It’s well known that shipping is the action of transporting goods from one location to another. This can take place locally or over long distances, but either way, a vehicle is needed in order to deliver the goods safely. Typically, trucks or airplanes are used to get items to their destination quickly and in good condition- but what happens when the item you need to be shipped is a car? There are many reasons why someone might choose to have their car shipped rather than drive it to their location destination. Whatever your reason, the process can be intimidating and costly if you don’t know what to look for. If you’re having your car shipped for the first time, or are simply looking for advice, here are 6 practical tips to keep in mind when having your car shipped.
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Read Reviews
Though it often feels like a waste of time, in this case, reviews are your friend! There are many auto transport companies on the market that will take advantage of an ill-informed customer. Reading reviews and testimonials online will help gauge how reputable the company is, and help you decide whether you’d like to entrust such an important job to them. It’s a good idea to compare and contrast different companies to discover which ones will suit your needs and budgetary restrictions the best.
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Choose the Right Method
There are two main methods when dealing with auto shipping: open transport and enclosed transport. Both will get your car where it needs to go but will accommodate different needs. If you’re looking to move a standard car, and aren’t worried about it getting a little dusty or dirty, chances are you’ll want to go with an open transport method. Much cheaper when compared to an enclosed method, individuals can save roughly 60 percent of costs by opting for an open transport. That being said, if you are looking to ship a luxury car, collector’s item, or anything that you want to keep in pristine condition, this is absolutely the method you should select.
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Empty Your Car
This one is common sense- empty your car! You’ll want to clean the interior and trunk of your car of any personal belongings prior to shipping. For starters, this makes your car heavier and more difficult to move for the company, and many companies will fine you for the added inconvenience of transporting your personal goods along with your vehicle. Additionally, any objects that remain inside your car won’t be covered by insurance. This means that if anything gets damaged, broken, or stolen during the journey you’ll have to pay for any repairs or replacements out of your own pocket.
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Look For the Little Things
One of the biggest variants when it comes to vehicle shipping companies is the level of care. Though many options will cover the base necessities, most companies won’t include the little details and perks that can elevate a mediocre experience to a great one. Things like damage repayment, car wash reimbursements, and car rental for late deliveries should all be included in the cost of car shipping. This will ensure that no matter what happens, you’ll be able to go about your life without disruption and without having to pay hidden fees later on.
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Cost Transparency
A big factor in determining how to ship your car and with what company is cost. Price and budget are usually one of the main considerations when it comes to moving, so it’s no surprise that the vast majority of consumers make their decisions based on price differentials. However, it’s important to note that not every company makes cost transparency a priority. When choosing your shipping service, keep an eye out for hidden fees or unfixed quotes. These will often present as cost-effective options, but may end up costing you significantly more.
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Be Flexible
When it comes to auto shipping, one of the most crucial elements is timing. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to give yourself more time than you think you’ll need. Due to the nature of vehicle transportation, exact deliveries aren’t guaranteed 100% of the time, and schedules can get delayed. If you are looking to save some money, don’t be afraid to ask about different dates. If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to get a discounted rate by working with the shipping company to decide upon mutually beneficial delivery dates.
Shipping a car is a big investment, so you want to make sure that you’re getting everything you need for a price you’re comfortable with. If you’re well-prepared, read the reviews, make choices that suit your needs best, and give yourself ample time, your experience should be seamless. Auto-shipping can be a confusing subject, but it’s one that can be clarified by a little research and thorough planning. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to have a stress-free experience.