Auto Shipping Left to the Professionals

When it comes to auto shipping, this task is best left to the professionals. Companies, such as Dependable Auto Shipper (DAS), A-1 Auto Transport, Inc., and Express Auto Transport make it their business to ship your car proficiently and reliably from a starting point to a predetermined destination, for a fee, of course. What to Look for in a Auto Shipping Company
After hours of searching the phone book and surfing the Internet, many auto shipping businesses start to blend together. However, consider these things when you are ready to decide which company to work with.

Be sure that the company is fully licensed and insured. Ask them for proof of insurance and insurance agency contact numbers. If they refuse to provide you with this information, choose a different company. If an auto shipping company is fully licensed and insured, they will happily and proudly provide you with proof.

If you are not comfortable asking for proof, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Their web site is found at www.safersys.org. You can also check with your local better Business Bureau.

The auto shipping company you decide to work with should have state-of-the-art automobile carriers that are capable of transporting a variety of cars quickly, and most importantly, safely.

If you have a specialty, exotic, or custom-made car, you may want to consider transporting your car in an enclosed carrier. Make sure the company you sign with is able to transport your vehicle in an enclosed truck that will keep it safe from the outside elements, like rain, sleet, and road debris.

How to Prepare your Vehicle for Auto Shipping
There are certain things that auto shipping companies prefer you to take care of prior to your pick-up date. Many ask that you have a minimum amount of fuel in your tank. Around a quarter of a tank is preferred. This makes your car lighter, therefore easier to ship. Also, you must remove all loose parts from your car. Things like bed liners, sunshields, portable sound systems, or anything else not bolted down, must be removed. Cell phones, antennas that do not retract, radar detectors, etc. must be removed, as well.

So, Does This Mean That I Cannot Pack Personal Belongings in My Car?
Yes. That is exactly what this means. Your car, including your trunk, must not have any personal belongings inside when the driver inspects your car. There are reason for this strict rule.

The Department of Transportation does not allow your personal belongings to be hauled by car shipping companies. These companies ship cars, and nothing else.

Personal items are not covered by any auto shipping company’s insurance. So, if something of yours is lost in transit, the car shipping company is not responsible.

Trucks have weight limits, and that goes for the trucks that haul automobiles. Without personal items, cars are lighter.

Is My Car Insured While Traveling?
This should be one of the first questions to ask an auto shipping company. And, if they say, “no” you must look elsewhere. Every car shipping company is required, by law, to maintain certain amounts of liability insurance for the protection of your vehicle.

For some people, parting with their automobile is about as difficult as separating them from a beloved family member. Cars a huge investment, so do your research before you allow an auto shipping company to transport your baby… we mean vehicle.

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