We know that shipping a car is complicated and challenging, but you can make it easy and smooth by understanding the car shipping process and selecting the right auto transport company. There are many reasons you need an auto transport company. You must ship your car whether you have purchased a new vehicle or relocated.
Here, we have shared a few important points you need to remember while planning to ship your car. Are you embarking on the journey of shipping a vehicle? We’ve covered you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide and a wealth of auto shipping tips to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Steps To Ship A Car
Here, we have listed a few steps that you need to follow while you are planning for the shipment and ship your car.
- Do complete research on how to ship a car.
- Choose a reliable auto transport company.
- Choose the right shipping method.
- Choose the auto shipping company with insurance coverage and tracking facility.
- Get a signed shipping contract from your shipping company.
- Clean your vehicle and get ready with the documentation required for the shipment.
- Disable the car alarms and remove the necessary personal belongings inside the car.
- Complete the documentation of your car.
- Inspect your car before and after the shipment.
Different Ways Car Shipping
There are two main shipping methods: open and enclosed. As their names show, open transport is an open trailer, and enclosed transport is an enclosed or closed trailer.
- Open transport
An open carrier is an open trailer, a cost-effective way of shipping vehicles. Your vehicle will be loaded in an open trailer, and it will be exposed to external and weather elements.
- Enclosed transport
An enclosed trailer means that your vehicle will be shipped in an enclosed trailer, and it is the trailer that offers high security and protection to your vehicle. It is an expensive car transport but it is the best method for the shipment of vehicles across the country and the shipment of classic, luxury, and premium vehicles.
Cost Of Shipping A Car
Cost Of Shipping A CarThe cost of shipping a car depends on several factors, such as distance, vehicle model, size, time, etc. The average cost is between $500 and $1500, and it depends on the type of vehicle you are shipping. The factors that affect the car shipping cost are listed below,
- Pickup and delivery distance- the total distance between the pickups and the delivery location is calculated to determine the shipping cost.
- Transport type between the open and enclosed- open transport is cost-effective, and enclosed transport is expensive.
- Route and location of the shipping- urban shipping will cost less when compared to rural shipping.
- Time of the shipping- off-season shipping will cost more than winter shipping.
- Fuel cost.
- Vehicle model, size, and weight affect the shipping cost.
Prepare Your Car For Shipping
Below, we have shared a few tips that you need to consider before the shipment of your vehicle.
- Wash your vehicle.
- Remove all your personal belongings from inside the vehicles and all your documents inside the car.
- Reduce the level of the fuel by a quarter.
- Remove fire extinguishers from your car.
- For electric vehicles, check the battery condition.
- Check for the condition of the vehicle.
Process Of Shipping A Car
- Before you begin the shipment process, get ready with the details that are required for the shipment.
- Submit the details of your vehicle, and choose the transport type.
- Get the auto shipping quote and confirm the shipping date and time.
- Prepare your vehicle for the shipment.
- Get your vehicle picked up from your address.
- Get =your vehicle delivered to you.
Expert Tips For Smooth Car Shipping
Expert Tips For Smooth Car Shipping- Select an auto transport company and get the quote.
- Select transport methods and choose the best by considering the safety of your vehicle.
- Gather the documents of your vehicle before the shipment.
- Check for insurance coverage and the bill for lading.
- Read the shipping contracts carefully and get a copy of your signed contract.
- Prepare your car for shipping.
- Remove personal accessories and check the condition of your car.
- Inspect your car before and after the delivery.
Why Do You Have To Ship A Car Instead Of Driving?
There are many reasons why most people prefer driving over the shipment. The first and the most important reason is that it is cost-effective, and the second reason is that if they have purchased a new vehicle, they might want to take a test drive, but driving is not cost-effective. It will cost somehow more than the shipping. We highly recommend shipping your car for several reasons,
- It will safely transport your car, so you do not need to plan for transportation.
- It will save time and money.
- It will save wear and tear costs, and it won’t add mileage to your car.
we have found that driving a car will cost more than shipping because if you are driving there are many ways that add additional costs like food, fuel, and accommodation costs, etc, and if you hire an auto transport company you have to pay only once that amount will be reasonable.
Quick Recap
Here, we have shared quick steps on how to ship a car.
- Choose the company
Select and research an auto transport company, look for its experience and reputation, and read the custom reviews.
- Select the shipment method
You have to select the right shipping method for your vehicle’s shipment. You have to plan whether you need open or enclosed transport. Many people select open transport because it is cheap, but you have to think twice before you choose it. Because there is the risk of your vehicle getting damaged.
- Coordinate with the company and driver
You have to coordinate with the auto transport company or with the driver, confirm the pickup and delivery location, ask for the tracking report, and confirm the necessary documents they require for the shipment.
- Check the bill of lading
The bill of lading is an important document because it compares the condition of your vehicle at the time of pickup and delivery. You should keep in mind that you should have to fill out this form; otherwise, you won’t be able to claim insurance in case of damage.
Conclusion
car shipping can be smooth if you have researched a car shipping company and do proper car preparation before the shipment. before shipping, you must consider all the shipping tips we shared. To cut down the shipping burden and enjoy peace of mind, you must choose the right shipping company and the right shipping method for your car.
