There are a few steps you need to take before you send off your car for transshipment. There are two options from which you can choose for the pick up and delivery of your vehicles. The first is door-to-door pick and deliver. Though this is very convenient, it can cost you more than the second option – terminal to terminal pick up and delivery. The second option requires you to drop off the car at the carrier terminal at a scheduled date and time and also pick up your vehicle from the destination terminal of the auto shipping company. For this also, you will be given notification as to the date and time when you can go and pick up your vehicle. Prior to pick up by the auto shipping company, there are quite a few steps which you need to take for preparing your car for a smooth and hassle-free relocation :

• There is an important inspection which your vehicle has to go through. You must be present during this pre-inspection before you sign the bill of lading. Prior to leaving your car with an auto shipping company, make sure that you receive a copy of this Original Inspection Report. This report will contain important information like pick-up and delivery dates, current mileage as well as the current condition of the car. It will also show you if you have a cracked mirror, torn upholstery, dents on the surface, general pain bruises, etc. You need to keep this report till you receive the car in good condition at your new destination.
• Your car must be in a running condition, before you decide to relocate it. Very few shipping companies agree to move a car which is not in a running condition, and even if they do agree, you have to pay an additional fee.
• Send your car for a thorough servicing prior to shipping.
• The tires should be adequately inflated before shipping to the optimal pressure range. This will ensure that no damage is done to the tires during loading and unloading of the vehicle.
• In case of severe weather conditions, it is advisable to regulate the anti-freeze levels of the car radiator.
• Clear your car of all hazardous items or ammunition if any. Only items like spare tires, jack, etc are allowed inside the car. In case some other goods are left in the luggage or glove compartment of the car and they are found missing or damaged, the car shipping company can not be held responsible.
• You have to hand over a full set of car keys to the transporter when your car is picked up for transportation.
• Roof racks, antennas are to be removed.
• In case the vehicle is connected to an alarm system network, this needs to be disconnected before the car is picked up.
• Keep the gas tank filled up less than half its capacity prior to shipping.
• Some heavy vehicles and heavy boats need special crane service for it to be picked up and loaded on to the truck. Make sure that your auto shipping company is fully equipped with the necessary machinery to do this job.