Posted by Vehicle shipping can be a nerve-wracking experience, with countless logistics to consider and potential pitfalls to navigate. Whether you are selling, purchasing, relocating a vehicle(s), or sending it off for repairs, it is necessary to avoid common cross-country vehicle shipping mistakes that could lead to damage, delays, or extra expenditures.
This thorough guide will discuss the eight most common vehicle transportation mistakes and give tips to guarantee a hassle-free and seamless shipping experience for your prized wheels.
8 Common Vehicle Shipping Mistakes To Avoid
Here are a few common vehicle shipping mistakes you should avoid to protect your precious investment and make the transportation procedure a breeze.
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Failing To Research And Vet The Vehicle Shipping Companies
One of the major mistakes you can commit when transporting your vehicle(s) is choosing a transportation company without thorough research and due diligence. Avoid selecting the first vehicle shipping company you come across or the one with the lowest shipping vehicle cost.
Find reliable and trustworthy vehicle shipping services with a proven track record, proper insurance and licensing, and positive consumer reviews. Contact several companies and request comprehensive quotes, guaranteeing they understand your shipping requirements.
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Booking Vehicle Shipping Services Last-Minute
While specific situations make you book last-minute transportation services, such as unforeseen family emergencies or job problems, arranging it right before the deadline won’t ensure optimal outcomes.
When you request a service, it will take some time to discover a suitable carrier because this depends on the carrier’s availability and the shipping method you selected. For most companies, the time range varies between one day and one week.
Hence, arranging it last minute is not a good option since it will take time to discover a carrier. It is recommended to book the vehicle shipping services 2 to 3 weeks before your shipment. Doing this will aid in ensuring carrier availability and expected delivery dates.
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Not Comparing Shipping Quotes
Vehicle shipping companies offer personalized quotes to each of their clients. Numerous factors are also involved in shaping the final quote for your shipping needs. Failing to do your homework may result in receiving an expensive quote with limited coverage, and by the time you realize this, it could be too late.
Therefore, choosing multiple shipping companies and obtaining vehicle shipping costs from each one is advised. Ensure there is no commitment with the service provider after receiving the cost to ship a vehicle. From here, compare the rates and the advantages included to decide which company offers the best value.
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Overlooking Insurance Coverage
Your vehicle is a costly investment, and mishaps can happen even with the most reputable transportation companies. Ignoring insurance coverage is a big no.
Always ask about the company’s insurance policy and confirm whether it covers possible damages during shipping adequately. Moreover, check if your existing vehicle insurance policy extends coverage during transportation to avoid any gaps in coverage.
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Leaving Things In Your Vehicle
You must remove any personal items from your vehicle’s interior before you have it shipped. Leaving personal belongings inside the vehicle risks misplacing, losing, or damaging them during transport to your vehicle’s new destination. As there is typically no benefit to keeping them in the vehicle during transit, it is best to remove them beforehand.
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Ignoring Proper Preparation
Appropriately preparing your vehicle for transportation can inhibit damage and ensure a smooth process. Simple steps, such as retracting antennas and securing loose components, can prevent accidents and keep your vehicle safe during shipping.
Furthermore, it is a great idea to check the tires, battery, and fluid levels to guarantee your vehicle is in the finest condition for transportation. To decrease weight and safety threats, ensure the fuel tank is no more than a quarter full.
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Not Verifying Delivery Options
Be clear on your delivery preferences and communicate them to the vehicle shipping company before scheduling vehicle shipping. Decide between door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal delivery options based on your budget and convenience.
Terminal-to-terminal may be cost-effective; however, it involves the responsibility of dropping off and picking up your vehicle from a designated terminal. On the flip side, door-to-door delivery provides greater convenience but might come with a bit higher cost.
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Not Inspecting The Vehicle At Delivery And Pickup
When your vehicle is delivered and picked up, perform a comprehensive inspection to pinpoint any pre-existing damage and document it by taking videos or photos. This step is vital if you need to make an insurance claim for damages that occurred during the shipping process.
If you don’t inspect it at these points, it can be challenging for you to prove whether damages occurred during transportation or before the procedure.
Conclusion
Shipping your vehicle can be a hassle-free and smooth experience with the proper preparation and attention to detail. By avoiding the abovementioned mistakes and working with a dependable shipping company, you can ensure safe and timely shipping of your vehicle.