California, also known as the Golden state, is one of the most geographically diverse and populated states in the country. It is also a notable centre for auto transport businesses; therefore, whether you are buying a car from out of state, migrating to or out of the state or need to transport your vehicle for whatever reason, there are many car shipping services in California that provides a stress-free means of auto transport no matter the distance.
Despite the proliferation of car shipping services in the state, getting a good deal can be overwhelming especially for people who know nothing about the process. This article therefore, will enable you get efficient, hitch-free and Fast car shipping in California by helping you understand how the process works. We will also share some factors to consider when making a decision about the shipper to use.
How California Car Shipping Works
Auto transport which is another name for car shipping is a service that uses specialized carriers to transport cars from one location to another. These companies in California and in other parts of the country provide a number of services that meet the needs of their customers.
Find below, a summary of the process for car shipping:
Choose a Shipping Method
This involves choosing between Open Carrier and Enclosed Carriers.
- Open Carriers– These are the most readily available options and also the most affordable. This entails loading vehicles on an open trailer for shipment. These trailers can be single level or double level trailers. The vehicles are securely attached to the trailers and are safe; the only downside is that the cargo is exposed to road debris and inclement weather.
- Enclosed Carriers– This entails loading vehicles onto trailers with covered roof and sides. This option is not as readily available and affordable as the 1st option but is the recommended option if you are shipping a luxury or vintage vehicle. The major advantage of this option is the extra protection it affords the cargo form road debris and weather elements.
Get a Quote
Most auto transport companies will give you an instant quote once you visit their website and provide the requisite information. This includes the make and model of the car, your preferred pickup and drop-off destinations and expected shipping dates. Note that prices will vary based on the time of the year/season, the distance and the carrier you choose. Click here for tips on how to get a good bargain on goods and services.
Book Your Shipment
After reviewing at least, a minimum of 3 quotes, determine the one that offers best value for money and go ahead to book your space with the shipper. After your booking has been confirmed, the shipper will send you instructions on preparing your car for shipping and the timeline for the pick-up and delivery.
Prepare Your Vehicle Car for Shipping
Following your receipt of instructions from your shipper, ensure that you adhere to them and prepare your car accordingly. Clean it, clear out personal belongings, and check the fluid levels, the tire pressure and battery charge and then take a picture and walk-around video of the car to document the condition of the car before shipment.
Pick-up and Delivery
The last stages of the process are the pick-up of the vehicle from the agreed location and delivery to your chosen destination.
Before we round up, let’s share quick tips on the factors to consider before choosing a shipping company:
- Reputation of the Company – This you can ascertain by reading reviews or getting testimonials from past clients or customers. You can get these reviews from Google, BBB, Yelp or the website of the company.
- Insurance and Licensing – Ensure that the company is duly licensed to operate in California. Also ensure that they have the requisite insurance. Ensure that they also have a Motor Carrier (MC) number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can visit this site: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to check the authenticity of the number.
- Transparent Pricing – Ensure that you are getting commensurate value for your money. The cheapest offer is not necessarily the best; remember that you get what you pay for. Also bear in mind that prices are not static; it is affected by time of the year, distance, make and model of the car.
- Shipping Time Frame – Ensure you confirm that the timeframe for the pickup and delivery fits your schedule.
- Good Customer Service- The customer service of a company determines the experience you will have with the company so ensure you choose a customer-centric business that is heavily invested in delivering top quality service and great customer experience.
Conclusion
Auto transport to and from California can be stress and hitch-free if you understand the process. We have shared information that we believe will help you make an informed decision. Bear these tips in mind to get that good deal!
