Each day about 49.3 million tons of freight gets transported across the United States. One of the major commodities shipped is motor vehicles. If you’ve never shipped a car to another state, the process can seem quite daunting.
Read this guide if you need to learn how to transport a car to another state. By following these steps, you can have a smooth shipping experience.
Choose a Transport Method
The first step is to decide how you want to ship your car. You could use an enclosed truck or an open one. The enclosed truck will be more expensive but offer more protection and security. An open truck will have more affordable rates but come with more risks to your vehicle.
To choose between the two methods, think about your budget and the car you want to ship. If you have a 10-year-old Toyota Corolla and are on a budget, then the open trailer will work just fine. If you have a brand new Jaguar F-Type R, then the enclosed trailer will be well worth the expense.
Find the Right Carrier
You could choose a shipping company or an independent driver to transport your car. No matter which one you choose, make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. There are several carriers, such as Mercury Auto Transport, that specialize in shipping vehicles.
Once you narrow down your options to a couple of carriers, ask them for their proof of insurance and USDOT number. This will let you confirm that they have the proper protections in place and that their safety history is good. You don’t want to hand your car over to a company with a history of accidents.
Prepare Your Car
Once you choose your carrier and book your shipment, you need to get your car ready for transport. Start by checking with the carrier for their specific requirements.
Always follow those instructions first. Otherwise, you risk the carrier refusing to pick up your car.
Most carriers require you to remove all of your personal belongings. Their insurance covers the car, not your stuff in it. They don’t want to be responsible for your items.
Next, you should empty the gas tank. Carriers vary on this, but most want the gas tank below a quarter of a tank or empty.
Finally, give your car a good washing and pay attention to any marks, dents, or scratches. Take several pictures of the entire vehicle from all angles.
Delivery Inspection
Check your car over upon delivery to ensure there’s no damage. If there’s damage, then you’ll need to file a claim with the carrier.
Know How to Transport Your Car
By following these steps, you’ll know how to transport a car to another state. Start by choosing your truck style, then find the right carrier. Get your car ready and then check it upon delivery.
Check out the business section of our blog for more helpful how-to articles like this one.