Did you know that it can take anywhere from two to 11 days to ship your vehicle? This depends on many factors, such as the distance traveled and international shipping regulations.
Have you ever wondered about how to best ship your car so that the process goes as smoothly as possible? Here are some of the biggest car shipping mistakes to avoid.
Not Checking Your Vehicle
You need to do a thorough search of your car before you surrender it for shipping. Personal items are often not covered under insurance policies when your car is in the hands of a shipping company.
Even if the car shipping company is trustworthy, they may not be able to keep an eye on your vehicle at all times to ensure items are not stolen.
For instance, if the driver stops for any reason, potential thieves may see the items in your vehicle and steal them. Although theft is rare in the logistics industry and shipping industry, it is better to ere on the safe side.
Lack of Documentation
Before you begin the shipping process, you should make copies of all of the documentation you usually carry in your car. If you do not, then you may have to face delays in shipping.
Making copies will avoid the hassle you have to go through if you lose the original documents. You should include paperwork such as:
- your driver’s license
- vehicle registration
- vehicle title
- proof of insurance
For companies that do international shipping, you may need to submit more documentation. It is always a good idea to discuss with the company beforehand so that you can be prepared.
Not Scheduling Ahead of Time
You need to book your car shipping in advance. The earlier you arrange the details, the more chance you will have of getting your car to the desired destination on time.
There may be a limited number of trailers for car shipping. Since they can only fit a finite amount of vehicles, they will fill up on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In addition, it may cost you more money if you want to book a shipment on short notice. To save your pocketbook, try to make a reservation as early as possible.
Not Taking Pictures
Before you release your car to the shipping company, take as many pictures as possible. You should also take note of damages that already exist so you can evaluate the vehicle when it is returned to you.
Even if something seems small, it is better to have documentation that is over-excessive than fearing you missed something down the road.
Avoid These Car Shipping Mistakes
If you are shipping your car, you should not have to be concerned about getting your vehicle to its destination. By steering clear of these car shipping mistakes, you can rest easy knowing your car is in good condition.
Want to learn more about types of cars and how you can take care of your vehicle? Check out the rest of our site for answers to all of your automotive questions.