Auto Shipping Tips
Shipping Scheduling
Schedule your
auto
Ship at least 4 weeks before you move,
giving enough time to arrange for a car mover carrier to pick
up your vehicle. Basically, the more advance time the better.
If you are not available, please arrange an alternative authorized
party such as neighbor, friend or relative you can trust to
transfer the car to the
car mover. Most automobile shippers
offer
door-to-door service. However, in many residential neighborhoods
it may be difficult to drive in a large truck carrying your
vehicle. Because of potential difficulty in getting the truck
into your neighborhood, the car mover may ask you to meet
them at a nearby local shopping center or garage for pick
up of your vehicle. The same will apply for the delivery.
Auto Shipping Insurance
Make sure your car is adequately insured by the car mover
for relocation. Upon pick-up, the driver will do a condition
report (bill of lading) for any scratches or damages on the
vehicle which should be signed by both parties. The same will
occur upon delivery; make sure you check vehicle before signing.
Reporting any damages or claims at a later time is not advisable.
Personal Items
Do not leave personal possessions of any kind in your car.
Of course spare tires, car jacks, and other standard items
that can be found in a trunk of a new car are not a problem.
Make sure anything left in the car is tied down securely.
Auto Shipping Company
Make sure that if you or an authorized party is not available
to receive your car, that it will be stored in a secure storage
facility where you will be able to pick it up at a more convenient
time. This may be subject to additional charges.
Auto Shipping Cost
When working with a
Car Mover, confirm what the total cost
of the Ship will be. As you obtain quotes from several
car transport and
auto
shipping companies, be prepared to
provide:
origination/destination
approximate departure date
type of vehicle(s)
type of car transport service desired (e.g., door-to-door
car transport vs. terminal-to-terminal)
special car mover or
auto
Ship requests (eg., deliver
at a location other than your home vs. at your home)
Paying For Ship Your Vehicle
While some car movers and
auto shippers may not require payment
in advance, others require a deposit, or full payment in advance.
If a deposit is given, amount due is always required at time
of delivery - oftentimes with a cashier's check or cash. If
full payment is required prior to car transport or
auto
Ship
service, consider using a credit card so that charges may
be disputed if circumstances warrant such actions.
Make Sure You Are Properly Insured
Your vehicle should be insured against damage and theft by
your car transport or
auto company. Ask for a copy
of the car mover's insurance coverage. Find out how the car
mover's insurance works with your own insurance in the event
of damage during car transport. Additionally, find out if
there is any kind of damage deductible and the amount. Everything
pertaining to the car move should be in writing. Your own
car insurance policy may cover your vehicle in transit; make
sure to contact your insurance company to find out. It is
advisable that you do not leave any personal items in your
car when it is shipped; items left in the car may not be covered
by your homeowner's insurance policy.
Get Dates - Pick Up and Delivery
Get the estimated pick-up and delivery dates and times from
your car mover or
auto company. Make sure to get
a 3 day guaranteed window for the pick-up and delivery dates
of your car, as suggested earlier get everything in writing.
Once pick-up is made, your car mover or auto company
should be able to provide you with a specific delivery date.
If you require a specific date for pick-up, many car moving
and auto Ship companies can accommodate you and store
your car at a terminal for an additional charge.
Check References
It is important to verify the good standing and valid licensing
of any car moving company or auto shipping service. We urge
you to contact your local Better Business Bureau as well as
to verify that the shipper's license is valid and active with
the appropriate transportation agency (such as the state or
federal Department Of Transportation). Mover MAX does its
best to make sure that we list only quality service providers.
However, we cannot guarantee the quality of service of any
car moving or auto company. It is important that
you take the time to check references and get all services
agreed to by the company in writing.
Inspect Your Car Before the Ship
It is advisable that in addition to receiving a condition
report document from your car mover detailing any pre-existing
damage to your car, that you take photographs of the car, date
the photos, and attach them to the condition report provided
by the car mover for your records. You must have a detailed
description of the condition of your car prior to Ship. The
condition report or other document used by the car mover
should include: current mileage, pre-existing damage of any
type including: glass, scratches, paint, dents, and so on.
This report is important in case any disputes arise.
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