Moving to a location way across the country is not as complicated as it sounds; it is just as simple as any other relocating process. However, certain steps are involved, especially with shipping a large vehicle such as an SUV or Truck. In this article, we will provide a clear and detailed breakdown of the steps to take to have a smooth and noteworthy cross-country car shipping experience.
Like any important process, shipping a vehicle cross-country requires a certain amount of planning. Planning ahead gives you enough time to consider numerous factors and make a calculated decision. Waiting until the last minute will reduce the options available to you and may even cost you more to ship. In your plans, you should also account for the time used by the shipping company to carry out the actual shipping process.
Researching is also equally important; it arms you with important information about shipping SUVs and Trucks across the country and saves you from going through a lot of unnecessary stress and headaches. This research can be done by asking questions of friends and colleagues who have had similar experiences. You could also go online to read reviews from trusted sites like Yelp, Google Business, or TrustPilot.
Now that you have a good idea about the reliable shipping companies available to you, the next step is to contact them and request quotes. The quotes will be based on details such as the make and model of your vehicle, the distance to your destination, and your preferred method of shipping. Keep in mind that quotes often reflect the quality of services offered by the shipping company; lower quotes will likely mean poorer-quality shipping services. Once you are satisfied with the conditions of a particular company, you can proceed to book the service to have your truck or SUV shipped.
Before handing your vehicle over to the shipping company, there are some preparatory steps that need to be taken to make the vehicle easier to ship. These steps are necessary because they prevent mishaps and complications on the long cross-country journey.
Personal items should be removed from the vehicle, as it helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle during shipping. It also prevents the items from being damaged or stolen during the long journey.
Both the interior and exterior of the vehicle should be thoroughly washed to remove any dirt and debris. This makes it easier to carry out the inspection process, which is helpful for insurance claims and damage resolution.
The condition of the vehicle before shipping should be inspected, and details such as dents, marks, or scratches should be documented with the help of photographs. A simple maintenance check should also be carried out to ensure that components like the brakes, battery, and engine are fully functional.
Cross-country shipping usually takes a lot of time, so you need to maintain proper communication with the company. This allows you to monitor updates or developments and promptly address any issues that may arise during shipping. Some other details and tips to keep in mind include:
- Opt for enclosed carrier shipping if possible. Although it is more expensive, it prevents your truck or SUV from being exposed to harsh weather or road debris during the journey.
- Confirm if the company offers door-to-door shipping services, where your vehicle is delivered as close as possible to your desired location. If not, you will have to arrange another shipping process at the terminal.
- Be flexible with the date and location of your delivery. Delays or adjustments can occur at each step of the cross-country shipping process, so it helps to have some flexibility with your desired pickup and delivery dates.
Shipping a SUV or Truck across the country does not need to be complex or stressful. As long as you plan ahead, comparing quotes, preparing your vehicle for the shipping journey, and maintaining constant communication will save you a lot of stress and headaches. You also cannot go wrong with choosing a shipping company, as this is one of the greatest factors that determines your shipping experience.
At Ship A Car, Inc., we specialize in providing shipping services to customers. Whether to a neighboring state or across the country, our state-of-the-art equipment and experienced handlers give customers the satisfaction and peace of mind they deserve.
