There are many factors that go into a successful auto shipping service. Shipping a vehicle is not at all like shipping any other freight such as a birthday present or a Christmas card. If you send a letter, you must simply remember to fill out the envelope properly and attach the appropriate postage. After you drop it in a mailbox or at a shipping center, you’re all set. However, vehicles are expensive. Without the full cooperation of the customer and the auto shipping provider, a service is less likely to be successful. While many factors in auto shipping delays or problems can be resolved by the carrier, the most common problems that result in a delay in services are in the customer’s court. Provided are some tips that you can remember to help make your auto shipping service successful.
Prepare Your Vehicle Prior to Pickup
One of the most frequent reasons for a delay is the result of a customer forgetting to properly prepare their car before it is picked up. This problem can escalate if multiple customers on a route make the same mistakes – causing a long delay for the customer at the back of the line. One of the ways that you can prepare your car is by giving it a quick wash. Removing any dirt from the body of your car will make the pre-shipment inspection go much faster and smoother. You do not need to get a full car wash but simply giving a quick spray with your hose can go a long way.
If you have a car alarm, be sure that it is turned off during shipment. An auto carrier driver is transporting a great deal of weight and trucks are loud. If your alarm is set off during shipment, it is very unlikely that the driver will be able to hear it. If the trip is long, your battery could die before the vehicle reaches its destination – resulting in a delivery headache and possible extra fees. You might also consider removing any added materials from your car such as the antennae or any spoilers/expensive rims, etc. Finally, pushing the side mirrors toward the vehicle can be helpful in preventing their damage during transport.
Be Aware of the Shipment Schedule
You can prevent delays in auto transport services by making sure that you adhere to the schedule and are present at both the pickup and delivery. Your driver will most likely call you as he approaches the delivery point to help you determine when you should be ready for delivery. This will give you enough time to travel to the terminal (if applicable) and prepare your payment if you chose a C.O.D. (cash on delivery) option. If you are late to a pick up or delivery, this can cause a serious delay in the entire auto shipping process for both you and other customers involved in the transport.