5 Top Tips To Ship A Car
You need to make sure that your vehicle is shipped to the right place, whether it's to another country or to another state in the US. It is likely that you will need to fill out a lot more paperwork. Also, ensure that you communicate with all relevant agencies. It is understandable that it can be complicated, but it is better to do the work right and not skip any of the steps. To ensure your vehicle arrives at its destination safely, there are many important decisions that must be made. These are five top tips for shipping a car.
1. Register your transportation company
Shippers must register with the US Department of Transport. They will be issued a DOT number. They will also need a Motor Carrier Number if they are shipping between the states. The Federal Maritime Commission must be registered if the company is shipping overseas. A bond and shipping license should be obtained by the company.
2. Prepare the car for the trip
Most vehicle shipping companies won't take responsibility for any damage to your car's interior. It is therefore important that you get rid of all personal belongings such as money, CDs, or other electronic items. You should also clean the vehicle and take photos before it goes on its journey. It is also important to empty the vehicle of all fuel and keep your spare keys.
You should make sure that your car can handle all kinds of weather if you take it to a new place. This includes fitting tires to suit any season, as well as antifreeze protection for your engine and servicing the air conditioner.
3. All arrangements must be confirmed in writing
Although we all want to be able to trust the companies we deal with it is best to have all agreements confirmed in writing. You should also review the quotation you received to make sure there are no hidden fees and you don't agree to any unreasonable terms or conditions. Even if the arrangement was verbally made, have them confirm it in writing so that both parties can sign.
4. You should get a bill
It is vital that you have a bill-of-lading from your transporter to confirm that they have taken possession. The document will contain information about your vehicle, including details of the condition and terms and conditions. This document will be required to sue the carrier for damage to the vehicle.
5. Make sure you have car insurance
These steps will reduce the chance of you having to ship your car. However, no one can guarantee that anything will happen during transport. Talk to your auto insurance company about whether your policy covers your vehicle while it's in transit. For your own security, consider marine insurance if it doesn't.