Motorcycle Shipping: 5 Things you Need to Know

There might be a time when you need to move the motorcycle a long distance because it is not possible to ride it to the destination. Whether you are moving across the country or participating in a state rally, you need the assistance of a motorcycle shipping company. There are, however, a few things related to motorcycle shipping to you need to know that would help you in ensuring a smooth move. We discuss the five points in the blog post.

Shipping is better than driving

Shipping your motorcycle is better than driving it to the new city. Individuals usually don’t add the cost of gas, hotel stay and other unexpected mechanical problems that might occur when transporting the bike on their own to a new destination. People look for a reliable auto shipping company to transport their motorcycle instead of driving it on their own, especially, when it is a long distance move. In addition, a professional shipping company will transport the motorcycle in a covered trailer, so there is a less chance of any damage.

Shipping a Motorcycle is Different from a Car

Motorcycle shipping is different from LTL freight shipping, so companies treat it like a precious cargo. Unlike cars, the motorcycle is wheeled on custom-designed pallets and strapped down for additional protection. Most companies also ship the helmet and keys along with the motorcycle.

Shipping to lower 48 states

If the motorcycle is being shipped to lower forty-eight states, the company transports it via a trailer. Air-ride models are the preferred types of trucks and trailers for shipping, as they reduce the shock of the bumps.

Shipping to Hawaii or Alaska

You may need to ship the motorcycle on the water at some point, and this where crates come into the picture. Shipping companies use crates made of cardboard and steel for transportation. Ensure that you secure the motorcycle with at least four tie-downs. You might need to drain fuel from the tank and disconnect the battery.

Proper Insurance Cover is Important

Regardless of whether the company is shipping motorcycle in an enclosed trailer or secured it properly, accidents can happen. The shipping company although will have its own cover, you can save on the additional amount that you might need to pay at the time of an accident.

Last Few Words

Apart from the above-shared tips, there are laws and regulations related to motorcycle shipping that you need to know for a smooth move. If you hire a professional and experienced auto transport company, chances are high that the service provider would explain the important points in detail. Make sure that you know enough about the process before transporting your prized possession to a new destination.

4 Steps to Take Before Shipping Your Motorcycle

Shipping your motorcycle can be a considerable hassle, especially if you want to relocate overseas. There are good chances that you won’t have a clear picture on the different regional and other taxes that may apply. Moreover, it’s not easy to keep track of your shipment till it’s delivered. Availing professional motorcycle transport services/motorcycle delivery services helps you address these convenience issues as the provider will handle all tasks on your behalf, including tax payments and getting different clearances. That said, you too need to take some steps to prepare your vehicle for transportation. Read on.

1. Remove the battery and drain fluids 
First and foremost, drain fluids, including gasoline, brake oil, motor oil, and radiator fluid to ensure minimal damage to sensitive parts of your motorcycle during transportation. Draining fluids is also necessary to comply with weight norms by different authorities and can help you avoid penalties at check stations. Don’t forget to remove the battery to avoid any damage that can result from rough handling and exposure to different weather conditions. 

2. Click pictures 
Take photographs of your vehicle from multiple angles before you hand it over to the motorcycle delivery service provider. You also need to click pictures of the trailer the transporter will be using to ship your vehicle and everything that you place inside it (such as accessories, parts or other components). The photographs help you file an insurance claim against damage or loss, if any, that the bike incurs during the transportation process.

3. Remove loose parts
Different parts comprising the exhaust, saddlebags, tank bags, and fairings can dislodge and detach due to rough handling during transit. Use a rope to secure these parts to avoid any losses. Alternatively, you can remove the components and tie them together when transporting the motorcycle to ensure everything goes on smoothly.

4. Lower the tire pressure
Over inflated tires can burst during transportation, especially in high temperatures. Additionally, conduct a full body checkup to ensure there are no fluid leaks. If you find any issues, consult a mechanic before transporting the vehicle as the problem may worsen due to rigors of transportation.

Final few words
Following the above steps before shipping a motorcycle helps you avoid losses and unnecessary hassles. Choose a provider that has years of experience on their side and understands the nature of clearances, permits, and other legal requirements that they need to secure when transporting a motorcycle. Last but not least, request multiple quotes to ensure you get the best deal the market has to offer.

A Comprehensive Guide for First Time Auto Shipping

Online car purchases from all over the world and moving them to other countries is made easy by players in the auto transport industry. Auto transport companies work independently or have tie-ups with other businesses such online car dealers. Their basic job is to ensure safe transportation of your car to your doorstep or somewhere near the delivery location. With so many companies offering similar services, it can be difficult for you to choose one. Before starting your search for an auto shipping company, you should be clear on a few things so that you can prepare accordingly. Below is a comprehensive guide for auto shipping that will help you get the best door to door auto transport company.

1. Suitable Shipping Options
Before searching for an auto shipping company, decide on the type of shipping you want. There are three types of shipping, which of course, vary in their methods and costs. Research and know about these shipping methods before deciding. Here is some brief information on these types.

Freight Shipping
In freight shipping, your car is carefully packed in a wooden pallet or crate. The crate is then transported either in an open or closed car-carrying trailer. Shipping in a closed car-carrying trailer protects your car from dust and rain, and thus costs more than an open car-carrying trailer. A single car-carrying trailer can accommodate five to nine cars at once, depending on their weight and size.

Portable Storage Shipping
In this type of shipping, you need to pack your car on your own. The auto transport company will only pick and deliver your car to the specified location. The upside of this type of shipping is that it costs less than the other two. The downside is that your car doesn't get special attention, which in turn, increases chances of damage.

Flatbed Shipping
If you have a luxurious car, flatbed shipping is the best option. This type of shipping is more expensive than the other two, which is justifiable as your car gets special attention. In flatbed shipping, few cars are accommodated on a single car-carrying trailer. Having few cars on a car-carrying trailer increases chances of damage. However, a few extra bucks should take care of that.

2. Suitable Mode of Transportation
The location is a key factor here as shipping to another country may require more than one mode of transportation. For example, when shipping your car to Venice, you need to touch the water at some point. Shipping costs vary for all three modes of transportation.

3. Suitable Auto Transport Company
Thousands of companies offer car shipping services. When searching for the right service provider, check the areas they cover, as some companies restrict their services to few regions. Some companies ship vehicles only via the road or road and water. Therefore, make sure that your auto shipping company covers the required mode of transportation. Request auto shipping quotes from at least four to five companies. Check if the company provides insurance cover in the event of theft or accident. Don't forget to go through a few online customer reviews.

4. Preparation Before Shipping
Thoroughly check your car and collect proof of any prior damage. Doing this is important as it enables you to easily claim compensation if your car suffers damage during transportation. Before shipping a car, take out all important documents, items, and removable car accessories.

Epilogue
Gathering adequate information and proper planning before shipping a vehicle help you arrive at prudent decisions. Research and study your options for vehicle transport carefully. For hassle-free shipping, it is advisable to go for auto shipping companies that provide one-stop solutions.

4 Reasons to Rely on Car Transport Services Instead of Self-Hauling

A domestic or international relocation is stressful, and the task of transporting your vehicles safely makes it more difficult. Many people think of self-hauling the car, which leaves the vehicle susceptible to bumpy rides and weather damage during transit. Other than road and weather constraints, self-driving a car to a distant location also brings an entire host of other difficulties for a car shipper. Taking the help of an auto transport company can help you avoid such situations. Hiring professional car transportations services has a number of benefits as compared to the self-transportation. The blog post lists four reasons to opt for car transport services to haul your vehicle instead of driving it yourself.

1. Saves Significant Time
Self-hauling a car might seem a lucrative option at once, however, it is physically and mentally exhausting even during domestic relocations. You may take hours or even days to drive the car to a different state, which is a time-consuming affair. Hiring a car transport services can reduce the hassle and also ensure that your vehicle is safe during the transportation process. Many car transport services provide door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal car shipping services. If you are available in person, terminal to terminal car shipping can be a better bet than doorstep service as it is less costly. You are saved from the hassle of picking or delivering your car during the transportation process.

2. Low Wear and Tear to the Vehicle
Transporting a vehicle by driving it across thousands of miles may result in significant wear and tear, thereby increasing the maintenance costs and affecting the resale value. Additionally, the vehicle is always vulnerable to external and weather-related damage during the transit. Thinking about car damage in transit is no less than a nightmare to a car shipper. A car shipping company saves you from these hassles that lead to costly repairs in the future. Majority car transport services let you choose between an open or closed trailer, depending on your auto shipping needs. While open auto trailers are affordable and suitable for mid-range cars, enclosed carriers offer extra protection during the transit for luxury and classic cars. If you are shipping a high-end luxury vehicle, opting for an enclosed trailer can reduce the risk of damage as a result of bumpy rides and rough weather elements.

3. Hassle Free Paperwork and Insurance Assistance
Car shipping is not the quickest of things in the US as it requires complex paperwork before shipping and arranging for insurance in advance. If you opt for self-hauling, you need to do all the paperwork with minimal assistance which can be fairly stressful. On the other hand, giving a shot to car transport services can save you from these hassles as reliable auto shippers proactively assist in completing the paperwork before shipping the vehicle. Be it the Bill of Lading or insurance assistance, seeking help from a reliable car transport services can help you with the vehicle shipping process. All you need to do is to compare quotes of auto shipping companies, arrange necessary insurance and decide a pickup date. The rest of the work from hauling to secure delivery will be the responsibility of a transportation company.

4. Cost Savings
Self-driving the car to a new destination takes a lot of time and money as you need to refill the gas and also spend on accommodation, especially if the destination is located thousands of miles away. Instead of spending money on self-hauling, a better option is to take up car transport services. You can compare the shipping prices by filling up quotes to get an accurate estimate. Once your vehicle is loaded on the truck trailer,  you can always track the location of the vehicle during the transit through tracking services.

The Way Forward
Many people doubt the reliability of car transport services. Prior research and comparing quotes before hiring an auto shipping company can help you find a reliable auto shipping company. Reliable names in auto transportation ensure that safety of your vehicle during transit.

Factors that Auto Shipping Companies Consider When Giving a Price Quote

Auto shipping is expensive, irrespective of whether it is a domestic or international move. There are several factors that influence the cost of transportation which is the reason why the price quote you receive from one auto truck transport company is different from others. Although the quotes vary among various companies, there are some basic factors that every auto shipping company considers when providing a rough estimate to the client. We discuss the common ones in the blog post.

Pickup and Destination Cities

The pickup and delivery destinations heavily influence the price quote. The cost of auto truck transport from Texas to Louisiana, for instance, will be less than transporting it from Texas to Arizona. Higher the distance more is the cost of fuel and boarding. Auto shipping companies also have different prices per mile, which also make a variance in the quote.

Size of the Vehicle

If the vehicle that you want to ship is over-sized, the price quote could be high. The reason is many auto shipping companies do not have trucks to transport an oversized vehicle such as a limousine or pickup truck, and they need to arrange a specialty truck that increases the overall cost of shipping the vehicle.

Time of Move

If you ask for a price quote way ahead of the time of the move, chances are high that you would get a reasonable deal. Delay in the scheduling means the auto transport company would need to make arrangements at last minute, and you might have to pay extra charges. Shipping companies also consider the time of the year into while giving a price quote. They calculate the amount of time for transportation and figure out the safety hazards in moving the vehicle at that time of the year when giving the price estimate.

Carrier Type

Transporting a vehicle in an open trailer is easier on the pocket than shipping it in a closed trailer. Both the trailers, however, have their own pros and cons. A closed carrier protects the vehicle from dust and weather, while the open one makes shipping more affordable.

Last Few Words

Apart from the above-discussed ones, there are many other factors that auto truck transport companies consider before giving price estimate to their clients. When asking for a price quote, make sure that you provide accurate details to the company to avoid any cost disparity at a later stage. Most of the auto shipping companies offer free of cost price estimate to clients, so try to get quotes from at least four to five service providers before making the final decision.

A Brief Guide to the Various Car Shipping Options

Moving a vehicle to a new destination can be quite stressful as people are concerned about the safety of their vehicle. Lack of knowledge, procedural jargons and multiple price quotes from shipping vendors add to the confusion. Moreover, it becomes perplexing for a first time shipper to understand the right mode of transport which is affordable and hassle free at the same time. As a result, people in the US often end up paying hefty shipping prices even during interstate or domestic shipping. The blog post discusses three common modes of transport for your domestic shipping needs along with helping you take a wise selection.

Road Transport

Road transport is one of the most sought after method of vehicle shipping. Open trailers account for more than 90 percent of deliveries in the US and shipping companies offer an option to select the preferable trail for your vehicle. Road transport is comparatively less expensive than rail or air transport. Customers can either opt for door-to- door or terminal-to-terminal auto shipping services depending on their preferences. Let us understand the difference between the two models.

• High volume car transport companies provide terminal-to-terminal auto shipping services. As the name suggests, vehicle pickup and delivery is operated across two terminals. The shipping company stores the vehicles in their secure lot, which is located in a metropolitan area. The terminals are at times located miles away, but if you have the time and ability to deliver your vehicle to the destination, you can save money. Terminal delivery is beneficial while selecting specific dates.

• Door-to-door model delivers your vehicle to a location that is close to the specified destination. The mode of transportation saves a considerable amount of time as customers don’t need to drop or pick their vehicles. Door-to-door transport also implies that a vehicle will stay on the same truck until the delivery of the vehicle. Door-to-door delivery is an ideal vehicle delivery option if you are flexible with your delivery dates and available in person to hand over the vehicle to the truck trail.

Rail Transport

Rail transport ships vehicles as cargo after loading it on the train. Though the method is faster than road transport, the costs of shipping the vehicle are fairly expensive. Another disadvantage of rail transport is many of the auto transport companies don’t offer this option. Some of the companies that provide rail transport need additional insurance for secure delivery.

Air Transport

Air shipping is one of the most expensive methods of shipping your vehicle. Air transport is a fast and safe way of shipping a vehicle. The car owner needs to pick-up the vehicle from the airport terminal, but in some cases, a few companies may offer doorstep deliveries after charging a fee.

The Bottom Line

Paying hefty money for domestic vehicle transfer seems is not a viable option. If you are looking to ship your vehicle, road transport is an ideal option. The insurance costs are lower as compared to the other shipping options. In addition, road transport offers flexibility to the vehicle owners and ensures the safety of the vehicle.

A Brief Guide to the Various Car Shipping Options

Moving a vehicle to a new destination can be quite stressful as people are concerned about the safety of their vehicle. Lack of knowledge, procedural jargons and multiple price quotes from shipping vendors add to the confusion. Moreover, it becomes perplexing for a first time shipper to understand the right mode of transport which is affordable and hassle free at the same time. As a result, people in the US often end up paying hefty shipping prices even during interstate or domestic shipping. The blog post discusses three common modes of transport for your domestic shipping needs along with helping you take a wise selection.

Road Transport

Road transport is one of the most sought after method of vehicle shipping. Open trailers account for more than 90 percent of deliveries in the US and shipping companies offer an option to select the preferable trail for your vehicle. Road transport is comparatively less expensive than rail or air transport. Customers can either opt for door-to- door or terminal-to-terminal auto shipping services depending on their preferences. Let us understand the difference between the two models.

• High volume car transport companies provide terminal-to-terminal auto shipping services. As the name suggests, vehicle pickup and delivery is operated across two terminals. The shipping company stores the vehicles in their secure lot, which is located in a metropolitan area. The terminals are at times located miles away, but if you have the time and ability to deliver your vehicle to the destination, you can save money. Terminal delivery is beneficial while selecting specific dates.

• Door-to-door model delivers your vehicle to a location that is close to the specified destination. The mode of transportation saves a considerable amount of time as customers don’t need to drop or pick their vehicles. Door-to-door transport also implies that a vehicle will stay on the same truck until the delivery of the vehicle. Door-to-door delivery is an ideal vehicle delivery option if you are flexible with your delivery dates and available in person to hand over the vehicle to the truck trail.

Rail Transport

Rail transport ships vehicles as cargo after loading it on the train. Though the method is faster than road transport, the costs of shipping the vehicle are fairly expensive. Another disadvantage of rail transport is many of the auto transport companies don’t offer this option. Some of the companies that provide rail transport need additional insurance for secure delivery.

Air Transport

Air shipping is one of the most expensive methods of shipping your vehicle. Air transport is a fast and safe way of shipping a vehicle. The car owner needs to pick-up the vehicle from the airport terminal, but in some cases, a few companies may offer doorstep deliveries after charging a fee.

The Bottom Line

Paying hefty money for domestic vehicle transfer seems is not a viable option. If you are looking to ship your vehicle, road transport is an ideal option. The insurance costs are lower as compared to the other shipping options. In addition, road transport offers flexibility to the vehicle owners and ensures the safety of the vehicle.

3 Factors you Need to Check About Auto Shipping and Transport Insurance

When you need to relocate to a new state or country and do not want to sell your car, seeking help of an auto transport company is the only option left. While there are several vehicle shipping service providers, not all are professional and trustworthy. You need to take a step-by-step approach to ensure that you select a reliable auto transport company. The blog lists a few factors you need to know about auto transportation and how to make the move hassle-free.

Ask for proof of insurance
According to law, it is mandatory for an auto shipping company to have a valid insurance certificate. As a customer, you have the right to ask an auto shipping company to show the certificate. Make sure that they cover all types of minor and major damage a vehicle may suffer  during the transit. Ask if the insurance covers the entire car, certain parts, or you need to pay a specific amount if the car suffers from any kind of damage.

Ask for everything in writing
Not all auto transport companies are professional, and some might include a waiver in contract to get their hands off any responsibility in case of any damage. Ensure that you check the transport company's policies before signing on the dotted line. Make sure that you get every special agreement or consideration in writing, before agreeing to the terms of auto shipping. Such a move protects you for unforeseen events, especially if the company tries to implement a point that is not a part of its regular contract.

Check with your auto insurance company
Some auto insurance companies cover your vehicle while it is in-transit. Instead of living under false assumptions, it is advisable to cross-check with the company. Ask the auto shipping company if the insurance is applicable while shipping the vehicle or you need to notify the company in advance and submit a proof before transporting the vehicle.

Last Few Words
Those were some of the basic points that many customers ignore while transporting their vehicles and regret later. Before hiring an auto shipping company, cross-check all the necessary details mentioned above to avoid additional expenses in the future. Besides checking about insurance coverage and contract, it is necessary that you hire a reputable auto shipping company to minimize the chances of fraudulent and vehicle damage.

Due Diligence to Perform When Selecting an Auto Shipping Company

Moving a vehicle from one state to another or cross-country is a hassle. There are several auto shipping service providers that offer competitive quotes and ship vehicles at a short-notice. It is, however, essential to perform due diligence when choosing a vehicle transportation company and before signing the contract. The blog provides an overview of the basic factors to consider when selecting a shipping car, especially when it is a long distance move.

Consider the shipping options
Vehicle moving companies offer shipping options to customers, based on budget and requirement. These include:

Enclosed trailer - If you have to transport a classic or expensive car, choose an enclosed trailer to protect the vehicle from damage. Coast-to-coast transportation in an enclosed trailer may cost around $1,800 to $2,000.

Open trailer - A common method of vehicle transportation, open trailers are ideal for delivering new cars to dealerships. The option is cheaper than enclosed trailer transportation, and a coast-to-coast move might cost between $1,000 to $1,400.

Full service - This is an expensive service, but comes with a guarantee on pick-up and delivery dates. The transport company provides door-to-door service and may also payback certain amount to the customer, if the company is unable to deliver the vehicle within the scheduled duration.

Economy - If you are in no hurry to get the car delivered to the new destination, this is an affordable option. The transportation company keeps the vehicle after high-paying customers and ships it on the space-available basis.

Brokers
You may receive shipping bids from brokers, and once you sign a contractor, they locate the hauler to ship the vehicle. A large broker has many drivers or tie-ups with vehicle-hauling companies. A small broker works with independent drivers and has only a few vehicle-hauling companies in the list. Check the license and customer feedback when dealing with a broker.

Insurance
Ask the vehicle transport company to provide the federal license, bond requirements, and insurance. Make sure you are clear about the extent of damage the insurance covers in case of an accident or damage. Do ask the type and amount of cover the insurance company would offer to the vehicle.

Last Few Words
Make sure you clarify the above-discussed pointers before signing on the dotted line. Another thing to take care of is the documentation work. Take photos and note down any scratches or dents on the vehicle, before loading it on the trailer. Vehicle shipping is expensive, so make sure that you conduct a thorough research to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

3 Technical Considerations to figure out With an Auto Shipping Company

Vehicle safety during transportation remains the joint accountability of the owner and the auto shipping company. Although reputable vehicle shipping companies are extra careful about the vehicle safety, asking a few questions provides peace of mind to the car owner. Many car owners neglect a few questions before handing their car or automobile to the auto shipping company that may result in unpleasant experience later. Inadequate knowledge of the car components or simply, lack of experience in vehicle shipping may result in additional expenditure in the future. The blog post discusses three technical considerations  before signing on the dotted line with a vehicle transporter.

1. Physical Specifications

The car owner needs to be upfront about the vehicle specifications while requesting a quote. Certain car dimensions may be unsuitable, considering the size of the truck trailer and may possess a risk of damage. A car owner needs to inspect the trailer with the help of a transportation expert to decide whether it is capable of transporting the vehicle as per the dimensions. Pre-inspection allows the auto shipping company to make alternative arrangements to meet the vehicle specifications and avoid unnecessary delays.

2. Ground Clearance

Ground clearance is the gap between a flat surface and the base part of the car that shouldn’t touch the ground. Inadequate ground clearance may damage the car during a bumpy transit. The car may bear significant bumps when it is loaded up and down the truck trailer during the transit, which makes ground clearance a prime factor in vehicle safety.

3. Weight

An auto shipping company usually transports multiple vehicles in open or enclosed truck trailers. While normal hatchbacks and sedans are light in weight, classic or luxury cars may be quite heavy. Moreover, truck trailers carry several vehicles over time and may lack mechanical maintenance. The trailer can even collapse due to the weight of the vehicles and trip down causing damage to the cars. Before hiring a vehicle shipping company, a prior inspection of the trailer with the help of a transportation expert to gauge the possibility of damage due to mechanical failures of the trailers.

The Way Forward

Taking care of the technical aspects of car shipping is only half the job, and needs prior planning. There are a plethora of factors that govern vehicle transport such as reducing the tank volume, removing personal accessories and taking an account of insurance costs. Prepare a checklist before getting a vehicle ready for shipping to ensure a smooth pickup, transit and delivery even for a first-time shipper.

7 FAQs About Long Distance Car Shipping in US

Moving your vehicle to a new location has a lot of hassles. You need to ensure that the vehicle is transported in a safe and secure manner to avoid causing any damage. There is a sense of vagueness when a person starts researching an ideal vehicle transporter in the US as they may experience a difference in facts. Before you hire an auto transportation company you need to ensure that the company is reliable and experienced. Getting a basic idea about car shipping may also be of great help for first-time shippers. The blog post discusses a few FAQs that may help you during long distance car shipping in the US.

1. What is the ideal advance period to contact a vehicle transportation company?
A vehicle transportation company uses truck trailers to ship multiple vehicles. Although most of the vehicle transportation companies are flexible about the dates, it’s always better to contact them a week or even a month in advance. Auto shipping takes time and may involve considerable delays as the shipping company waits for a full quota to maximize profits.

2. How the Shipper takes care of luxury and classic cars?
Transporting a classic or luxury car needs extra care and attention to avoid any type of damage. Many auto shipping companies provide enclosed trailers to provide extra protection to luxury vehicles. While an enclosed carrier can cost more upfront, it provides safety from bumpy rides and also protects your prized possession from damage caused by harsh weather conditions.

3. Can you ship a car which is not in a running condition?
Shipping a dead car can be a discretionary element for vehicle transportation companies. A working car can be loaded on and off the truck trailer without any hassles, thereby saving time and cost. Towing a dead car, on the contrary, needs specialized equipment that requires additional expenses for both the shipper and customer. If you need to ship an inoperable car, ensure that you disclose the condition beforehand to avoid any problems on the day of shipping the vehicle. By doing this, even the shipping company can get a buffer time to arrange necessary equipment and avoid inconvenience for both the parties.

4. Does the Shipping Cost Include Insurance Coverage?
Most auto shippers include insurance coverage in the quote; however, you need to assess the exact elements covered under the insurance. The insurance, for instance, may be sufficient to cover weather and hail damage, but may exclude the accessories or personal belongings that may be left in the car before shipping. If unsure, you may even ask for the exact bifurcation of the insurance from the vehicle transportation company.

5. Is it possible to ship motorcycles and multiple vehicles at a time?
Most of the auto shippers transport motorcycles barring a few exceptions. You can choose to ship multiple vehicles at a time, however, you need to convey the auto shipper in advance and also prepare for a slight delay if the shipper doesn’t have the bandwidth to transport the cars on a particular date.

6. Does Size of Vehicle Matter?
Yes. The size and type of vehicle makes a great difference to the shipping costs. Shipping a hatchback or sedan, for instance, may cost less as compared to a luxury or muscle car.

7. What are the documents required for shipping a vehicle?
While a domestic move can be easy, international shipping may require you to furnish a number of documents. A few of them include the passport, driver’s license, proof of insurance, ownership, bill of lading and original bill of sale.

The Way Forward
Any fallacy while shipping a vehicle may spoil the equation for both the parties. Ensure that you make a checklist before you go ahead with car shipping and take your time to consider every known aspect of vehicle transportation. While the vehicle transportation company remains accountable for the safety and sanity of the car during transit, your involvement can help in streamlining the process and result in a positive experience during vehicle shipping.

3 Reason Why Shouldn’t Keep Things Inside Vehicle during Shipping

When preparing to relocate, individuals often have a tough time packing all the stuff and transporting it to the new place. Many people prefer the idea of stuffing a few things in the car that auto transportation company will be shipping to make their work easy. Stuffing your car is not the right thing to do as far as the safety of the goods and rules are concerned. We give you three good reasons to avoid keeping things in the vehicle you are shipping.

Weight is an important factor in transportation

Auto transportation companies provide price quotes based on the weight of the vehicle they are shipping. Cars, SUVs, cargo vans – all fit in their respective weight categories and larger the vehicle, more expensive is the shipping cost. Auto transporters need to follow certain weight restrictions levied by the government, and this is the reason why there are so many weigh stations en route. If the weight of the vehicle exceeds the maximum limit, they are checked for the problem, and it is usually the things stuffed in the car that increases the weight. If the weight of the car increases the limit, there’s a probability that the transporter or inspector might dump all the stuff at the weigh station.

Transporting things is illegal

Auto transportation companies are licensed to carry vehicles and nothing else, and this is the reason why your shipper would request you not to put anything inside the car. If you want to put things in the trunk, since it is out of sight, do not put anything other than pillows, clothes, or any other linen, which is light in weight. Though many transporters don’t bother to check the trunk, keeping things inside the vehicle while shipping it is against the law.

No insurance for goods-in-transit

Auto transportation companies are not allowed to carry household goods and also don’t provide insurance coverage for these items. If you keep any household item in the back or trunk, and the shipper transports it, the company won’t be responsible for any damage happened to the TV during transportation. The vehicle shipped is insured, but the shipping company won’t take responsibility for damage occurred to things kept inside the car or theft.

Last Few Words

Auto shipping companies mostly inform their clients about transportation rules, and it is an individual’s responsibility to follow them. Keeping or hiding things inside the vehicle increases the risk of damage and may invite penalties, adding to expenses. If you don’t want to invite trouble, it is always better to discuss shipping related questions with the transportation company.

4 Questions to Ask when Hiring a Car Shipping Company

Auto movers help you to ship your vehicles without any hassles. You, however, need to be sure about the reliability of the service provider before signing the deal as there are plenty of players trying to grab your attention in the car shipping segment. So, what separates a good car shipper from the rest? The blog post discusses four vital questions you need to ask every car shipping company before hiring an auto mover. 

1. How long the car shipping company has been in business? 

When you hire a vehicle shipping company, ensure that you consider the experience of the company you have selected. In addition to this, it is imperative to check the past records and performance of the car shipping company. As a car owner, you won’t like to hand over a car shipping contract to a company that has a good track record in handling the shipping services. Before finalizing on a car shipping company, it is important to check the reviews and testimonials of the company.  

2. Does the company offer door-step pickup? 

It is important to enquire whether the company provides door-to-door services, especially when you are running short of time on instances such as shifting your apartment. It is the easiest scenario as you don’t need to deliver or retrieve the vehicle from the terminal locations. You also need to ensure whether they charge anything extra for the door-to-door facilities. Most car shipping companies encourage the practice of picking up your car from a centralized location, so you need to be sure about the doorstep charges to avoid any surprises at the time of car shipping.  

3. What are the company’s liability insurance policies? 

Asking about the liability insurance amount and policies is important to gauge the right compensation, in the case of any mishappenings with your auto property during the commute. A legally signed liability insurance form stating the coverage amount under the car damage conditions is a key towards a smooth car shipping process.  

4. Does the company provide a free, no-obligation quote? 

 Professional car shipping companies provide free, non-obligatory quotes in the form of certain parameters to help the customers assess the charges. It is advisable to avoid car moving companies that ask for a ‘refundable fee’ or ‘deposit’ in exchange for a quote or don’t provide a written quotation for the services offered.  

The Way Forward 

People face multiple concerns while shipping their vehicles. Asking these crucial questions to the car shipping vendor ensures a better, stress-free movement of your vehicle. Choosing the right car shipping company can save a lot of time, stress and money, which can be done by asking the right questions and selecting a reliable auto mover.