Car Shipping Planning Guide

Moving from one place to another within the same city can be stressful and full of hassles. Moving from one city or state to another or even across the country can be even more worrisome. Packing, selling your house, buying a new house, and hiring a moving company are only a few of the things you have to consider. You also might be worrying about how you are going to get your vehicle or vehicles to your new home? And how can you do this quickly and safely and without causing major headaches for you and your family? Hiring a vehicle transport company can be a great way to take some of the stress out of your move.

Planning to transport your vehicle does not have to be hard or time-consuming. Using Nationwide Auto Transport’s online car shipping quote system is a simple and fast option that is available 24 hours a day. If you feel more comfortable speaking with a person, contact one of our car transporter specialists that are available 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST, Monday through Friday.

We have listed some of the things you need to keep in mind when hiring a vehicle transport company below. If you need additional car shipping information or have questions that are not answered, please call us at 800-689-6498 or fill out our online Auto Shipping Quote form.

Vehicle Inspection

First, get your vehicle inspected. Take your vehicle to a certified, licensed mechanic. Have them check the tires, the engine’s condition, and do a visual inspection of the body. Make any notes of scratches or dents so that you can compare the condition of the car before it’s shipped to its condition when it arrives at its destination.

Insurance

Next, make sure that the vehicle transport company has insurance to cover any damage that might occur during the car shipping process, up to and including total loss of the vehicle. Check with your own insurance company to make sure your coverage is up to date. All of Nationwide Auto Transport’s car transporters maintain a valid insurance policy, and before we allow any vehicle to be picked up, we verify that it is insured while in transit. Our drivers also will visually inspect your vehicle when it is picked up and delivered. All damage on the vehicle will be noted on the bill of lading. The car transporter and owner of the vehicle (or an agent of the owner) must sign the bill of lading verifying that they have visually inspected the vehicle and agree on its appearance/condition.

Unfortunately, sometimes damage does occur during the car shipping process. If this happens, then the damages must be noted on the bill of lading upon delivery of the vehicle. The bill of lading must be signed by the car transporter and by the owner or an agent of the owner. If this does not happen, no claims can be made.

Photographs

Another suggestion we have for making sure that your vehicle arrives at its destination in the same condition it was when it left the original destination is taking photographs. Taking pictures of the vehicle on the day it is released to the vehicle transport company is a visual way to prove that the condition of the car upon arrival is the same as it was upon shipping. Make sure that you take pictures from all views and get close-ups as well.

Other Vehicle Transport Considerations

Other items to consider and ask your car transport specialist about, is how full the gas tank of the vehicle should be and if you should remove any non-standard items, such as after market antennas, special hood ornaments, etc. Also, be sure to remove any personal belongings from the trunk and interior of the car.

We hope these suggestions have been helpful. At Nationwide Auto Transport, we strive to offer the best in customer service. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us toll-free at 800-689-6498 or fill out our online Car Shipping Quote form.

Nationwide Auto Transport offers customers four major types of car transport services. The different types of services are intended to help meet the vehicle transport needs of all of our customers. Please explore our car transport services and shipping information throughout our site to help you decide which vehicle transport option is best for you. Please contact one our car transport specialists if you have any questions or need to make special arrangements.

Open Car Transport Open vehicle shipping is the lowest price available in automobile transportation.	Enclosed Car Transport Enclosed Car Transport provides the ultimate protection for your vehicle during shipping.
Express Car Transport With Express Vehicle Shipping Services there is a 48 hour pick up window.	Specialty Moves Heavy Haul Transportation - Oversized vehicles or equipment & boat transport.