When shipping your vehicle, it’s not always a given that it will arrive safely and in one piece. That’s why ensuring you know the best practices for how to securely transport your vehicle from point A to point B is highly important.
Fortunately, we have compiled 7 insider techniques designed specifically to help protect and secure your precious car during shipping so you can be confident your auto has its best chance of getting where it needs to go unscathed! Read on for our easy-to-follow tips.
Car Shipping Statistics
- In 2022, the Vehicle Shipping Services industry generated total revenue of $10.8 billion, indicating its market size. (IBISWorld)
- 73 percent of American commuters rely on their personal vehicles to commute between their homes and workplaces. (Statista)
- 87.2% of auto transport drivers are men, whereas women represent only 12.8% of the workforce in this industry. (Zippia)
1. Selecting a Reliable Auto Shipping Company
Your vehicle is not only a valuable asset, but it is also an essential mode of transportation. Therefore, you need a reputable company that you can trust to take care of it during transit. If you live in the US, choose Road Runner best enclosed auto transport for your car transportation needs. A good auto shipping company has a positive reputation and customer reviews.
A reliable company will have a track record of delivering vehicles on time and in the same condition as when they were picked up. You should also inquire about their insurance coverage and ensure that they have adequate protection for your vehicle in case of any damage or loss. By selecting a reliable auto shipping company, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands.
2. Thoroughly Inspecting Your Vehicle
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, it’s essential to perform a thorough inspection before sending it off. This not only ensures the safety of your car during transport, but it can also help you identify any existing damage that could be attributed to the shipping process.
Before you hand your keys over, take the time to inspect all aspects of your vehicle. Check the exterior for any dings or scratches, verify that all lights and signals are working properly, and examine the tires for adequate air pressure. Don’t forget to inspect the interior as well, ensuring that all seats and seatbelts are secure and functioning. Taking these steps before shipping your vehicle not only provides you with peace of mind, but it can also help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
3. Cleaning and Preparing Your Vehicle
When it comes to transporting your vehicle, there’s a lot to consider. After all, it’s not every day that you put your prized possession in someone else’s hands. However, taking the time to properly clean and prepare your vehicle for transport can go a long way in ensuring it arrives at its destination without a scratch.
First, give your car a thorough wash to remove any dirt or debris that could cause damage during transit. Next, take a closer look at your tires and ensure they’re inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Lastly, don’t forget to remove any personal belongings from your car and document any existing damage before it’s loaded onto the transport vehicle. By taking these simple steps, you can rest easy knowing your vehicle is in good hands during transport.
4. Removing Personal Belongings and Valuables
When you’re shipping your vehicle, it’s important to remove all of your personal belongings and valuables from the car. Not only does this keep your items safe and secure, but it also helps the transportation process go more smoothly and efficiently.
Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that your important belongings aren’t traveling long distances in your car. Take the time before you ship your vehicle to thoroughly clean it out and remove anything that doesn’t belong, such as:
- Personal Documents: Take out any important documents such as vehicle registration papers, insurance documents, and any other personal identification papers.
- Valuables: Remove any valuable items from the car, including jewelry, cash, and other valuable possessions.
- Garage Door Opener: Remove the garage door opener from your car to avoid any potential security risks or unauthorized access to your home.
- Spare Keys: Take out any spare keys or key duplicates from the car to prevent them from being lost or misplaced during transportation.
- Electronic Devices: Remove any GPS devices, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, or other electronic devices from the car to protect them from potential damage or theft.
- Hazardous Materials: Ensure that your car is free of any hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids, corrosive substances, or explosive materials. These items are prohibited and pose a safety risk during transportation.
- Non-Permitted Items: Familiarize yourself with the shipping company’s policies regarding non-permitted items. Remove any items that are explicitly prohibited to comply with the shipping regulations.
5. Securing and Protecting the Exterior of Your Vehicle
Securing and protecting the exterior of your vehicle can save you from costly damages caused by unforeseen circumstances. With so much at stake, it’s best to hire a reputable car shipping company that prioritizes your car’s safety. They have the expertise and skill to protect your car’s exterior during transport, whether it’s by using protective covers or ensuring that it’s properly strapped down. Protect your investment by taking the necessary steps to secure your vehicle’s exterior before shipping.
6. Securing the Interior of Your Vehicle
When it comes to shipping your vehicle, ensuring that the interior is secure is just as important as making sure the exterior is in good shape. There are a few steps you can take to secure the inside of your car, such as removing any loose items and securing the ones you intend to leave behind.
Loose items can shift during transport and cause damage to the interior – or worse, become projectiles that could harm the driver or other items being shipped. You’ll also want to make sure that your car is as clean as possible, as any dirt or debris left behind could attract pests and cause damage during transport.
7. Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage
Without adequate coverage, you risk significant financial loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances. This may include accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to review your insurance policy whether you are a renter or the owner, and make sure it covers your specific shipping needs. The last thing you want is to find out too late that your policy doesn’t provide the protection you thought it did.
With the right coverage in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is fully protected during shipping.
Selecting a reliable auto shipping company and taking the appropriate steps to prepare your vehicle for transport are critical components for your peace of mind throughout the shipping process. It takes a mindful approach to make sure everything is taken care of before your vehicle leaves your doorstep.
From thoroughly inspecting your vehicle, cleaning and preparing it for transport, removing personal belongings and valuables, securing and protecting the exterior and interior of your car, to ensuring proper insurance coverage. Prepping and executing proper shipping protocols will ensure the safe arrival of your car with minimal stress along the way.
Knowing that there is a professional team handling all the details can be extremely reassuring when trusting someone else with delivering one of your greatest investments.
