Auto Shipping Info & Tips by WEST COAST AUTO

Being in the Auto Transport business for more than 25 years, we have picked up many great tips that can help you have an easy and pain free car shipping experience. Even if you do not use us, it is important to know this information.

Auto Transport: The Nuts and Bolts

Auto transport could sound like an easy process for those who have never done it before, thinking that it's just a matter of loading your car onto a truck and then after a few days it's delivered to your specified destination, right? It's not as simple as it seems; it requires a lot of preparation or else it could turn out to be a very costly ordeal. In order to make the transportation of your car as smooth as possible, good preparation is an essential aspect to the entire operation.

Preparation: To prepare your car for the trip doesn't require much time or money. To begin, while budgeting for the transportation of your car, bear in mind that some cars cost more to transport them than others e.g. to transport an SUV will cost you more than a compact one, so budget accordingly. Also make sure that your car is washed a day or two in advance before it's transported. This is to make sure that you are able to see any damages that may occur during transportation, and the interior should be cleaned too, making sure that all your personal belongings are removed.

The rest of the interior should be safely secured so that nothing moves during transportation to avoid damaging the interior. In case your car has an alarm, disable it since the transporter might not be able to deactivate it in case it goes off while on transit. To minimize the weight of your car, keep the amount of fuel in your tank at a minimum. If your car happens to have customized accessories, safely secure them or better still you can remove them if possible, also ensure that you retract the antennae, fold back your car's mirror, etc.
If you have a convertible, ensure the top is up, sealing any seams or holes to prevent moisture from entering the interior, or better still, you can request for a closed container for shipping. Ensure that your car is in good shape and operational during shipping, or else you may pay extra for unloading it. In case your car leaks, the transporter should be informed to ensure it does not leak onto other cars on the same track. In case of any quirks starting up your car or shutting it off, it should be noted and given to the driver. Most of the shipping drivers usually carry cell phones, get the drivers number so that you are in contact with your vehicle.

Scheduling: Give yourself more time before shipping out your vehicle, at least 4 weeks or even more in order to get the best in the business. Make sure that your car is properly insured by the car mover for relocation. Upon pick up, a condition report has to be done by the driver for any visible damages or scratches on the car, signed by both parties. This is the same during delivery after inspecting the car.

Note: Standard items like spare tires, car jacks, should be securely tied down; any other personal items should be removed from the car. Also make it clear that in case for some reason you or the authorized party is not available to receive the car, it can be kept in a secure storage facility where you can pick it up later, though it may cost you extra.


The cost: Before choosing your car mover, try to compare the rates of the different auto shipping companies before you pick one that suits your budget. Once you have selected your car mover, the following details should be made available to the car mover: a) Origination and final destination, b) Departure date, c) Type of car, d) Desired type of car transport service, e.g. door to door, or terminal to terminal and d) Special requests for the car transport e.g. deliver at a particular location other than your home or at your home. Once this is done, the next step is payment of your bill. Car movers accept payments in several different ways, some prefer being paid after delivery, others require advance payment, while others need some deposit, and the balance is settled at the time of delivery. In case you have engaged a car mover who requires advance payment before delivery, it's advisable to use a credit card in case of unforeseen dispute.

Precautionary Measures:

1. Make sure you are properly insured in case of theft or damage of your car by the auto shipping company. Find out how their insurance works with your own insurance in case of damage during transit. You should also ask if there are any deductibles and the amount of damage, ensuring that all these are in writing. Ask your insurance company as well. The insurance does not cover your personal items left in the car, therefore make sure nothing personal is left in the car at the time of shipping.


2. Get the estimated dates for both pick up and delivery plus the timings from your car mover company with at least a 3 day guaranteed window for the pick up and delivery dates making sure all this is done in writing. After pick up you should be given a definite delivery date, unless you request for a specific date which can be arranged with an additional charge should it involve storing your car at a terminal.


3. Always try to find out the standing and licensing of your car mover or auto shipping through your local Better Business Bureau for its credibility. You should also verify whether the mover's license is valid and active from your state or federal Department Of Transport. All the services of your car mover agreed upon by the company should always be in writing.


4. Inspecting your car before shipping is vital. Apart from the condition report of the pre-existing damages of your car, it's important to recheck it again, even take photos of your car and date them for future references which you can attach to the condition report as well. The condition report should include, the current mileage, pre-existing damages like scratches, paint, dents among others that may exist in case of future disputes.


5. Vehicle Delivery and Acceptance is also as important as before shipping, when your car arrives at its final destination, use the condition report to guide you through another round of inspection, looking for any changes in mileage, and every other part of the car including the roof, beneath it, or any other changes to the car that may have occurred while in transit. In case of any new changes or damages, they should be noted on the condition report you received on pick-up of the car and get the driver to sign it. As a precautionary measure, never accept your car at night, or at place where you are not able to do a thorough check of the condition of your car.

Always remember to inspect your car as outlined above before signing and accepting it, since it's this documentation that will eventually protect you in case of any dispute that might arise, and most of the reputable car movers will work out disputes with you in an amicable way as long as you have proper documentation. Car Hire Miami - Book Miami car hire with car hire 3000 with discounted rates and no amendment or cancellation fees. We Know Cars Harley accessories - Parts-Pro™ is the most competitive supplier of custom aftermarket Harley Davidson® parts, accessories and components in Australia. Motorcycle Harley - Chopperworks is Australia's "ONLY" custom bike shop dedicated to enhancing genuine Harley Davidson's Used cars in North Shields Free Betting Cheap online auto insurance quote Online auto insurance quote are available at very fair prices with Online-AutoInsurance.net. Call us today for more details. Cheap online auto insurance quote if you are looking for cheap auto insurance quote, you are right place, fill in your information and get free online auto insurance quote from nation's leading auto insurance companies.Cheapest Vehicle Insurance Buy affordable car insurance coverage for your automobile and start saving money today.Car Rental Vancouver Get the car rental ideas in Vancouver on business or leisure trip with money saving tips and discount coupons for one of the best car rental in Vancouver. Los Angeles Limousine - We offer a Meet and Greet service where one of our representatives greets you at baggage claim. Also available are long-distance transportations to San Diego.