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Ready to learn how to prepare your vehicle for long-distance moves?

 

Down below we’ll go into every step of the way, from choosing a transport company and a shipping method, as well as delivery.

 

Ready to transport your vehicle anywhere across the world? Keep on reading for the best step-by-step transport checklist!

 

1. Choose a transport company: The best bet is to always go with a transport company that is well-reviewed and has a great online presence across multiple social media channels. Never work with any company that isn’t well-reviewed otherwise it may come back to haunt you.  The best part is that you can get a free quote without putting down any money. The best tactic however is to ensure that the quote you get is final, and does not incur fees down the road. You do not want to be in a scenario where the vehicle is delivered and you’re on the hook for a much larger fee than you bargained for. Check online reviews, and even get as many quotes as possible to find the best car shipping prices in the industry. Always vet the company in question to verify if they are working in accordance with the laws based on the laws in your government’s jurisdictions. Do not hire any transport companies that do not have proper insurance, as you will not be able to get any compensation if there is an accident or even worse, if your prized possession is stolen along the journey. 

 

2. Choose the transport method: When shipping long distances domestically, you’ll be able to choose from an enclosed trailer or an open trailer. Open trailers are the typical big rigs that haul 10-12 vehicles at once and are cheap compared to the other option: enclosed trailers. Enclosed trailers are just that, close. They ensure that the vehicle is protected from the outside elements, but they do come with a caveat, they cost a bit extra. Now when shipping a vehicle internationally, you’re going to be given multiple options. For extra payment, you can go with a trailer or cargo container, which ensures that your vehicle is going to be safe and sound the entire way through. You’ll want to ensure that you research the methods that best suit your needs beforehand.

 

3. Prepare your vehicle for shipping" The first step is to wash the car as best as possible on the outside. This will not only make it so your vehicle will look great on arrival, but it also ensures that you can verify the state the vehicle was in before you give it to the transport company. Take plenty of pictures so you can verify beforehand what the state of the vehicle was so you can then provide evidence if the vehicle is damaged during shipping. Once you’ve taken photos, remove any objects inside the car.

Do NOT leave anything in the glovebox or the trunk, as those items are typically not ensured. If you want to put stuff in the trunk, it’s possible, it’s just not recommended as the items can be lost during transit. Depending on your transport company, they’ll also ask to reduce the gas to a specified amount, typically 1/3rd the gas tank or 1/4th capacity.

 

4. Handoff your vehicle: Before you say a short goodbye to your vehicle, you’ll need to meet with your transport company, typically at a designated location or they will come to you. Once they’re with you and the vehicle, they'll do an inspection beforehand. It’s a good idea to see the sheet they are marking down about your vehicle to ensure that they’re not marking any damages that weren’t there beforehand. Once everything seems in line, you can then sign any last-minute paperwork and go about your way.

 

5. Pick up your vehicle: Once the vehicle is handed off, all that’s left to do is wait. Depending on where the vehicle is traveling, especially overseas, it can be a few months depending on the location. If it’s domestic, expect it to arrive within a week or two.

Before you sign any papers, ensure the vehicle is as you left it. Do not take the vehicle if you spot damages that have occurred while it was in travel. It’s up to you to decide if the vehicle is in the same state as it was beforehand.