Common problems when shipping your vehicle
The first time has always been hard, generally speaking; if you go unprepared and not knowing what to expect, the experience can be extremely traumatic. This premise can be applied to almost every aspect of our life, including shipping a vehicle: Here are some of the most common auto transport issues and what to do to avoid them before they happen. As we always say, anticipating, planning, and preventing will save you money, headaches, and complications when relocating your vehicle:
THE PROBLEM: Choosing the cheapest option
Choosing a transportation company online which offers bargains at suspiciously low rates that may seem pretty tempting, with no verifiable credentials and demanding non-refundable fees or upfront deposits, should set off your red flags alarm. The lowest quote is not always the best
THE SOLUTION: Look for a reliable car carrier company.
M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT is a fully bonded, licensed, certified, and accredited by BBB, a top-rated car shipping company, experts in safe vehicle transportation across the continental USA, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Guam, with thousands of excellent customers reviews, proven testimony of successful transporting experiences with us. We work hand to hand with a remarkable team of professional truck drivers and with a highly trained logistics staff. Affordable automobile shipping rates, excellent service, impeccable reputation, and great customer service guarantee a safe, efficient, and hassle-free auto transport experience.
THE PROBLEM: Rush-booking
Lack of prevision or unforeseen circumstances, no matter the reason, the fact is that booking at the last moment will cost you time and money. Being in the last delivery lineup, represent delays while looking in crowded routes for the proper carrier with the available room; prices may be higher during peak seasons and for rural locations but you won´t have time to wait for a better price and dispatch window.
THE SOLUTION: Timely Planning
There is nothing better than planning ahead; when you book in advance, there is plenty of time to make arrangements and opt for the best option and price. However, if this is not the case and you need your vehicle shipped ASAP, our Expedited (Premium) Service prioritizes your order, having the closest available trailer within the area divert from his original schedule to meet your timeframe.
THE PROBLEM: Wrong vehicle description
A non-running vehicle declared operational, a car with a dead battery, not mentioning upgrades, modified vehicles stated as standard, wrong dimensions, etc., inaccurate vehicle description affects the whole shipping process, from the initial car hauling quote itself to the loading step, ending up in extra charges and even the cancelation of the order.
THE SOLUTION: Be accurate when describing specifics
Knowing every detail of your vehicle will allow us to give the perfect quote and find the right carrier. With accurate information, both the logistic agent and the driver would be able to make arrangements as per to find the right carrier, reserve room, and pre-plan the loading onto the trailer.
THE PROBLEM: Not preparing your vehicle properly
Failing to have your car mechanically checked and fixed, washed and cleaned, with alarms, tags, and devices deactivated, without gas or with the tank full, and with external ornaments non-secured is the perfect formula for disaster. The battery can die during transit, parts of your vehicle may hang loose or be ready to come off, and there might be fluid leakage or looming problems waiting to arise during the move.
THE SOLUTION: Follow our preparation checklist
The golden rule is to have your vehicle clean and empty before shipping; our ten-steps guide prevents damages when transporting it: washing the outside to make visible previous damages, cleaning the interior to avoid shifting items, removing/securing external accessories to protect them, checking gas, leaks, tires, battery, deactivating devices and removing tags and chips, are key measures that will enable you to verify the condition of your vehicle before and after being shipped.
THE PROBLEM: Missing or wrong documents
Not having the required paperwork in order at the moment of picking up your vehicle or presenting expired documents, especially for interstate shipping, might be an issue.
THE SOLUTION: Locate your paperwork in advance
In our specific case, we try to keep it simple for our customers as we know how tedious it can be to gather paperwork here and there; besides, technically the vehicle to be shipped will not be driven on the road nor a transfer of ownership will take place. You´ll need a printed e-mail confirmation of the booking order, and the Bill of Lading with a summary of the vehicle´s condition, preexisting damage, and other observations provided by our truck driver prior to loading the vehicle and where any damage occurred during transit, at the moment of delivery, should also be specified in order to file insurance claims.
THE PROBLEM: Not being available
Not answering the driver´s phone call to coordinate where and when to meet for loading or delivering your vehicle or not showing up at the moment of loading or unloading, delays the service and the cars at the same carrier. Once your car is dispatched to a carrier and scheduled for pickup, if you are not ready to be there to hand the car off the transport cannot take place.
THE SOLUTION: Designate someone
From the moment you place your order, you should be available for constant notifications either from our agents or drivers. If you cannot meet the scheduled time for pick up or delivery, you can designate someone over the age of 18 to release and accept your vehicle, sign papers and provide/receive the keys to the driver.
It is easy to avoid the above common mistakes at the moment of shipping your vehicle, just by following the solutions we provide here. If you have further questions call 877 957 4878, our logistics agents are ready to clear up any question you may have and provide solutions to all your transport needs with the best car transport service at the most affordable car delivery cost.
