The Ultimate Car Shipping Checklist

The Ultimate Car Shipping Checklist

If you’re preparing to move to a new city or purchase a vehicle online, shipping your car is the easiest way to transport it to your preferred location. We’ve compiled a checklist of everything you need to know when you’re scheduling auto transport services, preparing to ship your car and accepting your vehicle once it arrives at its final destination.

Scheduling Your Auto Transport 

  1. Select Your Shipment Method: An open carrier is the most affordable option when you’re shipping your car domestically. However, if you have a luxury or classic car an enclosed transport may be worth the additional cost if you need to keep it protected from the elements. 
  2. Choose Your Shipping Date: When you call to schedule your auto transport services, you’ll need to have a window of time in mind. Keep in mind that carriers may not be able to accommodate a specific day, so it helps if you have a range of time that works. 
  3. Finalize the Drop-Off Location: Determine where you want to have your vehicle dropped off once it arrives at its final destination. 

Prepare To Ship Your Car

  1. Get a Copy of Your Keys: Make sure you have a backup set in the off-chance that the originals get misplaced while shipping your car.
  2. Remove Your Personal Belongings: You can’t store or ship personal items in your car during transport. If anything of value is left behind, the carrier will not be held liable for stolen or damaged property. 
  3. Leave ¼ Tank of Gas: Make sure there is enough gas left in case you need to drive your vehicle from the drop off spot to your final destination. 
  4. Check your Battery & Tires: Your vehicle needs to be in running condition when scheduling auto transport services. It’s important to make sure there are no problems, so it’s ready to go when the driver arrives to pick up your vehicle. 
  5. Complete a Self Inspection: Before shipping your car, take the time to inspect it. Take photos for documentation, in case any damage occurs during transport. 
  6. Check Your Alarm: Most carriers recommend to disable or remove the alarm to avoid having the alarm go off while its being shipped. 
  7. Have The Title and Registration Ready: Before your car can be shipped, you’ll need to show proof of ownership and that you have permission to have the vehicle moved. 

Once Your Vehicle Arrives at Its Destination 

  1. Track Your Car: You’ll need to be prepared to pick up or meet the driver once your car is delivered, so make sure that you closely follow the shipping process, so you’re ready when your vehicle arrives.
  2. Complete a Final Inspection: Once your vehicle has been delivered, do a final inspection before signing the bill of lading. If you notice any problems, take photos and immediately call the carrier directly to report the damage. 
  3. Get a Copy of the Bill of Lading: Before the driver leaves, make sure to get a copy or photo of the document so you have proof of delivery and in case you need to file a claim with the carrier. 

This comprehensive checklist will help make your auto transport go smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Metti International is here to help you every step of the way and answer any questions. 

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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.