Essential Car Shipping Tips for Transport
Following our helpful car shipping tips ensures that the transportation process is convenient and speedy. There are many instances in which having your car or truck shipped from one place to another makes more sense than driving it there yourself. You may be relocating to a foreign country. Your family might be moving cross-country and you need your second car to be there when you arrive. Perhaps you purchased a vintage automobile at an auction and don’t want to risk any damages in transit.
Whatever the reason, sorting out the process beforehand can save you time and frustration. Take a look at Trans Global’s vehicle shipping guide, which offers three essential car transport tips that are guaranteed to help.
Choose a Registered Transport Company
Our first tip for car shipping involves the freight forwarder or transport company itself. Transport companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. They also need to have a Motor Carrier Number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can check the carrier’s status on the websites of these agencies or ask the company to provide you with proof of registration. If a company isn’t willing to do that or doesn’t appear on the government databases, that’s a red flag that the company probably shouldn’t be entrusted with your vehicle.
Look for FMC Registration
If you have to arrange for an overseas shipment, one of the most important car transport tips you can follow is to make sure the provider is registered with the Federal Maritime Commission. This ensures that the company you choose has been thoroughly vetted and is licensed. Without that registration, you may be taking an unnecessary risk with one of your most valuable assets.
Prep the Vehicle Thoroughly
Taking time to prepare the car is one of the most essential car shipping tips because it can protect you against damages. When you don’t take time to get your car ready for a cross-country or international shipment, it can be damaged during transit. Before your car reaches its initial distribution center and begins its journey, you need to:
- Remove all loose items from the interior and the trunk
- Check the car for any aftermarket exterior features, such as spoilers, then remove them and ship them separately
- Give the car a good cleaning inside and out
- Take photos to verify its condition before shipping
- Empty all but a quarter of the gas in the car’s tank
A note about emptying most of the gas tank: the company may require this, but it also will reduce the vehicle’s weight and your costs. However, you need to remember that your vehicle may have an empty tank when it arrives at its final location.
You can trust our car shipping tips to ensure a smooth, easy transportation process. As a recognized leader in the logistics world, Trans Global Auto Logistics knows all about transporting vehicles of all makes and models. When you choose to work with us, you’ll receive expert service and the highest level of professionalism. To learn more about how we can help you, get in touch with us today and let us arrange a safe and smooth trip for your vehicle.
