Car Shipping Safety Guide: How to Protect Your Vehicle

Shipping your car might seem a bit uncertain at first, but with the right auto transport company, it’s a safe and simple process. A professional car transport service will prioritize your vehicle’s safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to make sure your car stays secure and your experience is hassle-free. We’ll also help you find the best shipping options and steer clear of common mistakes.

1. Vetting your carrier: avoiding the car shipping scams

It’s crucial to be thorough in your research to separate authentic, highly credited auto transporters from unreliable companies.

H3 A. Read online reviews and check credentials

Online customer reviews are the best car shipping indicators of a business’s operations.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Look up the company’s BBB rating. This score provides insights into their business practices.
• FMCSA Registration: Carriers and auto transport brokers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid MC and USDOT number for travel across state lines. Confirm the validity on the FMCSA website, a key step in ensuring shipping safety and security.

If you encounter poor reviews or suspicious credentials, consider looking elsewhere to avoid car shipping scams.

2. Understanding your transport options

When you ship your car, you choose between two primary modes of car transport, both of which affect shipping safety and security:

• Open Transport: Most common and cost-effective. Your vehicle is exposed to the elements. While safe, this is one more reason to remove all valuables.
• Enclosed Transport: Provides added shipping safety, security, and protection from the outdoors, ensuring no one can access your vehicle, and it won’t contact road debris. This is the best car shipping option for classic or luxury cars, despite the higher price.

3. Preparation is key to shipping safety and security.

The safety of your vehicle begins before the move. These proactive steps are crucial for ensuring a safe and efficient auto delivery.

A. Keep track of important items and accessories

Before pickup, scan your car to ensure nothing of value is going along for the ride. High-value items (electronics, jewelry, documents) should be removed. Check the glove compartment, console, and trunk carefully.

Remove exterior accessories (roof racks, bike racks, antennas). These items can complicate loading and car transport.

B. Final checks before the move

Documentation is vital for insurance claims and proving the condition of your vehicle prior to transport.

1. Document Condition: Wash your car and take clear photos of every angle before you ship. Document mileage and pre-existing damage.
2. Bill of Lading (BOL): Ensure the damage report on the BOL is accurate before signing, as it’s crucial for any insurance claims related to car shipping.
3. Fuel and Battery: Reduce your fuel level to about a quarter tank. If you ship an EV, charge the battery between 45% and 65%.

4. Choosing the right partner: why experience matters?

The leader in safe, efficient auto transport typically has years of experience. For example, Compare The Carrier Transport has earned a reputation as one of the top-rated auto transporters.

When receiving auto transport quotes, look beyond the lowest price. Evaluate the provider based on their proven ability to provide shipping safety and security. A reliable company will offer:

• Real-Time Tracking on your move.
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage.
• Customer Support.

5. Protection against car shipping scams

Be wary of extremely low auto transport quotes. Low prices often indicate a lack of proper insurance or licensed carriers. Use the criteria in this guide to protect yourself. Securing a safe, efficient auto delivery is paramount.

By being thorough in your research and taking simple steps, you can confidently ship your car, knowing you’ve chosen the best car shipping solution and maintained transport rights.