Auto Shipping Tips: 8 Points to Keep in Mind
Posted By admin on October 3, 2011
1. Inspect your car thoroughly before turning it over to the representative of the auto shipping company you’re getting. If it’s possible, take a picture of your car including the top side and note all existing dents and scratches. The representative will also inspect your car for damages, so make a counter-check with your own list and make sure you both agree on the current condition of your car before you go sign anything.
2. Check with the car shipping company if you’re allowed to load some stuff in your vehicle. Normally, you cannot put anything personal inside the car including heavy appliances and the like. So, clear out your car before turning it over to the car transporter.
3. To minimize damages to your car during transport, fix loose parts and accessories like air deflectors, back-up cameras, fog lights, bumper guards, wipers and others. Make sure all extra fittings inside the car are also secured, or consider removing them temporarily for the transport. The fewer things hanging loose, the less damage your car will get in case they get unfastened.
4. Make sure the battery of your vehicle is amply charged. Also, make sure your tires aren’t flat and have correct air pressure. This is so your car can be loaded and unloaded safely.
5. Ask the auto shipping company how much gas you should have in your car. Some auto shippers would require a near empty gas in your vehicle to minimize spillage and accidents. If this is the case with your carrier, know that it’s wise to keep at least a quarter- to half-tank of gas in your vehicle.
Whether you’re having your vehicle delivered on your doorstep or you plan to pick it up yourself from a location, you will need some gas to get to the nearest gasoline station. Also, the auto shipping company will need some gas for loading and unloading your vehicle. A quarter or so tank of gas should be just enough to do all that.
6. Make sure the date of your car pick-up and turnover is in black and white, including time and place of pick-up. If the auto carrier does not turn up on the date you both agreed upon, make sure you get some sort of compensation for your wasted time. Car carrier companies usually need at least one month allowance to schedule vehicle pick-up, so make sure you contact one as soon as you’ve decided which vehicle shipper to book.
7. Ask for the mobile number of the driver of the car transporter from the carrier company. Also, opt for morning or day delivery of your vehicle. This is so you can check the condition of your car in broad daylight.
Note any new scratches and dents on your car in the Bill of Lading and then ask the driver to sign it. Contact the carrier company for the damages. If the company does not contest the damages, then you’ll just have to wait for the reimbursement or the insurance.
8. Make sure the auto shipping company has insurance and that your vehicle will be appropriately covered. To be sure that claims for the insurance will not be a problem later on, get copies of the insurance certificates from the company. Some companies do not have insurance and charge less because of this, but remember that getting a company that provides insurance is still the wise thing to do.
Leave a Reply