Be it interstate or international car shipping, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure a hassle free move. From selecting a reputable auto transportation company, to choosing between terminal or door-to-door vehicle shipping, to selecting the type of trailer, car owners need to have everything covered to avoid any unpleasant surprises. To help ensure a seamless transition, we discuss five common mistakes that often lead to a sour auto shipping experience.
1. Opting for the Highest Quote
Two auto shipping companies might offer different rates, depending on the type of service you require. Make sure you know all the inclusions in the price quote and there are no hidden costs. As most of the companies offer a no-obligation, free price quote – try to get an estimate from at least five to six reputable names in the industry. Speak with previous customers to ensure that you have hired the right company for the job.
2. Hiring a Shipping Company without Research
Shipping companies need to be registered with the Department of Transport. If the company ships vehicles across the state lines, it should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Government organizations provide a registration number to the shipping company, which needs to be shared with customers (if asked for). You can also check out the registration details of the shipping company on the government website. Make sure to ship the car only with a company that has a registration number and doesn’t hesitate in providing DoT or MC number.
3. Not Providing Complete Documents
The auto shipping companies need certain documents to transport a car. You should have certification of insurance and vehicle registration document to give the company the right to ship the vehicle. You also need to keep a copy of these documents, so that you can show the essential documents in case the vehicle goes missing, meets an accident or the shipping company misplaces the original documents.
4. Ignoring Insurance Coverage
Shipping companies should have insurance to cover any damage the vehicle incurs during the move. If your auto shipping company doesn’t have an insurance cover, look for other alternatives. Ask the company for an insurance certificate and the exact amount of cover your vehicle will have in-transit. If you think the amount is not sufficient, you may ask the company to increase it by paying an additional fee. Getting additional cover from the broker is another way to secure your vehicle.
5. Shipping with Belongings
Keeping your belongings inside the car could get you penalized. Car shipping companies cannot transport vehicles that are full of items. Though there’s a provision of carrying up to 100 lbs of personal belongings in the car, shipping companies usually do not accept the responsibility of these items. The insurance carrier, however, doesn’t provide reimbursement if any of the stored items go missing or get damaged. The Department of Transportation also has the right to seize all the belongings if the weight exceeds 100 lbs.
Last Few Words
Make sure that you plan the move in advance so that there is no last minute confusion or glitches. Research the auto shipping company and remember the above discussed points for a smooth moving experience. If there’s more that you wish to learn about domestic or international car shipping, feel free to speak with the EasyHaul team at +1 (360) 597-9320. You can also fill out the form on the website for a free price quote.
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