When Shipping Your Car Be Sure To Follow Safety Measures
People are not uncommon to be protective about their cars. This feeling is even stronger for those who are emotionally attached to their cars, such as first-time owners and people who inherit a beloved car from a family member. Most vehicle owners are not afraid to ship their vehicles.
You can rest assured that there are many reliable auto shipping companies who will transport your vehicle. They also adhere to strict processes and protocols to make sure your vehicle arrives safely.
But what safety precautions should you be looking at?
If you ever have to hire a car shipping business, read on.
Perfect Safety Measures for Transporting Vehicles
Although vehicles have been shipped since the invention of the automobile, they are still being sold today by many service providers. We can be sure that the processes have improved over the past 100 years. These are the must-have safety precautions you need to be aware of.
Pre- and post-loading inspection
Every shipping company inspects the vehicles before they are shipped. As a vehicle owner, it is important to attend the inspection.
You should also inspect your vehicle yourself to make sure that the provider doesn't damage it in any way. To document everything, we recommend taking photos of both the interior and exterior of your car.
After the service is complete, inspect your vehicle again. This will ensure that nothing is wrong. You can refer to the preloading inspection documentation as proof of any mishandling if issues do arise. It may also be worthwhile to test drive the product. You can give feedback if the service provider requests it after delivery.
Proper Vehicle Immobilization
When shipping vehicles, it is essential to immobilize them. Securely securing vehicles for transport will prevent them from moving sideways, forward, or backward during transit. This is particularly important for vehicles that are being shipped across rough seas, transported on poor roads, or in bad weather. Proper immobilization will ensure that your vehicle is securely held in place. This will minimize or even eliminate the possibility of it being scratched, dented, or damaged during shipping.
Car shipping companies use wheel straps or tie-down ratchets to properly secure vehicles on trailers and ships. Your service provider should use specialized equipment to secure your vehicle. Service providers who go above and beyond to secure your vehicle's front and back should be considered. Tie-downs are a good idea for both wheels and chassis.
Protect Sensitive Parts
Each car is different in terms of its sensitive parts and stress points. This depends on the vehicle's size, make and model. These are protected by car shipping companies.
For example, SUVs and larger vehicles require thicker straps and ratchets. To ensure that equipment can handle extra pressure or tension, a bigger car should always be tied down.
Because they are made of thinner metal parts, vintage and classic cars tend to be lighter than modern models. Because they have many parts that are more susceptible to damage, bends, or dents, handling them requires extra care. They may need special straps to protect them.
Standard Protocol for Removable Exterior Parts
There are some exterior features on vehicles, such as side-view mirrors. These can be removed or dislodged easily. While shipping companies will usually inspect them and fold them before they load, we recommend that car owners do the actual folding.
Blind-spot mirrors and antennas are also important exterior parts that require extra protection.
Secure Interior Accessories
Interior inspections are also necessary, as mentioned previously. Before a vehicle is surrendered, owners must make sure that no accessories or items are left in the interior. These items include air fresheners and seat covers, pillows or cell phone holders or mountings, bobblehead dolls (also called "nodders", "wobblers", cable clips, or organizers. Car seat organizers, drink or cup holders, cable clips, car seat organizers. Bag or jacket hooks. Stick-on window shades. Rearview mirror danglers.
It is a good rule of thumb to remove anything that can be taken with you, even personal belongings that could be stolen or lost. You should carefully read the contract to see if there are any exclusions.
Bonus: Security Measures for Shipping Motorcycles
Motorcycles can have different safety requirements due to their unique make-up (as opposed to cars). Here is a checklist to help you get started.
- There are four-choice shipping a motorcycle .
- DIY method. Use large pickup trucks, vans, or delivery trucks. You can also mount your motorcycle to a car using a sturdy top-mounted rack, SUV (top-, rear-, or rear-mounted), RV (rear-mounted), or SUV (top-, or back-mounted). It is important to secure it.
- Freight service providers Some may ask that your motorcycle be placed in a wooden or metal crate. This could increase the cost.
- Independent or part-time truckers: They use methods that are very similar to the way you would transport your bike.
- Motorcycle shipping firms: These could be car shipping businesses that transport motorcycles, or specialty shippers.
- Talk to your insurance agent about options for protecting your motorcycle in the event of an accident.
- Empty the fuel tank, and inflate the tires slightly.
- Before shipping, take photos of your motorcycle and record its current condition. If your motorcycle is damaged in transit, these photos can be used to file a claim.
- This guide to motorcycle shipping provides more information.
Do you need to hire the services of a vehicle shipping firm? It may interest you to learn about the safety precautions that we take when transporting any vehicle entrusted. Contact Move Car to speak with our experts today. Drop us a line or call us.