12 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car Across Country

If you’re planning to ship your car across the country, chances are you’re doing so for the first time. Like any new task, there are a few things to keep in mind when shipping your car across the country. Whether you’re planning to buy a new car or sell your old one, here are 12 mistakes to avoid when shipping your car across the country.

1. Failing To Research the Shipper

Before you take the plunge and send your car across the country, doing some research is always a good idea. Finding a reputable, insured shipper can be tricky, but it’s an important step that can save you and your car from the dreaded “car carrier” experience. Although insurance coverage varies by carrier, finding one that offers full coverage for your car’s value is key.

2. Having Your Car Shipped Unaccompanied

Shipping your car unaccompanied is never recommended because if something were to happen on the way to its destination, there would be no one there to help you sort things out. Some shippers will allow your car to be shipped unaccompanied, but you’ll have to pay a fee and take a risk with your car and your investment.

3. Leaving Personal Belongings in the Car

It makes sense to pack up your car with all your possessions to avoid having to relocate them or pay someone else to do it for you. However, you should be aware that by legislation, auto transport businesses are not allowed to export any vehicle that contains home goods. Some businesses do let you pack and ship up to 100 pounds worth of goods in your car. But if it is damaged or disappears, it’s likely that the corporation won’t take responsibility.

4. Not Insuring Your Car

Even if you have ensured that the car is safe and properly prepared, you may still need to get insurance if it is damaged by other cars or in an accident. Car shipping companies are sometimes able to provide insurance as part of their service.

5. Select The Least Expensive

Offering an auto transport service entails a wide range of expenses. There are costs for fuel, the usage of a trailer, the driver’s salary, tolls, meals, and housing. It’s incredibly simple to be persuaded by a ridiculously low price, but be wary because businesses that provide rates that are far lower than the norm will only be doing the bare minimum. If your car is destroyed during shipping, they might be unable to pay the costs.

6. Not Having a Foreign Motor Vehicle Inspection

When cars cross international borders, they must be inspected and verified to comply with all local safety standards before they can be registered. You should contact your nearest consulate office to find out what documents are needed for inspection at the border.

7. Underestimating How Long Transport Will Take

It’s a common misconception that shipping a car across country will only take a week. However, what most people don’t realize is that transporting your car can be slowed down by the weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

8. Not Checking into Import Taxes

One of the biggest mistakes car owners makes is to assume they’re not legally responsible for import taxes. The truth of the matter is that your car could be subjected to a variety of fees if it’s imported by plane, ship, or any other manner. Fees can include tariffs, customs duties, intermediate charges, surcharges, fuel levies, and airport security charges.

9. Not Being Aware of the Legal Requirements

The legal requirements for transporting your car depend upon the country where it will be driven. For example, some nations will require that mechanical inspections be completed, and in other cases, the vehicle must pass emissions testing. The motor carrier is responsible for following all laws and regulations.

10. Getting Your Car Registered in the State You’re Moving To

It’s always recommended that you register your vehicle only after you’ve arrived at your destination. When you register the car in one country and then move to another, you risk paying registration fees on both vehicles. Be sure the vehicle is properly licensed if it moves from a nation that doesn’t require registration to a country that does.

11. Choosing The Wrong Shipping Company

Choosing the best shipping company is crucial if you want to traverse the country with a luxury, customized, classic, vintage, sports, or modified vehicle. In these situations, it’s worth spending a little more to guarantee that your car will have the full protection of an enclosed shipping container.

12. Not Getting In Touch With Carriers

Shipping firms typically cannot give a specific date for the pick-up and delivery of your car due to the nature of the auto transport industry. The delivery of your car could be delayed at any time by unforeseen events like bad weather, traffic, or auto accidents. Therefore, it’s crucial to provide the carrier with your phone number so they can let you know when it will likely arrive. Additionally, keep them continuously informed about the arrival of your car to avoid future delays.

Sending your vehicle abroad is a significant undertaking, and numerous potential pitfalls exist. You can ensure that your car is delivered securely, on time, and with minimal fuss by avoiding the 12 typical mistakes listed above.