Moving across the country involves more than packing up your home in sturdy boxes. You have to take care of utilities, address changes, and more. The process is incredibly stressful, so many people choose to ship their vehicles to their new homes.
Hiring an auto transport company removes the headache of figuring out how to get the moving truck and your vehicles to your new address. An auto transport company will load your car onto their car-carrying truck and bring it to the nearest regional shipping location. There’s no doubt that this service can take a lot of the headaches out of your moving management, but how do you go about it? Here’s everything you need to know about shipping your car across the country.
Include car shipping costs in your moving budget
With increasing gas prices and the headaches of driving the vehicle yourself, the cost of shipping a car is worthwhile. Before choosing an auto transport company, shop around to determine which business offers the best prices without costly surprises. Ask about insurance and damage coverage before committing to a company.
Organize your vehicle documentation
Shipping companies need proof that you own the vehicle. Rather than digging around for documents at the last minute, get your paperwork in order to show it to the car shipping company. Have copies available when you drop off and pick up your automobile. You will need:
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Bill of sale
- Vehicle title
- Your driver’s license
Clean your car inside and out
Before your car goes on the truck, clean it. Then, if it suffers any damage on the ride to your new home, you will be able to see the dents and scratches. A dirty car hides dents and dings that would otherwise be immediately visible.
Clean the inside to protect the interior surfaces. Car-carrying trucks have rough rides, so anything you keep in your vehicle could bounce around and scratch your dashboard or tear your upholstery.
Take out your change, chargers, hand sanitizers, and air fresheners. Clear out the glove boxes and consoles, too. Don’t forget to remove chapsticks that can melt and create significant messes.
Remove any personal items, even insurance papers or other documents that include your legal name. The shipping company’s insurance will not cover your personal items. Remove toll tags, as the transponders could charge your account as the car carrier drives through automatic toll booths.
Record a video and take pictures of your car
After a long road trip on a car carrier, your vehicle could become damaged. To prove that the shipping company was at fault, take pictures of your car while in the shipping company’s parking lot.
Take close-ups of previously existing damage. Shoot video to document any scratches and dents that existed before the trip. Also, don’t forget to take pictures of the windshield, as those can be costly to repair.
Don’t fill up your car before loading it on the truck
Many shipping companies use the weight of your vehicle to determine the fee. If you have a full gas tank, your car will weigh slightly more than if it is approaching empty. Your car is going for a ride, so it won’t need gas until you pick it up at the drop-off spot.
Turn off the alarm and lock your car
If you have a theft-deterrent system on your vehicle, turn it off. The last thing the driver wants to hear on a cross-country trip is your car alarm blaring in the background. If you are worried about theft, lock your car once the shipping company puts it on the truck.
Repair leaks and engine problems before shipping
Many car shipping companies will not transport vehicles with aggressive or visible leaks. The transporters don’t want oil or other fluids all over their trailers. Most car dealerships offer free multi-point inspections, so you can get a quick check of the engine components before shipping your car.
Fix the problems to ship your vehicle to your new home without any issues or surprises along the way.
Remove exterior customization accessories
The long ride on a car carrier can cause damage to customized features. If you have racks, custom spoilers, or special side rails, removing them can prevent expensive damage. Don’t put the accessories in your trunk, as they could suffer damage on the ride. Instead, pack these items into your moving truck just like you would your other personal belongings.
Give the shipping company a spare key
The shipping company will need to load and unload your vehicle, so they need a key. Don’t give the car shipping professionals your only key. If you don’t have a spare, make a copy and clearly label it with the vehicle make, model, and license plate.
Wrap up
Preparing your car for shipping when moving across the country reduces several headaches and can prevent costly damage inside and out. As with any contractual service, read the fine print and follow the instructions before the company puts the car on the trailer.
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