The auto transport business in Florida is booming and doesn’t seem like it will be slowing down any time soon. One of the reasons for this is not farfetched, especially when we consider the number of new residents moving to the state. If you are one of those moving and you also need to move your car, then this article if for you.
The process of shipping your car may seem complex, especially for first-timers. However, it can be broken down to make it easier to understand. When people plan to ship their car, many focus on getting a cheap Florida car shipping deal. This is important, but must be considered alongside other important factors. In this article, we’ll look at some of these important factors that you need to consider when shipping your car from Florida.
Shipping Method
In most cases, people think about the shipping company first before deciding on the method they want to use. Thinking like that is nothing more than putting the cart before the horse. You must decide the method first, and these are the options you can choose from:
- Open transport: Here, your car is transported in a trailer that is open on both sides and sometimes at the top. So, the vehicle is exposed to the weather elements.
- Enclosed transport: In this case, your vehicle is well protected from the elements of weather. This option is more expensive than the former.
Why should you decide on the shipping method first before the company? The reason is simple: you’ll focus only on companies that offer the method you have chosen. Although most companies offer both transport methods, sometimes they might be short of transport trailers due to demand.
In such a case, you need to stick to your guns, preferring the method you chose and not what they present.
Shipping Company
The company you choose determines whether your car will arrive at its destination safely. Therefore, you need to choose carefully. Conduct in-depth research on the companies you are considering. Find out the following before choosing one:
- License: Confirm that they are licensed by the appropriate government agency to operate in Florida and the location you’re moving to.
- Insurance: Do they have adequate cover in case of any damage to your vehicle? You have to find out the details of their insurance and confirm that it is legit.
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: What are previous customers saying about them on third-party review websites and platforms? You can visit https://www.tidio.com/ to learn why reviews and ratings are important. Make sure you don’t choose a company that has less than a 4-star rating on any platform.
Insurance
We mentioned above that you should choose an auto transport firm that has insurance, right? Well, apart from that layer of protection, it is smart to have personal car insurance. Doing this will add another layer of security, thereby ensuring your car has adequate protection.
Schedule
The car shipping business relies heavily on the law of demand and supply. When the demand for the services is high, the price will shoot up. Therefore, you need to take advantage of low-demand seasons. Also, book your shipping ahead to save you money and ensure your car is delivered on time.
Pickup and Delivery Locations
There are two options for pickup:
- Pickup from home: The company will send a driver with a carrier to pick up the vehicle from your home. You don’t need to leave the comfort of your home. Although it’s convenient for you, you’ll have to pay more for the inconvenience to the driver.
- Pickup at the shipping company port: By port, we don’t necessarily mean it’s near a waterbody. We’re referring to the base where the business operates. This option is less convenient for you, but will save you money.
There are two options for delivery as well:
- Port delivery: In this case, your car will be delivered to a designated port location. Then you’ll go to pick up the vehicle. It’s cheaper than the alternative.
- Home delivery: Your car will be delivered at the location of your choosing, in most cases your home. As expected, this option is more expensive.
If you are choosing the home option for pickup or delivery, make sure you give the correct address. This will prevent any confusion and delay during pickup or delivery. We do not recommend that you change the delivery location when the carrier is already in transit. Doing so might cause the above-mentioned problems.
Communication and Tracking
You need to hire a shipping company that maintains open communication during the transportation process. You can read this article to find out why communication is important in business. In addition to having open communication, there must be an automated system that allows you to track the location of your vehicle in real-time. With such a setup, you can easily see where your car is at any given time.
Documentation and Paperwork
There is paperwork you need to sign and documentation you must have to ensure the agreement is legal and valid. Overlooking these documents might have grave implications when issues arise. Let’s just list some of the documents you’ll need and have to sign:
- Valid ID
- Vehicle title
- Vehicle registration
- Shipping contract
- Vehicle inspection report
Conclusion
Shipping a car from Florida should not be done without following due process. There are factors that you must think of even before you contact an auto transport firm. We’ve discussed these factors in detail to ensure you have a smooth shipping process.Ca
