In this blog I'd like to emphasize some of the particular of moving your vehicle that may not occur to you as being issues. For example, did you know you need to disable your car alarm before having your car transported? Things like this can make moving a vehicle a bit of a nightmare.
Choosing a Company
Let's start at the beginning, how to choose an auto transportation company. While I do recommend the shopping around, perusing consumer reviews, background checks, etc.- there is one very important thing to add to narrowing down your options. Do you want to use a broker or a carrier? In case you don't know the difference, most people don't, let me explain to you the differences.
The difference between a broker and carrier is quite simple. Brokers are contractors who hire out different fleets to move vehicles, but don't actually own any of the actual moving vehicles or hire any movers. A carrier is an actual fleet of vehicle and movers. Choosing is no simple task, each has its pros and cons.
Auto brokers usually can provide you with the best deals, because they have a whole network of carriers to help you choose from. There will be a lot less pressure from the company to immediately sign the contract after you get a quote, because the brokers usually do not depend too heavily on individual business to survive.
Carriers will pressure you into immediately signing on after getting a quote, so if you do not like that sort of pressure I'd recommend a broker. On the other hand, carriers deal directly with insurance companies if anything does go wrong. With brokers you will be directed to someone else to deal with any problems of the sort.
When you choose it comes down to personal preference of who you like dealing with. Do you like dealing with customer service folks or with small business owners. Either way, there is always the risk of someone being late or a truck breaking down. Your car is more than likely your second most valuable possession, if not your first, so take time to make the decision. Don't worry too much, more than likely everything will go smoothly.
Preparing Your Vehicle
It may not even occur to you that you will need to prepare your vehicle to be shipped or you may have some misconceptions about what is allowed or not allowed. While each company is different on exactly what they want, here are some basic guidelines as to what a company may expect for you before they put your vehicle on the tow truck.
- You cannot pack your vehicle full of boxes, clothes, anything. While this may seem like a good way to ship some of your stuff, companies do not want to be responsible.
- Clean your vehicle. The company will need to closely inspect the inside and outside of your vehicle. They do not want to have to go through garbage or old cd cases to do so.
- Empty your car, inside and out. Take everything that is not a permanent attachment off of it. EZ passes, GPS, racks, covers, etc.
- Make sure you car isn't leaking any fluids. The best way to make sure of this is to check under your vehicle after is has been parked in a while. If there is any amount of fluid, you may want to consider taking your car to a mechanic.
- Disable your car alarm. While this may seem to be a no obvious step when your read it, it may not occur to you in the havoc of a move.
Most of the time they will come pick up your vehicle from your home, hopefully at the right time, but it isn't always the case that they will drop off your vehicle. Some services do offer door-to-door drop off, while others will make you go to a terminal to pick up your vehicle.
Whichever option you choose comes down to personal preference and what you are capable of. If you are moving your only vehicle, it may be difficult to get a ride out to the terminal. A taxi is always an option if you do not know anyone who will give you a ride. If you are really stressed from the move, you may not want to bother with getting out to the terminal.
Then again door-to-door drop off is usually a little more expensive. These drop-offs tend to be a little more late and unpredictable, because the truck is weaving its way around foreign neighborhoods to drop off different customers cars.
In the quote it will usually say when the estimated time of drop-off will be. You will get a more accurate number when the truck actually picks up your vehicle. If you need your vehicle by a certain date, you will need to let the company know when you are getting your quote. Rushed deliveries are possible if needed usually, but can cost a lot extra.
One last thing.....
DON'T FREAK OUT WHILE YOU ARE WAITING FOR YOUR VEHICLE.
I know this is one of the most valuable pieces of property that you own, but freaking out that someone stole your vehicle or the truck drove off a cliff or whatever fantasy will not help you at this point. It is also not very likely that anything has happened to your car at all, so panicking will probably increase your stress levels that are maxed out from the move. Keep in mind that truck drivers are human to, sometimes they get lost, run late, etc. If you are really starting to feel nervous call the carrier to try to find out where the vehicle is, but don't expect them to know exactly where the truck is. With cell phones it is a little bit easier to locate a truck, but not always possible.
Happy moving!
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