The car transport process may seem complicated and daunting. However, it’s pretty simple. This guide will teach you all the vital information about traditional auto transport services. Before the carrier picks up your vehicle, you will thoroughly inspect it to account for any damage. Then you’ll sign a bill of lading.
Pickup
The process can be overwhelming, whether relocating for work, buying a vehicle from out-of-state, or shipping your car overseas. But, with the help of a trusted Hawaii car transport company, it doesn’t have to be. Before your vehicle is loaded onto the carrier, it will be inspected. This is to ensure your vehicle is preparing correctly for transit and to check for any new damage. During this inspection, drivers will also take photographs of the car. Prepare your vehicle for transit by washing it, disarming alarms, and removing personal belongings. You’ll also want to ensure the fuel tank is a quarter full at maximum. Also, be prepared to hand over a set of keys to the driver.
Inspection
Ensure your car is clean for inspection. This will enable a quick and easy walk around the exterior to check for any existing dents, scratches, or discolorations that could have occurred during shipping. Damage during transport is rare, but it does happen – that’s why inspections are so necessary. This allows the shipper and your insurance to compare your vehicle at pickup with its condition at delivery – and note any differences.
The inspector will first examine your car’s prominent parts, including mirrors, windshields, headlights, and fenders. They’ll then move to the harder-to-see areas, like the undercarriage and leaks. They’ll also check the odometer and make sure it is accurate. This information will be used to complete the Bill of Lading.
Loading
To prepare your vehicle for shipment, you’ll want to clean it and empty any unnecessary items. You’ll also need to switch off the car’s ignition and leave no more than a quarter gas tank. When loading your vehicle on the trailer, you must fasten everything securely to prevent movement during transit. The driver will inspect the load and re-fasten anything lose, and you’ll sign a bill of lading. Many people ship their vehicles through auto transport when they need to move, buy a new car online, or participate in a car show in another state. Whatever the reason, shipping a vehicle is easy and convenient when you work with an experienced auto transport company.
Delivery
Once the vehicle is loaded onto a truck, it will be driven to its destination. The driver will call ahead to estimate the arrival time so that you can plan accordingly. He will also inspect your vehicle to ensure all the details have been handled. This inspection will include a document checklist and photographs of the condition of your car before loading it onto the carrier. The inspection is necessary to protect both you and the driver. You should clean out your car, empty it of personal items, and leave at most a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle during transport. Your auto shipping broker will be able to explain the various options for picking up and delivering your car to the driver.
Bill of Lading
When you hand over your car to the carrier, they will record the vehicle’s mileage on the bill of lading. This is an important step, allowing you to track the distance your car has traveled. A bill of lading is an agreement between the shipper and the logistics services provider. It reflects the terms of the contract and proves that the title for the cargo has been transferred. There are several different types of bills of lading, each with its unique purpose. A quick online search will yield plenty of free samples and annotated versions from freight industry professionals. You can even use a blank template to create your own. These documents are legally binding contracts. Bills of lading are used for ocean, rail, and inland transportation.
