Want to know what a car transport process looks like from start to finish? Follow along with our step-by-step guide to see what the average process looks like!
Contact Us and Book Your Shipping Service
The very first step you have to take in a car shipping journey is contacting your car transport company of choice. Since you have to ship your vehicle, you might as well make sure it is with the best in the business and contact Global Auto Transportation! You can reach out to us online or by phone to speak to one of our agents right away. With either method, you will be directed to a shipping agent who will provide you with a free price quote and give you a rundown of the shipping service. You can book your service right away or wait and contact your agent again when you are ready to book. Your price quote is active for 14 days. As soon as you are ready to secure your reservation, you will need to pay a deposit of a partial amount of your shipping total.
When you book your shipping service, there are two main things to consider: the timing it will take for your auto transport and the type of auto transport you would like to reserve.
Be Aware of Time
While the duration of a car shipping service depends on the distance of the shipment as well as weather and road conditions at the time of the drive, the average shipping lengths are as follows:
· In-State Delivery: 1-3 Days
· Up to 1000 Miles: 3-5 Days
· 1000-1250 Miles: 4-5 Days
· 1250-2000 Miles: 6-8 Days
· 2000-3000 Miles: 7-9 Days
· 3000 Miles and Above: 9-11 Days
Reserve the Right Service for You
When you finalize your shipping service, it is important to reserve the right auto shipping service. While we do offer both open and enclosed auto transport, not every vehicle is able to be shipped in both ways. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may not be able to ship with
enclosed shipping, as larger vehicles cannot fit within an enclosed trailer. When you speak with your agent, be sure to be as detailed as possible when describing the vehicle you need to ship.
Additionally, if you have a vehicle that is oversized, we must know that at this point in the process. The loading and unloading process looks different for open vs enclosed auto transport and it looks different for oversized vehicles as well. It is important that we reserve you for the correct shipping method so our drivers can come properly prepared and do not put you at risk of shipping delays.
Prepare Your Car
When you ship your vehicle, in general, it can remain as is. However, we do have a few rules that must be followed, as well as some recommendations to help ensure smooth shipping. The first rule is that only up to 100 pounds is allowed to be shipped within your vehicle. If you wish to include more than 100 pounds of extra things in your vehicle while in transport, you will be subject to additional fees. Please note that while we are fully insured to cover your vehicle while we ship it, this does not apply to any item held within your vehicle. The second rule is that your gas tank should be around ¼ full. This is enough gas to aid your driver in the loading and unloading process, without weighing it down too much.
Something we recommend, but do not require, is washing your car beforehand as well. This makes it easier to identify any dents, scratches, or other signs of damage that already exist on your vehicle prior to shipping. Additionally, we suggest you move any accessories or removable customizations. You do not have to do this; however, removing them prior to shipping ensures nothing happens to them while in transit.
Inspect Your Vehicle With the Driver
Now that your shipping day has arrived, as soon as your driver has met you at your pick-up location, your driver will begin the vehicle inspection. We suggest you follow along with them. Together, take note of any damage or marks on the vehicle and make sure it is reported on the Bill of Lading/Vehicle Condition Report. During the inspection, alert your driver to any special features of your car. For example, if you have a breathalyzer in the vehicle, let your driver know that it is there and how to use it. Also, if you have an alarm, disable the alarm, and let the driver know in case of any issue on the road.
See Your Vehicle Take Off
Once a thorough inspection has been completed by you and your driver, it is time to say goodbye to your car. Your driver will give you any contact information so that you can easily contact them while they are in transit and receive updates of the shipment.
Receive Updates of the Journey
While your vehicle is on the move, you can contact your driver directly for updates. Additionally, you can contact your shipping agent, and they will be able to get an update for you.
Pick Up Your Vehicle
Once your vehicle has been shipped, the final step is to pick it up. Your driver will confirm the day and time of your delivery as they approach the drop-off destination. Please ensure that yourself or a trusted representative is available for your delivery. A final inspection with the driver will occur to look at the state of your vehicle after shipping and updates will be made to the Bill of Lading as needed. Lastly, you will submit your final payment to the driver and receive your final copy of the Bill of Lading, which serves as both the contract of your shipment and your receipt. Then, you can reflect on the excellent auto shipping service you just had!