Steps Involved to Ship a Personal Vehicle Across Country Safely

Do you have to transport your vehicle across the country? It may be because you are moving to a different state, taking a vacation, or selling your car. Regardless of the reason, there are paperwork and other intricate details to be taken into consideration. Initially, the thought of self-driving your vehicle might sound tempting.

Nevertheless, if you think about it the time consumed, expenses involved, wear and tear of the vehicle would make you reconsider your plans and look for alternate solutions. The ideal solution is to ship your vehicle directly to the destination with the help of shipping service. Follow these steps for a hassle-free experience.

Find a reputable shipping company:

If you Google for information, you’ll find several companies offering shipping services in your area. Make a list of good companies in your locality.

  • Get referrals from families and friends
  • Check out reviews online
  • Request quotes from few shipping companies
  • Shortlist a company based on their reputation, promptness of service, customer service, price, etc.

The process consumes a fair amount of time but you need to be sure you are choosing the right company since your car is a valuable possession and you can’t risk it being damaged. Alternatively, you can opt for car shipping brokering services to save more time. If you need help finding a good shipping company for shipping a car to or from Vermont contact Ship a Car, Inc.

They are the leading brokering services in the US. They are connected to several popular carriers. After you request a quote with them, they’ll assign you to a carrier that accommodates your route and time frame whilst guaranteeing the ideal deal. They do the shortlisting for you and hence you don’t have to stress about choosing a company that safely ships your vehicle.

Check if you require additional insurance:

Most carriers offer adequate coverage. Take a look at the insurance details and if you feel you need additional coverage, you can opt for supplemental insurance.

Check the condition of your vehicle:

  • TiresEnsure the tires are inflated and suitable for driving to the destination. If you have to change the tires suitable for the driving location, change them before shipping.
  • Emergency brakeConfirm if your emergency brake is in working condition.
  • BatteryCheck your vehicle’s battery charge and ensure it sits securely since loose batteries get jostled during travel and damages other internal car parts.
  • Leaks: See if there are any leaks and get them fixed before shipping.
  • Gas: Fill up the gas tank only up to 1/4th of the tank the day right before shipping.

Prepare the vehicle:

  • Remove personal belongings and exteriorsRemove exterior parts like an antenna, bike racks, cargo boxes, etc. Remove personal belongings and valuables for safety reasons.
  • Secure the fixed componentsTo ensure your car arrives in good condition, secure the fixed components using any protective film like bubble wrap.
  • Take picturesWash your car and then take pictures of the car and take note of existing damage the day before shipping.

After your vehicle is delivered compare it with pictures you have taken previously and check for damages. Book your shipping service at least 1 month to 2 weeks ahead so that you have ample time to plan the process.