First let?s look at the best way to prepare your automobile for transportation. Firstly, your vehicle must be roadworthy. This is because employees of the auto transport company need to drive it on / off the transporter. Plus, you need to wash you car to permit for easy inspection for such things as scratches and dents.

Then ensure that your car doesn?t have any leaks. Cars are usually transported in batches using one large transporter. You will be responsible if any leakage of fluids from your own car damages other cars on a single transport. By the same token, make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is less than 25 % full and other fluids such as 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. Make sure your alarm is disabled alongside any other devices that could drain the battery. Remove all personal possessions from your own car as the transport company will not want to take responsibility for them. In fact, the Department of Transportation will not legally let the transport of personal belongings in vehicles transported on auto carriers.

Bear in mind you could have to drive your vehicle to a pick-up point agreed between you and the car transport company. For the reason that the transporter vehicles could be unable to access your neighborhood owing to their size.

Finally, don?t forget to consider the climatic conditions. In the event that you?re moving to, say, Alaska, it would be smart to put anti-freeze into your vehicle before shipping. Plus check your heating or air-conditioning systems. Also you can request a covered transport to further protect your vehicle contrary to the elements.

For international shipments, various other steps are needed. For one thing, you need to confirm your car meets environmentally friendly standards of the destination country. You can get these details from the consulate of the country you?re moving to alongside details of any restrictions that may apply. Déménagement can help you here. Note that international car transport regulations specify that cars be no taller than seven feet and have a minimum of four inches ground clearance.

Checking the Car Shipping Documents

So now that your car is ready for transport, let?s consider the all-important question of paperwork.

The key document involved with car transport is the bill of lading. This outlines all the terms and conditions of the agreement between you and the auto car transport services company. A key component of the bill of lading is the condition report which documents the condition of your car during handover. It will also contain such details as odometer readings.

As any future claims for damages will 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 need to sign this both before and after loading. Generally, if your car is damaged you have two weeks in which to file a complaint.

For international auto transport, additional paperwork such as for example those required for customs formalities will undoubtedly be required. And make note you will need 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. Ask for a copy of the car mover?s insurance coverage. Your vehicle 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 in addition to cargo coverage. And don?t forget that your owner?s insurance remains in place throughout the transport of your car. If 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 that you have to be sure to 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 like a stress-free transportation of one’s car. But first make sure you find a reputable car transport services firm that provides a full service. A reputable car transport company will undoubtedly be happy to give you a free quote. Knowing that trained professionals are caring for your precious car offers you peace of mind in this stressful time.