Expert Advice for Smooth and Safe Vehicle Transport
Most car owners experience stress when shipping their vehicles. Transporting a car can be an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be when you do it with the right partner. Working with a trusted and proven company like Preowned Auto Logistics gives you peace of mind throughout the process, with a clear understanding of the cost, no hidden fees, proper licensing and bonding, as well as real-time tracking.
Whether you are shipping a family-sized SUV, a vintage car in a unique shape, or valuable collectibles, Preowned Auto Logistics provides a tailored vehicle transport plan, dependable real-time communication, and continued safe delivery. Don’t take a chance on hidden fees or bad service. Enjoy a professional, easy, and worry-free vehicle shipping experience with Preowned Auto Logistics.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport
It is important to adequately prepare your vehicle beforehand to save time, avoid damage, and prevent unnecessary problems. Use the following steps to prepare your car for transport:
Clean your vehicle
Not only will you feel better about a clean vehicle, but it is also easier to inspect for pre-existing damaged areas, such as dents and scratches, prior to loading. Some dirt and grime can make it difficult to document accurately the condition of the vehicle during the pick-up inspection.
Example: Jane scheduled her vehicle to be transported from Boston to Los Angeles. She washed and detailed the exterior of the vehicle which allowed both Jane and the transport company to easily establish the original condition of her vehicle. This extra step was worth it to give Jane peace of mind during her travel.
Remove personal items
When vehicles are transported, personal items left in the vehicle may shift during transportation and get damaged or lost. Moreover, most carriers do not allow personal items to be transported for safety regulations.
Tip: Don’t forget to empty your glove compartment, trunk, and areas under the seats. It will also help you avoid fees associated with all that weight!
Check for leaks and tire pressure
Always check for leaks under the vehicle and whether the tires are fully inflated so you can safely load and unload your vehicle.
Why is it important? Under-inflated tires can make loading and unloading difficult and unsafe, and leaking fluids may result in additional fees for cleaning. Besides these issues can affect your claim process in case of damage during transport.
Document vehicle condition
Take clear, dated photos of your vehicle a few days before it gets loaded onto the carrier. Take photos of the condition of the vehicle from multiple angles. Make sure to document any scratches, dents or other imperfections.
Tip: Be sure to take a photo of the odometer reading so you have proof of mileage on both ends of the transport.
Choosing the Right Transport Option
Choosing the optimum transport option to suit your needs depends on comfort, price, and the type of vehicle being shipped. Here are the main points of consideration:
- Open or enclosed transport
- Open transport: An open-carrier option is the most economical and best use for normal vehicles. Your car will be shipped with a number of other vehicles, on a trailer. Learn more about Open Auto Transport for a seamless experience.
- Enclosed transport: This option offers a little more protection from elements and road debris. It’s why this is preferred for ‘high end’ or antique cars. Enclosed carriers are expensive but provide peace of mind when shipping a high-value vehicle.
Selecting the best transport option for your needs depends on comfort, budget, and the type of vehicle being shipped. Here are the key considerations:
- Door-to-door vs. Terminal pickup
- Door-to-door service: The carrier picks up your vehicle from a designated site, and delivers directly to a destination of your choosing, which saves you time and labor.
- Terminal pickup/drop-off: Less expensive than door-to-door service, the carrier will deliver and pick your vehicle up at terminals belonging to the transport company.
- Special considerations for unique vehicles
If you need to ship an oversized vehicle, an inoperable vehicle, or a classic vehicle you’ll need specialized services. Preowned Auto Logistics has successfully handled special cases like these, so you can rest easy knowing they can be trusted to take care of even the most delicate transport.
Scheduling and Communication Tips
The key to successful vehicle transport comes down to timing and effective communication. Here’s how to stay proactive:
- Book early: Shipping prices and availability can vary every day due to demand. During peak seasons (summer, holiday transportation etc.), it’s best to book in advance to get better rates and a position on the carrier.
- Be flexible: Allowing flexibility with pickup and delivery windows can be a great cost saver. Remember that a carrier’s pickup and delivery schedules are all influenced by inclement weather, road conditions and other deliveries! It is important to allow a buffer time window.
- Stay in contact: Making sure there is open communication with your transport company leading up to the transport and during the transport is important. Call them for status updates or with any questions and clarifications you may need.
Insurance and Safety Considerations
A key component of smart vehicle transport is to consider insurance and safety steps. Here are some things to check for:
- Check insurance: Most reputable auto transport companies will have some form of liability coverage. However, check out what that policy offers. And confirm if you’ll need any additional coverages for your specific scenario.
- Understand the bill of lading: A bill of lading is an important paper the carriers use to verify the existing condition of the vehicle at the time of pickup and delivery. Before you sign this document, confirm that both you and the carrier agree on any damages noted during the inspection. The bill of lading is the documented paper you can use if you need to do a claim (if necessary).
- Verify licensing and compliance: All valid auto transport companies must be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Preowned Auto Logistics proudly complies with all licensing and compliance standards to provide peace of mind with the knowledge that customers are delivering their vehicles to safe, accredited hands.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There is nothing worse than seeing a budget quote only to incur more expense later on due to time or convenience. Here are some mistakes we witness, and how to fix them:
- Choosing based only on price: If you find a cheap transport price, there is usually a lack of reliability, professionalism, or insurance coverage.
- Skipping inspection: You should always inspect your vehicle or items and put any discrepancies in writing at both pickup and delivery. Not paying attention to this detail may preclude you from receiving compensation for the damages to your vehicle or property.
- Ignoring terms and conditions: Always read your entire agreement, including cancellation policy, delivery time frame, and insurance coverage.
Why Preowned Auto Logistics Delivers Peace of Mind
When shipping your vehicle you want more than just an auto transport service. You want the assurance and confidence gained from true professionals. Preowned Auto Logistics are knowledgeable, careful, and trustworthy every step of the way. Here are some of the reasons so many people and businesses keep coming back to Preowned Auto Logistics for all of their auto transportation needs.
Experience with every type of vehicle
Preowned Auto Logistics has shipped everything from a day-to-day driver to specialty vehicles, vintage classics, fleets of vehicles for a business, and oversized trucks. The team has also been trained to navigate through all the variances by type of vehicle, as each vehicle has unique condition requirements.
Customer service you can count on
The personal touch that Preowned Auto Logistics delivers, is what really distinguishes them from others in the industry. Upon booking with PAL, you will have a dedicated logistics coordinator assigned to you. The entire time PAL takes care of you and your vehicle. You have someone to help and answer questions every step of the way.
Pricing that’s upfront and honest
Everyone hates hidden fees or surprises at the last minute! Preowned Auto Logistics straightforward, all-fees-included quotes tell you everything included, and you never have to worry about surprise fees. Every option is laid out so you can choose what is best for you and your wallet.
A Proven Track Record for Reliability
Keeping promises is the basis for trust. Preowned Auto Logistics have built a reputation for reliable on-time delivery, as well as reliability and proactivity for unexpected instances. For example, the client gets an immediate alert if there’s a snowstorm or any other unexpected issues during transit. This transparency and communication throughout the process and behind the scenes ensure the safe arrival of each vehicle. Even through complications and obstacles.
Conclusion
Getting your vehicle ready for transport, maintaining proper communication, and choosing a reputable service provider are the keys to a stress-free shipping experience. Not only will these processes protect your investment, but you will have peace of mind every step of the way. With the help of the experts, you will not have to deal with unexpected stress, and your car will arrive as planned, safely. Allow the experts to do the legwork while you do what you do best!
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