Now that you have decided to move three states away, it is time to start planning. Preparing well for your big move starts with visualizing how you are going to transport your belongings. This includes thinking about your cars. Knowing how to move your car, stress-free, to your destination is your goal. Making it as easy as possible can make the rest of your move wrinkle-free.
Transport Your Car by Truck
Checking out the reliable truck car shipping companies in your area is a good start. This will allow you to see which of them can provide you with the ideal services for your needs. Hiring experienced professionals means you do not need to worry about driving all the way to your destination. You do not need to think about putting on more miles as well.
A reliable car shipping company can offer you an enclosed truck or an open trailer. The mode of transport will affect the pricing. An enclosed truck will cost more. This is the safest way to get your vehicle or vehicles to your new place. Here, you can be sure that your vehicles will be shielded from the elements and dust. An open trailer will cost less because the vehicle will be exposed during transit.
1. Know what you need to know
Asking all the right questions can help you shorten your list of choices. The right company will inform you about their protocols for the shipment. Some truck companies want the car owners to leave or pick up their vehicles at the company’s local hub. Others offer to pick up and deliver your vehicle from your home or work, which is convenient.
Choosing the reputable one among the other auto carriers in your area can be challenging. Checking the company’s licenses, experience, and insurance can help you make a more informed choice. You can do this by going to the BBB (Better Business Bureau). You can also check the U.S. DOT number on the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) website.
Finding a company with at least 10 years of experience can make everything easier. These companies perform their work more effectively than much younger companies in the field. Companies with more insurance can cover vehicle damage during transit even if this type of situation is rare. These companies put more effort into protecting your car while it is in their care.
Comparing the prices of the auto shipping companies near you will allow you to see which will be friendly to your moving budget. Asking these companies for quotes can help you figure out your final budget for shipping your car. Ending up with a shipping company with great customer service can make your moving experience smooth and worry-free. The knowledgeable customer service agents will be more than happy to assist you during the shipment of your vehicle.
2. Prepare your vehicle
Getting your car ready for the car shipping company is important. Taking the time to do this can make the shipment smoother and more pleasant. Making sure the fluids, oil, battery, and tires are in good condition will make it easier for the shipping personnel to move your car. Placing less than a quarter of gas in the tank will reduce the weight of the car. A lighter car will save you some money.
Cleaning the outside and inside of your car will make it easier to inspect and manage. Removing any attachments will prevent them from falling or snapping off. Make sure your emergency brake works. Most companies will not take your vehicle if it doesn’t. Deactivating your electronic toll pass will prevent the system from charging you when the truck passes through the toll gate. Disabling your car alarm will make the shipment less stressful and annoying.
Transport Your Car by Train
Another easy way to transport your vehicle or vehicles is to do so by rail. This option is less expensive than hiring a truck shipping company. Using a train to transport your car is a more economical way to move. The rail shipper will allow you to fill your vehicle with some of your belongings before loading it. This can save you some money in shipping your belongings.
Shipping a car by train also has open and enclosed transport options. The open transport will be less expensive than the enclosed one. Choosing enclosed transport is mostly for people with rare, expensive, or vintage vehicles. The fees will also depend on your choice of rail line and the total distance of the journey. The number of train terminals at the destination may influence the fees as well.
You can choose to have the rail shipper ship your car to your new home via truck transport. This will save you time by not going to the train terminal to pick up your truck. You will need to pay an additional fee for this service. Some rail shippers do not offer this, so you may arrange for truck transport on your end.
1. Prepare your vehicle
An experienced rail shipper will provide you with the necessary information on how to prepare your car for train shipping. Making sure your car’s batteries and tires are in good condition will enable the shipping personnel to drive it from its space on the lot or from the train’s ramp. Removing your valuables will make the trip less complicated. It will be better to move documents, medications, and jewelry on your own. Taking pictures of your vehicle before the train leaves will be useful if there is a dispute upon receiving your vehicle. This is often part of the protocol for those using the open container option.
Shipping Your Car Can Make Moving Simple
Moving across the country is a large undertaking. Sometimes, having the help of an experienced professional is the easiest way to transport your car to your new home. Choose between a truck shipper and a rail shipper. You can think about their merits and pick one according to your needs.
