So, you’ve finally decided which carrier or broker to book with. To avoid future troubles, keep in mind that you cannot just leave everything to your shipper and expect that everything will go well. While you’re at it, remember these following tips and pieces of advice in Vehicle Shipping.
Be sure you have the hotline number for the carrier’s customer service department. That way you can trail where your car is at any given time. Just in case you may need it, don't forget to jot your car's tracking number.
Know how much fuel you must put in the tank. Only a small quantity of fuel is needed by most car carriers. They are more delicate to transport as they could easily explode given the right conditions.
3. Take all your personal stuff out of your vehicle. Many car carriers do not allow this. As they might get stolen or broken during the shipment process.
Things left inside the vehicle add extra weight to the shipment which has a set limitation. The company does not offer any protection to the stuff left in your car that may be lost or broken. You cannot blame the shipping company for this.
4. Disable your alarm system. Deactivate it before leaving it to your shipper. You may even completely disengage the device if you want to.
Keep your car's Bill of Lading for future reference. By doing this, you won't be left in a state of rut in case your vehicle was damaged just because its prior condition wasn't properly documented. List all the previous marks, grazes and impairments found in your car and get the shipper to note it in his copy.
The inspection report shall also include information such as time of pick-up, delivery information, mileage of the vehicle and all other information relating to your car. Hang onto it until your car arrives to its destination. In cases of disputes, you will need this document as proof.
6. If you can, take pictures of your vehicle from all angles including small details and surfaces. After they are done with transporting your car, it is your responsibility to give your car a detailed once-over. Check your photos if you must.
You should also refer to your Bill of Lading and see if the mileage is the same as that in the meter reader. You won't be able to seek for claims of damages if you are in hurry to discharge the company from the contract. You will have a hard time claiming damages on your car if you have already waived the contract.
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