Whether you have finally purchased that dream car from Italy or Japan or you are about to move across a long distance, chances are good that you would rather have your precious car shipped than depreciate it by driving to your new destination. Because shipping any vehicle entails a good deal of research, this article has been written to serve as a checklist for anyone looking to take their precious car from point A to point B with minimal stress.
Research
Your first step when looking into exotic car shipping is to research auto transport companies. Some companies may only offer to transport your vehicle in the open, exposed to the elements; others will offer to transport your car within an enclosed container.
When preparing your exotic car for shipping, every detail matters. From ensuring the exterior is well-protected to verifying the car’s mechanical condition, it’s essential to leave no stone unturned. Before finalizing the shipping preparations, consider getting a Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection Brisbane. This detailed inspection can give you a comprehensive overview of your car’s current state, guaranteeing its safe and optimal condition for transport. Taking this extra step ensures that you’re not just shipping a car, but ensuring its prime condition upon arrival.
Inform the Company About Your Schedule
Most auto transporters need a window of time between pick-up and delivery, often ranging between five to seven days due to factors like potential routes, weather conditions, traffic and the schedules of other customers. If your car’s shipment overlaps with one or more time-sensitive occasions, you should take every step to emphasize the need for promptness with the company and your transporter so that they can guarantee to meet those goals.
Understand that a tight schedule and guaranteed pickup dates will raise the cost in your shipping quote. As there may also be fuel surcharge fees that base on fuel prices, make sure to consider these factors when booking your car’s shipment weeks ahead; any rise in fuel prices will cause a similar uptick in the final cost of shipping.
Prepare Your Car For the Trip
Once you are comfortable with a company and have worked out an arrangement, you must your car for the shipment. This involves running the car through a car wash and checking its mechanics; most carriers will charge a non-run fee if the car cannot roll, steer or break. This means that you should definitely have gas in the tank and a fully-cha battery.
Clean vehicles make inspection an easier task to do accurately, allowing the company to notice if any damage noticed upon delivery is their fault. Even dirt can be a hazard because a cover can just rub the dirt in, scratching your paint. This is why it is best to wash your car yourself and is also a great time to check your brakes. You will also want to check your antifreeze levels and check them against the climates that the transporter will be passing through-you do not want to risk a cracked engine block during transit. Lastly, remember to remove your personal effects, including transponders, from the vehicle before pick up.
Explain Your Car’s Quirks
Whoever is shipping your car needs to know about any kill switches, alarms, operational sequences, and so on before they transport it. The more information that your transporter has, the easier time they will have transporting it and spare you from a non-run fee. Written or scanned instructions are extremely helpful when dealing with exotic cars that may have unique start-up sequences or other mechanisms.
Have The Car Inspected Twice
Prior to pick-up, the transporter should inspect your car for any damage, scuffs, etc. They will then review the car’s condition with you and present an inspection agreement that you should definitely hold on to. Once the transporter delivers the car, look it over and compare the car’s condition to the notes in your prior inspection before signing off on the delivery. If anything new arises, submit a claim with the transporter before the transporter leaves.
Be sure that your inspection sheet matches the one from pick-up. After filing an auto transport claim, the transporting company will ask you to get estimates for repairs, then cover the repairs so long as they fall within their own cargo insurance limit. You will still be responsible for the price of shipping the car.
Conclusion
When it comes to transporting an exotic car, you have only a few broad steps to take. Research companies for one that suits your needs. Tell that company about how time-sensitive your shipment situation is. Inform the company driver about any intricacies regarding operating your car. Have the car inspected immediately before and after transport to verify its condition.
