Shipping your car doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you know the do’s and don’ts. The auto transport business can be confusing for first-time auto transport customers. One of the things that car transport customers ponder about is how they prepare their vehicles for shipment. However, there should be nothing to be worried about because not much is required on the side of the customer. The designated driver does all the preparation work and all you have to do is be on-call for vehicle pick-up day with the key and an empty vehicle. So what are the things that you need to know if you are planning to ship your car with an auto transporting service?
No Documents and Paperwork to Present
You will not need to present any paperwork or prepare any documents to get your vehicle shipped. You may even want to consider removing any insurance documentation as well as important personal documents that may be in or on the vehicle prior to shipment. The driver picking up the car doesn’t need proof that the vehicle is insured.
Having documents like insurance on your car when it’s being shipped can risk getting lost or being misplaced or even being damaged. You don’t want to let your personal documents be out of your sight. Perhaps the only document that’s needed when shipping your vehicle is the Bill of Landing. The driver will deliver that to you to append your signature during the pick-up and delivery.
Your Vehicle Should Be Empty
Auto transport companies recommend that vehicle owners remote items considered to be of value from their vehicle when it’s being shipped. While you may want to pack your car with belongings, a car transport company will provide you a quote for shipping the vehicle only. If there are additional belongings in the car, you accrue additional fees. Sometimes, those belongings may not be accepted at all.
If you want to leave any other items in the car, you want to talk to the auto transport representatives to find out if they accept it, in the first place. Sometimes, the carrier may not have room for additional items because of the weight limit. So, they don’t want to risk being fined for including personal items in your car. That being said, it is only fair that you assume the transport will only be for your empty car.
Don’t Fill or Empty the Gas Tank
Although your car does need to have little gas, let’s say a-quarter tank, you don’t have to fill the tank or empty it. The car is going to be driven on as well as off the carrier, and it makes sense if you have sufficient gas. However, that doesn’t mean the tank should be full.
Also, you don’t have to completely empty the tank because there will be no gas to allow the driver to drive the vehicle on and off the transport company. With that in mind, if you have the gas tank more than a quarter full, you don’t need to worry. You don’t even need to empty before the driver arrives. You may find that some of the gas evaporates during the transport; however, it won’t lead to any damage.
These are a few things you must know if you are planning to ship or transport your car. It will help you avoid stress and ensure you remain calm as the vehicle is being shipped. When seeking auto transport services, look at what the auto transporting company you plan to use does its auto transportation business.