Five Tips To Ship An Automobile Across The Country

A professional auto transport company can be a reliable and convenient way to ship your vehicle around the country. This can be an invaluable service for anyone looking to buy or sell a car from far away. Many people don't know how it works and may feel uncomfortable giving their car to someone to transport it thousands of miles away. These are some tips to help ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely.

Comparing Pricing

A majority of reputable shipping companies will be able to provide you with a quote for free. Prices that appear too good to be true should be avoided. This could indicate that the company may not be legitimate if its prices are significantly lower than those of other companies.

Research the Company

Do your research before you choose a shipping company. Legal carriers must be registered with the Department of Transportation. They should also have valid Motor Carrier Authority. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website allows you to check the safety record of the company. Finally, make sure to read all reviews and verify the rating of the company with the Better Business Bureau.

Check the insurance coverage of your carrier

You want to ensure that your vehicle is adequately insured when you choose an auto carrier. Many carriers offer coverage from $50,000 to $100,000. Some may charge more. To prove their coverage, your transporter should be able to provide a Certificate of Insurance. To verify that your vehicle is covered for transport, you should check with your auto insurance company.

Prepare your vehicle for shipment

You should prepare your vehicle for the shipment before you hand it over to the carrier. You should first clean and document any damage to your vehicle. You can also take photos to show the condition of your vehicle. Also, remove any personal items from your vehicle and fill your tank to 1/4.

Maintain a realistic timeline

It could take several weeks to transport your vehicle across the country. It is therefore important to plan ahead. Keep in mind, however, that the estimated delivery time is an estimate and subject to change. Auto shippers may experience unexpected delays, such as traffic jams, bad weather, or road closures. This is not the case with standard parcel shipping. It is important to be patient when shipping vehicles across the country. Also, keep in mind a realistic timeline.