Car Shipping
Preparing a Car for Transport
You will be completely responsible for getting your car ready for shipment. Preparing your car for transport should not take much time and will help ensure that shipping your car goes smoothly. Of course, ask your car transporter if they have any additional tips for how you can prepare your vehicle. Vehicle transport does not need to be a hassle
Antique Car Shipping
If you are arranging antique car shipping, you may want to take even greater care when preparing your automobile. Speak with your antique car transporter in depth. They will have a vested interest in making sure your antique car shipping process results in no damages. You will want to take even greater care in shipping your antique car and your transporter can help you do that.
Prevent damages and claims
Properly preparing your car for transport is the easiest way to protect your car from damage and to ensure it is delivered on time. First, you will want to check for and document any pre-existing damage. You can do this in four easy steps:
- Thoroughly wash your car.
- Make a written record of any chips, dings, nicks or other cosmetic damage.
- Take pictures of the car from several angles as well as close-up shots of any damage.
- Date the photographs and written record.
Also, remember to remove any personal items from the interior of your car, including the trunk. An automotive transporter's insurance will not cover items inside your vehicle, so be sure to empty the interior of your car. Also, any items left in your car will add to the weight of the vehicle and can cause damage that will not be covered.
Check before shipping a car
Next, you will want to check your car for any mechanical problems, to ensure it can be transported safely. Even though your car will be driven very little during the process, it should still be in good working order. Cars with mechanical issues can cause unforeseen delays and damages, so perform a few maintenance checks before shipping your car:
- Make sure the battery has a full charge and that the tires are properly inflated.
- Top off all fluids in the car, but run down your gas tank to a quarter or eighth full. An almost-empty tank will save weight and help keep your shipment moving along quickly.
- Keep an eye on the vehicle for a few weeks prior to shipment, and if there are any leaks or mechanical problems make sure the driver knows. Vehicles with leaks should never be placed on the top rack of a multi-car carrier because they can drip on the vehicles below.
- Document mechanical problems and write down any special steps needed to drive your car on and off the trailer (including problems starting or stopping your car). Give these instructions to your driver.
Prepare for on and off loading
Finally, you need to prepare your car to be loaded on and off your car transporter's truck or trailer. This will protect your car's interior and exterior and help your transporter ship your car with ease. Remember, the better you prepare your car for shipment, the more likely it will arrive on time and without damage.
If you have a convertible, make sure the top is secured properly. To avoid damage from air, debris, or moisture, seal the top as thoroughly as possible. If you cannot secure the convertible top, add extra protection with a wind-resistant tarp.
Fold back your mirrors and retract the antennae. Any specialty items, like fog lights, ground effects, or spoilers, should be secured or removed. Don't forget to remove your radio faceplate, if possible.
Finally, turn off or disable your car alarm. If you cannot disable the alarm, provide detailed, written instructions for the driver on how to turn off the alarm in case it is triggered.