The Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Interstate Auto Shipping

While shipping your car in your state might seem easy before you do it, it might turn into a nightmare before you even realize it. Some of the common problems that might occur while shipping your car can be damage to your car, delayed delivery, or an unfathomably high fee. To avoid all these situations, all you need to do is know a thing or two about how interstate auto shipping works. 

In this article, we will guide you on how to get the best hassle-free interstate auto shipping experience possible. 

Decide on the type of shipping you need

Interstate auto shipping can be classified into four types; door-to-door, terminal-to-terminal, open carrier, and lastly, enclosed carrier auto shipping. 

As is evident from the name, a door to door auto shipping comprises picking a vehicle up from the premises of the customer, and delivering on the exact location requested. 

In case you live in a highly urbanized area, auto carriers might not be allowed to enter your area. This is where terminal-to-terminal auto shipping comes into place. In such cases, customers are requested to leave their cars at the nearest terminal where car carriers can pick them up and drop them off at the other end of the journey. 

Open carrier shipping involves carries that are customizable, open, and can carry up to 11 cars at a time. Open carrier shipping is cheaper but the cars on these carriers are exposed to the environment. 

On the other hand, closed auto shipping involved transporting your car in a container on a carrier. This kind of shipping is expensive but it prevents your cars from the environment.

So its up to you to decide which kind of shipping is best for you. 

Chose a reliable auto shipping company

Once you’ve decided on the type of auto shipping service you need, now you’ll have to choose the right type of auto shipping company. Not all cars shipping company provide interstate auto transport. Make sure to check that before considering them. 

There are several factors that make or break an auto shipping company. Let’s briefly look at them one by one.

Expertise: How long an auto shipping company have been in business, how many customers have they served and what are their Unique Selling Propositions (USPs)

Reviews: A qualitative analysis of an auto shipping company can be done by looking at the reviews previous customers have left them. This is so easy in this day and age, just search the company’s name on google, not only will you find Google reviews but also a link to reviews on other sites like that of Better Business Beureu (BBB), yelp, and Trustpilot. On average, a 4.5+ rating is good to go. 

Licenses: Make sure the company you choose is registered with Department of Transportation as well as the FMCSA. 

Insurance: Insurance coverage is a must when it comes to handing over your priced possession for shipping. 

Finalize the deal and Prepare for the Shipping day

Once you have finalized a shipping company, its time for you to prepare for the shipping day. You can do this by getting your car cleaned inside out as this will help you assess your car before and after the transportation. 

Make sure to not leave any lubricants in the trunk of the car. Also, don’t leave any expensive items in the car. 

Tips for Shipping day

On the day of your car’s pick up, make sure you have the driver’s number. Moreover, have the exact amount you decided to pay if you’re paying with cash. If you’re not paying with cash, make sure you let the driver knew beforehand. 

Most importantly, read the Bill of Lading clearly. The driver will mention any defects your car has prior to onloading your car. Also, the driver will take pictures of your car with his phone, but make sure you take some with your phone as well. 

Tips for Drop off day

On the day that your car is likely to reach its destination, its preferable that the same customer at the first location is also present at the drop off location. However, its not necessary. Moreover, its advisable to look around the car clearly before signing off the documents and letting the driver go. 

In case there’s some damage done to the car, the customer is advised to inform the interstate auto transport company. If you have imagery evidence to show the before and after condition, the case will be in your favour and you’ll get your claim quite easily. 

Post shipment tips

After your shipment is complete, make sure you leave a review of the interstate auto transport company whose service you availed. Let other’s know what kind of experience you went through. Whether good or bad, this will help others make better interstate car shipping decisions as well. 

You can leave review on several places mainly; Google, Yelp, BBB and Trustpilot. 

Conclusion :

Interstate Car shipping is an easy endevour but choosing the wrong company can make your life miserable. Moreover, you need to know a thing or two about the service to make better decisions. We hope our article gave you everything you needed to know about auto shipping transport.