Not Researching the Company:

When it comes to shipping your car, there are many mistakes you want to avoid. One of the most significant mistakes is not researching the company you plan to hire. Before entrusting your car to any shipping company, it’s essential to make sure the company is authorized to work by the Department of Transportation (DOT). You can easily verify the DOT registration of a company by checking the DOT number on the company’s website. This will ensure that they are licensed and insured, which is crucial for protecting yourself. If a company is not authorized by the DOT, it’s best to avoid them.

Apart from ensuring that the company is authorized by the DOT, it’s also important to research its reputation, reliability, company goal, and ethics. You want to work with a company that has a good reputation and ethical practices. You can check the company’s website, read online reviews, or ask for referrals from friends and family who have shipped their vehicle before. Additionally, consider the company’s goals and values. A company with a goal of providing excellent customer service and delivering cars safely and on time is more likely to meet your needs than a company that prioritizes profits over customer satisfaction. By researching the company, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure that your car is in good hands.

Not Preparing Your Vehicle:

If you’re planning on shipping your car, it’s essential to prepare your vehicle properly. One of the most common mistakes people make is not ensuring that their vehicle is in good working condition before handing it over to the transportation company. If your vehicle is not operable, you must notify your car transport broker to source a carrier with a winch to safely load and unload your car. By preparing your vehicle ahead of time, you can avoid most potential issues that come with the transport process.

How to Prepare Vehicle for Shipping

You should prepare your vehicle for shipping by checking for leaks, checking the battery, disabling the car alarm, and removing all valuable items from the vehicle. Checking for leaks will ensure that your car doesn’t damage other vehicles during transport. Disabling the car alarm will prevent it from accidentally going off during transport. Finally, removing all valuable items from the vehicle will ensure that they don’t get lost or stolen during transport. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your vehicle is well-prepared for shipping and that it arrives safely at its destination.

Packing Too Much Stuff:

You should only pack essential items in your vehicle when getting ready for transport. Most carriers will allow only up to 100lbs, speak with your auto transport broker if you need to load your vehicle with additional weight. This includes a spare tire, jumper cables, tools, and a first-aid kit. Anything else can be packed in a separate bag and stored in the trunk. Trying to pack too much stuff in your car can make it more difficult for the driver and increase the risk of something getting damaged during transport.

Not Being Available for Delivery:

It is important that you or someone else be available to take delivery of your vehicle when it arrives at its destination. The transportation company will need someone to sign for the delivery and inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred during transport. If no one is available, they may charge a fee for redelivering at another time or storing your vehicle until you can take delivery.

Not Getting Additional Insurance Coverage:

It is important that you understand the coverage and what it will and will not do. It is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you are fully covered in the event that something happens to your vehicle during transport. Most insured carriers will cover the gross negligence of the driver but will not cover damage from natural elements such as snow, hail, or debris from the road.  Speak to your broker to find the right carrier for your needs.

Transporting your vehicle can be a great way to get it from one location to another without having to do any driving yourself. However, there are a few things you should avoid if you want everything to go smoothly. Make sure you are fully insured, that you have researched the company ahead of time, and that your car is prepared for transport before handing it over. Additionally, pack carefully and be available for delivery when your car arrives at its destination. By following these tips, you can avoid any mistakes that could turn an otherwise easy process into a stressful one.