First let?s look at the best way to prepare your automobile for transportation. Firstly, your vehicle must be roadworthy. The reason being employees of the auto transport company have to drive it on / off the transporter. Plus, you need to wash you car to permit for easy inspection for specific things like scratches and dents.

Then ensure that your car doesn?t have any leaks. Cars are usually transported in batches on one large transporter. You may be responsible if any leakage of fluids from your car damages other cars on the same transport. By exactly the same token, make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is less than a quarter full and other fluids such as for example break and suspension fluids have room for expansion.

Next, secure or remove any accessories your car may have. This includes such things as antennae and wide mirrors externally of your car and after-market CD players inside. Make sure your alarm is disabled along with any other devices which could drain the battery. Remove all personal possessions from your own car as the transport company will not want to take responsibility for them. In Déménagement , the Department of Transportation does not legally let the transport of personal belongings in vehicles transported on auto carriers.

Bear in mind you could have to drive your vehicle to a pick-up point agreed between you and the car transport company. Simply because the transporter vehicles may be unable to access your neighborhood owing to their size.

Finally, don?t forget to take into account the climatic conditions. If you?re moving to, say, Alaska, it will be wise to put anti-freeze into your car before shipping. Plus check your heating or air-conditioning systems. Also you can request a covered transport to further protect your vehicle against the elements.

For international shipments, some other steps are needed. For one thing, you need to confirm your car meets the environmental standards of the destination country. You can aquire these details from the consulate of the united states you?re moving to along with details of any other restrictions which could apply. Your auto car services transport company may help you here. Remember that international car transport regulations specify that cars be no taller than seven feet and also have a minimum of four inches ground clearance.

Checking the Car Shipping Documents

So now that your car is ready for transport, let?s look at the all-important question of paperwork.

The key document involved with car transport is the bill of lading. This outlines all of the terms and conditions of the agreement between you and the auto car transport services company. A key component of the bill of lading is the condition report which documents the condition of your car during handover. It will also contain such details as odometer readings.

As any future claims for damages will undoubtedly be made based on the information in this report, it is advisable to check it carefully before signing. Both you (or your designated representative) and a representative of the car transport company need to sign this both before and after loading. Generally, if your vehicle is damaged you have two weeks in which to file a complaint.

For international auto transport, additional paperwork such as those required for customs formalities will undoubtedly be required. And make note you will require the original title of your car and a Bill of Sale when arranging international shipment.

Then there?s the all-important matter of insurance. Require a copy of the automobile mover?s insurance coverage. Your vehicle ought to be insured against damage and theft by your auto transport company. For legal reasons, carriers have to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 worth of public liability insurance and also cargo coverage. And don?t forget your owner?s insurance remains in effect throughout the transport of your car. If you?re transporting you car by ocean container, it has to be professionally packed for the insurance to be valid.

When it comes to documentation, the golden rule is you need to be sure you have everything, including the total cost involved, in black and white.

Providing you?re well prepared and follow the above steps, there?s no reason why you shouldn?t enjoy a stress-free transportation of one’s car. But first be sure to find a reputable car transport services firm that offers a full service. A reputable car transport company will be happy to offer you a free quote. Understanding that trained professionals are caring for your precious car provides you with peace of mind during this stressful time.