How to Ship a Vehicle

Shipping a vehicle can be a straightforward process, if you follow the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you through it:

Research and Choose a Shipping Company

1. Read Reviews: Look for reputable vehicle transport companies. Read customer reviews and ratings at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews.
2. Get Quotes: Request quotes from several companies to compare prices and services.
3. Verify Credentials: Ensure the company is registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and has a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number.

Decide on a Shipping Method

1. Open Transport: The most common and cost-effective method, where the vehicle is transported on an open trailer.  It’s suitable for standard vehicles.
2. Enclosed Transport: More expensive, but offers protection from weather and road debris. Ideal for luxury, classic, high-value vehicles, or people simply looking for a more protective transportation option.
3. Door-to-Door vs. Terminal-to-Terminal: Door-to-Door service is more convenient as the vehicle is picked up and delivered to a specified location. With Door-to-Door, the vehicle can literally be delivered to a home, office, or whatever address the customer specifies. Terminal-to-Terminal may be cheaper, but requires dropping off and picking up the vehicle at designated terminals.

Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Remove Personal Items: Take out all personal belongings and any loose items from the car.
2. Clean the Vehicle: Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior to make it easier to inspect for any pre-existing damage.
3. Document the Condition: Take detailed photos of the vehicle from multiple angles. Note any existing damage.
4. Check for Leaks and Mechanical Issues: Ensure there are no fluid leaks and that the car is in good working condition.
5. Leave Some Gas: Keep the gas tank about a quarter full to provide enough fuel for loading and unloading.

Insurance Coverage

1. Check Company Coverage: Confirm what type of insurance coverage the shipping company provides.
2. Supplemental Insurance: Consider purchasing additional insurance if the provided coverage is insufficient. To determine if this is needed, contact your insurance professional and tell them what’s happening. Often times there might be coverage specifically for vehicles in transport and sometimes you can add this above the insurance provided by the transportation company.

Pickup and Delivery

1. Schedule a Pickup: Arrange a convenient time and location for the vehicle pickup.
2. Inspection: During the pickup, both you and the transport driver should inspect the vehicle and note its condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL).
3. Track Shipment: Many companies offer tracking services to monitor your vehicle’s journey.
4. Final Inspection: Upon delivery, inspect the vehicle again and compare it to the pre-shipment condition. Note any damage on the BOL before signing.

Payment

Payment Terms: Understand the payment terms of the shipping company. Some require a deposit upfront, while others accept full payment upon delivery.

Additional Tips

1. Flexibility: Be flexible with pickup and delivery dates to potentially lower costs.
2. Discounts: Ask about discounts for military personnel, students, or multi-vehicle shipments, if you qualify as any of these.
3. By following these steps, you can ensure a smoother vehicle transport experience with less stress.