First let?s look at the best way to prepare your vehicle for transportation. Firstly, your vehicle must be roadworthy. The reason being employees of the auto transport company have to drive it on and off the transporter. Plus, you need to wash you car to permit for easy inspection for such things as scratches and dents.
Then make sure your car doesn?t have any leaks. Cars are often transported in batches using one large transporter. You will be responsible if any leakage of fluids from your own car damages other cars on the same transport. By the same token, make sure your gas tank is less than 25 % full and other fluids such as for example break and suspension fluids have room for expansion.
Next, secure or remove any accessories your vehicle may have. This includes specific things like antennae and wide mirrors on the outside of your car and after-market CD players inside. Ensure that your alarm is disabled alongside any other devices which could drain the battery. Remove all personal possessions from your own car as the transport company will not desire to take responsibility for them. In fact, the Department of Transportation will not legally permit the transport of personal belongings in vehicles transported on auto carriers.
Bear in mind you might have to drive your vehicle to a pick-up point agreed between you and the automobile transport company. The reason being the transporter vehicles may be unable to access town owing to their size.
Finally, don?t forget to take into account the climatic conditions. If you?re moving to, say, Alaska, it might be smart to put anti-freeze into your car before shipping. Plus check your heating or air-conditioning systems. Also you can request a covered transport to help expand protect your vehicle against the elements.
For international shipments, some other steps are needed. For one thing, you need to confirm your car meets the environmental standards of the destination country. You can get this information from the consulate of the united states you?re moving to alongside details of any other restrictions which could apply. Your auto car services transport company can assist you here. Remember that international car transport regulations specify that cars be no taller than seven feet and have at the least four inches ground clearance.
Checking the automobile Shipping Documents
So now that your vehicle is ready for transport, let?s consider the all-important question of paperwork.
The key document involved with car transport may be the bill of lading. This outlines all of the conditions and terms of the agreement between you and the auto car transport services company. An essential component of the bill of lading is the condition report which documents the condition of your car at the time of handover. It will also contain such details as odometer readings.
As any future claims for damages will undoubtedly be made on the basis of the information in this report, it is advisable to check it carefully before signing. Both you (or your designated representative) and a representative of the car transport company have to sign this both before and after loading. Generally, if Excavation is damaged you have two weeks where to file a complaint.
For international auto transport, additional paperwork such as those required for customs formalities will be required. And make note you will require the original title of one’s car and a Bill of Sale when arranging international shipment.
Then there?s the all-important matter of insurance. Require a copy of the car mover?s insurance coverage. Your automobile ought to be insured against damage and theft by your auto transport company. For legal reasons, carriers have to carry at the least $1,000,000 worth of public liability insurance together with cargo coverage. And don?t forget that your owner?s insurance remains in place throughout the transport of one’s car. In the event that you?re transporting you car by ocean container, it has to be professionally packed for the insurance to be valid.
In terms of documentation, the golden rule is you need to make sure you have everything, including the total cost involved, in black and white.
Providing you?re ready and follow the above steps, there?s no reason why you shouldn?t enjoy a stress-free transportation of one’s car. But first ensure you find a reputable car transport services firm that provides a full service. An established car transport company will be happy to offer you a free quote. Knowing that trained professionals are taking care of your precious car will give you peace of mind during this stressful time.