Winter car shipping is one of the most challenging things for most auto shipping companies. It is due to the freezing rain, subzero temperatures, and other transportation challenges firms must deal with beforehand. Creating a plan and talking to reputable shippers will help you avoid frustrations and save you time and money. It can be nerve-racking to start planning to ship your vehicle during winter, and sometimes when things become overwhelming, most people make mistakes. Here are common mistakes you should avoid when shipping a car in the wintertime:
Most people these days shop for auto shipping services online. However, forgetting to read reviews or ignoring them is one of the worst mistakes you can ever make. Reviews help you understand how a car shipping firm operates, their charges, whether people love their services, and what they should change to satisfy all clients. The majority of auto shipping companies have websites. Settle for a company with more positive reviews than negative ones. However, do not settle for one with positive reviews only. It indicates that their services might not be perfect and could have deleted some negative ones to maintain their company’s image. Again, too many negative reviews are a red flag, and you do not want to settle with a mediocre company. Find a shipping company that can maintain your car’s condition during transit.
Shipping insurance does not cover any valuables left in the car during transportation. Therefore, do yourself a favor and get your valuables out of the vehicle. You will be liable for all the expenses if they remain in the car during shipping or get lost or damaged along the way. Shipping companies do not take any responsibility if items are stolen from your vehicle. Emptying your automobile before transportation is also essential in keeping your vehicle at a minimum weight which could lower your shipping cost.
Most people want to save money by selecting remote delivery and pickup options. However, the roads are hazardous during winter, and the chances of accidents are high. In other situations, the conditions might be so bad that the state governments close them down due to unsafe conditions. Arranging an interstate route for pickup and delivery will make the process easy since interstate roads are on the top list of road clearing. Therefore, it makes vehicle delivery and pickup easier than choosing a remote location.
Before shipping, you should document your car’s current state. That includes any dents, scratches, missing mirrors, or certain parts, and also take pictures. Pre-shipping photos serve as proof should your vehicle arrive at the target destination looking different. Failure to properly inspect and document your car’s state will make it impossible to get compensation if it gets damaged along the way. Pictures complete the inspection report, and you can use that while claiming compensation from the shipping company. It also makes the shipping process less complicated and ensures you do not set a few thousand back in vehicle repairs.
With the many auto-shipping companies available, you might find it hard to determine which to select and which to ignore. Some companies use enticing offers such as discounts or go out of their way to provide excellent customer support. However, do not let these things get to you quickly without digging deeper to understand how a company works. The best method to cross out some of these bogus companies is using this list to help you narrow down which company suits your needs more:
- Compare two or three companies and talk to each company’s representatives. It helps you understand how they ship cars during winter, some of the hiccups they have experienced in the past, and how they dealt with that.
- Check if the auto shipping company is legitimate by searching on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- If shipping across the states, ensure the company is registered with the Transportation Department. There is a unique registration number for each auto shipping company, making it possible to learn more about the company you are about to hire.
Sometimes when an auto shipping company wants clients on board, they will promise anything to get you fixated on their services. Many unpredictable events can occur during shipment, especially in the winter season. That could be blocked roads to traffic delays, making it impossible for a company to promise when your car will reach its destination. Work with a company that offers a realistic delivery plan, which should be about three to five days, based on the location.
Wintertime car shipping can be successful if you plan on time and work towards avoiding the mistakes discussed above. Choosing between carriers can sometimes be overwhelming, especially when shipping during winter. The weather becomes unpredictable during this period which might delay the shipping and delivery process. Give Ship A Car a call at (866) 821-4555 should you want wintertime car shipping services at an affordable rate.
