Make sure that your car is up to par.  Cars that are riddled with mechanical problems will cost you time and money.  Make sure that you perform a few maintenance checks before shipping your car. This will ensure it can be transported safely. Here are a few tips:

1.   Make sure your car battery fully charged.
2.   Check the tires and make sure they are properly inflated.
3.   Check all of your fluid levels. Make sure your gas tank is almost empty.  This will save weight and help keep your shipment moving along quickly.
4.   Take your car to the mechanic a few weeks before shipment and have him soup-to-nuts.
5.   If there are mechanical issues write down any special steps needed to drive your car on and off the trailer. Also include problems starting or turning the car off. Don’t forget to give these instructions to your driver.

Preparing your car the right way for transport, to avoid any car damage, doesn’t have to be difficult. First, you have to check for and note any pre-existing damage. You can do this in four simple steps:

1.   Wash your car thoroughly.
2.   Keep record of any chips, dings, nicks or other cosmetic damage.
3.   Take photos of the vehicle from several angles as well as any close-up shots of any damage.
4.  Make sure you date the photographs and written record.

Remember, to remove all personal items from inside of your car, including the trunk. An auto transporter’s insurance is not responsible for any lost items inside your vehicle.  That’s why it’s very important to remove any personal belongings from inside of your car.   Any items left in your car will add to the weight and can cause damage that will not be covered.

In the event that your vehicle is delivered with damages from shipping, take detailed notes on the “Bill of Lading” and have the driver sign the document before you accept the car. Make sure you take pictures of any damages. If the car is delivered during the evening, inspect the car under bright lights and it won’t hurt to bring along a flashlight.

It is more than likely that your car will be delivered in the same condition it was in when you dropped off.   However, if there are damages, make sure you contact your shipping and insurance companies right away. You should not run into any problems if you have carefully inspected your transporter’s insurance policy. 

A reputable shipping company will want to resolve your problem a.s.a.p. In the event you feel like you are being treated rudely, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and any professional organizations the company belongs to. Remember, this is just an unlikely scenario.   If you take the extra time to research your shipping company and prepare your car for transport the right way, you are almost guaranteed a seamless shipping experience.

Many people are surprised when they discover what is covered and what is not covered by an insurance company. The amount of cargo and liability insurance required by law will offer you some protection, in most cases the minimum coverage offered by transport companies is below the true value of your car.

In addition, check with your insurance company to see how much your personal insurance will cover the vehicle during transport. It is recommended that you notify your insurance company that you are transporting the vehicle - even if your insurance does not cover the vehicle.

Here are a few questions you ask the insurance carrier:

-Is there an option to purchase additional coverage?
-What type of damage is covered?
-Is there a deductible?
-What is the limit of their coverage?
-Will specialty items such as spoilers or ground effects be covered?
 

Remember, a legal auto transporter is required to carry liability and cargo insurance. Your auto transporter should cover any damage caused to your vehicle while shipping. Make sure that you thoroughly review your transporter’s coverage because coverage can vary from company-to-company.

Ask the auto shipping company for a copy their insurance certificate. You can verify the information on the certificate with the DOT at www.safersys.org or with insurance company.

An auto transport carrier will transport your vehicle to your specified destination. They usually deal directly with people seeking to have their vehicle shipped, but they rely on brokers to provide the majority of their business.  Make sure that you do your research when searching for a transport carrier.  I found a lot of helpful tips in this auto shipping forum.

Basically, all you’re doing is paying an auto transporting company to move your vehicles. When choosing an auto transport company, make sure you select a company that specializes in transporting multiple vehicles.  Every company is different and company policies also vary. 

Your motorcycle shipping company should be able to give you an adequate quote on prices as well as details about the services that are offered. Make sure that there is a customer service department where you can ask questions and reach someone if you have any comments. Find out what is the cancellation policy and the details of the contract are important as well. Expect to get all the details in writing.

RO/RO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is when a vehicle is rolled on and rolled off at each port of origin. So, it will be rolled on when it leaves one port and rolled off when it gets to the other.

This service is only available to a select few US ports and a few international destinations.  Contact your international car transport company for further information.

In order to ship your car internationally you must have a standard insurance policy of no less than $10,000. The car will also go through customs at the arrival port.  It is required that you are able to show proof that you own the vehicle. If you are paying on a car note, you must present customs with a permission letter stating that you are allowed to ship the vehicle internationally.

Also, when importing a vehicle to the U.S. you will have to follow several custom rules set by the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency.

One thing that is very important about international car shipping is that when a car is shipped abroad, it has to be in good running condition before it can be loaded for transporting. If your car is not, it will remain on the loading dock until it is working.  Keep in mind that you may incur additional costs for storage.

International car shipping is more expensive and the regulations for are very different from shipping domestically.  No personal items can be inside the car with the exception of car-installed equipment. Car keys have to be left in the car.  Keep in mind that, loading your car is on a first come, first served basis because of time constraints and tight schedules that the international car shipping companies work within.

When shipping your motorcycle from one location to the next, make sure that you find the right motorcycle shipping company. Remember, you are placing your vehicle in someone else’s hands.  There are obviously some things to look out for when choosing the right motorcycle shipping company.

When selecting a company to ship your motorcycle, consider using door-to-door delivery. If the motorcycle shipping company offers this kind of service, it will make it a whole lot easier for you and decrease possible damage to your bike.

You can contact the auto shipping company by filling out a web user form, email or calling their 800 or local phone number.  Make sure that you have the vehicle model, size, if operable or not, if you like an open carrier or an enclosed trailer, pick up location and drop off destination and the moving date.

There are two shipping cost: The cost of transportation that is paid to the driver before or after shipment. Then there is usually a non-refundable deposit to secure your order.   I recommend that you contact more than one company and compare shipping quotes.  Then decide what price you will pay for the car shipment based on the benefits available to you. 

 

You must have a good auto transporter when exporting or importing a vehicle to or from any country overseas. Keep in mind that every international shipper is different. The key is finding one that will provide you with excellent customer service. You can search on the Internet when choosing a reputable international car shipper who has reasonable rates.

Here are some of the criteria that you will need to find out about your international car shipper:
When searching for an international car shipping company make sure that you find one that will manage your export documents or the inbound customs clearance process. Search for an auto shipping company that ships to a variety of different countries. Here are things that you will need to find out about your international car shipper:

-Get all terms and conditions in writing. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings.
-Ask the car shipper if they guarantee a full refund if they are unable to fulfill their promises.
-Find out if they offer door-to-door services instead of picking up your vehicle from a terminal?
-Do they offer insurance?
-Do they offer discounts, coupons and incentives?