Vehicle transporting is an excellent service that can offer many benefits. However, if you are shipping a car for the first time, the experience can be a bit overwhelming. Here are several tips that can make planning auto transportation easier:
1. Make your car transportation arrangements early. Many of the best auto shipping services book up quickly, even far in advance. It is best to start planning your vehicle transport as soon as you know you will need the service.
2. Check the qualifications of potential companies to hire. Look at the website for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to view a company’s license and insurance information.
3. Consider the services you need. You can save money by opting for open transport and transport to and from shipping hubs. If you want convenience, though, door-to-door shipping is available from most companies (at a higher price, of course). And if your vehicle is valuable—such as an antique car, a classic car, or an exotic sports car—you will likely want to go with enclosed shipping, even though it can be much more costly. Enclosed shipping will provide your vehicle with the protection it needs during transport.
4. Be sure to ask about discounts. You may be able to get a discount on your shipping rate if you or a member of your family is in the military. Many car shippers also give discounts to snowbirds, senior citizens, and students. Discounts are also common for people shipping more than one vehicle at a time. And, if you can be flexible on your shipping dates, you may be able to score a discount based upon delivery date and time.
5. Be sensible in your expectations for shipping a car. Most car transport goes smoothly. It is possible, though, for delivery to be delayed because of weather conditions, traffic, mechanical problems, or construction. And, though very rare, vehicles can get damaged during shipping. Even the safest drivers in the world can get involved in accidents.
So, expect the best—but be aware that problems can happen. Also be aware that if an issue does arise, your car shipping company will handle the problem.
This article is for informational purposes and is the opinion of the author which may not be the opinion of the site that this article links to.
It should be hassle free shipping a car. You can start the process of shipping a car with a free rate quote.