Once you have your auto shipment scheduled, you then have just a few things to do that will help make your shipment go smoothly. You do not necessarily have to do all of these things; however, they will help reduce the stress of the shipment for the day of. If you want to make sure your car shipment’s pick-up runs efficiently, here are some things you can do!
Have Your Tank Around ¼ Full
This is one of the more important car shipping prep pieces to know. It is important to have around a tank around one quarter full as it does not weigh down the vehicle too much with too much gas, but it still gives the driver plenty of gasoline for loading and unloading purposes without leaving the tank empty. It is essential to follow this step.
Remove All Valuables
This is another important step to remember. While in most cases you are allowed to have some items in your vehicle, we suggest that none of them be valuables. This is because while your vehicle is in our care, we are liable for the vehicle itself, but we are not liable for anything kept within the vehicle during shipment. If the shipping journey causes any damage to things inside the vehicle, we are not liable for them. In order to avoid damage to any valuables, remove all of them from the car.
Wash Your Car
This is definitely an optional step, but it is extremely helpful in the shipping process. Washing your car prior to shipping may sound silly, but it makes the inspection process much easier. Before your car is loaded onto the driver’s trailer, the driver and you will inspect the vehicle and mark any damage seen on a document known as the Bill of Lading. This document is the main document detailing the shipment.
Damage is recorded on the BOL in order to provide a comparison after the vehicle is dropped off and inspected again. This shows what, if any, damage and marks may have appeared on your vehicle during shipment. Washing your vehicle ahead of pick-up will allow any marks to be very visible while eliminating dirty spots that may be confused as damage.
Update Vehicle Maintenance Requirements
If your vehicle is pending any maintenance, we suggest getting it done prior to shipping. For example, if your vehicle needs an oil change, tire replacements, or engine work, it is helpful to have this done before the driver is there for pick-up. Similar to the car wash, this step is not required as we can ship vehicles that are even non-operable, but it makes it easier for the driver to safely handle your vehicle if maintenance checks are up to date.
