Relocation can be a stressful time where people tend to do a lot of things. They might need to pack their belongings into boxes, label them, set up the new place, make sure there’s water and electricity in their new home, and many more. Fortunately, they can save time and several days of driving when they get help from auto transport companies. See research about shipping services on this webpage here.
They can do most of their tasks faster when someone else ships one or more of their cars from point A to B. If you’re one of the people who needs help with your big move to a new state, then here are some tips to help you have a smoother journey. It’s pretty straightforward especially for those who are first timers.
Know that leaving your precious assets in someone else’s hands will mean that you really need to do enough research. You can’t just go with the first ones that you see on the internet. Instead, it’s always best to choose a transparent and trustworthy company that has a history of successful shipments. Well, anyone can claim that they can transport your vehicle to your preferred destination. However, here are some things that you need to look for.
Their Registration and Licenses
Accreditations from the Department of Transportation and license to operate in several states is the proof that you need. This is going to tell you that the company is compliant with the standards set by the logistics industries, and they are registered with various government agencies. Their drivers also hold valid licenses, and they are going to handle the mileage on your behalf.
Reasonable Prices
Before booking with an automobile shipping company, it’s important to know their prices. Fortunately, you can get a free estimate with the link provided and see if it’s affordable. These legitimate companies generally have an all-inclusive price without hidden charges.
Ask about discounts if you want to relocate and send over multiple cars. Those who are war veterans, students, and employees may get discounted rates so you might want to check if this is available because it can translate to savings on your part. Find out their charges for door-to-door deliveries as compared to terminal-to-terminal pick-ups. You’ll also want to know about locked-in prices, so you won’t have to pay more even if you decide to set your booking date in advance.
Reliability and Security
You should be able to track your shipment at all times and they should have customer service who will answer your questions. See if their personnel take a lot of security measures to make sure that each of their shipments arrives on time and always read about the other clients’ experiences.
Fortunately, all of these are present with the right company. They can alleviate your concerns, give you an app so you’ll know where your car at all times is, and if the GPS got lost, you could always call the driver to see what’s going on.
Oversized vehicles should also be accommodated, and the trustworthy logistics a Car Shipping a Car Shipping Company usually has the best pieces of equipment to move cars abroad. If you can’t pick up your vehicle on the date of the drop-off, there should be a storage area that will keep the car safe from the elements while you’re not there.
Tips for a Smoother Shipping Experience
Only Book with a Legitimate Carrier
Of course, there will be a lot of a Car Shipping Company out there that will want your business. However, you need to choose the ones who are reputable and professional at the same time.
Read their previous customers’ experience with their services through their experience and they should be accredited and registered by the Department of Transportation. It’s also an excellent idea to do some research with the BBB and other aggregate websites to know about them. See info about aggregate sites in this link: https://www.techtarget.com/searchcontentmanagement/definition/content-aggregator.
Call their a Car Shipping Company Representatives
Before booking, you need to talk to one of their salespeople, and know about their services and payment methods. Learn about their quotes and use tools like online calculators that will help you determine the amount that you’ll be paying if you decide to ship from one particular state to another.
See what their rates are and beware of those who are giving you quotes that are below the industry prices. Don’t make decisions based on the price alone and instead, always invest in reliability and premium service that will make everything smoother.
Make Plans Ahead of Time
If you’re sure about the relocation date or your vacation to another city, and you want to bring your trusted automobile with you, you need to book at least three months before the departure so you can get discounts and have ample time to plan. Shipping can usually take a week or more depending on the traffic, season, driver availability, and the weather. Sometimes, accidents may happen, and roads are blocked.
No one can predict what will happen while they are traveling so you could always meet the deadline by having a wide margin for the delivery window. Not to worry though as there will be companies that will do their best to meet the expected delivery times and they will inform you as soon as they arrive. Also, being an early bird can often result in excellent deals and good prices so always be on the lookout for them.
Check Insurance
Before you sign the agreement, see the coverage of the insurance that’s included. Generally, they may not cover the full amount so you might be required to purchase an extra policy if you’re shipping a high value vehicle. Check with your own provider and se if your current one covers shipment.
Understanding the contract before signing and reading the fine print can also save you from stress later on. Read the services and see if dents and scratches are covered. Some companies can also offer car wash services especially if you choose the open trailer transport, so ask if this is available. If anything isn’t clear, ask the drivers or the shipping company for clarifications.
