vary depending on the company you’ve selected.
If a third party or seller other than the vehicle owner is involved in the shipment process, they may ask for a notarized authorization letter. So, gathering all documents beforehand ensures a hassle-free and organized shipping process.
2. Clean Your Vehicle
Washing the vehicle inside out helps to identify the existing scratches, dents, paint chips, etc. This will also benefit car documentation and clear inspection before vehicle shipment.
So, wipe off any dirt from the exterior to give the car a polished look. And let’s not forget to clean the interior, like mats, dashboard, door panels, etc, to create a neat inner environment.
3. Document the Existing Damages
Documenting the car's condition before shipment provides legal protection to both parties involved in the shipping process. This also promotes transparency, reserves the insurance claims, and serves as evidence to avoid disputes.
Capture the car's condition, including dents, visible marks, or discoloration, by taking photographs of different areas with close-ups of affected parts. This proactive measure will help the recipient and sender have a complete record of the vehicle before and after transport, leading to a peaceful delivery process.
4. Take Pictures of the Odometer
Photographing the odometer will help to note the car mileage at the time of shipment. Doing this step is important to prevent someone from using your car in your absence. Even if any such case arises, you would have a clear and indisputable record to stay away from consequences.
However, truck drivers have to load and unload your vehicle many times during shipment. Hence, there can be a little difference between actual mileage before shipment and upon delivery.
5. Take Out Any Personal Items
Remove your items, like charging cables, water bottles, and GPS devices, from the vehicle to eliminate any chance of loss or theft. Moreover, it eliminates any possible damage when anything comes in contact with the vehicle's interior.
Take precautions like removing tag tolls and disabling custom alarms, which can add to your shipping charges. Further, taking such steps will keep you away from any disruption during the shipping cost and process.
6. Secure/ Remove The Car Accessories
Auto transport companies follow precautions for safe vehicle delivery; however, securing car accessories will add a layer of protection.
Car accessories like antennas, spoilers, bike racks, and ski racks should be removed or secured so that every part is safely transported to its destination. Fold the side mirrors, eliminate the antennas, and custom spoilers.
Similarly, if your vehicle has a convertible top, secure it to refrain from damage during shipping.
7. Reduce The Level Of the Fuel Tank
Keep the gas tank level to a quarter or less than that to reduce any risk during transportation. This is important for two reasons. First, it will reduce the car's weight, contributing to lower shipping charges and effective vehicle delivery.
Secondly, decreasing the fuel tank level will minimize the chance of leakage and fumes that can occur with increased petrol quantity. This simple step will guarantee the safety of the transportation team and your automobile.
8. Do Any Required Maintenance
Ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition protects the car from unforeseen complications, leading to a smooth transport process. Check out all the parts, including the battery, brakes, radiator, shock absorbers, etc. Make sure to have a battery working properly and inflated tyres to unload or load the vehicle easily during transportation.
Doing the necessary maintenance of the car minimizes any chance of unexpected breakdowns and prevents delays during transit.
9. Vehicle Insurance Coverage
Check out your car insurance to see if it’s up-to-date and includes coverage for vehicle transportation. Ensuring that your car insurance provides coverage for transportation will add another level of security and assurance during the process. Therefore, take the time to review and keep your vehicle insurance coverage updated to protect against any unseen damage.
10. Provide Keys To Auto-Transport Company
Handing the keys to an auto-transport company is essential as they will require it while loading and unloading the vehicle. However, make sure you have locked your car to protect it from unauthorized access.
Give the keys to any authorized person and get a receipt to confirm you have records of issuing it to the transportation company. Lastly, have an extra set of keys for your use.
11. Signing The Bill of Lading
When the driver comes to pick up your car, carefully read and review the bill of lading. The Bill of lading is an official document containing information regarding the vehicle's condition, including damages and other essential details at the time of transportation.
Signing this will acknowledge you verified the condition of the car before transportation. Moreover, it will also help you to assess the car's condition before and upon delivery. Thus, it’s important to carefully read the document to eliminate any chance of mishappening after the transportation.
The Bottom Line
Putting an effort into preparing your car for transport beforehand will save you from a lot of stress and panic at the last moment. Following the above-mentioned points can reduce any potential risk, protect your assets, and increase the chance of a safer vehicle delivery.
Lastly, contact auto-transport company professionals like Nexus Autotranport to learn the protocols, paperwork, and other related matters. At Nexus Autotransport, our transporter cleans your vehicle, removes any personal items, and keeps your fuel tank at quarter to half tank before dispatching.to get your car to its final destination securely.
