Friday 25 November 2016

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.

Motorcycle Transport Shipping


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.


Tuesday 8 November 2016

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.