Top-Rated Car Shipping: Preparing Your Vehicle for a Smooth Move from California to Washington State

When it comes to moving your personal vehicle from California to Washington State, reliable and top-rated car shipping services are essential. As the proud owner of Metti International Vehicle Transport & Car Shipping, a licensed and bonded freight broker specializing in auto shipping, we understand the significance of a hassle-free transportation process. To ensure your car’s safety and streamline the shipping experience, follow these essential steps to prepare your vehicle for its journey:

1. Research Top-Rated Car Shipping Companies: Start by researching reputable car shipping companies with a proven track record for excellence in service. As a top-rated freight broker specializing in auto shipping, Metti International stands out for its dedication to ethics and customer satisfaction. With four consecutive Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for ethics, Metti International ensures a smooth and reliable car shipping experience.

2. Choose the Right Transport Option: Selecting the appropriate shipping method is crucial to safeguarding your vehicle during transit. Metti International offers both open and enclosed car carriers, providing flexibility based on your budget and vehicle’s requirements. Enclosed carriers offer added protection from weather and road debris, making them ideal for luxury or classic cars.

3. Complete a Thorough Inspection: Before handing over your vehicle, conduct a thorough inspection. Note any existing damages, scratches, or dents in a written report, and take clear photographs from various angles. This documentation will serve as a reference if any discrepancies arise upon delivery.

4. Remove Personal Belongings: To ensure a safe and efficient transport process, remove all personal belongings from your car. While a car is permitted to carry up to 100 lbs of personal items by some carriers, it’s essential to note that these items are not covered by the auto-shipper’s insurance. Loose items can shift during transit and may cause damage to both your vehicle and other cars on the carrier.

5. Check for Fluid Leaks: Prior to shipping, inspect your vehicle for any fluid leaks, such as oil or coolant. Fixing leaks beforehand prevents potential hazards during transportation and ensures a smooth experience.

6. Disable Car Alarm Systems: Disable any car alarm systems to prevent unnecessary disruptions during the shipping process. This step will help maintain a calm environment for both the drivers and the vehicles on the carrier.

7. Top Up Fluids and Battery: Ensure that your vehicle has a sufficient amount of fuel for the journey. Additionally, top up essential fluids such as brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check the battery’s charge to avoid any inconvenience during unloading.

8. Check Tire Pressure: Properly inflated tires are crucial for a safe and smooth journey. Check your car’s tire pressure and, if necessary, inflate them to the recommended levels.

9. Secure or Remove External Accessories: If your vehicle has external accessories such as bike racks, roof boxes, or spoilers, either secure them properly or remove them before shipping. This precaution prevents damage and ensures a seamless transit process.

10. Choose a Convenient Drop-Off Location: Coordinate with the car shipping company, such as Metti International, to select a convenient drop-off location in California and Washington State. This will ensure easy access for the carrier and smooth handling during pickup and delivery.

In conclusion, entrusting your vehicle to a top-rated car shipping company like Metti International Vehicle Transport & Car Shipping guarantees a stress-free and secure experience. Remember to adhere to the guidelines for personal items and understand that they are not covered by the auto-shipper’s insurance. By following these steps to prepare your car for shipping, you can rest assured that your valuable possession will arrive safely at its destination. To learn more about our top-rated car shipping services or to request a quote, visit our website at https://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.