People can frequently be obliged to ship their cars due to personal reasons such as moving to another city or buying a car from another state. However, many of them also tend to hesitate and have security concerns connected with shipping their vehicles.
Their doubts are not baseless, as everyone must consider several factors and risks before making the shipment. However, shipping motor vehicles are more safe than unsafe. Annually, in the United States, tens of millions of cars are shipped, and only a tiny fraction of these transactions results in destruction. Those that do end up as such do so due to unanticipated events or ineptitude of the movers. Below, we present some tips and security rules to have for a positive shipping experience.
Choosing the Right Transportation Method
Depending on which kind of vehicle is shipped, you may research and choose the correct auto transport shipping method. The most common options are either to haul with an open or an enclosed trailer.
A covered carrier is recommended for luxury or classic cars since it offers the highest level of security for a vehicle during transit. Shipping with an enclosed car carrier means that the car is under protection from all outdoor elements. Additionally, enclosed trailers typically have lift gates for low clearance cars and have a lesser percentage of damage or theft. To prevent damage to the shipped vehicle, auto transport companies also use nylon straps or wheel nets to avoid physical damage to the car.
Meanwhile, shipping with open trailers is the most popular option for the transportation of motor vehicles. It is also safe to use, but compared to enclosed trailers, it offers less protection. Of course, this does not mean that cars transported on open trailers will reach their final destination ruined.
No one wants their car delivered with scratches, dents, or other damages. For this reason, it is crucial to pick the right logistic team for your shipment. Otherwise, in the worst-case scenario, you may wind up with a non-delivered or ravaged vehicle.
Please be aware of the risks and do thorough research before going with a particular auto transport company.
Also, please be cautious of companies that are unfamiliar with the carriers with which they operate. Some of them use old equipment, for example, utilizing weak chains to secure the shipping vehicles. Chains usually are put over a car’s axle, which can put a lot of strain on that vehicle. In addition, if chains break or come loose, they can bang against your car and damage its body.
Research Before Picking the Auto Transport Company
Because there are so many car transport agencies, countless examples of clients believing fraudulent websites or inept logistic enterprises and getting defrauded, losing money, or being deceived with the services occur all the time. The majority of them lure potential customers into paying a deposit for falsely promised shipping services.
Firstly, many prefer the traditional way of research, which is asking friends, relatives, and local dealerships for recommendations. Moreover, we also recommend checking out car forums and review websites to ensure that you choose an auto transport company that offers quality service.
In addition, it is worth mentioning that shipping companies are bound to have a license number placed in a visible place on the company’s websites. If you are unable to find the number, contact the company and request the information. You may even find the appropriate sources to check the shipper’s registered license and performance records.
Insurance Coverage and Policies
Keep in mind to always ask for the carrier’s liability insurance coverage to see if it is up to date. If an accident happens to your car during auto transport, a certificate/proof of insurance would be required. Most reputable companies possess cargo insurance worth around $1 000 000 in coverage. You may ask about the insurance policy’s inclusions and exclusions. A responsible auto transport company always addresses and discusses all the concerns, issues of their patrons during a transaction.
