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20 Auto Shipping Tips For A Positive Experience

Car on asphalt road in summer

How To Have The Best Car Shipping Experience

Whether you are selling your home, purchasing a new car, or relocating for a new job, using a car shipping company is a convenient and reliable method to get your vehicle where it needs to go.  It is crucial that you choose the right company for the job to ensure that your vehicle arrives safely. Having a positive experience is important and can be accomplished through preparation.

We, at National Dispatch, have assembled 20 Auto Shipping Tips to ensure that your auto transport goes as planned. Check them out below:

  1. Research the carrier.

Before booking auto transport services, you want to ensure that the company is professional and reputable. This can be accomplished by reading customer reviews, reviewing social media outlets, and by looking at their website. You should evaluate the car shipper based on their experience, licensure, and insurance. Auto transport companies are required by law to be registered through the Department of Transportation. You can look up this information by conducting a Google Search. It is also a good idea to search the car carrier on the Better Business Bureau website.

  1. Beware of low quotes.

Many auto transport companies offer a quote calculator on their website. This is a free form that requires some information to receive a car shipping quote. Not all car shipping quote calculators are the same. National Dispatch offers a form that requires no personal information. Upon submitting it, you will be instantly redirected to view your car transport rate. Beware of companies that quote prices below the standards for the industry. You may end up sacrificing the level of service and quality to save a few bucks.

  1. Contact a representative.

After requesting a quote, you should contact a representative with the company to get your questions answered. If this is your first time shipping a vehicle, you likely have many questions regarding payment, insurance, and the overall shipping process. An auto transport representative would be happy to assist you. A phone conversation gives you additional insight into the company. It tells you about their customer service, professionalism, and friendliness. Their staff should be courteous and knowledgeable. Contact National Dispatch at 800-321-2051 to find out more our car shipping services.

  1. Book ahead of time.

Car shipping can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week or more. It all depends on the location, services, and shipping method. Then, there are some things that are outside of our control. No one can predict the weather with 100% accuracy. We work to meet your deadline by offering a pickup and delivery window. This varies depending on which of our three shipping methods you choose. If you need your car by a specific date, be sure to book auto shipping ahead of time. Preparation is key to a smooth auto transport experience.

  1. Consider the location.

When you need vehicle shipping services to or from an area, think about the location. Is the area easily accessible by a main highway? Will there be enough space when the transporter arrives? National Dispatch offers door-to-door auto transport services for added convenience. We are happy to come to your home or place of business for pickup and delivery. Some locations present difficulties for a large transport carrier. If you live in an area where this is the case, discuss with your driver an alternative meeting place, such as a large parking lot, close to your home.

  1. Think about the destination.

Consider where you are moving to. If you are moving coast-to-coast, the climate could be completely different from your current home. Therefore, you should take the appropriate steps to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for the changes. Depending on the situation, you may need to protect your car from damages that could result from sun and heat or install snow tires on your vehicle. You may want to study up on the best times to move to that area. Avoid seasons or times of the year when bad weather, such as hurricanes, snow storms, etc. is likely to occur, if possible. Also, keep in mind moving trends. People move more frequently during the summer months. Thus, auto shipping companies are busier during this time of year.

  1. Check insurance coverage.

Most auto transport companies offer insurance coverage when transporting. Ask the car shipping company what is and is not covered during the transport of the vehicle. How much is covered varies by the company. National Dispatch offers insured auto shipping services. Therefore, no additional insurance is required. However, it is a good idea to check with your own auto insurance provider. Find out what your car insurance provider covers during the transport of your vehicle.

  1. Understand the contract before you sign.

When the driver arrives at your home to pick up the vehicle, you must sign the Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading is the legal agreement, or contract, between you and the auto transport company outlining the car shipping services that are being provided. You should make it a habit to thoroughly read all documents before signing. If you have any questions or concerns pertaining to the contract, ask your driver for clarification.

  1. Be realistic about a timeline.

We work to accommodate difficult schedules to get your car to you in a safe and timely manner. However, it is important to remain realistic. The shipping process is different than that of an Amazon delivery. The safety of your vehicles, as well as our drivers, are our top priorities. One way to ensure that your car arrives when you need it is to plan. Our auto transport experts are happy to answer any questions regarding the auto shipping process. It is also a good idea to understand how weather affects your shipment.

  1. Ask about GPS tracking.

Check to see if the car moving company offers a trackable service, such as with a GPS system. This tracking system allows you to know where your car is at along its route, giving you more peace of mind. Our drivers stay in touch with our customers every step of the way to keep them informed of their approximate pickup and delivery times. We want the transport of your car to be a positive experience. Therefore, we seek to provide the best customer service. During transport, you can always contact one of our auto transport experts if you have questions or concerns.

  1. Protect the car.

If you own a classic, luxury, exotic, or other high-value vehicle, you may want to request a service that will protect your car from the weather and road elements. It is recommended that these types of vehicles be shipped via an enclosed car carrier for added protection. However, you can also request that your car be “top loaded”. Top loading refers to when a car is positioned on the second level of a two-level transport carrier. A car in this position is less likely to encounter road elements, such as dust, dirt, and other debris. Keep in mind that these services come at an additional expense than the standard method of transport.

  1. Inspect the car before pick-up.

When the driver arrives to pick up the car, a vehicle inspection will be completed. A report will be written up on the findings. This is important for insurance purposes, in case any incident was to occur during transit. Before the arrival of the transporter, designate some time to conduct your own inspection. Note any visible cosmetic damages, including paint chips, scratches, and dents. Take photographs, from all angles, of any cosmetic damages that you find. Keep these photographs for your records. You can also supply a copy to the transporter, as well.

  1. Remove all personal belongings.

It is recommended to remove all personal belongings from the vehicle for safety and insurance purposes. Extra items in the car can cause damage to the car or the objects, themselves. In addition, the auto transport company does not cover damages caused by these items or the loss of these items. Personal belongings also add more weight to the vehicle. Car transport rates are calculated partly based on the weight of the car. Therefore, these additional items could result in added fees.

  1. Remove loose parts.

Just as personal belongings should be removed, any loose parts on the vehicle should be removed or secured, as well. This would include bike and luggage racks. Make sure that all hood ornaments, decals, hubcaps, spoilers, and fog lights are secure and ready for auto shipping. It may be necessary to remove or retract the antennae. In the case of convertibles, ensure that the top is up and secured. If the convertible top is not in good condition, enclosed auto transport may be a better solution to avoid possible damage to the vehicle.

  1. Maintain the vehicle.

It is vital to perform proper maintenance procedures on your car all year long. This ensures that you have a reliable form of transportation when you need it the most. Before transport, ensure that all the car’s fluids are filled to the appropriate levels. Check the tires to make sure that they are in good condition and at the proper pressure. Make sure that your car does not have any leaks. If it does have a mechanical issue, take it to your local auto mechanic for repair. At National Dispatch, we can ship inoperable vehicles, too. If your car does not run, let us know, so that we can make the appropriate preparations prior to transport.

  1. Avoid fueling up.

It is not necessary, nor is it recommended, to fill up your tank prior to transporting your car. Instead, keep your gas tank at approximately ¼ full. This is to reduce the weight of the car. Failure to do so could result in additional fees. Your vehicle will only be driven for loading and unloading purposes, so not a lot of gas is needed. Since your car will and should only be driven for these purposes, we recommend that you write down the mileage from your odometer. This is for your records.

  1. Confirm payment details.

Ask the company what payment methods they accept (credit cards, cashier’s check, etc.) and how much is required before transport. All companies operate differently. Some car moving companies require full payment in advance, while others only require partial funds, or a deposit. Per National Dispatch policy, some payment is required prior to shipment. Upon first receiving your quote, it is important to verify what is covers. Beware of companies that include hidden fees. Therefore, it is important to read the entirety of the contract before signing.

  1. Prepare instructions for the driver.

You likely use your car as a form of transportation to and from work everyday. This means that you spend a lot of quality time with your vehicle. You understand how it operates. To ship your vehicle, an auto transport professional will need to load and unload the vehicle onto a carrier. To make the driver’s life easier, prepare a list of operation instructions. This would include how to start, stop, and drive your car, if there is anything quirky about it. Give these instructions to your driver upon his arrival.

  1. Change the license plate after an out-of-state move.

If you are moving to another state, you will need to change the license plate to reflect your new state of residence. This will require you to change your car’s registration and title information. This can be completed at your local DMV or by going online. States vary in how long they give you to complete this change after moving. It typically varies from 30 to 60 days after moving to your new state.

  1. Enjoy and be stress-free.

Car shipping services are aimed at making your life simpler. National Dispatch provides a variety of services to meet your specific needs, budget, and timeline. Auto transport is easy, safe, and affordable. Leave all the hard work to us. Fly to your destination, and your vehicle will be shipped to its destination. There is no need to travel hundreds, or even thousands, of miles across the country when car shipping is so easy. We give you the peace of mind you need to start enjoying your new home or vacation spot.

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company. Request a free, instant car shipping quote, today. No personal information is required to receive a quote in seconds. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051.

How To Ship A Car To Another State

Los Angeles City Skyline

Do you need to ship a car to another state? Moving to a new state can be difficult. The challenge results from the long To-Do list of tasks that must be accomplished before the move. However, auto shipping services serve to make your life easier with convenience and peace of mind.

The first step in the auto transport process is choosing a reliable auto transport company, one which you can trust with the shipment of your vehicle. It may seem like the process ends there. However, there are many additional steps that must be completed to ship your vehicle to another state.

Choosing An Auto Transport Company

When moving to another state, it is crucial to find a reliable auto transport company. You want to find a company you feel comfortable leaving your car with. You do not want to worry about damages, late deliveries, or overcharges. Paying a professional to handle the shipment of your vehicle means just that. An experienced auto transport expert will have the necessary knowledge and training to get the job done right.

These companies do exist. All you must do is find them. National Dispatch is a top-rated car shipping company for the following reasons:

  • Experience. Experience is a good indicator that your car transport will go smoothly, from start to finish. National Dispatch has years of experience in the car shipping industry, transporting vehicles all over the country for both individuals and businesses.
  • Professional Staff. You want to do business with someone who is professional, friendly, and honest. We seek to provide the best customer service by answering all your questions and ensuring that you remain informed every step of the way.
  • Affordable Rates. Our car transport rates are competitive with the industry. We aim to provide high quality services at an affordable price. Use our free online quote calculator, located on our website, to receive an instant quote.
  • Trustworthiness. Honesty and integrity are key characteristics of any company. They should be upheld to the highest standards. Trust in us to transport your car to its destination in a safe and timely manner.

Read more information on How To Choose an Auto Transport Company.

Cost To Ship A Car

One of the most commonly asked questions in auto shipping is, “How much will it cost to ship my car?” This will depend on a variety of factors. Many companies offer a quote calculator on their website. This can be used to determine an estimated cost of auto transport services from one state to another. If you have an idea of how much it will cost to ship your vehicle ahead of time, then you can properly prepare a moving budget.

Requesting A Quote

Not all quote calculators are created equal. These vary across the industry, from simple to more complex. National Dispatch has an easy-to-use quote form on the website, which makes the process of getting car transport rates very simple. Here are some perks of using the quote calculator located on National Dispatch’s website:

  • Instant. Upon entering in the required information, you will be instantly redirected to the car transport quote results page. It only takes a matter of seconds. This saves time in comparison to other sites that require you to wait around for email results.
  • No Personal Information. Only four fields of information are required to receive an auto transport quote. You must enter the vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. However, no email, phone number, or other personal information is requested of you.
  • Available 24/7. The quote form is always available on our website for use, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This means that even when our office is closed, you can receive a free, instant car shipping quote.
  • Free. There is no cost to get an auto transport quote. If you need to ship your car, why not check out the services that we offer?
  • User-Friendly. We created the quote calculator with our customers, in mind. Therefore, we want to make it as easy as possible to get a quote. On the quote results page, you can easily choose between different shipping options and services without switching screens.

Factors Affecting A Car Transport Rate

You may be wondering how the car shipping company calculates the number that you see on your estimated car transport rate. Well, many components must be taken into consideration to reach a price point. Here are a few of the factors that affect your quote:

  • Distance. The distance between your current home and your destination point is a major consideration factor. The cost of shipping will vary if you are transporting city to city, state to state, or coast to coast.
  • Location. This may seem very similar to distance, but it is different in some respects. This variable has more to do with your geographical location and setting. Moving to a major city versus a small town could vary in costs.
  • Vehicle Type. All aspects of the vehicle must be taken into consideration. This would include the size, make, and model. Larger vehicles weigh more which will have an impact on how much you will pay to transport.

Keep in mind that not all car shipping companies are the same. Car shippers charge differently based on their policies and their general way of conducting business. The best advice is to go for value over price. Although it may seem like a good idea to save money and go for the cheapest option, you often get what you pay for.

Learn more information on Car Transport Rates.

Father and son washing car

Preparing A Car For Shipping

Preparing a car for transport is necessary to minimize any risks associated with transporting a car. To ship a car, you must:

  • Gather all needed documentation
  • Perform an inspection
  • Remove personal belongings
  • Perform a maintenance check

What Documents Do You Need To Transport A Car?

A reputable car transport company will require documentation before the car is able to be shipped to its destination. This documentation may vary from company to company. However, below, you will find the most popular documents required:

  • Vehicle registration and title. This proves that you are the rightful owner of the car that you are about to ship.
  • Photo identification. Acceptable forms of photo identification include a driver’s license or passport.
  • Car insurance. Although most auto transport companies offer insured services, proof of insurance may also be required.

Perform An Inspection For Pre-Existing Damages

It is important to check for any pre-existing damages prior to transporting your vehicle. This ensures that you know the current condition of your car for insurance purposes, in case any unforeseen circumstances were to occur. An inspection can be completed by doing the following:

  1. Wash the exterior of the car. A clean car will help you to spot any cosmetic damages on the vehicle.
  2. Record any chips, dents, or scratches. Write down if there are any cosmetic damages for your records.
  3. Take pictures. Go around the outside of the vehicle, taking close-up photographs of any of the damages that you noticed. Take the pictures from various angles, and include a date stamp.
  4. Make a copy. An inspection will also be completed when the driver arrives to transport the vehicle. Make sure that the driver also makes note of these pre-existing damages, or provide the transporter with a copy.

Remove All Personal Belongings

Do not pack personal items in your car. It is best to transport these items, yourself. This reduces the risk of theft and damages. It is also important for insurance purposes, as an auto shipping company will not be liable for damages caused by these items. Packing more items in your car also adds more weight to the vehicle, which will have an impact on the price.

It is the driver’s job to transport your vehicle. Make his job easier by removing all personal belongings, such as GPS systems and unmounted radios. You should also be sure to remove all luggage, bike, and ski racks, unless they are permanent. It is not necessary to remove vehicle items, such as the jack and spare tire.

Lastly, you should remove or deactivate toll tags and parking passes. You do not want to run the risk of accumulating charges as your vehicle travels to its destination.

Read more on Preparing A Car For Shipping.

Perform A Maintenance Check

Although the vehicle will not be driven much during transport, except for loading and unloading purposes, it is important that the vehicle is in a safe, working condition. If you are looking to ship a non-running vehicle, National Dispatch also provides those services. However, special equipment is required. Right now, we will focus on operable vehicles. Here is what you should do prior to shipping your operable car:

  • Check the tires. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated at the appropriate tire pressure. Also, check the condition of the tires.
  • Refill fluids, if necessary. Your car runs off a variety of fluids, including brake fluid, washer fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, oil, power steering fluid, and more. Make sure the levels are where they should be.
  • Keep gas tank at ¼ to ½ full. This is the recommended amount to reduce weight and ensure a smooth transport.
  • Be watchful of leaks. The driver should be notified of any issues with your vehicle. If your car is leaking, it should not be placed on the upper level. It may leak on the cars below it.
  • Notify the driver of quirks. You know your car better than anyone. You understand how it runs and performs daily. Let the transporter know of a special concerns with the vehicle prior to shipping.

Learn more about Car Maintenance.

Car number plates

What Should You Do After Shipping A Car?

Your car has been delivered at your new home in a new state. What is there left to do? Upon the delivery of your car, you will need to complete another inspection with the driver. This is to ensure that the vehicle is in the same condition that it was shipped in. If you do notice any damages, notify the auto transport company immediately. You will also be required to sign the Bill of Lading.

After relocating to the new state, you should contact the local DMV to update some important information concerning your vehicle. This information includes:

  • Driver’s license. You must update your driver’s license to reflect your new state of residence. States vary in the length of time given to complete this task, typically between 10 to 30 days.
  • License plates. Similar to your driver’s license, the vehicle must be registered in the new state within a certain number of days. This is typically longer, between 30 and 60 days. Check to see if the old plates need to be surrendered.
  • Inspections. Depending on the state to which you are moving to, there may be certain requirements. For example, California requires that most vehicles pass a smog check.
  • Car Insurance. Notify your auto insurance company of your move. It may be necessary to adjust your coverage.

Contact National Dispatch Today!

National Dispatch is a nationwide car shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We have years of experience in the industry, shipping cars all over the country for both individuals and businesses. We transport vehicles for residential moves, extended vacations, corporate relocations, military moves, and more.

Whatever your reason for moving to another state, we can handle the shipment of your vehicle. We transport all types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and motorcycles. We even ship classic, luxury, and exotic models, as well. By offering both open and enclosed auto transport, our services cater to meet your specific needs. If you are in need of a faster delivery time, then we offer a guaranteed shipping option.

Request a free, instant car shipping quote using our online quote calculator. Fill out four fields of information to get a quote in seconds. No personal information is required. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative by phone, call us at 800-321-2051.