27 Essential Tips for Cross-Country Car Shipping

Tips for Shipping a Car Across the Country

Shipping a car across the country can seem like a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, the process can be seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re relocating, buying a car from another state, or sending a vehicle to a loved one, there are crucial steps to ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. In this guide, we'll break down 27 essential tips to help you navigate the car shipping process efficiently.

Choosing a Reliable Car Shipping Company

1. Research Reviews and Reputation Start by researching the company's reputation. Look for companies with positive reviews and a history of reliable service. Customer testimonials can provide valuable insight into their performance.

2. Verify Licensing and Insurance Make sure the transport company is fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Also, ensure they carry the necessary insurance to cover any potential damage during transport.

3. Request a Written Quote Get a detailed, written quote from the shipping company. This helps avoid hidden fees or surprise charges after the shipment.

4. Compare Rates It's wise to compare multiple quotes from different companies. Don’t always opt for the cheapest; consider service quality as well.

5. Check for Experience Choose a company that has extensive experience in cross-country auto shipping. Experienced shippers are often more reliable and know how to handle various challenges along the way.

6. Look for Transparent Communication Clear communication is key. A good shipping company will be transparent about the process, timelines, and any issues that may arise.

7. Inquire About Insurance Coverage While the shipping company should have insurance, check if additional coverage is needed for your specific vehicle, especially if it’s a luxury or classic car.

Understanding Different Types of Transport

8. Open vs. Enclosed Transport Open transport is the most common and cost-effective option, but your vehicle will be exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed transport offers more protection but comes at a higher price.

9. Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Shipping Door-to-door service is more convenient but may be more expensive. Terminal-to-terminal shipping requires you to drop off and pick up the vehicle at designated locations, which can save some money.

10. Expedited Shipping Options If time is a priority, consider expedited shipping services. These will cost more but guarantee faster delivery.

11. Consider the Shipping Route Different routes may affect delivery times and costs. Discuss potential routes with the shipping company and choose the most efficient one.

12. Multi-Vehicle Discounts If you're shipping more than one vehicle, ask the company about multi-vehicle discounts. This can significantly lower your shipping costs.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

13. Clean Your Vehicle Clean your car thoroughly, both inside and out. A clean vehicle allows for a proper inspection and helps document any pre-existing damage.

14. Remove Personal Items Personal items left in the car are not covered by the carrier’s insurance and could add unnecessary weight to the vehicle. Remove all belongings before transport.

15. Disable Alarms If your car has an alarm, be sure to disable it to prevent it from going off during transport.

16. Document the Condition of Your Vehicle Take photos of your car from all angles and make note of any existing damage. This documentation will be crucial if you need to file an insurance claim.

17. Ensure Proper Tire Pressure Make sure your tires are properly inflated to prevent any issues during loading and unloading.

18. Check for Leaks Check for any leaks or mechanical issues before shipping. A leaking car may not be accepted by the carrier due to the risk it poses to other vehicles.

19. Remove Toll Tags and Passes Remove any toll tags or parking passes from your vehicle to avoid unnecessary charges during transit.

20. Perform Basic Maintenance Ensure that your car’s fluids are topped off, and the battery is fully charged. If the car will be driven during any part of the process, confirm that it is in good working order.

Tracking and Communication During Shipment

21. Utilize Tracking Tools Many car shipping companies offer GPS tracking. Take advantage of this feature to monitor the location of your vehicle throughout the journey.

22. Keep the Driver’s Contact Information Obtain the driver’s contact information so you can stay in touch and get updates on your car’s status during transport.

23. Confirm Delivery Date and Time Communicate with the shipping company regularly to confirm delivery dates. This will help you plan ahead and ensure that someone is available to receive the car at the destination.

24. Ask About Delays Weather, traffic, and other unforeseen events can cause delays. Ask the company how they handle such situations and how they’ll keep you informed.

Post-Delivery Tips

25. Inspect the Vehicle Upon Arrival Upon delivery, thoroughly inspect your car for any new damage. Compare the condition to the photos you took before shipping and ensure nothing has changed.

26. Sign Off on the Bill of Lading The bill of lading is a receipt of shipment. Make sure it reflects the car's condition and any changes that occurred during transit before signing it.

27. Test Drive the Vehicle After your car arrives, take it for a short test drive to ensure it is functioning properly and that there are no mechanical issues.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Skipping Insurance Verification: Never assume your car is fully covered. Always verify the insurance policy before shipping.

• Not Planning Ahead: Waiting until the last minute can limit your options and increase costs. Book your shipping service at least a few weeks in advance.

• Overlooking Company Reviews: Rushing to book a shipping service without researching their track record can lead to dissatisfaction and avoidable problems.

• Failing to Communicate: Stay in regular contact with the shipping company throughout the process to avoid misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Shipping a car across the country doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With careful planning, proper preparation, and choosing a reputable shipping company, you can ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Keep these 27 tips in mind to make your car shipping experience as smooth as possible.