At some point in your lifetime, you’ll find yourself in need of auto transport services. You could be moving your car or motorcycle from one state to another. In other cases, you may need to ship your vehicle overseas for an extended vacation or work retreat. Instead of grappling with shipping yourself and coordinating tedious logistics, trust the experts at Guardian Auto Transport to oversee the process.
If this is the first time hiring an auto transport company to ship your vehicle, there are a few things you should know before scheduling your pickup date.
What insurance coverage is offered?
Ensure that the auto transport of your choice offers sufficient insurance coverage for the items you are shipping. Be wary of companies that offer low shipping costs and compromise on insurance. Your automobile is one of the most treasured possessions, and you won’t want to gamble with its safety.
Even though your car is insured, your current insurance plan may not be comprehensive enough when crossing state borders. Ensure your shipping company provides adequate insurance coverage that will protect your vehicle from unsightly chips or dents or other catastrophic roadside accidents.
For optimal safety, request a copy of their insurance documents to better understand the extent of coverage. If you aren’t satisfied with the current level, ask them to adjust it upwards. It will cost you a bit more, but it’s well worth the investment, as you won’t have to worry about financially-devastating damage that could potentially drain your bank account. When it comes to your automobile, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Do I need to prepare my car for shipment?
Are you seeking auto transport services to transport your car? Do you know how to prepare your vehicle before shipping? If you identify as a clueless first-timer, below are some vital pointers to keep in mind:
- Wash your car: A clean car will make any scratches and scrapes visible to the owner. Once you’ve spotted these blemishes, you can document them accordingly.
- Disable any alarm systems of your car
- Empty personal belongings from the car
- Leave minimal gas in the car
- Lock your car
- Inspect for any leaks or damages before shipping
- Ensure it has a valid license
Adequate preparation expedites the shipping process tremendously and saves you from unnecessary delays. Some vehicle owners might be operating under a tight deadline, making timeliness all the more vital.
How much will it cost to ship?
The first question a majority of customers usually ask is: How much will it cost me to ship? Unfortunately, it’s not a simple yes-or-no question that representatives can answer in a few seconds. Instead, pricing shipping depends on a multitude of factors. The transportation costs calculator allows you to estimate the cost of shipping goods from one location to another based on factors such as distance, weight, mode of transport, and shipping speed. Some factors bound to influence the total shipping cost include the following:
- Size and weight of your vehicle
- Distance to be covered
- Time of the year (prices tend to increase in the summer due to increased demand)
- Make and model of your car (Note: classic and luxurious vehicles tend to cost more)
- Method used (whether open, enclosed, or expedited auto transport)
Is you shipping provider registered?
Safeguard yourself from scams. Ensure that the auto transport company of your choice is registered by the Department of Transportation. A registered company has an active USDOT and MC number. You can verify the validity of these numbers with the US Department of Transportation.
To prevent rip-offs, use caution when dealing with brokers. These professionals bear no responsibility for your shipment and will not feel obligated to maintain your vehicle’s pristine condition.
For those beginners, you’ll need to be able to distinguish between shipping companies and brokers. Unlike shipping companies, brokers don’t have a USDOT number. They only hold an MC number. Requesting their USDOT number is an easy way to differentiate between the two.
Do I need any documentation?
Always have the correct documentation in your possession when shipping your car. At a minimum, you’ll need to have your car insurance certificate and registration documents on-hand. To be on the safe side, confer with your auto transport company and ask about the paperwork you’ll need beforehand.
How long does it take to ship?
The duration of shipping depends on the distance covered and the method of transportation. Your auto transport company should advise you on the likely duration of shipping. A company that values its customers should promptly communicate when faced with unexpected delays for customer satisfaction guaranteed.
How do I make payment?
Consult with your shipping company and inquire about the modes of payment they accept. Some don’t accept checks. Other shipping providers don’t like cash, as it is risky and burdensome to the driver to carry on-the-go.
You may be wondering: Should I pay in full before shipping? The payment requirements and deposits will differ from one company to another. However, it’s advisable to choose a company that bills you only after dispatching a carrier for your shipping order. Remember, a trustworthy auto shipping provider will never charge you for a quote. If they request payment upfront, consider looking elsewhere for auto transportation services.
Final thoughts
Failure to complete the necessary steps associated with the shipping process may result in additional charges or costly damages. To guarantee quality customer service interactions and a seamless shipping process, scan through online reviews posted by former customers. These customer testimonials or negative reviews can point you in the direction of a reliable auto transport company.
