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Using a shipping service to transport your vehicle has many advantages, and it is the safest way to transport your vehicle long distances. If you are transporting your vehicle for the first time, there are many rookie mistakes first-timers make. To avoid any issues, there are some things to keep in mind to help your shipment go as smoothly as possible.

Dos

Even if you think you might want to drive your car, get a quote anyway. Quotes are free, and shipping your vehicle is cheaper than you expect. Get a quote for shipping and then make a personal quote for yourself to drive. Include gas prices, hotel stays, food costs, and maintenance of your vehicle for the wear and tear. You might be surprised to find that shipping your vehicle may be the ideal option.

Give as much information about your vehicle as you can to the shipping company. Take pictures of your car before they load it on the trailer. Tell the driver if there is anything they should know about your car. Is there a trick to getting it started? Does the parking brake sometimes slip? Is your car alarm super sensitive? All of these things could prevent you from getting charged extra for any issues your car may have during shipping.

Plan ahead. Make sure your shipping dates align with your travel plans. You don’t want to be rushing to the airport immediately after your car is on the trailer. It may take longer to go through the inspection if you have a lot to discuss about your vehicle, or you may have trouble getting an Uber to the airport afterward. Also, if you’re arriving before your vehicle, make sure you have transportation arrangements made while you’re waiting for your vehicle to arrive.

Don’ts

Don’t leave personal items in the car. It may sound like a good idea to pack your trunk with some belongings you may not want to put in your rental truck, but don’t. First of all, it is a direct violation of FMCSA regulations. Personal possessions cannot be transported by auto transportation carriers. Secondly, the shipping insurance only covers the vehicle. If you put a TV in the trunk and it gets damaged during shipping, there’s nothing you can do about it.

Don’t forget to check the Bill of Lading. This is the inspection report your driver will fill out before your car is loaded onto the trailer. Make sure everything is in order on the report. This is to ensure that if there are any issues when you receive your vehicle, it will be easier to make a claim.

Transporting your Vehicle Has Never Been Easier

Don’t assume cheaper carriers are better. As we pointed out, insurance is important. Some auto carriers will not include insurance in their quotes, or even worse, not include insurance at all. Also, find a transport company that offers door-to-door service. You may save time and money by having your vehicle shipped directly to your address rather than a parking lot, where you’ll have to pay for storage and parking fees.