Auto Shipping Don'ts |
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Kate Barton
21 July 2012
All your valuable belongings, household items and prized possessions are now inside big moving boxes. These have all been labeled properly and secured with packing tapes, and fragile items are now sitting inside fully protected, double wall storages with bubble wraps. Everything you've invested in and worked for these past years are now ready to be shipped and transported inside huge moving trucks, which will be arriving in two weeks. It's been a long month of physical and emotional exhaustion - moving is, after all, proven to be one of the top stressors in life along with the death of a loved one and divorce. If you could only fit in a few hours of sleep during these busy times so that you won't be at risk of nodding off during the anticipated long drive to your new address… stop at that thought. Driving long distances, with your mind in a million other things, and under a possibly very tight schedule, is not a very wise plan. What you need is to rethink your strategies, take a deep breath and pause for a while as you consider hiring an auto shipping company to transport your car for you.
As with most endeavors, the key is to make informed decisions so that you can make the most out of your auto transport experience. Here are some things you might need to avoid to ensure prompt and secure delivery of your vehicle.
Don't enter into a contract with an auto shipping company without doing a thorough background check. There have been reports of car delivery scams, such as groups that charge unexpected and huge hidden fees, so you have to make sure that you're dealing with a reputable organization. Seek advice from your contacts who can offer recommendations based on their personal experiences. Check out user review sites such as Yelp or Google for independent customer ratings.
Don't neglect to shop around. Once you have a list of potential car delivery companies, get as much information about them and their services through online research and by talking to their representative. Compare their rates and evaluate their terms; make sure your candidates have basic services such as insurance coverage. Ensure minimum requirements are met such as proper licenses and business authorization.
Don't underestimate terminal-to-terminal deliveries. While it's not as convenient as door-to-door delivery, terminal pickup points may be more manageable with your unpredictable moving schedule as most of these facilities are open 24 hours a day. Plus, the relatively lower shipping rates let you save as much as 60 percent off compared to specific-address delivery.
Don't skimp on added costs if your car needs it. Luxury, exotic, classic and other special vehicles need added protection against road lag and extreme road and weather conditions. In this case, paying extra for an enclosed auto shipping carrier is an essential capital to protect your investment.