A 5-Step Guide to Help Prepare Your Motorcycle For Shipping

Transporting your motorcycle to an overseas destination or even within the U.S. can be a hassle, especially if you are doing this for the first time. Apart from finding an expert motorcycle transport company and completing necessary paperwork, you also have to prepare the vehicle for shipping to avoid damage and resultant losses. To help avoid confusions and mistakes, the post breaks the process of preparing your motorcycle to be shipped in four easy to follow steps. Take a look.

1. Remove all Personal Items 

Personal items in your motorcycle apart from causing damage can result in the motorcycle transport company rejecting the shipment. To avoid inconvenience, remove all personal items such as riding gear, and panniers. Further, remove accessories, alarms, and loose items. Store these items safely in a separate bag.

2. Document Existing Damages, if any  

Documenting existing damage will help with insurance claim, if any damages occur due to the motorcycle shipping company’s negligence. Write down mechanical issues. Note chips, dings, scratches, and other cosmetic damages. Take photographs of the motorcycle and detailed shots of damaged parts  from different angles.

3. Drain Fluids 

Your motorcycle uses various fluids that are flammable. To avoid safety risks, most motorcycle transport companies require that the owner drain the fluids before transporting the vehicle. To empty the fuel tank, first locate the hose. Next loosen the securing clamp with the help of a screwdriver and redirect the fuel to an empty can. Drain the gas and oil tanks completely and remove the battery. Look for leak points and fix them.

4. Wash the Motorcycle Thoroughly 

To avoid any cleaning charges, clean the bike thoroughly. Pressure wash the underbody, fairings, wheels, and mud guards. Focus especially on areas that are difficult to reach. After you have washed the motorcycle, use a soft cloth to wipe-off accumulated water and leave it to dry for some time.

5. Check the Tires and put the Motorcycle in Neutral 

Maintaining proper air pressure in the tires helps the motorcycle remain stable and cushion it from any sudden impact during the shipping process, which is important to avoid damage due to vibrations. To avoid any internal damages that may result from the vibrations , put the bike in neutral.

Conclusion 

Preparing your bike before shipping can help avoid damages. You can achieve this objective by following the above tips. Further, if you have any doubts about motorcycle shipping or want more detailed info on how you can avoid motorcycle damages, talk to your mechanic. Request them to evaluate the vehicle’s condition before shipping it and suggest any additional steps that can help avoid damages and resultant losses.

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Answering Common FAQs About Car Shipping Services

Car shipping could be an uphill task, if you are doing it for the first time. Whether you are shipping your vehicle overseas or looking to relocate within the country, it is imperative that a basic understanding of the procedure before you hire an auto transportation company. There are a plenty of questions that usually come to the mind of first-time shippers. The blog post covers five common questions and their answers related to car shipping quote, accidental cover and shipping duration. Read on.

Does an Auto Shipping Company Offer Free Quotes?

Most of the auto shipping companies offer free quotes to those seeking for transportation services. Try to ask for quotes from at least four to five auto transport companies by filling out the form on their website. All that you need to do is share the details of the move and the company will  provide free quotes.

How are Car Shipping Quotes Determined?

A car shipping quote contains provisions for mileage and distance, insurance coverage, carrier type, vehicle value, and taxes. So, the cost of vehicle shipping varies depends on the location and auto shipping company. 

Are there Any Auto Transport Discounts Available?

Most of the car carriers offer discounts such as multiple vehicle discounts, military discounts, and terminal-to-terminal delivery. For additional details, you can contact your car transport company. 

What If My Vehicle Get Damaged During Transport? 

The incidents of a vehicle getting damaged during transport are rare, and if any damage happens to the vehicle during shipping, ask the auto transport company to process your claim promptly. The company will refer to the initial inspection report to verify and compare the condition of automobile before and after. All in all, the auto shipping company would be responsible for verifiable damage of your vehicle. 

How Much Time Will it Take to Ship my Vehicle?

The typical transit time for the vehicles being transported over 1000 miles is between 7 to 14 days. There are two- three business day windows to schedule the pickup of the vehicle, however, same day delivery is only available with the prior notice. 

Final Words 

When you are aware of the basics of the procedure, it helps you in selecting a reputable car transporter company. You can choose from a myriad car shipping companies that provide on-time auto transport service at a pocket-friendly price. When requesting a car shipping quote, make sure to provide details about your car or follow up with the vehicle transport company, so that they can easily handle your move. 

5 Factors that Influence Automobile Shipping Quotes

Driving a vehicle yourself to a new destination is less expensive than hiring an automobile transportation company. There are, however, a few advantages such as comfort and convenience that make domestic or international car shipping services popular among most car owners. Almost all the reputable shipping companies provide a quote to clients at the initial stage to give an approximate idea of the cost involved in transporting the vehicle to the new destination. There are several factors that influence the quote, and this is why it is rare that two shipping companies would provide you same price for the service. Let us look at the five main factors that determine the price of shipping your vehicle to another city, state or country. 

1. Destination 

The location where the vehicle is to be shipped is the biggest factor that influences its shipping cost. International car shipping, for instance, would incur duties and taxes. If the vehicle is to be shipped to a remote location, the automobile transportation company might have to reroute your asset to the nearest city, which means additional fees.

2. Vehicle Size

Automobile transport companies function on the basis of economies of scale. That said, if you are transporting a pickup truck, minivan, or any other large vehicle, there would be additional oversize or overweight charges. Most cars, on the other hand are not subject to overweight or oversize fees.

3. Vehicle Condition

If your car is operable, the automobile shipping company would usually drive it onto the ship or truck. Inoperable cars, on the other hand, might require the shipping company to use other equipment for loading the vehicle to the shipping vehicle, which means more fees. Don’t forget that not every automobile transportation company ships inoperable vehicles. 

4. Carrier Type

Whether you are shipping a vehicle within or outside the US, there are two types of carrier options you can choose. The first is an open trailer, which is the most popular choice because of its low cost. The second is an enclosed trailer that offers more protection to your cargo, but is more expensive than open shipping trailers. 

5. Timeframe

The stipulated duration within which you want your vehicle to reach its destination is another factor that influences shipping quotes. If you need fast delivery, the automobile transportation company would use an expedited shipment method and charge you accordingly. If time is not a concern, opt for standby shipping and save some money. 

There’s More!

Several other factors including the type of delivery also influence automobile shipping quotes. Door-to-door delivery, for instance, costs more than terminal-to-terminal delivery. Similarly, if it is an international car shipping, the country you are transporting your vehicle to will influence the shipping fees. The reason is not just the distance, but customs and tax regulations that vary from one country to another. Other factors including congestion charges and fluctuation also impact the shipping quote.

4 Steps To Prepare Your Boat for International Shipping

Overseas boat shipping could be an uphill task, especially for a first-timer. To ensure safe and on-time delivery, you need to compare boat shipping quotes from multiple auto transportation companies to choose the one that fits into your budget and specific requirements. Besides, there are many other factors that you need to consider before preparing your boat for shipping. The blog post discusses four such steps that you need to follow ensure hassle free shipping of the vessel. Take a look.

Step 1- Take Measurements
You need to take accurate length, width, height and weight measurements of the boat before asking the auto shipping company for a price quote. The measurements would help the shipping company in determining the type of carrier that is appropriate to transport the boat. The auto transportation company will also apply for moving permits based on the boat specifications shared by the owner.

Step 2 - Winterize The Boat
The step is similar to how you winterize the boat. You need to remove electronics, propellers, lights, anchor, and other valuable items and store them safely before preparing the boat for shipping. In addition, it is also important to remove fuel, lock all covers and cabinets, tape cabin windows, and disconnect the batteries. Use canvas or plastic wrap to cover and protect the boat from any damage.

Step 3 - Speak to Your Auto Transportation Company
Another important step is to discuss the procedure and other details with the boat shipping company. There are numerous ways to transport the boat overseas such as lift on/lift off, roll-on/roll-off, and semi-submersible. The boat is loaded in containers, cradles, or trailers. Each boat shipping method is different, depending on its size and type. However, discussing transportation and confirming the pick-up destination is important.

Step 4 - Prepare Documents
You need to prepare a certain set of documents before shipping your boat. The list of the documents includes port fees, taxes, and custom clearance. Besides, it is also important to contact the concerned government personnel destination to find out what documents and custom regulations need to be followed. Usually, the list includes showing bill of lading, copy of the boat title, bill of sale, and shipping documents from the shipping company.

The Bottom Line
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, it is important to hire a trustworthy vehicle shipping company. The reputable company will make sure that all the documents for boat shipping are prepared on time to prevent any obstacle in-transit or when the vessel reaches the destination. So wait no more, visit five to six shipping companies websites, check the authenticity by reading the testimonials, compare their boat shipping quotes, and make a decision.

Bill Of Lading 101: What You Need to Check Before Auto Shipping

The Bill of Lading is a multi-purpose document and mandatory for auto shipping company, therefore federal laws require one copy each to be kept by the shipper and the driver hauling the vehicle. Many auto shippers, especially first timers are usually unaware about the criticality of the document and sign the dotted line without reading it. Every auto shipper needs to understand the purpose of Bill of Lading and having said that, the blog post discusses five essential elements to check before Signing the Bill of Lading. Let’s take a look.

  
1. General Details of the Auto Carrier

The header section contains essential details about the auto shipping company responsible for hauling your vehicle. This generally includes the name of the auto shipping company, their registered logo, office address, contact details and sometimes, information of the driver hauling the vehicle. If your auto shipping is seeking assistance from a third party which is common during international shipping, you are likely to find those details also in the header of your bill of lading.

2. Shipping  Details

Browse through the bill of lading and you will find the exact pickup and delivery dates along with the expected timelines. As the bill of lading also serves as a dispatch sheet, pickup and delivery contact details are also mentioned, no matter whether one or more individuals are involved in the shipping process. If you are the one shipping and receiving the vehicle at both the ends, it’s fine; however, double check for accuracy. Moreover, check for any typos in address as drivers are strictly instructed to ship to the designated address and not elsewhere.

3. Essential Vehicle Information

When you ship through an auto shipping company, they assure you that the vehicle shipped and received are the same and there were no manipulations during the transit. The bill of lading, therefore, also documents essential and easily identifiable information such as the make and model, year of manufacture, color and the most important- license plate number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Make a note of these details when you ship and after the delivery of the vehicle. When you hire a reliable auto shipping company, you won’t find any discrepancy.

4. Vehicle Condition

The federal law mandates auto shipping companies to duly inspect the vehicle before loading on the truck trailer and note the findings in the Bill of Lading. Essential details include whether the car is in running condition or there are any prevalent scratches or other damage to the vehicle prior to shipping. Your job is to go through the section that states about vehicle condition and check if the damage is over or understated. Click photographs of the vehicle and match with the information in the bill of lading once the vehicle is delivered. If there is a deviation, you should immediately contact the auto shipping company.

5. Terms and Conditions

Understanding the terms and conditions of shipping is crucial, especially when a third party such as broker firm is involved in the process. The shipping rules and conditions specified by the broker and the actual auto shipping company may differ and cause unnecessary hassles in future. The golden rule says, never proceed with auto shipping until you are familiar with the terms and conditions, no matter whether pertaining to broker or the actual auto shipper. Read the clauses related to payment, insurance, additional charges or any actions on your or the shipper side that may invite a penalty. Learn in detail about what’s covered and not covered and then only, sign on the dotted line.

The Bottom Line

Signing a bill of lading is an acknowledgement and you need to fully understand the contents or the terms and conditions governing auto shipping. Before you sign the dotted line, be sure that you are clear about every aspect of delivery, whether it’s payment, timelines or security. Once you sign, no modifications are permissible and you need to abide by the terms of the document. If you have any confusions, clarify them first with your auto shipping company before proceeding for shipping.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Auto Transporter

Choosing the right company for auto transport to ship your vehicle can be a challenging task. Whether you are shipping an SUV, sedan or truck, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure that the vehicle is delivered on time without any delay. Research about the company, do your due diligence, and ensure that they have proper tools and resources at their dispense to ship the car without any damage. The blog discusses some important factors that you need to consider when looking for an auto shipping company. 

Ensure the Carrier is Authorized to Haul Vehicles
Every auto transport shipping company is required by the law to have a legitimate Motor Carrier number, which allows them to legally move and haul vehicles. The shipping company should also be authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA) to move vehicles of all types. You can visit the US Department of Transportation to get relevant information about the auto shipping company.

Low Cost is not an Assurance for Quality
Shipping a truck or other vehicles can be expensive, and many people make the mistake of opting for companies that quote low shipping. Your decision should not depend entirely on the low truck shipping rates the auto shipping company is ready to provide you. Low costs do not ensure quality. Do your research on the company, read user reviews, and do not hesitate to ask questions before finalizing the deal.

Find out if the Company has Cargo Insurance
A verified auto shipping company which deals in shipping trucks need a cargo insurance to haul vehicles. Before handing over your vehicle to the company, make sure they have a contingent cargo insurance policy. This will save your money if the vehicle suffers any damage during transit as the company with a cargo insurance will be held responsible for incurring the cost of any damage caused to the vehicle.

Read the Fine Print
Ensure that you read the contract thoroughly before signing the deal. Look for any loopholes. The contract should mention explicit details about estimated time of the delivery of the vehicle, and the maximum delay, if any, that you may face when shipping the vehicle, and the refundability of your security deposit.

Conclusion
Finding the right auto shipping company for transporting your trucks and other vehicles is not an easy task. You need to keep the factors mentioned above in mind, and find the right shipping company that will meet your expectations. A good company will tick all the right columns on your checklist for a good auto shipping company, and provide a hassle-free transfer.

4 Common Auto Shipping Myths Busted

Shipping a vehicle is a tough task as you need to consider a lot of factors to ensure that the vehicle is delivered on time without any damage. Whether you are buying a new car or getting it shipped to a new location, you need to ensure that you choose a trusted auto shipping company, which can meet your expectations of safely delivering your vehicle. Some of the common myths also make it difficult to make the right decision when choosing an auto shipping company. To help you out, the blog demystifies 4 myths associated with auto shipping.  

Myth: Door to Door Auto Shipping is Expensive Than Depot to Depot
Terminal-to-terminal auto transport may actually cost you more than door-to-door auto shipping. Depot-to-depot car transport can save the vehicle carrier fuel and money, but some depots may charge a security and storage fee. Such additional costs increase the overall cost of the shipping service. Before choosing an auto shipping company, make sure that terminal to terminal shipping doesn’t include any hidden costs.

Myth: Shipping Distance Exclusively Decides the Overall Cost
Distance may play an important role in deciding the overall shipping costs, but it is not the only factor which is considered when estimating costs. Auto shipping companies also calculate an estimate based on accessibility of the pick-up destination, vehicle size, flexibility in shipping dates, open or enclosed transport option. All these factors determine the cost of shipping your vehicle. 

Myth: It is Difficult to Prepare a Vehicle for Transportation
Preparing a vehicle for transportation is an easy task. Ensure that all the fluids are filled to the level indicated by your owner's manual and leave only a few gallons of fuel in the tank to avoid any unnecessary charges in the weight. You also need to remove the personal items from the vehicle before shipping.

Myth: Avoid Auto Transport Brokers
If an auto transporter is both a carrier and broker, you have selected the right auto shipping company. A broker will not only help you choose the right transporter but also ensure that all your questions are answered. Brokers also provide all the terms and conditions related to shipping the vehicle.  

Conclusion
When looking for the right auto transport company for your vehicle, do not fall prey to the myths mentioned above. Do your due diligence on the company which suits your needs, and do not hesitate to ask any questions to clear further misconceptions. Not only cars, but good auto shipping have resources and tools to ship trailers and SUV’s or similar vehicles.

Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Shipping Company

Finding a trusted auto shipping company can be a hassle, whether you are shipping a brand new vehicle or an old vehicle to a new location. You need to look for a company which meets your shipping needs, provides affordable auto shipping quotes and a transparent transportation estimation. The blog discusses some essential tips that you need to consider when choosing an auto shipping company to save money and avoid any unpleasant experience. 

 Motor Carrier Number

Before shortlisting an auto shipping company, ensure that you check the Motor Carrier Number. The auto shipping company also needs to be authorized with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to move the vehicles. If you find that the auto shipping company has not been authorized by the FMCSA on their profile, look for some other reliable company.

Door-to-Door Transport

Authentic auto shipping companies offer door-to-door transportation for a convenient and safe shipping. Getting a vehicle delivered on your doorstep can prevent wastage of time. Opt for companies that provide personal representatives for each delivery to make sure the vehicle is delivered without any damage.

Insurance in the Shipping Costs

Make sure the company policies include insurance costs with the overall transportation costs. This means if there is any damage to the vehicle when shipping it, the company will provide the compensation, without levying any additional costs.

Enclosed Car Transport

Enclosed car transport is the safest option for your vehicle as it keeps your car safe from dirt and water en-route. A proper enclosure also ensures your car’s safety and and prevents any kind of damage, especially if you are transporting a classic car. Though an enclosed car transport is expensive, it will save your car from any natural hazard and will be worth its cost.

Live Tracking System

The advancement in technology allows companies to employ live tracking of the vehicles being shipped for their customers. A good company makes sure their customers receive live updates of their vehicles at different checkpoints so that you can have your peace of mind.

Summing it up

Shipping of vehicles is not a matter of hassle and concern if you keep in mind these simple steps before choosing an auto shipping company. Whether you are looking for domestic or international auto shipping companies, keeping these essential points in mind will keep your vehicle safe from any possible damage and also save you from getting into any unpleasant situations.