No one has the time to make a cross-country move, and there are a lot of reasons why so many owners choose a shipping company to do the job for them. Injuries can happen, and older adults may not want to drive for days when long distances are involved.
With this said, knowing the entire process of shipping your automobile from one place to another is essential to get success in this field. Adequate preparations and making sure that you’re dealing with the right company will make the relocation a hassle-free experience.
So, whether you need to transport your luxury vehicles, exotic collections, or vintage types, make sure to get insurance to protect your assets in cases of accidents, bumps, dents, damages, and more. Other tips that may help you out are the following:
- Getting all the Documentation about your Car
Round up the paperwork, licenses, proof of ownership, insurance policies, registration files, and your driver’s license before getting a service like Road Runner car shipping for easier and faster processing. Show a passport, bill of sale, and other copies required by the company to prevent last-minute hiccups. Pick-ups are smoother when everything is up-to-date, and you can show the proper documentation for the transaction.
- Research International Shipping
You might find yourself getting charged more with international shipping, and this is where you can expect around $1,000 to $5,000 plus taxes. This is a great alternative for people who want to use their still-functioning automobile rather than buying a new one.
The good ones that can be up to these tasks are those that offer delivery services from your current address, and they can go directly to the new one if needed. Proper bonds, licenses, and insurance along with the freight carriers.
Sheets from the US Customs & Border Protection may require you to fill up some of their sheets as well as provide documentation like your ID and completed forms from the EPA for emissions compliance will be required. See more about emissions on this page here.
State guidelines and requirements may vary, so you need to ensure that there are no gaps when it comes to the coverage and protection of your car.
- Getting your Vehicle Ready to Travel
Convenience may be translated to being able to include some of your boxed stuff inside the vehicle without any problems. While this is a good idea for many homeowners who want to move to another country, this is not generally allowed. Items that may only be left inside the interior are jumper cables, spare tires, and others that are directly related to the automobile.
Shipping companies may offer a guide on what you can and can’t do so follow them when you export your car. Requirements of the liter of gas that should be included should also be observed to avoid penalties.
Wash your vehicle and see if there are existing dents, damages, and scratches that you need to take note of. Take a picture of it, so that you can easily file a claim if you see any additions after the car is delivered to the destination. Pets and other debris are illegal in some countries, so do a thorough vacuuming and cleaning so there will be no issues at the port of entry. Make copies of your car keys because the shipping companies will usually need them, especially if you get their door-to-door delivery packages.
Cost Inclusions to Know
Various factors can affect the prices of the shipment, and for heavier types, it may be the following:
-Delivery Distance: Short routes will require less, and they are going to be quicker too. The miles traveled will be one of the factors that can heavily influence the price, so make sure to set a budget for it.
-Travel Types: Open and enclosed carriers are available, but you’ll get discounted rates when you choose the former. Boats may take days, and they are more cost-effective, but you might want to consider supplemental or marine insurance when it traverses the open water that you can read more info on this page here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_insurance.
-Season: Busy months may vary, but if you decide to relocate during the busiest days of the year, it’s going to be more expensive, especially during the hurricane season. Those who are on a more flexible timeline may prefer winter or other days when the workers of the shipping companies are not too occupied. Just make sure to bring snow tires if this is the option that you prefer for easier transport.
- Learn More about Brokers
If all of these are new to you, it’s best to get quotes from different companies to see if you’re being charged a fair price. Brokers are not usually the owners of the trucks that are going to be used in a specific service. Instead, they can connect you to their networks and get substitutes when delays happen. They can keep the costs down but make sure to hire the ones that are responsive to your inquiries.