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What Should I Expect When Moving My Car?

When moving across the country, car movers simplify the process by handling the logistics and ensuring your vehicle arrives safely at its new location. These professionals come equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to provide a smooth, stress-free experience. Here’s what the car shipping process typically involves:

Quoting and Booking Your Order

The first step in the auto transport process is visiting the company’s website to review the factors that impact your shipping quote and delivery timeline. Key considerations include your pickup and drop-off locations, as well as the type of service you choose.

There are typically three transport options available:

  • Open carrier shipping is the most budget-friendly method. Your vehicle is secured on an open trailer using heavy-duty straps.

  • Enclosed carrier shipping offers added protection by transporting your vehicle in a covered trailer, making it ideal for high-value, antique, or exotic cars.

  • Door-to-door service adds convenience by delivering your car directly to your chosen locations.

When placing your order, you’ll schedule a pickup date and time. This step depends on factors such as the size and weight of your vehicle, which may require special equipment or accommodations. If your car is inoperable, the process becomes more complex, requiring additional tools and manpower to load and unload the vehicle.

These logistics are typically reviewed with the shipping company in advance to ensure the quote reflects your needs accurately and the timeline aligns with your expectations.

Gathering Your Vehicle’s Documents

Before shipping your vehicle, car movers need proof of ownership. You can prove car ownership through vehicle registration information and proof of insurance. The vehicle title shows you own the car, and registration documents show legal documentation. Compulsory documents include the bill of lading and the insurance terms and conditions. The bill of lading proves the delivery of your vehicle and its condition. You must note your car’s condition before shipment and after delivery. In case of damages, you can use the bill of lading when making an insurance claim.

Removing Personal Items

Always remove your personal items from the car before it is picked up for shipping. Car movers can be fined for moving a car with personal belongings. Items in your car are not insured against theft or damage. Some shippers do not make an inventory of items in your vehicle, and you incur the repair and replacement costs if they get damaged during transportation. Shippers caution against leaving firearms, medications, and irreplaceable items in the vehicle. The contract states all the placement and weight requirements, which the shipper will discuss with you before any paperwork is signed.

Performing Necessary Maintenance

Car movers have the needed tools to load non-operational vehicles onto their carriers but this adds unnecessary inconvenience to the shipping process. If your car is operational, top off fluids and repair leaks and mechanical issues. You may need to fill the brake, washer, and power steering fluids. Inflate the tires properly and check the condition of the battery. Ask the car mover for other maintenance suggestions they might have for vehicle transportation.

Emptying Your Gas Tank

Filling up your gas tank before shipping is unnecessary. Extra gas adds to your car’s total weight. A quarter-full gas tank is enough to drive on and off the shipping vessel. If your vehicle’s exterior has any extra modifications that can be damaged, secure or remove them. These include bike racks, custom spoilers, and rooftop boxes.

Signing the Bill of Lading

When the driver delivers your car to its destination, they notify you of its arrival. You must meet with the driver to inspect the vehicle and sign the bill of lading. This legal contract acts as legal protection for your shipment and as a receipt. It covers special issues with your vehicle and its shipping origin and destination. After receiving your car, you should perform an inspection to check for damage.

Contact Reliable Car Movers Today

Before shipping your car, you must remove your personal items and prepare it for transportation. Reputable car movers offer various types of transportation that suit different types of vehicles. Contact a car transport company to learn more about their services and what is involved in the shipping process.