Guide to shipping your car stress-free
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Regardless if you want to ship your car cross-country, or to another continent, it can be tricky. Having a plan and being on schedule is the key to shipping your car stress-free. From preparing the car for shipping to hiring movers Gulfport MS, there are many steps to cover and understand. The process of shipping your car and the process of shipping your furniture, for example, are roughly the same. But the preparation process is slightly different. Before you prepare the car itself, you need to plan your budget and shipping options. After that comes preparing the car for the big move, sending it off, and then waiting for it to arrive at your new dream home. With our help, you will be informed, organized, and well-prepared.
A quick guide to shipping your car stress-free
Before sending your car on its way to the new location, there are a few things you need to take into account. One of the first things you need to look into is the budget you are working with. After this, comes the decision of your chosen mover, as well as the shipping method.
1. Decide on a budget and timeline
Shipping your car may take between three days to three weeks, depending on the distance your car has to cover. As a safety measure, add a day or two to the planned timeline, due to other changing factors such as the weather or traffic. Different commercial movers have different shipping times, so keep this in mind as well. To make sure everything goes smooth, book the shipping at least two weeks before the shipping day. For example, a shipment from the Midwest to the East Coast can take from 3 to 8 days. On the other hand, a shipment from East Coast to West Coast can take anywhere between a week and two weeks. Keep in mind that these are just estimations and can change.
As far as expenses go, setting your budget and sticking to it is crucial. Many factors can affect the price, such as distance, vehicle model and size, and the chosen shipping method. Most movers have a base price which is calculated by distance and mileage. Generally speaking, any distance under 500 miles will cost you $1 per mile. Anything between 500 and 1000 miles will cost 75 per mile, and in turn, 60 cents for 1000 miles and above. As a reference, a distance of 1100 miles will set you back 660 dollars. You can expect to pay anywhere between $100 and $1500 when shipping your car. For best results, ask your chosen mover for a specific quote before booking them.
2. Pick a method of shipping your car
Different shipping options are differently priced, so it is important to find the one that suits you best. First, start by deciding if you want to ship your car uncovered or enclosed. Here are the differences:
- Uncovered – This is the cheaper option of the two and a more suitable one for short distances. This method may also be faster since most movers have more open trailers on hand, however, the vehicle will be exposed to external elements. You may be charged for any damages to the car, since they are more common with uncovered shipping, depending on your insurance coverage.
- Enclosed – Safer, but more expensive. If you are shipping your car cross-country, this is the option for you. Enclosed shipping is great if you run the risk of shipping your car through rugged terrain or snowstorms. Enclosed shipping may cost up to 50% more than uncovered, but it is significantly safer in comparison.
After selecting the trailer type, you need to think about the delivery method. Here are the most common ones:
- Terminal to terminal – More economic, but relatively risky. The issue with this delivery type is that you are forced to take your car to a designated shipping terminal. The mover will deliver your vehicle to a similar terminal after shipping. These terminals may be miles from your location and may not be monitored at all times.
- Door to door – Safer and faster. Initially more expensive, door-to-door shipping may be worth it in the long run. The mover collects and delivers your car at a specific location. As such, it is much safer and removes the risk of theft or damage.
3. Check the insurance details and coverage before shipping
Certain insurance companies will cover any damage done to your car during shipping. Regardless of whether your insurance covers damages, what you want to do, is make sure your chosen mover is fully insured. A reputable mover deals with at least $40.000 in coverage, and we advise you to carefully read the moving contract before booking a mover. Your car must have insurance even when not in transit. This should cover periods when your car is parked overnight, as well as pickup and drop-off periods.
4. Take any valuables out of your car
There are a few things you need to do before you get your automobile out of the driveway. Before exporting your all-terrain vehicle, most transport firms advise its occupants to remove everything from it. Our long-distance movers Memphis suggest the same. Companies don’t want to be held liable for the stuff left in your car, and they also don’t want to transport a vehicle that is heavier than it should be. Remove all of your belongings from the trunk of your automobile. Take, for instance, the following:
- Stereo or speakers
- Your navigational aids
- Extra weels
- First aid kit
Before shipping, clean your car inside and out and take detailed photos of it.
To ensure that your car is safe during transfer, you should take out an insurance policy as well and have it with you at all times. Make sure to have it on your phone as well, in case you lose it.
5. Before handing over the keys, take a few pictures of your vehicle.
There’s no harm in taking many photos of your vehicle and its contents before handing over the keys for a transportation firm to use while you’re away. It would be helpful if you took photos from every angle of the automobile, both exterior and inside.
Use a digital camera or a smartphone to take photographs that are as crisp as possible. The photos should be saved on a USB flash drive or transferred to your computer after taking them. It’s possible to establish that you weren’t responsible for the damage to your automobile if it reaches its ultimate destination with any additional damage. Take a photo of everything you’re hauling so you don’t forget anything. Sending anything as valuable as a vehicle requires extra caution.
6. Get moving assistance from professionals
The best way to go about shipping your car, especially if you’re moving across states or to another country is to get help from an experienced and reliable moving company such as moving companies in Lakeland TN. With them, you can move both your car and your furnishings. Your whole household will be taken care of.
You won’t be surprised by any additional fees when you choose movers Millington TN. Prior to and throughout the transfer, we ensure that all of our client’s requirements are met to the highest standard. If you want a stress-free relocation in which you don’t have to worry about a thing, don’t be afraid to contact us.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
When it comes to shipping a car stress-free across the nation, you need to understand a few things. Most individuals have no prior experience. It’s okay if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is something you’ve probably never had to do before, so it’s only natural that you have no clue how it works. In this situation, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have! Your Mississippi moving company should take the time to answer all of your questions concerning your vehicle. If they refuse to give you an answer to any question you may have they’re not the company for you.
If you don’t ask any questions, you’ll be a nervous mess when your automobile finally arrives. Why add extra stress to an already stressful situation You’ll be able to sleep easier at night if you obtain the answers to your questions. In addition, you’ll learn more about a company’s qualifications for transporting your automobile by doing this research If at any stage, they are unable or unwilling to answer your query, they may not be the proper business partner for you. Asking more questions about the move should never be a problem. It’s beneficial to have a confidante who can assist alleviate your anxiety rather than escalating it. This is the best way to insure shipping your car is stress-free.
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