Are you looking for auto shipping tips this summer?
Summer is a time for vacations, road trips, and outdoor activities. It’s also the perfect time to ship your car across the country for more extended holidays or long-term relocations. Here are six tips to make auto shipping during the summer more straightforward.
Plan Ahead
Making plans for your car transport ahead of time can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Without planning, there is no guarantee that your car will make the trip safely, and the stress of not knowing how things will resolve can cause havoc on the rest of your journey. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your plan:
1. Research and Find a Reputable Transport Company
Choose a reputable car transport company with a good track record. Ask around for recommendations, or do some research online. You should find many reviews for your transport company that are detailed, like these that outline services and the Amerifreight costs you can expect. Make sure you understand the company’s policies and procedures before booking.
Roadrunner best vehicle transport company can be a great solution here.
2. Rental Car or Ride Share
Arrange a way to get from point to point while your car is still in transit. It could take several weeks to see your vehicle at the new destination. Plan to rent a car, ride share or utilize mass transit where available.
3. Car Maintenance Before Shipping
Keep your car in good condition before shipping it. Clean it inside and out, and check for any damage that could worsen during transport. Make any necessary repairs before sending your car. Run your vehicle through a tune-up checklist, and tell your mechanic that you’re shipping the car. Leave the gas tank at 1/4 or lower to avoid extra shipping weight.
4. Clean Your Car – Inside and Out
A car’s shipping process can cause unforeseen damages to all involved parties. Suppose you clean your vehicle inside and out, including a deep detail before you embark. In that case, it will be easier to notice cracks in place before the trip and those that happened during the journey.
This is not to say that shipping a car will always result in damage, but accidents happen, and we need to be prepared to handle them. While you’re cleaning the inside of your vehicle, make sure there is nothing loose and that there are no valuables or breakable in the car. Imagine you’re preparing the car for the showroom.
5. Organize Needed Paperwork
Have all your paperwork in order before shipping your car. You’ll need to provide the car transport company with proof of ownership and your insurance information. It is helpful to include a spare key in the paperwork file so that you can give the transport company the ability to move your car as needed.
6. Coordinate Car Pickup
Coordinate with someone you know or the transport company to have the car delivered to or to pick up the vehicle upon delivery if you will not be there at the time of arrival. Many people ship their vehicle to the end point of a long vacation so they can drive it home after exploring.
Benefits of Shipping your Car Ahead for Your Vacation
One of the benefits of shipping your car ahead of you for an extended vacation is that you can plan further adventures and have your vehicle waiting for you when you arrive. This can be especially helpful if you are traveling to a destination not well served by public transportation.
Having your car will allow you to explore at your own pace and see all the sights you want. It also means that you won’t have to rely on taxis or other transportation, which can be expensive.
Shipping your car ahead can also give you peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is safe and sound and will be there when you need it. Driving a familiar car in a new place will also help with any anxieties you may experience operating in an unfamiliar area.
Shipping your car ahead of you for a summer vacation or relocation can have many benefits, from freeing up your travel budget to giving you peace of mind. When choosing a transport company, do your research and ask around for recommendations to ensure that you are working with a reputable firm. Make sure you have all your paperwork in order, and if you have any doubts, make copies of these documents or upload scans to your cloud for reference.
What to Do When You Arrive at Your Destination
If you have arranged to pick up your car upon arrival, be sure to coordinate with the transport company or individual so that someone will be there to meet you.
If your car is being delivered to your final destination, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork on hand to take possession of the vehicle as soon as it arrives.
Once you have your car, inspect it for any damage that may have occurred during transport. If you notice any damage, document it with photos and video, and reach out to the transport company so that they can investigate and, if necessary, file an insurance claim.
These tips will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience when shipping your car this summer.
Happy travels!
