Do you need to ship a car?
Do you need to ship a car? Perhaps you are planning a move from one state to another but don’t have time or patience to drive the vehicle across the country. Maybe you own a car dealership and need to transport a brand new car from Detroit to Kansas City.
In either case, you will want to make sure that your vehicle arrives quickly and safely. You could find someone willing to drive the car across the country for you. However, you will likely have to pay that person very well and he or she may not be very reliable. You may not want to put hundreds of miles on the car’s odometer, ruling a driving service out.
The best option, as in most cases, is to hire a professional shipping company to handle the transport of your vehicle.
There are many types of shipping companies available today. Some are strictly commercial and focus only on shipping large commercial vehicles for business purposes. Others specialize in transporting luxury cars between dealerships across the country. Still others handle all kinds of car shipping, from small cars, such as sedans and hatchbacks, to large SUVs and even boats.
The trick is picking a reputable company that can meet your specific needs rather than simply choosing the first one that comes along, but how do you go about this?
This quick guide will answer all of your questions and help you find the best transport company for shipping your car.
1. Find a professional shipping company
Search the internet to find a shipping business that specializes in auto transport. Once you find a shipping company, make sure that it is professional, licensed, and insured. Ask for proof of their credentials.
2. Get a written cost quote
Once you have selected the shipping company, get a written estimate for your vehicle and associated items. You should always ask for quotes from at least three different transport companies; many offer great prices if you agree to employ them as your shipping agent moving forward.
3. Deliver the car
Once you have picked up your vehicle and have listened to the pre-delivery inspection, make sure you check it in with the transport company. Make sure that there are no damage issues with your car and that they have receipts for any expenses incurred during transport.
4. Contingency plans
If something goes wrong during transport, such as damage to your vehicle, you want a contingency plan in place to ensure that you are not out of pocket too much money. This could include hiring a team of cleaners to wash and polish your car before delivery or even offering the prospect of a refund payment if they cannot get it delivered on time.
Shipping a car is not especially difficult, but you should take the time to do your research and ask the questions that you need answers to. Make sure that you are working with a professional company that will get your vehicle to your new residence safely and on time.
