How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Shipment: A Step-By-Step Guide

Is your vehicle scheduled for shipment? Taking some precautionary steps before can really help in having a smooth transport process with no damage. Be it moving from one state to another, buying a new vehicle from a different state, or using one of the best-rated car shipping companies, this guide will ensure your car is prepared the right way. So, let’s begin the preparation process.

The Proper Methods to Prepare for Car Shipment

Taking the right steps is important not only for convenience but also to protect your vehicle. Properly preparing a vehicle makes the inspection process easy, improves safety during transport, and reduces the likelihood of damage during shipment.

Step 1: Exhaustively Clean Your Vehicle’s Interior and Exterior.

Ensure all loose particles are removed before your car goes through the inspection process.

1. Exterior Wash: Scratches and dings can easily be masked by dirt or dust. Thoroughly washing the vehicle guarantees a precise assessment.
2. Interior Declutter: Take out air fresheners, personal belongings, and any other items that are not part of the vehicle, as they can obstruct the shipment process.

Step 2: Record The Condition Of Your Vehicle

Use a good-quality camera to capture close-up and wide-angle photographs of your vehicle. Pay attention to:

• Any indentations, scratches, and paint removals that already existed on the vehicle
• The windshield and windows
• Bumpers and wheels
• Save the associated photographs and provide them to the carrier as verification.

Step 3: Cancel personal and prohibited items.

Due to the following reasons, most auto shipping companies do not permit personal items in the vehicle:

• These items are not insured.
• Increased weight may result in additional charges.
• It might breach transport regulations.
• Do not forget to remove the following:
• Allowed Electronics (GPS, dash cams)
• Important documents
• Valuables and personal items.

Step 4: Check for mechanical matters

To prepare your car for shipping, it must be safe to operate while loading and unloading:

• Ensure all leaks are fixed prior to shipping.
• Tires need to be inflated.
• Refill all fluids but keep gas at a quarter tank.
• Gas is meant to be a quarter tank filled.
• The battery must be fully charged and secured.

Step 5: Deactivate toll tags and alarms

Car alarms should be deactivated to prevent disturbance during transport.

Toll tags should be removed or deactivated to avoid unnecessary billing while in transit.

Step 6: Prepare documents and spare keys

Hand the spare key to the driver (retain your primary set)
Most companies don’t require originals, but prepare your registration and insurance documents.

Step 7: Sign and inspect the bill of lading (BOL)

On collection day:

• Examine the BOL against documented photographs, paying particular attention to noted discrepancies.

Sign only after a comprehensive scrutiny.

Step 8: Confirm delivery timeline.

A common question from many vehicle owners is: How long does it take to ship a car? The timeline depends on distance, route, and the availability of the carrier.

Verify the estimated delivery time with the transport company to help you schedule their work.

Bonus Suggestions for Shipping Without Stress

• Be there during pickup and delivery, and personally assess the vehicle
• Feel free to ask any clarifying questions you may have
• Be available through call or email during the transportation

Why It Is Beneficial to Have Car Movers Do It For Me

If you are thinking of driving vs shipping, here’s why it is a better choice to have professionals move my car:

• Time Saving: Eliminates tiring road trips
• Minimizes Automatic Expenses: Prevents additional costs related to mileage and damage
• Encourages Safety: Cars are in the hands of insured and experienced professionals
• Increases Comfort: Door-to-door transport service

Final Remarks

Understanding how to prepare one’s vehicle before shipment is more than thinking of saving costs – it is protecting one’s investment. This ensures accurate damage assessment (if needed), a streamlined loading process, and a stress-free experience.

Following this list and choosing the right car shipping companies will ensure a safe arrival for the vehicle and timely delivery. Ready for the next step? Find out what the Average Time It Takes to ship a car is and plan transport for the vehicle now.

Common Queries: (FAQs)

1.    Should I deplete my gas tank before shipping?

It is not necessary, but we recommend it be around a quarter full. This alleviates weight while enabling the automobile to be driven onto the carrier.

2.    May I store personal items within the vehicle during shipping?

Most shipping companies do not allow this. Such items are not covered by insurance and could lead to additional expenses.

3.    How much does it cost to ship a car?

Prices are subject to change based on the distance, method of transport, size of the vehicle, and the time of year. Always check multiple providers for quotes.

4.    Will my car be insured during its transportation?

Yes, insurance is usually provided by notable carriers, but it is advisable to check the details of the policy before making a reservation.

5.    How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

The estimated duration of shipping is bound by the distance and route. Shipping from coast to coast is generally completed within a week, while shorter routes are completed within 5 days.

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