The Ultimate Transport Vehicle Checklist to Ensure a Smooth Transportation

So, you have decided to move your car. That is great!

Moving your car is a significant decision, but you need to make sure that you are thinking about the right things. However, driving a car can be quite a hassle, and if it is not done correctly, it can turn into a nightmare. Many things can go wrong when moving a car, so you want to make sure that you take the necessary precautions.

We have compiled this list of things you need to keep in mind while moving your car to Guarantee that nothing wrong happens and everything goes smoothly!

However, let's first tell you why you need a checklist at your disposal before relocating your car.

Let's get started!

Why Should You Keep a Checklist Handy Before You Transport Your Vehicle?

A transport vehicle checklist make sure you don't miss the necessary steps when preparing your vehicle for transport.

It's essential to have a transport vehicle checklist before transporting your car. You need to make sure your vehicle travels in the best condition possible, with no major problems before it goes out on the road.

This helps you avoid any safety issues and prevent any problems that may lead to an accident and cause injuries to your vehicle. It also guarantee that everything is running when you have a point; it won't be too difficult to fix.

Below we have prepared a transport vehicle checklist that you can use while moving your vehicle to safeguard safe and secure relocation. To make it easier for you to comprehend, we have divided the list into the three most important steps you take while transporting your vehicle.

1. Researching and Booking an Auto Transport Company for the Move
2. Preparing Your Car for Shipping
3. Receiving Your Car After Shipping

Scroll below to check out the checklist for each step.

Transport Vehicle Checklist for Researching a Perfect Auto Transport Company

Relocating your car is not as simple as it sounds. Because a car is a machine that can break down or get damaged during transit, you need to be very cautious while selecting a transport company and during the transportation process.

Before booking an auto transport company for the relocation of your vehicle, here are a few things you can keep in mind:

• Have you gathered quotes from multiple vehicle transport companies, compared, and contrasted them before finalizing the auto transport company to work with?
• Have you considered the point of origin and delivery while planning your car's move?
• Have you evaluated the shipper based on their experience, insurance coverage, and lic make sure?
• Is the auto transport company registered with the Department of Transportation (DoT)?
• Have you contacted their representative and got your questions answered? (Getting on a call with an auto transport company tells you about their professionalism and customer service.)
• Do they cover your car's insurance?
• Do they offer a GPS trackable service or not?
• What's their mode of payment? Credit Cards or Cashier's Check?
• How do they prefer being paid (Advance payment, partial advance payment, or a fixed deposit amount before shipment)?
• Do they offer a door-to-door, depot-to-depot, or a mix of two delivery services?
• Have you asked about any additional expenses that you might have to pay?
• Have you understood the contract well before signing it?

Now that you have researched a just-right auto transport company for shifting your vehicle to its new destination. You can move on to the next step of your vehicle's transportation, preparing your car for pick-up.

Prior Pick-up Transport Vehicle Checklist for Preparing Your Car for the Move

If you want to move your car smoothly and hassle-free, here's what you need to keep in mind during the whole process:

• Is your vehicle in good working condition? Has a charged battery, fully inflated tires, and no mechanical problems?
• Keep your car's fuel lower or equal to a quarter of its fuel tank.
• Secure batteries and all engine components.
• Remove all your items, spare parts, and other loose parts in the car.
• Guarantee there are no dangerous goods, firearms, or aerosols.
• Disable any non-standard alarm or immobilizer.
• Remove weather shields, rear window louvers, removable aerials, fog lights, and fold back mirrors.
• Keep your car's keys ready for handover.
• Clean your car thoroughly.
• Inspect your car thoroughly, note any dents or damages, or photograph your car's current condition.
• Do you have your car documents (BOL and insurance terms and conditions for your vehicle) prepared?

Once you have handed over your vehicle to the auto transport company, you can relax. You'll have to do a little hard work on the day you receive your car at the port.

Vehicle Transport Checklist for Collecting a Car Once It's Delivered to the Port

Below are enlisted couples of checks you need to make while receiving your car at the port.

• Thoroughly check your car over to make sure everything is right and in place.
• Check for any damages, dents, or scratches.
• Check the fuel level of the vehicle.
• Check fluid (oil and water) levels of the car.
• Check if all the lights of the car are working.
• Clean up your vehicle thoroughly (wash if needed).

And, enjoy your ride!

Final Words:

So, this was our ultimate checklist of things that you should keep in mind while relocating your vehicle and the issues you must address for smooth transportation of your car.

However, there's no one-size-fit-for-all type of checklist that fits the transporting situation of every vehicle. Feel free to add a few points here, and after that, conduct your research on transporting your vehicle's make and model.

Or, you can also add a few check-points according to the rules and regulations of the transportation company you are working with to carry out the move.