Shipping a car to a new location can be a big, stressful task. If you're moving cross-country and need to transport your vehicle, it's important to prepare it well so that it reaches its destination safely.
In this ultimate guide, we'll explore how to ship a car across the country, several factors to consider when shipping a car, how to protect your car during shipping, and answer some common questions you might have about the process.
What to be Aware of When Shipping a Car Cross-Country
When you're not there to supervise your vehicle, shipping can be risky. Do your research: look for trustworthy transport companies with excellent customer reviews and competitive prices.
Check their credentials and make sure they have a license to operate and are insured. Ask for a written agreement and try to clarify all the procedures. Also, it's a good idea to document your car’s condition thoroughly before transporting it. Take high-quality images and make note of any damages or scratches it has.
If you can’t (or don’t want to) spend the time researching reputable companies, trust Ship a Car Direct to do it for you. We facilitate cross-country car shipping and only work with vetted, trusted car transport companies. We offer a damage-free guarantee to protect your asset and white-glove service.
How You Can Protect Your Car When Shipping
Once you have researched different companies and found the one that is the right fit for your needs, it’s time to prepare your car.
Start by cleaning it thoroughly to make sure it’s in good condition before transport. Any items in the car should be removed, and the fuel should be left with a quarter of a tank or less. You should turn off any car alarms, too.
How Clean Your Car Should Be Before Shipping
Before your cross-country vehicle transport takes place, cleaning it thoroughly is a good idea. This way, you can see any areas of damage that you may not have noticed under dust or mud.
Give your vehicle a thorough wash. You should remove any personal belongings, including anything of value, as most companies will not insure shipped personal belongings in the car. It can be a safety and weight concern, depending on what you have.
Can My Car Get Damaged During Shipping?
While transporting automobiles from one state to another, it is rare for damages to occur to the vehicle, but it’s always better to be prepared.
Choose an insured transporter to cover any losses in case of damage. Document your vehicle’s condition, and check its condition at delivery against the original condition at pickup. If there is any damage, notify the transport company immediately and take pictures if possible.
With Ship A Car Direct’s damage-free guarantee, you can be sure that your vehicle is covered during shipping.
Questions You Should Ask Before Shipping a Car
Before you take service from a car hauler, you need to ensure you're making the right choice for your car. Here are some of the questions you should ask any company you're considering:
- What kind of insurance coverage do they offer?
- What kind of delivery timelines do they provide?
- What licensing and certifications do they have?
- Do they have a damage-free guarantee policy?
- What payments are accepted for the service offered?
- Are there any hidden costs like fuel fees or surcharges?
- How do they handle difficult locations such as narrow streets or small communities?
That’s Everything You Need to Know on How to Ship a Car Across Country Stress-free
Shipping a car is a complicated process, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth endeavor. By researching transport companies, preparing your vehicle, and understanding how the process works, your car will arrive at its destination safely and securely. If you still have questions on how to transport cars across country, check out these FAQs on car shipping.
Remember, when in doubt, always ask questions and work with a reputable transporter or facilitator that offers coverages like Ship A Car Direct’s damage-free guarantee.
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