Have you taken a wrong turn down unreliable auto shipping street? If so, it’s time to make a U-turn and venture down auto transportation expert avenue. Remember, you need to choose your auto transport provider carefully, as it directly impacts your car shipping experience.
Some of the red lights you should keep an eye out for when making this choice include the following:
- The provider has a lot of complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- The auto shipping company requires customers to pay a substantial deposit upfront.
- Quotes are either too high or too low compared to other providers.
- The auto shipping provider is hesitant when proof of their operating authority is requested.
Guardian Auto Transport, a highly-reviewed Florida auto transportation company, prides itself on quality customer service, timely/damage-free deliveries, and excellent communication. During your hunt for reputable auto transportation companies in your area, be sure to look for shipping providers who share similar values.
Otherwise, you may find yourself behind the wheel of an auto shipping problem pileup. To prevent shipment delays and exterior damage, enlist the experts, take the necessary precautions, and strap in for the ride.
Mistakes to avoid when shipping your vehicle
Here are some of the potential pitfalls you should always be on the lookout for:
Failing to look into your auto transportation provider
Lack of research is perhaps the biggest mistake you can make as a customer. That said, conducting proper research on your shipping provider is crucial. Most auto transportation companies have websites with posted customer reviews and testimonials. These firsthand accounts will offer you a sneak peek into how reliable and trustworthy the company is.
Besides combing through the customer reviews, drivers should also verify that their shipping company of choice has been registered by the U.S Department of Transportation. For those first-time auto shippers, remember that to transport vehicles past the state borders, the company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier safety administration. If the company has done so, you’ll find their registration numbers online via the government website.
Leaving personal or valuable items in the car
While the prospect of using your vehicle as a makeshift storage unit may sound appealing, you shouldn’t leave any personal belongings untended during the shipping process. Unfortunately, most auto shipping companies will not accept responsibility should your items get damaged or stolen while being transported. To add insult to injury, the belongings you leave in the car may dislodge and jostle around the vehicle, which may inflict interior damage.
Finally, shipping companies are not allowed to transport any vehicles containing household items. Therefore, by leaving your possessions in the car, you risk them being seized by officers from the Department of Transportation. With these risks in mind, emptying your vehicle should be the first step in your auto shipping journey.
Failing to present relevant documents
Before shipping your car, most companies will require that the driver presents certain documents such as the vehicle registration, bill of lading, and certificate of insurance. Having these documents on hand confirms that the vehicle is truly yours and that you have the legal right to transport it. Therefore, you should have these documents available and ready before the shipping day.
Not calculating shipping costs
Different shipping companies charge varying transportation costs, depending on the kind of service you need. The price is usually dependent on several factors, such as the location, size of the vehicle, the season, and mode of transportation. Therefore, you should investigate the prices of various local companies, explore the types of services they offer, and determine which one will suit you best.
Forgetting insurance coverage
Most shipping companies provide insurance coverage for any damage your vehicle sustains during transit. They are usually willing to present you with a copy of the insurance certificate should you request it. Reviewing the insurance policy cover to cover will ensure you’re well versed in the policy’s provisions. If you find it inadequate, you have the option of increasing it at your own cost.
Wrapping up
Shipping your vehicle is no walk in the park. With these high-stakes in mind, taking the time to study up on the entire process is crucial in ensuring your vehicle is transported damage-free to its final destination.
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