Before You Ship a Car or Vehicle

We don’t want to blame a vehicle transport company for destroying your car after discovering that it does not work anymore. It is important that you take the necessary precautions before shipping you vehicle. Blaming someone else won’t do you any good and it definitely won’t solve the problem. Did you inspect your car before you had it shipped?

It is a MUST that your vehicle is operational. If your vehicle is not then additional fees will be charged. It is also important that you let the transport company know of any changes or modifications you have made to your vehicle. Any modifications such as, camper shell, 4x4 lift kit or the vehicle has been lowered. The ground clearance between the ground and the vehicle must be at least 4” – this is to safely load and safely offload your vehicle. A working phone number must be given to the vehicle transport company so you, the client, can be notified and reached as long as your vehicle is not in your hands. Transit times, depending on the time of year and the destination and origination of your particular move will vary. On your quote and on the order confirmation papers it will indicate the estimated transit time.

Before preparing your car for shipping you have to make sure that your car has no leaks, whatsoever. Also, the car’s battery must be mounted securely in the bracket. When taking the vehicle in for inspection, it is important that it is clean, because a dirty vehicle decreases the visibility in able to perform a proper inspection. You have to make sure that there is a minimum of 1/8 of fuel in the gas tank, but no more than a 1/2 tank of fuel. What is also suggested is that alarm systems are to be disconnected, turned off or disabled. Any type plant and any hazardous materials CANNOT by law be transported. Your vehicle is to be prepared for changes in climate. It will be your duty to include transmission oil and engine coolants. Car covers, spare tire covers and grill covers are to be removed. A set of your car’s key is to be given to the vehicle transporter. Personal belongings, excluding the car jack and spare tire are to be removed. The antennas have to retracted or removed. Non-permanent luggage such as ski racks and luggage racks are to be removed. Any radios, CD players and cassette decks not built into the car, garage door operators and car phones are to be removed.

You, and if you are unavailable, a representative has to be present at the time of the inspection of delivery and/or pickup. You or a representative is held responsible for the confirmation of your vehicles condition. This is to be done before the driver of the company leaves you. A bill of lading and a condition report is to be signed by you or a representative at the origin and the destination. Any damage to your vehicle will be noted by a representative of the company at origin on the bill of lading. The same applies if there is damage done to your vehicle on delivery.