Since most of the country is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Homeland Security opened some sectors, including the Transportation industry.
Most of the country has a warrant to stay in working order, but certain situations may force you to transport your vehicle.
Since most of the country is closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry of Homeland Security opened some sectors, including the Transportation industry.
Most of the country has a warrant to stay in working order, but certain situations may force you to transport your vehicle.
Regardless of who you are, the use of a reputable car shipping company that will take precautions for the safe transportation of your car, without the risk of cross-infection with the virus will be very effective.
Below are some useful tips for transporting your car without exposing yourself or the carrier to risk.
Ideas About Shipping Your Car During The Pandemic
There are many ideas and misunderstandings about the pandemic, which are understandable, yet incorrect. For instance, there is no evidence that road transport is more dangerous than usual.
Vehicles being transported should be wiped with disinfectant products inside and outside. However, they should not be considered more dangerous than other vehicles.
The same applies to vehicles manufactured outside the country or imported spare parts. All these things should be treated with the same care throughout the pandemic.
Research the Company
More than ever, you should investigate multiple carriers and then go to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Authority, which allows consumers to check the license, insurance, and complaints history of the shipping business.
It is the most crucial step in delivering a vehicle. It is finding a reliable shipper. There have been many terrible stories about people buying expensive cars at auctions and then trying to save money on second-rate freight that doesn’t specialize in transporting cars. It is a great way to ruin a new investment.
When you find a reputable company, start asking for quotations. Sometimes the best rates are during winter when fewer people transport cars. Also, please enquire about the precautions that they take over the pandemic period.
Choose Your Location
Normally, a shipping company will contact you when it has an open truck that goes to its destination. Before the carrier arrives, check to see if you have enough space outside or in the parking lot to load it.
Similarly, make sure you know where the company will leave your car when you arrive. If you specify the exact date, you will receive your car instead of agreeing to the timeframe for more than some services.
Note that shipping between two major cities can be cheaper than shipping between smaller cities.
Also, make sure you plan the time right. Timing does not work like with Amazon delivery. Vehicle shipping to Alaska from some southern state would take considerably more than shipping between nearby states.
Covered Or Uncovered?
You should decide whether to cover your car during transport. Keeping it open is cheaper, but it also leaves the sheet metal susceptible to dents and garbage. However, both options are safe during the outbreak.
Enclosed car carrier provides the most protection but can cost about 60 percent more. Customers shipping classic, vintage, or luxury cars will want to order a closed trailer or their top-loaded car. It is a slightly more expensive option that allows your car to travel on the carrier’s upper deck, away from road debris and car fluids that may leak from other cars.
Inspect The Vehicle
The transport company usually checks the vehicle for damage, such as scratches and dents, during the inspection before loading it onto the truck. Make sure you inspect the vehicle and agree with the surveyor’s report. Also, ensure that you remove any objects that you don’t want to be possible contaminated if someone is infected.
You may want to take photographs before and after shipment as evidence if you need to file a claim for damages.
When you arrive, a member of the transportation company will conduct a detailed inspection of the inspection report, called the bill of lading, and inspect the vehicle for damage. If you agree with the assessment, you will both sign this form and get a copy.
How To Prepare My Car For Shipping
The same preparatory work should be carried out as when the vehicle is prepared for transport during regular times.
If possible, an extra pair of latex gloves, a face mask, and disinfectant wipes should be left in the car.
This way, if you deliver the car to someone who may not have supplies in their hands, they can safely take the car without putting themselves in danger.
You Should Wash Your Car
Dust and dirt can easily hide dents, scratches, and dents. Wash the car thoroughly before dropping it off.
With a clean car, you should be able to spot better any new damage caused by shipping the car as soon as it arrives at its destination.
Clean The Inside Of The Car
Your car may be a little jammed during transport. Avoid throwing things around inside your vehicle, cleaning the interior, and removing anything that is not secured. It includes air fresheners and your spare change. Also, if you disinfect the interior, it will reduce the risk of spreading disease.
Remove Custom Accessories
To prevent the risk of damage to the vehicle spoiler and other special accessories during transportation due to their non-standard dimensions, ensure that any non-standard parts or accessories are removed before loading the vehicle onto the truck. Besides, during the outbreak, the fewer things that have contact with people, the better.
Document Its Pre-Shipping Condition
Once the maintenance problems have been resolved, you will receive a complete vehicle condition report to ensure that you have written documentation of the vehicle’s condition before shipping.
Write down any existing scratches, dents, or missing parts. To identify scratches and dents, take pictures, so you have proof of size and location.
If additional damage occurs during shipment, this documentation will provide enough evidence to hold the company accountable. However, make sure they confirm the documents before shipping to avoid further disputes in the future.
How Do I Give My Car Over to A Transporter During The Outbreak?
When the carrier comes to pick up and load your car, you will find yourself being in close contact. It will be the best option if you take the same precautions as you normally do in public places.
As recommended by the CDC, you should make sure your mouth and nose are covered to minimize the risk of possible transmission. Ensure you wear disposable gloves and keep a distance of 6 feet while transporting your car.
During the vehicle inspection, the carrier should place a vehicle status report and leave immediately. You should also bring a pen instead of sharing it as a precaution to sign the inspection report to limit your exposure.
If you do not have a pen to sign with, you and the driver could agree to take a few pictures instead as a visual inspection, and verbally agree that these pictures will act as an inspection report.
How Should Get My Car Back During Delivery?
You should follow the same precautions as when you first hand the car over to the car carrier at the point of issue.
After the car is unloaded and the inspection report is signed, ensure that the surface that is frequently touched during operation is wiped from the person you touched.
These places may have been a door handle, shift handle, center console, radio, rearview mirrors, and, most importantly, the steering wheel.
When it comes to paying for transportation, cash is usually the preferred method of payment. If you must pay in cash, please remember to put the cash on the surface and leave so the carrier can get it at a safe distance.
If possible, ask your car delivery agent if you can pay with a credit card or bank transfer to limit your communication.
To Sum Up
Concerns about whether it is possible to send a car during this time often arise recently. As we saw, during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is safe to send a car.
However, it requires some caution and preparation. After taking these precautions, the transportation process should be stress-free if you also consider the advice that has been mentioned.