How to Ship a Car Checklist

Car shipping starts when you choose your auto-shipper and ends when the car safely arrives. Now, in between these are different stages and a long list of considerations. Whether you are a first-timer or not, you can trust this “how to ship a car checklist for adequate preparation and a seamless car-shipping process.

Here is a complete car-shipping checklist that will help you in making the right choices:

Plan On How To Ship Your Car

Below are your shipping options:

1. Select Open or Enclosed Shipping

Open car shipping is a transport system in which your car is transported in an open carrier. While with enclosed car shipping, your vehicle is loaded into an enclosed carrier. If you are looking for how to ship a car for cheap, you should choose the open transport system. Although the enclosed auto transport system is more expensive, it offers full protection to the vehicle. The enclosed transport system protects your car from the weather and elements during shipping.

2. Research About The Car Transport Company

Compare quotes from the best car transport companies in your area. Check online reviews from previous customers of these companies. Go with a company with a fair price and good online reviews, and select a date for the shipping.

What Do You Need Before You Ship a Car

Before you ship your vehicle, you need to prepare your vehicle by checking the following on the list:

✔ Clean your car in and out. Wash your car exterior to spot scratches, dents, and other cosmetic damages. You also need to clean the inside and remove all personal belongings and anything that can fall off while the vehicle is in transit.

✔ Check your battery. Ensure your battery is fully charged and well fastened to the battery bracket before shipping.

✔ Check your tires. Ensure your tires are correctly inflated before driving.

✔ Check and top off all fluids. Oils, fluids for brakes, and power steering should be gauged and topped off before shipping.

✔ Fix mechanical leaks and damages. Fix all damages and mechanical issues before shipping. Ensure your emergency brake is in good condition.

✔ Check your gas tank. The weight of the car determines the price. Since gas adds to the vehicle’s weight, it shouldn’t exceed ¼ of the total capacity.

✔ Disable the car alarm system. If you can’t describe the alarm system to the shipping driver, it is better to disable it outrightly.

✔ Take pictures of the car. Pictures are a way of documenting the state of the vehicle before shipping it. You can compare the before and after pictures to track damages during shipping.

✔ Verify the shipping driver’s notes on cosmetic damage. Remember to fold in your side mirrors to reduce the damage risk.

✔ Fold in the side mirrors. The shipping driver will also check and note the damages. Ensure you verify the notes.

✔ Follow up with shipment. After shipping, you can start tracking the car with the tracking system provided by the shipping company.

✔ After shipment, inspect your car and document the damage. ​​​​​​​Arrange for the mode of delivery and inspect the car on arrival. If you notice any damage at the point of arrival, contact the shipping company for guidance on insurance coverage immediately.

In conclusion, this list has every vital step you must take before shipping your car within the states or overseas. Take note and enjoy a seamless process.

For more car shipping tips, visit Ghost Pepper Logistics.