Comprehensive Guide for Shipping Your Car for the First Time
Vehicle shipping can be an overwhelming process. If you want to transport your vehicle, you need proper guidelines. This is especially true when you face the difficulty of moving across a state and wonder how to transport your precious and assetful car from one place to another. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can easily simplify the process and ensure a smooth experience. We will explore each step that you need in the guide about car shipping .
Step 1: Choose Appropriate Company
The first and foremost step that contributes towards the guide is to choose an appropriate company. People aim for so many things including the fact to find an affordable car shipping services company. Now keeping all that you have in mind as a first-timer shipping a car, here are some steps we recommended to you to reduce any mistakes and trust the reliable resource.
Research About Company
Search thoroughly about shipping companies in your area. Check their websites and the services which they offer. They may also have online reviews and ratings about the company's reputation. Keep this in mind if they have the door-to-door shipping service , that is like a legitimate bonus point. While researching the company, make sure you opt for reliable auto transport.
Double Check the Licensing Company
If you're considering buying a used car that was imported from another country, be sure to research the company that issued the vehicle's title. This is essentially the car's birth certificate, and a reputable licensing company helps ensure the car is legal to import, register, and drive in your country.
Here's why it's important:
- Validity: Titles from reputable licensing companies are far less likely to be fraudulent.
- Smoother Registration: A clear and valid title will make the registration process at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) much easier.
How to Check?
You can usually find the licensing company's name on the car's title. A quick internet search can tell you more about the company's reputation and area of operation.
By taking this extra step, you'll save yourself time, money, and frustration down the road!
Compare Services
Ask them about the services they provide, such as insurance, transportation, customs clearance, tracking services, etc., that relate to your specific needs. After checking this, you will be able to choose the right Car shipping company. Also, before making a final decision, you have to contact the company for additional queries.
Step 2: Choose your Shipping Method
There are two primary methods used in shipping a vehicle.
By Overseas
This is the most common method. It involves driving your car onto the giant vessel's deck, which will be secure for an onward journey. However, it might be exposed during the voyage, so confirm the condition of your car and its shipping.
By Transport
This method involves putting your car in a container enclosed in transport, which protects it from environmental hazards and provides safety. It is also the safest option for shipping your vehicle.
Step 3: Vehicle Inspection and Preparation
Get ready for your car before shipping. It's crucial to conduct a complete inspection and prepare it for transport.
Here's why it's important:
- You should Clean your Car from inside and outside. Vacuum should be used so that dirt can be easily removed.
- Remove your accessories like photos, documents, electronic devices, or any other things from inside the car so that the vehicle is damaged during shipping.
- Ensure that the gas tank is a quarter filled at maximum.
- Store your items securely or pack them separately to avoid getting lost during shipping.
- Tape tightens the loose parts to secure them from falling off during transit.
Step 4: Pickup and Transportation
A transporter will transfer your vehicle onto a trailer for transportation on the specified pickup date. Depending on the shipping company's services, you can pick between open transport, which exposes your automobile to the weather but is less expensive, and covered transport, which gives additional protection but costs more. Once loaded, the carrier will carry your vehicle to its destination using the agreed-upon route and timetable.
Step 5: Finding the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car
Shipping a car can be a budget-buster, but with some smart planning, you can find affordable options without sacrificing quality service. Here are some key strategies to keep your car shipping costs down:
Book Early: Give Yourself a Price Advantage
The earlier you book your car shipping, the better chance you have of securing a competitive rate. Ideally, aim to reserve your spot at least two weeks in advance. This gives car shipping companies ample time to find a carrier for your route and potentially match you with a discounted open spot on a truck. With more time, brokers have more leverage to negotiate the best price on your behalf.
Consider Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping (When Available)
Not all car shipping companies offer this option, but if you're flexible and looking to save money, terminal-to-terminal transportcan be a great choice. This service involves dropping your car off and picking it up at a designated company terminal location, rather than having it delivered directly to your doorstep. While you'll need to arrange separate transportation to and from the terminal yourself, this can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs.
Open Carrier vs. Enclosed Trailer: Striking the Right Balance
Open car carriers are generally the most affordable option for transporting your vehicle. However, they offer less protection from the elements. Enclosed trailers provide complete coverage but come at a premium. Weigh the value of your car and potential weather conditions during transport to determine which option best suits your needs. If your car is valuable or the weather forecast looks rough, the extra cost of an enclosed trailer might be worth it for peace of mind.
Step 6: Insurance For Vehicle shipping
Insurance must be provided when you ship a car to ensure its safety during shipping. Following different ways by which you can insure your vehicle during shippiCarservice;
Transport Insurance
Some companies offer transport insurance, which covers losses resulting from unexpected incidents. This may include coverage for losses resulting from transportation incidents, natural disasters, vehicle theft, etc.
Shipment Insurance
Some related companies also offer this. It covers damages during shipping, as a car is part of a general shipment.
Total Loss Insurance
Sometimes, total insurance can be obtained from the car's total value price. The vehicle is determined in advance and paid for the total amount in case of car damage.
Step 7: Tracking Your Vehicle
Tracking your vehicle covers many factors, such as shipping agents involved, shipping company, shipping transportation, etc. Following are ways to track your car during the sharing process so that you ensure that your vehicle reaches its destination;
Online Method
Some shipping companies offer an online portal on their website so You can easily log in and track your shipment.
You can update this by dates, location of your shipment, or any other updates.
Use of Mobile Application
Most companies offer an application to track your shipment on your mobile phone. You can log in and get up-to-date about your shipment by downloading their application.
Direct Communication
You can also directly contact the shipping agent or company and ask them about your shipment. They will provide you with all the updates.
Question that are NOT Silly for First-timers
We often hesitate asking questions because we worry about the stares that are going to get us off the track. But if I were shipping the car, I’d definitely ask. So why shouldn’t you? Even after the whole guide, you feel the need to ask something, here’s your wild card:
What is the Cheapest way to ship a car?
Consider off-peak seasons (spring/fall) or weekdays for potentially lower rates. Get quotes from multiple companies!
Quickest way to ship a car?
I’m not alone thinking about how long it takes to ship a car, right? Enclosed transport is the fastest but typically more expensive. It’s always on you which one you choose. You can even book a call with us to consult.
What’s the best day to ship a car?
Weekdays might offer more flexibility for scheduling with car shipping companies.
How does car shipping service over the weekends look like?
Yes, many companies offer weekend shipping, though availability or rates might vary.
Key Takeaways
Don't let car shipping overwhelm you. Plan ahead for a smooth ride by considering off-peak seasons or weekdays for potentially lower rates. For the quickest delivery, enclosed transport is an option, though it typically costs more. Weekend shipping is often available for added flexibility.
Genius Auto Trans can guide you through every step, making your first car shipment a breeze. Get a quote and experience the Genius difference today!