Tips for Finding the Right Car Transport Service

The transport industry has been changed a lot since the advent of the 20th Century. From semi-trucks during the ‘60s to huge auto hauling trucks of the ‘90s. Auto transport industry has come a long way to ease the need for the shippers. Today, auto transport industry is one of fastest growing industries.

When you are living in the era of fast-paced auto transport, there surely be some difficulties in finding the right auto transport companies. As there are many shipping companies who try to defraud naive auto shippers. Nevertheless, have no fear. We are here to assist you with all the tips required to find the right shipping company. There are a lot of necessary precautions to take to the right shipping company.

So, hold onto your hat because we have got a lot to cover.

Ask Your Friends

It’s always the best idea to start asking your friends and family members if they recently someone to haul their vehicle. If they do, then ask them about their services. Were their services satisfiable and recommendable?

According to Mintel.com Seven in 10 Americans Seek out opinions before making purchases

Do Your Homework

Before you sign-up with any shipping company, you have to do your homework. That means you have to research various shipping companies in order to find a decent one. You have to do a little research on the ones that your friends have recommend. You can do that by looking them up online and see if they have any websites or any reviews. To find out the legitimacy of their enterprise. There are many companies out there who usually don’t have much credibility on the market. You have to look out for oddities that may find on these auto hauling companies.

Ask For Quotations

When you have shortlisted a few decent car shipping companies, it’s now time to ask them for quotes. In order to get an accurate quotation from them, you have to provide them with adequate details about your shipment.

Compare their Prices

Once you have gathered all the quotes from different shipping companies, then compare their prices against each other. Remember never to seek out the lowest bidder. You need to check out the extra features of those companies who are charging you for more. Because the lowest bidding companies may not provide you with the adequate shipping service that you seek. Hence, the rule of thumb is that never go with the company who only offers you the lowest rate.

Check For Insurance

As I said, there are many shipping companies who will charge you extra for their services. It may be possible they are charging you because they’re offering you with the insurance coverage as well. As many well-reputed companies do. Now the decision is on you whether you want to go with insurance one or not.

Plan Early

All the steps will be all for nothing if you haven’t planned them early like a month prior to shipping. It’s not like shipping a parcel to another state, is it? Shipping a car will take its toll when you have insufficient time to find a reliable auto transport company. It’s better to plan ahead of time and be ready for any unforeseen events that might happen during the course of the shipment.

Selecting Your Location

You had a chat with your respective shipping company, they will let you know they could pick up your vehicle. The price will also matter where they will have to pick up. Usually, big carriers are not allowed to enter the small neighbourhood streets. Your vehicle will probably be picked from a specified location by the shipping company. The same goes for transporting your vehicle to the designated drop-off location.

53 Foot Trailers are illegal on the streets of NYC.

Carrier Selection

Whether you want to select an open or an enclosed auto transport also decides on your shipping expenses. Selecting an open carrier will be economical. However, it will expose your vehicle to the outside elements such as dust, road debris or bad weather.

On the other hand, if you have selected an enclosed carrier, it will prevent your vehicle from the outside elements. Enclosed carriers are tightly shut containers with metal sheets protecting vehicles from bad weather, dust and debris. This option may get heavy on your pocket. Enclosed carriers are hired when you are about to ship an expensive, vintages or a sports car.

Prepare Your Vehicle

When you have selected your auto shipping company, you now have to prepare your vehicle for shipment. For preparation, you need to do the complete inspection of your vehicle before the shipping carrier arrives. The inspection includes,

• Checking for dents and paint chips.

• Ensure that the tires and brakes are properly working.

• Ensure to take out all the electronic items from your vehicle.

• Ensure to take photos of the current condition of your vehicle. It’s helpful for claiming the damages.

• Ensure to fill the ¼ gas tank only.

• Ensure to inform any oddities found in your inspection to your shipping carrier.

Whether you inform the carrier or not, the shipping carrier will also do its standard inspection. If the driver finds any oddities, you will be informed right then and there. You will both sign the assessment form before your vehicle is picked up for delivery.

There will also be an inspection upon delivery. You will need to inspect your vehicle again to find any damages that might occur during the shipment. If any damages found, you need to mention it on the bill of lading or the receipt. So, you may claim the damages that incurred during the course of the shipment.