5 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car

5-Biggest-Mistakes-to-Avoid-When-Shipping-Your-Car

Shipping a car can be a cumbersome process if not handled properly. While there are several car transport options to choose from, the cheapest service might not always be the best. To have hassle-free car shipment, here are the five biggest car shipping mistakes you should avoid.

  1. Hiring an Unreliable Car Shipping Company

One of the essential car shipping mistakes you should avoid is choosing the wrong auto transport company. You need to employ a good, reliable car shipping company that will explain the process of your car shipment. To avoid an awful transport experience, firstly do thorough research of the car transport company. Check out reviews from customers on their website and also the accreditation of the car transport company. Then, you can request a quote.                        

  1. Expecting a Guaranteed Delivery Date

If you need to have your vehicle shipped on a tight deadline, the right car shipping company will be able to accommodate your car needs. However, flexibility is vital. While most car shippers do their best to meet delivery expectations, car haulers also face unexpected road delays. The delay could be due to harsh weather conditions, truck breakdown, traffic, or late customer vehicle pickups. To avoid unwanted delays, schedule your vehicle for shipping ahead. It will ensure your car transport company has adequate time to plan your car shipment. You can also communicate with your car transport company through the shipment process.

  1. Poor Car Shipping Preparation

There are several things to do as a car owner when preparing your vehicle for shipping. Firstly get a detailed inspection of your car before shipment from the car transport company. To avoid any problems during car shipping, ensure you have all your documents in order. Examine your car battery to ensure it is charged and adequately secured. Then, ensure you have enough gas to drive your car on and off the trailer.

  1. Shipping a Loaded Vehicle

It might be tempting to load your items and belongings in your vehicle before shipping. However, transport companies are not liable for securing your items in the case of theft or damages. Your belongings are also prone to seizure if the department of transportation inspects the car transport company during the journey. For a smooth car shipment, it is best to keep your car empty.

  1. No Adequate Insurance Coverage

To ensure your vehicle is in safe hands, check out your car shipping company’s insurance policy. Most companies have insurance coverage for their customers. If there is insufficient insurance coverage, you may request additional coverage in exchange for a fee. Endeavor to mark out any damage at delivery on the bill of lading to avoid unwanted expenses. Having an accurately signed bill of lading would also make your insurance claim process much smoother.

For a smooth transport experience, Metti International is your trusted and reliable auto shipping broker. Asides from offering competitive pricing, we take the utmost care to ensure that your vehicle gets to its destination timely and safely.

As a licensed and bonded car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we are committed to providing you with excellent customer service. Call Metti International today at 866.620.1776 or request a quote online. You can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.