Dependable Auto Transport Preparation

DO I NEED TO PREPARE MY VEHICLE FOR DEPENDABLE AUTO TRANSPORT? There are a few simple things that a shipper can do that will contribute to a more successful move.

1. In most cases the driver will drive your vehicle on and off the dependable auto transport. Drivers come in all sizes. Be sure that the driver seat can freely move all the way forward and back so the driver can fit behind the wheel and/or reach the controls. Also make sure that his field of vision is unobstructed. The dependable auto transport driver has to be able to see out all of the windows when he drives the vehicle on and off the dependable auto transport.

2. Antennas can be a problem. If it is electrical, lower it. Show the driver how to lower it in case he accidentally raises it. Many antennas are detachable. If your antenna can be removed, do so and place the antenna on the floor in front of the passenger seat or in the trunk where you will remember to find it later.

3. Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items that may fall off or be damaged during auto transport. This would include low hanging spoilers, fog lights, ground effects, bumper guards, and window shades.

4. If there are any tears or open seams on a convertible top, seal them so air can not penetrate. Your vehicle will quite likely be loaded on a platform that will need to be tilted at an angle that is different from the way it travels down the road. As the dependable auto transport drives down the road, air can find its way into any tears or open seams, making them worse or quite possibly ripping the top completely off.

5. Prepare your vehicle for extreme temperature changes by confirming that there are adequate levels of antifreeze in the cooling system.

6. A loose and leaking battery may cause considerable damage to your vehicle and/or other vehicles on the dependable auto transport. Be sure that the battery is secure, that it has tight fitting caps, and that there are no leaks. Sometimes new batteries, or ones that have just been serviced, can be a problem because the fluid levels are too high. This is especially true during very hot weather when the fluid in the battery expands. Also remember, your vehicle may be riding on the dependable auto transport for a length of time at a sharp incline.

7. Leave approximately 1/4 tank of gas in the vehicle. This is enough to load and unload the vehicle and to get you to a gas station when you receive the vehicle. This is especially true if your vehicle is going to be on a boat for any part of the move. Weight is critical to the ship and they will empty your tank of any excess gas without compensation. Weight is also very important to the carrier. Gasoline weighs about 7 lbs per gallon. If all of the vehicles on the carrier have full tanks, that can really add up to a lot of weight.

8. Many vehicles are equipped with burglar alarms and anti-theft devices. You need to deactivate, or better yet, disconnect them prior to shipment. Any keys or control devices associated with the system must accompany the vehicle, along with detailed instructions on how it functions. There can be serious problems and unnecessary expenses incurred if the driver is locked out of the vehicle or the alarm goes off during transport.

9. Anything of value that is not factory installed should be removed from the vehicle. This would include stereo equipment and speakers, radios, cellular telephones and antennas, scanners, radar detectors, CB radios, etc. Pack them up and take them with you or ship them separately. Again, this is especially true if the vehicle will be on a boat at any point during the move. The people at the port will remove anything from the car that is not standard equipment, including items such as child car seats. You will not be compensated and the driver will not assume responsibility for your belongings.

10. Provide the driver with all keys. This would include keys to the ignition, doors, trunk, gas cap, alarm, etc. As the driver travels from one state to another, he passes through several ports of entry and exit. At these ports, or anywhere along the way, he may have to submit to searches by government agencies. Usually, they are searching for drugs. If there is no key to access the trunk, the government official will break the lock to accomplish his search. Also, if your vehicle is going on a boat, the port may not accept the vehicle without all of the keys.

11. Make sure that your vehicle is clean. It will probably get dirty in transport, however, the driver can write up a more accurate condition report if the vehicle is clean when he looks at it. This will definitely work to your advantage when trying to assess if any damage was done in transport.