Before shipping day arrives, there are certain steps you must take. These could be related to moving, buying an online vehicle, or picking up one belonging to someone in college or out-of-state.
Signing the Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading (BOL) contains information about your vehicle including make, model and color as well as address, date of pickup and destination as well as vehicle identification number, type of transport mode used and any special instructions or notes from you. In addition, the BOL also details terms and conditions set by carriers like payment types accepted, insurance information available and actions which could result in penalties. If any questions arise in regard to these conditions please reach out directly before signing.
The Bill of Lading is the cornerstone of auto transport. It serves as a vehicle condition report, terms and conditions sheet, and dispatch report all-in-one document that should be signed at both pick up and delivery; its signature serves as proof against damage during transport; this makes it essential that vehicles be thoroughly inspected both prior to transport as well as afterwards; any issues should be noted on the Bill of Lading so they can be addressed when arriving at their destinations.
Picking a Carrier
When selecting an auto transport company, make sure you narrow down your choices by comparing companies offering the services you require. Start your search by typing in, “Do you need insurance to ship a car?” to your favorite engine. You’ll want to know things such as – for instance, some companies charge extra to load your car onto multi-level carriers with higher decks where it is more protected from road debris and hazard. On the other hand, others may provide additional insurance coverage on top of base charges.
However, it is also important that if door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service is necessary in your specific circumstances, then choose accordingly. Research every type of service the company possesses as there may be some that surprise you.
As part of your research process, it is also integral to take note of how each company handles customer service. The top car shipping firms boast knowledgeable customer support representatives that are friendly and can answer all of your questions about choosing the appropriate service for your needs. They should also provide you with an itemized list of fees associated with vehicle transport so there will be no unpleasant surprises along the way.
Good companies will also be punctual with pickups and drop-offs; otherwise it’s a telltale sign they are unprofessional and should be avoided. Reliable car shipping companies will keep you updated of any schedule changes which might arise.
Before hiring any car shipping company, be sure to research its reputation in terms of customer satisfaction and industry experience. Avoid companies with an extensive history of complaints or unresolved issues. Reading reviews about various car shipping services will give an indication of their performance in the industry.
Preparing Your Vehicle
When shipping your vehicle, the first step should be selecting how you’ll transport it. There are numerous transportation methods available, from air, ocean and ground transport; trucking being the most popular. Open and enclosed carriers may be available as suitable carriers to accommodate your specific needs. It is best to book car shipping services as early as possible as this will enable you to secure better rates as well as allow enough time for them to make arrangements and provide services as promised.
Once you’ve selected a carrier and scheduled your shipping date, the next step in preparing your vehicle for transport should be cleaning thoroughly and removing anything that could become damaged during shipping. In addition, ensure you have all necessary paperwork such as registration information and insurance details ready.
Before your vehicle is shipped, take time-stamped pictures of its condition before shipment. This will enable you to document any scratches, dings or other forms of damage that might occur during transport. These photos will be included in the Bill of Lading which outlines your transport agreement between yourself and the carrier and must be signed at pickup and delivery to ensure its condition remains consistent during both stages.
Choosing a Pickup Date
Be flexible when selecting your car shipping date; being open-minded about it could save money. Carrier schedules depend on available space on their trucks and routes, while during busy seasons this process may take longer or cost more to transport your car.
Keep in mind that weather and traffic delays could impede a carrier’s route; keeping this in mind will help alleviate stress or frustration should delays occur. No shipping company can guarantee when they will pick up and deliver your car and any company who claims they can may use deceptive sales tactics and may not be reliable.
If your pickup and delivery locations are in the same city or town, terminal-to-terminal service often offers more economical shipping rates. With this approach, vehicles are dropped off at local car shipping terminals before being picked up at their end of journey; usually terminals can be found near major highways. Auto transport companies prefer making deliveries and pickups within condensed areas in order to save both time and fuel by not having to stop and start multiple times throughout a journey.
