Steps To Take To Prepare Your Car For Shipping

By Tom Kearns

Shipping your vehicle, for a first time auto shipper, can be a bit of a chore. There are however some steps that you can take to make your auto sipping experience run much smoother. Shipping a car or truck can be fast and easy if you follow these simple steps:

Start with a very clean car. You, along with the shipping company, are going to make a careful inspection of the vehicle together so you can note any damage that exists pre-shipment. Knowing the car's exact condition at pick up makes the final inspection not only easier, but more accurate.

Make sure the vehicle is running in good order. The trucker may need to drive your car from one place to another, even though they will likely have other means to this rather than drive it themselves. The shipper will transport a car that is not in running condition, but make sure you notify them of this in advance.

Remove all exterior attachments. This includes bike racks, spare tire covers, and even your car antenna if it does not retract. Anything that can easily be knocked off, or that can damage another car on the carrier should be removed. You should also remove any personal belongings that may be inside the vehicle. This includes global positioning systems, removable radios, and anything else that can be reasonably removed. The shipping company's insurance will not want to be responsible for anything other than your vehicle and chances are that they won't be.

Make sure that your car does not leak fluid of any variety. Your car may be on top of a car carrier and leaky fluids could drip onto lower cars. Some fluids are vary harmful to the environment and other cars and you wouldn't want to have your vehicle damaged by someone else's leaky car. Make sure that you show the other vehicle owners the same respect that you expect from them.

Have your keys ready. If there is a separate key for the trunk or anything else on your vehicle make sure to turn over a complete set of keys when you drop off your car or truck or when it is picked up from you. It is also important that you make sure that you disarm or, even better, disconnect your alarm system.

Shipping your vehicle does not have to be a nightmare if you follow these simple steps. Have a nice trip. - 29952

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here