When shipping a car within the country or internationally, it is a big logistical decision and sometimes plans change even after the shipment is all set. This brings us to a common question that comes up with people, can it be possible to change the delivery address while the car is in transit? If it is relocating to a new home, changing travel plans, or just altering the location where the car is needed, one needs to understand the underlying risks pertaining to altering such plans.
In this article, we will discuss the details about changing the address during transit and factors that should be kept in mind. Let’s take a closer look at the nuances regarding the shipping of the car while also addressing the various factors that come into play.
Can You Change The Delivery Address While Your Car Is In Transit?
The answer is yes but there are certain conditions. In most situations, it is possible to alter the delivery address while the car is already in transit. What needs to be understood is the fact that being able to make such changes depends on a few criteria which include policies of the shipping company, method of shipping, and the current location of the vehicle in the shipping process.
Factors That Impact Address Changes During Vehicle Shipment
In the case of modifying an address for a delivery, there are different considerations that are likely to influence the decision being made. Let us analyze each one to understand how they coordinate all the changes being requested.
- Method of Transport
The address changes will depend on the methods of transport and shipment of the vehicle. For example:
– Open-Air Carriers: These are usually used for standard vehicles and are capable of carrying several automobiles, buses and trucks at once. At times, if your car is being shipped using this method, there are chances that the address changes can easily be met, especially if the vehicle is still within the same vicinity region.
– Enclosed Carriers: Enclosed shipments provide Additional protection for luxury, vintage, or high-value cars and often involve more elaborate strategy and scheduling due to the smaller number of cars being shipped at once. Furthermore, Address changes might be harder to accomplish for enclosed shipments due to the harder structured nature of the address changes in the new destinations.
- Shipping Status
Your vehicle’s position in the shipping cycle affects the possibility of changing the address. Generally speaking, the schedule your car is on determines the ease or difficulty of making changes to the delivery information. Here’s the breakdown:
– Before Pickup: Changing the delivery address before the car is picked up is the most hassle-free and simple case. You just need to let the shipping company know, and they will instruct the driver to follow the changed instructions.
– During Transit: If the vehicle is already in transit, changing the address might be possible, but it will most likely incur additional costs or delays. The shipping company has to do some changes in the routes, and that would probably mean talking with the truck drivers and logistics teams, which could increase delivery time.
– Near Delivery: If a vehicle is almost at his departure point, it is not very practical to expect the address to be changed. In this instance, the shipping company will not be able to do a lot of changes to the route they originally intended to take because of the time limitations.
- Distance and Location
Your car’s current location in relation to the intended destination will impact how feasible any address changes may be. Changing the delivery address to a different city, state, or even region will most likely because a considerable change to the shipping route, increasing the costs. However, if the new destination is closer to the original point, those savings may far outweigh expenses if the car is easier to redirect.
- Additional Costs and Fees
It is important to remember that routing the car through different locations may come at a price. These companies might have specific fees for changes such as modifying the delivery schedule and location. In fact, the further the deviation from the planned route, the more costly it becomes. Remember to ask for all these costs before proceeding with the address modification.
Guidelines for Modifying Delivery Address on Package During Transit
- Contact the Shipping Company Immediately
As soon as you realize the delivery address needs to be changed, reach out to the shipping company without delay. Most carriers allow address modifications while a package is still in transit, but time is critical. The sooner the update is requested, the more likely it is to be processed before the parcel reaches the original location. Have your tracking number and original order details ready to speed up the process.
- Offer Thorough Details
In the case that an address needs to be changed, make sure to have the proper details ready for the shipping company. Also, make sure to send along any additional instructions that you may have. For example, make sure you add:
- The complete new address with street, city, state and ZIP code.
- A phone number for the address that the parcel is being delivered to.
- Any other comments such as: gated community instructions, alternative delivery locations, and so on.
- Ask About Additional Fees
Find out if changing the delivery address comes with any extra costs. Some companies charge a rerouting fee while others include it in the overall cost of shipping depending on how far the new location is.
- Provide New Estimations for Delivery
After the changes of the address have been finalized, find out what the new estimates for delivery are.
The delivery service company is required to make available a new set time of delivery based on the changed shipping route. Double check whether the date that is proposed works for you.
- Follow Up As And When Needed
When the car is shipping, make sure to keep in contact with the shipping service for any updates regarding the progress on the shipment. It is important for the delivery address to be received in full by the driver.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for a Seamless Car Shipping Experience
As most people can attest to, modifying the delivery location while the car is in transit is generally doable. Nonetheless, it is critical to inform the shipping company as early as possible because last minute changes often incur extra costs and worsen delays. To enjoy an effortless experience, it is wiser to prepare in advance and confirm the delivery details during booking. The shipping company will likely have put systems in place to monitor progress. If changes do arise, elicit communication with the shipping company, and your vehicle, regardless of the inconvenient logistical systems in place, can be sent out optimally and reached the desired place at the right time.
Carson Shipping has been aiding customers who need help planning shipping logistics for interstate car shipping. Our Carson shipping experts are readily available to create customized solutions centered on attaining best outcomes for individual clients. We specialize in easing client burden with issues concerning addressing other questions related shifts or deliverables, so reach out today with any inquiries you may have!