Preparing your car for shipment entails more than arranging a pickup by an auto shipping company. Vehicle owners are responsible for auto transport preparations before the driver arrives. Below is a list of ways to prepare your vehicle for shipping.
Remove Personal Items
Some people may stash a few heavy boxes in their car when there’s inadequate space in the moving van. The approach isn’t recommended as the auto transport company gets fined for such actions, and those items aren’t insured against theft or damage. Consider removing unessential or personal items from your car, including GPS devices, water bottles, sunglasses, insurance information, and charging cables.
If you have to leave your personal items in your car, load them into the trunk to protect them from the sun and keep them out of sight during transportation. You should also remove toll tags in your car to minimize unnecessary fees that may hike the overall shipping cost. You should keep your emergency kit, spare tire, license plate, and jack with the car in case something goes amiss.
Assemble the Necessary Documents
Ensure you have the required documentation to minimize the headache during the moving day. You need numerous documents that ascertain the car is yours. Keep copies and originals of the listed documents to ensure an excellent car shipping experience.
- Registration information
- Proof of vehicle insurance
- Your car’s original title
- Your vehicle’s bill of sale
Perform the Necessary Maintenance
It would be best to highlight whether your car is inoperable before booking a California car shipping company, or company nearest you. Ensure you assess your vehicle for mechanical issues and leaks and top off the fluids. If there’s any leak, you should repair it or hire a reliable mechanic to fix the problem. Below is a list of things to assess before your car shipment.
- Battery charge: Ensure your vehicle battery is fully charged
- Tire pressure: Inflate your car’s tires on the day of shipment to minimize vehicle damage
- Fluids: Top off the vehicle’s fluids, including coolant, oil, and power steering and assess any form of leaks
- Mileage: Note your vehicle’s mileage for delivery and pickup
Wash the Car’s Exterior and Interior
You don’t want to transport a rough and dirty-looking car. Washing your car lets you wipe out dirt and dust and identify damaged spots on the vehicle’s exterior. Don’t forget your car’s interior; concentrate on clearing out clutter and wiping down surfaces to ensure you start with a clean and fresh vehicle at your new property. Once the exterior of your car is clean, consider inspecting it for discoloration and existing scratches. Though rare, dings and scratches happen during transport, so it’s essential to take note of those already existing. Note that finding the listed damages is much easier on a clean vehicle.
Take Pictures of the Car
After the vehicle is clean, it’s an excellent time to take pictures. Ensure the photos are dated and are good quality, and avoid concentrating on damaged sections. Take photos of your car from different angles to act as proof if your vehicle sustains damage during transport. Ensure you have the pictures ready for a smooth process when marking them on the Bill of Lading.
People have multiple reasons for transporting their vehicles. It could be state-to-state relocation, commercial purposes, or sending them to acquaintances. Whichever the reason, you should follow the listed steps to minimize challenges associated with an unplanned auto-shipping process.
