Tips on Shipping Your Car for a Smooth Auto Transport Experience

Perhaps you are relocating to a new place for work or moving to a new home. Whatever the reason may be, these scenarios will likely require you to avail of auto-transport services to help ship your car to the new destination. With that said, car transport can be a relatively new concept for many, especially if you are doing it for the first time, and you are not part of the automotive industry.

Since your car is a valuable asset, you want to make sure you take the proper steps to have it transported in good condition. With that, it will help to familiarize yourself with how car shipping works, so you can select the best company to do the job and have a smooth experience. If it is your first time, you may be wondering how much does it cost to ship a car, how long will the process take, and how you can engage a company’s services. Whatever your concerns may be, researching beforehand will be beneficial for you.

Below, you will find some tips you can use to help make your auto transport experience smooth and hassle-free. Moving to a new place can come with its set of challenges, so you want to make sure transporting your car is not one of them.

Put Everything in Writing

Since you are dealing with your car, you have to be extra cautious about everything you do. Make sure you get everything in writing to avoid any losses or misunderstandings. Once you get the contract, read it carefully to see if there are any hidden charges. At the same time, look for important information like the origin and destination, company insurance details, and the specific services you availed. If you are unfamiliar with some clauses like how much does it cost to ship a car with them, make sure you bring it up before signing the document.

Change Your License Plate

If you are relocating to a new state, you will likely need to change your car’s license plate to reflect your new residence. Do some research to learn about the process of car insurance and registration to ensure you can use your new vehicle even after you move. The time that it will take to get everything done can vary from one place to another, so make sure you look into it to avoid having to wait for a long time after your move.

Ask About Storage

If you do not need your vehicle right away, you can also ask the auto transport company for storage options. Usually, outdoor storage will be your cheapest option, but it also provides the least protection, while indoor storage is the most expensive but offers the most protection. Maintenance can vary based on the company, so make sure you also ask about this. For some, there may be a third-party provider who does the maintenance to check your car before giving it back.

Get a Bill of Lading

A bill of lading (BoL) is a document that you will issue to the company to act as an acknowledgment that they have received the shipment. This document should be complete and should include the carrier’s name and signature, the terms of your contract, description of the goods, the origin and destination, as well as your name and signature as the consignee. The BoL will be a legally binding contract, so it also serves as assurance on your end since you are giving your car to the auto transport company.