Hauling your car needs preparation just like preparing your furniture for hauling. However, the car is a highly prized possession thus you want everything to go right during shipping.
1. Do an Insurance Check
Request for the Shipping company’s insurance and check your own. The car hauling company’s insurance shows they are a trustworthy company. Avoid ones without insurance.
On your end, call your insurance company and ask if you have coverage or buffer to ship your car. You need to know where you stand in the event of claims.
2. Wash your Car
You need to wash your car which creates more efficiency in handling and inspection. Plus, everyone enjoys a clean car, especially when you pick it up or it is delivered to you later.
3. Clean out the Interior
You need to remove personal belongings from your vehicle. Most of them are not covered by insurance especially because most people wonder and want to transport things like furniture in the car being transported.
Most companies do not let you ship things like furniture in your car because it will add weight to the cargo, safety issues, and the carrier may consume take more time to deliver and use up more fuel.
4. What you can leave inside your car
You do not necessarily have to remove everything from your vehicle. Some items may be left in your vehicle. They are basically your car’s traveling kit and they include the jack, emergency kit, hand tools, and spare tire.
5. Inspect your car
Inspect your car closely as you clean it and after it is clean. Check for dings, scratches, and the interior for wear and tear.
Moreover, you are required to remove or secure aftermarket products installed on your vehicle, for example, spoiler, undercarriage lights or skirt.
6. Routine Maintenance before car hauling
Check other aspects of your car like the tires, brakes, fluids, and other maintenance. It is advisable to have a mechanic check your vehicle. The tires should not be over-inflated or under-inflated. Regular pressure reduces the potential risk of tire damage.
The brakes should be in good condition to promote safety. Engine fluids may tend to leak. It is courteous to ensure your vehicle does not leak on others when it is hauling on the top tier.
Your gas tank should be between ¼ and ⅛ full. More gas in the tanks adds risk and weight to the cargo. Also, make sure your battery is fully charged.
7. Take pictures
Take pictures of your vehicle before you haul it. Make sure you capture both the interior and the exterior. You will be able to compare the condition of the car after it is delivered to you. They will also come in handy in case you need to make any claim.
8. Make notes for your driver
If your vehicle has any mechanical anomalies, make some notes and handling information for the driver. He will need this information when the car is driven on and off the carrier.
9. Disable the alarm and lock the car.
The alarm can be a nuisance when it goes off in transit. If you leave it on, give the remote system to disable the car alarm.
What to expect during pick up
The North America Shipping will send a driver to load your car for hauling. You may be needed to:
- Inspect the car with the company representative.
- Sign the Bill of Lading.
- Give handling instructions
- Ask questions about the payment, contract terms and any query you have.
We will keep you updated throughout the journey and we will follow all handling instructions. Visit our homepage to get your car hauling quote.
