How do I prepare my car for cross country shipping?

Prepare your car for cross-country shipping: Clean thoroughly and note damages while collecting necessary documents. Conduct maintenance, lower gas to a quarter tank, and detach extras. Lock the vehicle and provide keys to the transporter. Lastly, review and sign the bill of lading.

Cross country car shipping offers a vital service for those relocating, attending college, or purchasing vehicles from distant locations. As the onus of driving shifts from the owner to professional auto transporters, preparing the car for the journey becomes paramount. Whether you're entrusting your vehicle to experts for thousands of miles or a shorter haul, ensuring your vehicle is ready for the voyage can make all the difference. Here, we delve into the nine critical steps every car owner should follow to prepare their vehicle for cross-country shipping.

Selecting a Reliable Auto Transport Company

Choosing a dependable car transport company is a major decision that requires thorough research. It's vital to ensure the chosen company has a strong reputation in the industry. Customer testimonials, reviews, and ratings can provide an in-depth understanding of the company's reliability and professionalism. A high-quality service provider should have a history of delivering vehicles timely and in the same condition as they were before shipping.

Another important factor to consider is the company's legitimacy. This can be verified through business accreditation organizations such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) or checking the Department of Transportation (DOT) number. A company that is registered and in good standing with these agencies is more likely to provide trustworthy and dependable services. Additionally, it's crucial to discuss insurance coverage and what it includes to protect your vehicle during transit. Be wary of companies offering excessively low quotes as their service quality may be similarly discounted.

Scheduling Your Vehicle for Shipping

Timing is a critical factor in the process of shipping your vehicle across the country. Once you've chosen a reliable auto transport company, the next step entails working closely with them to determine a convenient pick-up and drop-off schedule. Depending upon the distance, route congestion, and weather conditions, the time it will take to ship your vehicle could range from several days to weeks. It's important to be mindful of these unpredictable variables.

Before finalizing the schedule, make sure you consider your personal requirements, synchronizing them with the estimations provided by the transport company. For instance, if you're moving to a new state for a job, you'll want to ensure your vehicle arrives no later than your first working day. Additionally, most companies need an advanced notice period, typically ranging from two to three weeks. Therefore, it would be prudent to plan the scheduling well in advance to accommodate any unexpected delays. Remember, punctuality and pre-planning are imperative to a smooth vehicle shipping process.