When you’re selling a car, you have a lot riding on your hands. Not only do you have to make sure the car is in great condition and meets the customer’s expectations, but you also need to ship it securely and quickly. In this blog post, we will outline the 8 steps every shipper should know in order to ship a car like a pro. From packing the car for shipping to creating a shipping plan, this guide has everything you need to get your car sold and delivered on time.
What is shipping?
Shipping a car can be a daunting task for the novice, but with a little preparation and knowledge, it can be a breeze. Here are the steps every shipper should know:
1. Choose the right carrier
When shipping your car, you’ll need to choose a carrier that’s capable of handling large items. There are several options available, including freight companies and trucking companies. It’s important to select one that has a good reputation and has been in business for many years.
2. Get an estimate
Once you’ve chosen your carrier, you’ll need to get an estimate for shipping your car. This will give you an idea of the cost involved and how much time the process will take. Make sure to include all necessary information in your estimate, such as weight and dimensions of the car.
3. Pack your car properly
To avoid damage during transport, pack your car carefully. Make sure all items are wrapped in protective packaging or placed in bubble wrap or other packing materials. Place heavy objects on top of smaller ones to reduce stress on the vehicle’s frame and suspension components. Also, make sure any loose parts are secured with ties or straps before packing them away.
4. Prepare for shipment
Before shipping your car, make sure to clean everything inside and out (including the engine). Remove any excess fluids or debris from under the hood and around the drivetrain area. Finally, check all fluid levels (oil, transmission
Types of shipping
There are a few different types of shipping a car can undergo, and knowing the steps for each will help you ship like a pro.
Portering: Portering is when the car is transported by hand or via special vehicle rigs. This is the least expensive and most time-consuming option, but it can be less secure due to the possibility of damage or theft.
Long-distance transport: Long-distance transport usually involves shipping the car to a carrier in another state or country, and then transporting it to your final destination. This can be more expensive than portering, but it’s more secure due to the added layers of protection.
Short-term transport: Short-term transport typically involves shipping the car within a specific geographic area – such as within a city – and then picking it up yourself. This is often cheaper than long-distance transport, but it offers less security since you’re not safeguarding against damage or theft in transit.
The logistics of shipping a car
Shipping a car is a complex and time-consuming process. Here are the steps every shipper should know:
1. Get an accurate weight and size estimate.
2. Plan your shipping route and timetable.
3. Remove all debris and packing materials from the car.
4. Pack the car securely in boxes or crates.
5. Mark each box or crate with the vehicle’s make, model, year, VIN number, and delivery address.
6. Load the car onto a truck or trailer and prepare for transport to the shipping destination.
7. Ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate, including proof of ownership and title information for the vehicle being shipped (if applicable).
8. Collect payment from the recipient once the car arrives at its destination.
Preparing your car for shipping
Shipping a car is a big task, but with the right preparation it can be done easily and efficiently. Follow these steps to make sure your car arrives safe and sound:
1. Make a list of everything you need to pack your car. This includes any documents you need to get your car registered in the new state, any plates or registration stickers, any tools needed for the move, and anything else you might need during transit.
2. Get an estimate for the cost of shipping your car. There are a number of companies that will transport cars for a fee, and it’s important to find one that is reputable and has Excellent reviews. Check out what others have said about their service on websites like Yelp or Angie’s List before making a decision.
3. Pack everything you need into boxes or bags and place them in the trunk or outside hatch of your car. Make sure to label everything so you know where it goes when you’re ready to start loading up!
4. Get all of the documentation relating to your vehicle ready as well, including title information, proof of insurance coverage, registration papers from both states if applicable, proof of emissions inspection if necessary, etc.
5. Disable any electronic devices in the car that might interfere with communications while it’s in transit (including GPS devices!), and remove any items that could clutter up storage areas (like plants).
6. Prepare yourself
How to pack your car for shipping
Packing your car for shipping is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth, worry-free process. Follow these steps to make sure your car arrives in the same condition as when you packed it!
Step One: Get everything out of the car. Remove all items from the trunk, including any loose objects that could get caught in the moving vehicle.
Step Two: Clean and organize everything. Once everything has been removed from the car, take a look at its contents and organize them into categories. Clear out any unnecessary clutter and put all of your items into appropriately sized boxes or bags.
Step Three: Label everything. Write down the name of each item, where it came from, and what it is used for (if applicable). This will make unpacking much easier later on!
Step Four: Make copies of important documents. If there are any important papers or documents related to your rental or purchase that you need to keep with you, make copies before packing them away. This includes things like driver’s licenses, registration cards, proof of insurance, etc.
Step Five: Protect valuable items. Anything that could be easily damaged – like electronics – should be placed in protective packaging such as soft-sided cases or bubble wrap.
Step Six: Put it all together! Now that everything has been neatly organized and labeled, it’s time to put it all together and pack it into boxes or barrels suitable
What to do when you get your car back from shipping
When you get your car back from shipping, there are a few things you should do to make sure it arrives in the same condition as when it left your possession. Here are the steps every shipper should know:
1. Carefully inspect your shipment for damage. If anything is missing or broken, report it right away.
2. Make sure all of the car’s accessories, like seats and mirrors, are in place and secure.
3. Check the airbags and other safety features to ensure they’re working properly.
4. Inspect any fluids that were drained during shipping, such as oil or coolant. If there’s any sign of leaks or contamination, report it immediately!
5. Once you’ve inspected your car and made any necessary repairs or adjustments, give it a final once-over before putting it back into storage or driving it home.
Conclusion
There’s something about shipping a car that just makes people feel like they’re in charge. Whether it’s the satisfaction of knowing that your prized possession is safely on its way to its new home, or the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting things done efficiently and effectively, there’s something inherently satisfying about loading up a truck and hitting the road. In this article, we’ve outlined the essential steps every shipper should know in order to ship a car like a pro – so be sure to read through all 8 of them before you take your first step!
