
General Shipping Information
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping: Dos and Don'ts
Preparing your vehicle for the big day of shipment makes a world of difference! By preparing it adequately, it can mean that it arrives in the same condition it left as, without unexpected damages and complications.
We've written a handy list of dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth shipping process.
- Clean Your Car Inside and Out: A thoroughly cleaned car allows you to spot and record any pre-existing scratches, dings, or damages. Interior cleaning helps prevent any potential damage during loading and unloading, and it ensures the driver doesn't have to handle a dirty car.
- Document All Pre-existing Damage: Take tons of photos from multiple angles under good lighting. This provides an indisputable record of your
- vehicle's condition
- before shipping. Should any damage occur during transit, you have evidence for
- insurance
- or claims purposes.
- Remove Personal Items: Most transport companies, including ourselves at ShipLux, prohibit the inclusion of personal items in the car, both for safety reasons and because these items can shift during transit, causing damage to the interior.
- Check Tire Pressure: Ensure all tires are inflated to their recommended levels. An improperly inflated tire can cause problems during loading and unloading.
- Check for Leaks: Make sure your car doesn't have any fluid leaks. A leak can damage other vehicles if your car is being transported in a multi-car carrier.
- Leave About a Quarter Tank of Gas: Don't ship your car with a full tank of gas, as this adds unnecessary weight. A quarter tank is enough for loading, unloading, and driving to a nearby gas station upon arrival.
- Deactivate Toll Tags and Parking Passes: Remove or deactivate any toll collection devices to avoid being charged for tolls your vehicle passes while on the transport truck.
- Provide Instructions: If your car has any quirks or special requirements for starting, stopping, or driving, leave a note for the driver.
- Leave Important Documents Inside: Remove all important documents like the car's registration, insurance papers, and other personal information.
- Assume There is Insurance: Never assume that the shipping company's insurance will cover any damage. Always ask for proof of insurance and understand the coverage limits and deductibles.
- Ignore Your Alarm: If your vehicle has an alarm system, make sure to deactivate it. A constantly ringing alarm can be a significant distraction and inconvenience. It's also just super annoying!
- Forget to Prepare for the Destination: If your vehicle is heading to a colder climate, make sure to include antifreeze. Conversely, for hotter destinations, ensure your cooling system is in top shape.
- Overlook a Mechanical Inspection: For older cars or those with known issues, it's a good idea to get a mechanic's inspection. A small issue can turn major if the vehicle breaks down during transit.
Conclusion
By adequately preparing your vehicle for shipment, you can help ensure that your car arrives at its destination in the same shape it left you. Taking the time to follow these dos and don'ts will safeguard your vehicle and provide you peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
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