Preparing your vehicle to be shipped is more than simply arranging for pick-up by the car shipping company. These steps will ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination intact. Long Distance Towing is a reliable car transport service within the United States. We are committed to meet all of your vehicle shipping needs. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you are satisfied starting from the moment we offer you a price until the moment your Shipping a car from copart auto auction at the destination. Whether you wish to transport your car or truck, van, boat, motorcycle or RV, Long Distance Towing can offer auto transport services to any place within the United States and to 99% of the globe. Shipping a car from New York is our specialty and we want to please. We choose with great care our auto transporters.
All documents for your vehicle should be collected
Auto transporters will require proof of ownership before you ship a vehicle. Preparing this paperwork ahead of time will help to avoid delays in shipment and last-minute glovebox and file cabinet searches.
- Information about vehicle registration
- Insurance proof
- You can provide proof of ownership or a bill of sale
- Original vehicle title
- You can keep your unexpired identification (i.e. Your passport or driver’s licence
Wash your car inside and out
Although it may seem counterintuitive to wash your car before shipping, starting with a clean car will allow you to see any existing dirt, dents, or scratches on the vehicle. This will help you spot any potential damage during transport.
Make sure to clean the interior of your car. Wipe down all surfaces and remove clutter.
Document damage
After your car has been cleaned, you can take a walkabout and look for any pre-existing damage. You should look for dents, scratches and discolorations as well as paint chips. This is why it is important to start with a clean vehicle.
It doesn’t matter if you choose open transport or more expensive enclosed shipping. Your car is unlikely to be damaged during shipping.
It’s still a good idea to take photos of your vehicle and record any damage. It will make it easier for you to complete the condition report once your car arrives. If the car shipping company denies liability for damages that occurred during transit, these visuals can be used as proof of your claim.
Take personal items out
You might feel tempted to store some heavy boxes inside your van if you are short on space. This is a huge no-no. Your car’s contents won’t be covered against theft or damage, and transport companies could be fined if you move your personal items in your car.
Take any unimportant or personal items out of your vehicle.
- Charging cables
- Junk and old chapsticks
- Water bottles
- GPS devices
- Sunglasses
Information about insurance and personal identifying papers
To ensure that personal items are not visible to the sun during transport, if you insist on leaving them in your car, make sure they are packed in the trunk. You should also remove parking permits or toll tags. Toll tags can be left in vehicles and will result in fees when your car is transported on the transporter. To avoid an unnecessary increase in shipping costs, remove the tag.
Make any maintenance necessary
You should note that you are transporting an inoperable car when you make your booking with a car shipping company. Your car cannot be driven off the truck.
Check your car for any leaks or mechanical problems. Make sure to top-off any fluids. Before you pick up your car, make sure it is inspected for any leaks. (Don’t be that person who lets their car leak oil on the transporter.
These are some other things you should check before you ship your car.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure you have the proper tire pressure
Check your battery charge
Fluids: Make sure to top off your car’s fluids, including oil, brake, coolant and power steering. Next, check for leaks.
Mileage: Take note of your vehicle’s mileage when it is picked up and delivered.
Your gas tank should be empty
It is not necessary to fill up your tank with gas before shipping. Your car will be transported on a car carrier and not driven. Extra gas can also add weight to your car and carrier, which could increase your shipping costs. Keep your tank only a quarter full. This will give you enough fuel to get it on the truck and off without running out.
Take out accessories
Car shipping can cause damage to any extras that you have on your vehicle’s exterior. You can protect your car and expensive accessories by removing them or locking them up before you ship your car. These items include:
- Ski and bike racks that can be moved
- Rooftop boxes and luggage racks
- Retractable antennas
- Spoilers made to order
- Lock it up and leave the keys behind
For loading, your car must be driven on the auto transporter. If it is not in working order, you can lock the vehicle for additional insurance against theft.
Your auto transport driver might need to have a set of keys for your vehicle to move it or drive it off the truck. Now is a good time for you to get a spare set. Do not give your keys to the driver.
Sign the bill of Lading and say goodbye
Once your vehicle is ready to ship, it’s time for legalization. If you have chosen to drop the vehicle off instead of going door-to-door, the auto transport driver will call to confirm your arrival.
At the time of the driver’s arrival for vehicle inspection and to sign the bill, you or another responsible adult must be there. This bill of lading is a legal agreement between you and your car shipping company. It serves as both a receipt for your shipment and legal protection.
Here are the details of your bill:
- What country your vehicle is being shipped to and from
- Pickup condition of vehicle
- Any special or mechanical issues with your vehicle