Car shipping can be tricky, and it pays to be as prepared as possible. Preparing your vehicle for transport is the best way to make the shipping process go smoothly. Here are ways to do that.
Wash Your Car
The most important thing you can do to prepare your car for shipping is to get rid of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the seals in the vehicle. Dirt can limit airflow, preventing hot air from escaping through the vents, which raises the temperature of the cargo area and makes it difficult to cool down.
Call Your Mechanic
If you have a certified mechanic inspect your vehicle before transporting it, you can be sure the work will be done right. But if you don’t have a mechanic in your area, don’t be afraid to ask for one at the shipping company’s offices.
Avoid Liquid Spills
Nothing can damage the seals and gaskets in a car quite like water. So make sure not to spill anything on your car that might drip down into the cargo area, like bleach or motor oil. And keep everything clean.
Cover the Windows
The climate of most areas you’re driving to can be different than the climate of your destination. Driving with open windows in Jamaica could be dangerous to the seals. So cover the windows before you transport your vehicle.
Lock the Car
Before shipping a car across country, your car should be locked. Some vehicles have closed in the trunk, but to ensure all your valuables stay safe, you must have all the keys on you. And never leave valuables in plain sight inside a vehicle when parked somewhere.
Check Your Insurance
Some shipping companies offer insurance for your car when you transport it. Call around to find out exactly how much the coverage is and whether or not it’s worth the extra cost.
Plan for the Weather
Check the weather forecast for your departure and destination. The last thing you want is a hot car sitting in a parking lot. And if it’s raining, plan on covering the windows so rain can’t seep into your vehicle.
Check the Tires
Your car’s tires are an essential part of your vehicle and should be checked before you take it on a long drive. If they’re making noise, have them checked by a mechanic or vehicle manufacturer before leaving. A bad tire can cause more problems than good.
Empty Your Car
Leave nothing inside your car that you don’t want to be damaged. Even if it’s just an empty soda can, taking it out will help keep your vehicle comfortable.
Move Valuables
If there is anything in the vehicle that cannot be removed, pack it securely so it won’t move around while the transport company drives. Even a cell phone charger should be wrapped up so nothing can fall out. This will help keep your vehicle clean and ensure your valuables are safe.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Car shipping isn’t 100% predictable, and there is always a chance something could happen during the transport process. So be prepared for anything. And always have emergency contact information available so the transport company can reach you in an emergency.
Have Full Registration and Insurance
Every state requires you to have police-processed proof that your vehicle is insured and registered when you ship it. The transport company may also consider seeing this before picking up your vehicle. And if anything happens to the car during shipping, having all this paperwork in place will help you avoid paying a substantial fine because of a mistake made by the transport company.
Get a Copy of the Bill of Lading
The bill of lading gives you the details about your vehicle while it’s being transported, including where it was shipped from, what its time in transit looks like, and all its details. The bill of lading includes information about the transport company, their phone number, and how to contact them if needed.
In conclusion, car shipping is a process that can easily be handled with a bit of thinking. By preparing your car for transport, you can ensure it’s in working order before the transport company loads it and takes it to the shipping port.
