No matter why you move to another state or another part of the country, you’ll most likely need a car there. There are many ways to transport your four-wheeler to a new location, but the simplest and safest is certainly car shipping using a reputable carrier.
Car transportation companies take all the work on themselves. Depending on the type of service, they can load and unload your vehicle, pick it up at your address, and drive it directly to the desired destination. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything at all. If you wonder how to ship a car and prepare it for hauling, we give you a hand.
Find a Trustworthy Carrier
Before preparing the car for shipping, you need a reliable carrier to safely transport your four-wheeler to the desired destination. This isn’t a decision that should be made in a hurry. It requires time and effort to check several companies and find the one whose services, approach, and prices suit you best.
Your choice should be limited to carriers who are licensed and registered to work in the transportation industry. These are companies with proper insurance coverage, so you can have peace of mind using their services. Besides, carriers should have a good reputation and feedback from previous customers.
Another thing to pay attention to is the prices of services and the method of communication. Carriers should be transparent and their quotes clear and without hidden costs. They also need to be honest about cancellation fees, compensation in case of rescheduling tours, etc.
Get It All Out
If you use your four-wheeler daily, you probably leave a lot of your personal belongings there. Before you ship your four-wheeler, you need to get the out. This applies to documents, valuables, and whatever you have in the glove box and other compartments.
When moving or traveling for a long time, your personal belongings should be with you or in a safe place, not in the car. Hauling companies ensure your four-wheeler but don’t take care of your belongings nor offer compensation if something is lost or damaged. That’s why it’s best to remove everything before loading the car onto the trailer.
Check the Vehicle’s Condition
The vehicle you’re transporting should be in an operable condition. In case it’s not, you must mention it to the hauling company because such transport requires a different service. The car can’t be driven on and off the truck, but special cranes must be used, which requires additional effort and costs.
If the vehicle is in operable condition, you have to perform routine checks to ensure its safe loading and unloading. To start, empty the gas tank, leaving only enough fuel to go to the first gas station after unloading. That way, you’ll reduce the weight of the vehicle. By the way, check for fluid leaks and if any, fix them before loading.
Check the following page to learn how to drain gas tank:
https://vehiclefreak.com/how-to-drain-a-gas-tank-safely-and-easily/
The battery should be full so the car can start when entering and leaving the trailer. Check the tire pressure and mileage, too. Write this last down, just in case, to avoid any misuse. As for car add-ons, remove everything and disable the alarm, anti-theft system, and toll tag. Wash the vehicle inside and out, too.
After the necessary car maintenance, it’s time for a final check of its condition. This refers to the condition of the bodywork, windshields, and windows for existing damages. Make sure you write it all down before shipping and inform the carrier about it.
In this way, you will be sure that your car is in the same condition after unloading as it was before loading. If something happens down the road, proving the damage will be easy if you have evidence of previous vehicle condition. By all means, ensure that the carrier agent is present and informed about the car’s condition.
These records will be of great help in case of claiming compensation for vehicle damage. You need to share them with the car transportation company to establish a foundation of trust and ensure you’re on the same page when it comes to collecting damages from the carrier’s insurer.
Gather All Papers
The final step is to gather all the documents before shipping. Carriers ask for your ID, proof that you own the car (explained on this source), documents showing that the vehicle is registered, and proof of insurance. Prepare all papers in advance and deliver them to a carrier upon request. Leave them keys, but always have spare ones and you’re good to go.
Preparing your four-wheeler for shipping seems like a no-brainer, but if you don’t do it properly, you can face some problems. Carriers will charge you more for broken or damaged vehicles you didn’t mention, and even little things like your personal stuff inside the glove box can boost the vehicle’s weight and trigger extra costs.
