Car shipping services typically involve a cross-country move with owners hoping to avoid the costs, inconveniences, and vehicle repercussions associated with driving themselves.
Residents of Salt Lake City traveling to another area of the country, whether for an extended holiday, a career change, or maybe to make a presence in car shows, need to become familiar with the fundamentals of Salt Lake City car shipping services.
If you have a classic or vintage car, you might have enlisted the services of auto transport companies in the past. Each company, however, is unique in its features, costs, and protocol. Finding a legitimate shipping service is of primary importance.
The company will handle much of the legwork and guide your essential parts. Let’s review tips for car owners on navigating the auto transport process and preparing their vehicles for drop-off and delivery.
Tips on Preparing Your Vehicle for Car Shipping Services
Whether you’ve shipped a car from Salt Lake City previously, the process will be unique with each shipping service. While the rates for reputable auto transport companies will be competitive, they will vary, as will the services offered and the expectations for the car owners.
Consider these suggestions as you research companies to handle your car shipping needs and prepare your auto for transport.
· The paperwork for roadway travel is critical in being able to transport the vehicle. The primary documents include proof of ownership. These should be found before researching shipping services to prevent issues with the pick-up date. Other documents the transport company will expect include:
1. A driving license or other valid ID
2. Bill of sale or further proof of ownership
3. Car title
4. Proof of insurance
5. Registration
An international shipping service provider will have added requirements for exporting or importing.
· Research auto transport providers
The investment into car shipping services can be significant, making research a critical part of the process. The company should have years in the industry, positive third-party impartial reviews, and licensing and insurance. Once the list has been narrowed, discuss specialized servicing, including GPS tracking.
Some shipping services will cater to the precautions necessary with rare and luxury vehicles. Find out what you should know about hiring a car shipping company at https://www.supplychainbrain.com/blogs/1-think-tank/post/29635-five-things-you-should-know-about-hiring-a-car-shipping-company and look for the following resources in an effort to find the most suitable transporter:
1. Online third-party impartial reviewers
2. References from colleagues or close friends
3. Local dealers
4. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
5. The company website
· Find out the protocol for deposits/payments
All auto transport services, brokers primarily, have distinct payment structures, with some expecting deposits and others asking for payment upon drop off. When consulting with a service, discuss the deposit safeguards with the associate and the payment types accepted.
While most prefer cash, some accept cashier’s checks and credit cards. When reviewing the agreement, you should do so with the carrier to have all questions addressed, including possible hidden fees and acceptable payments.
· Logistics of the trip
The essential logistics of the trip will need to be disclosed to the transport company before the route can be arranged. These details include the destination, your schedule preferences, and the delivery location. Typically, the shipper will offer a broad window ranging as much as seven days for drop-off and delivery.
This is due to the fact that many variables can lead to delays out of the driver’s control, including running into extreme weather conditions and excessive traffic.
If you need a guaranteed delivery, this needs to be emphasized to the carrier to impart an express or expedited delivery, which will offer a more guaranteed timeline. Click for details on how to successfully ship an auto to another state.
· Insurance coverage
The topic of liability coverage should be broached with the car shipper service for your auto. Plus, you must check your private policy to see if an added plan will be required while in transit. Always ask to see the policy to confirm its validity before committing to the company.
· Give the driver a heads-up
If your vehicle has a few quirks that only you are aware of, it’s essential to fill the driver in on these tips and tricks to be able to navigate the oddities. That’s especially true if it’s an antique or vintage car with a unique operating style.
· The Bill of Lading
This document should only be signed as the last step before shipping the vehicle. The legal document outlines a summary of the transport. You’ll need to ensure the record is accurate, including the fine print with the following information:
1. Drop off and delivery destination
2. The auto inspection and condition
3. Specific issue you documented
Final Thought
When everything is in order, you should present a copy of your keys, not the originals, to the driver. You will receive the vehicle on your designated date if you opt for expedited services. Otherwise, there will be a window of roughly seven days to expect arrival.