If you’re shipping your car across state lines, there are a few important steps you need to follow.
Before choosing a provider, do your research and compare customer reviews and prices. There are two types of companies: brokers and online marketplaces.
1. Get a quote
Dependent upon your car’s size, shipping method and route, quotes may differ significantly.
Comparing multiple auto transporter quotes allows you to compare costs and select the perfect auto carrier for you – some companies even provide price matching policies!
Before hiring any provider, take time to research their reputation. Start by reading reviews about providers and verifying their USDOT number. You can visit this site to learn more about USDOT numbers.
Reading customer reviews online or comparing experiences can help identify red flags such as price increases or poor communication – if one provider consistently receives complaints then perhaps another solution should be sought out.
Make sure your car is prepared for shipment by clearing away personal items and checking tire pressure to the proper levels.
Also, be prepared for delays to pick-up or delivery due to weather, traffic or detours. You can check https://www.weather.gov/ for up-to-date weather information.
Verify with the carrier they have insurance coverage for both your car as well as any personal items packed into it – take photos prior to shipping; upon arrival inspect your car thoroughly for damage; report them immediately!
2. Pick a carrier
Take the time and care necessary to find a reliable and affordable car shipping company.
You will need to determine how you want your vehicle transported across state lines. When you ship your car to a different state, most transport providers offer both open and enclosed transport options. Enclosed is more expensive but might be necessary if shipping a classic or high-value car.
Select a day and time when the carrier can pick up your car; depending on its distance, this could take days or even weeks. Expedited shipping is available for a premium fee.
Before your carrier arrives, take steps to clear away all personal belongings from your car and clean it thoroughly. This will protect you and the carrier as well as speed up the shipping process.
3. Pick a time
Planning the start of your car’s long journey can be like planning your vacation: you must consider everyone’s schedules and availability when setting it all in motion.
A great way to do this is by getting multiple quotes from transport companies for dates you require them; usually companies provide an availability window instead of giving a definitive date when they will collect or drop off.
Once your vehicle is shipped, the next step should be selecting your shipping service of choice. Some people prefer an open carrier while others choose enclosed transport. You could even select either door-to-door shipping or lot-to-lot transport depending on your needs and budget.
By conducting thorough research and selecting a reliable auto transport company, you can make the process of shipping your car across state lines as quickly, conveniently, and cost-effectively as possible. With so much else on your plate when moving, outsourcing car transport could be one less worry on your plate!
4. Drive it to the carrier
On the day of pick-up, ensure you bring along your photo ID, registration and insurance documents as well as personal items from your vehicle for removal and an inventory of any pre-existing damage that needs documenting. Furthermore, cleanliness may also play an integral part as most transport companies won’t accept an unclean car onto their truck.
Your vehicle type and size will have an impact on its cost of shipping. Larger cars tend to cost more, while luxury or classic automobiles could add even further expenses.
When selecting open or enclosed shipping, keep this price factor in mind as this decision can also have an effect.
Transporting your car to another state can be an efficient and stress-free way of ticking another task off of your list when moving into a new residence. Just make sure you do your research to find the service provider who best meets your needs and choose the one with whom you feel most at ease.
5. Drive it back
Moving your car can be an anxious task, but with some careful preparation it can become much simpler.
Once your car has left its current location, you can monitor its progress using GPS. However, be aware that long-distance transports may be delayed by adverse weather, traffic jams or any number of unexpected obstacles; if it hasn’t reached its final destination within two or three days from its estimated delivery date then contact the carrier and inquire as to what may have caused its delay.
If possible, try scheduling delivery during off-peak season as this will minimize delays while also keeping costs to a minimum.
