Vehicle Transport Made Easy
With so many complex factors to consider, we asked Patrick Kashani, National Commercial Manager of Carways, how to make the process of vehicle transport easy.
For many, transporting a vehicle across the country can seem like a huge task.
If you’re driving the vehicle, you could end up putting thousands of kilometres on odometer and subject it to wear and tear. There would also be a potentially significant amount of money you will have to spend on fuel, food and accommodation.
Car transport companies are really there to take away the hassle.
That said, it pays to do some basic research to ensure you are working with a reputable company that will make sure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
Understandably, since car transport isn’t a service many would use every day, it is easy find it overwhelming and confusing.
How much research should a customer do?
If you’re buying a used car, you’d want to do some research first wouldn’t you?
The same is true with vehicle transport. You don’t have to book with the first car transport company you come across.
It’s important to take the time and do sufficient research and comparing companies and their pricing.
Be sure to read customer reviews carefully.
Many companies will display testimonials on their websites but also be sure and check reviews on Product Review as well as other independent review sites. Many discussions on car-related forums may also reveal the reality behind some company practices.
About 30 minutes of research online will certainly help you uncover those companies that have a habit of letting customers down.
Will the Vehicle be Insured While in Transit?
Damage to vehicles whilst in transit is certainly one of the things that people worry most about when shipping their vehicle.
While relatively uncommon (less that 1% of vehicles are damaged during transport), it is possible and being aware if this is really important.
Different companies offer different coverages so you should check with the transport company to make sure you’re comfortable with the liability coverage on offer.
This will ease your mind knowing that you aren’t financially responsible in the event of damage.
Should I Choose a Depot-to-Depot or a Door-to-Door Option?
One of the great things about vehicle transport is that you have the option of a door-to-door service and this is one of the best ways to ensure a hassle free experience.
It means you don’t have to worry about arranging your own transport to and from a depot which may be quite some distance away.
It also means the least amount of wear and tear to your vehicle and this might be important for some, particularly if it’s a luxury, exotic, classic, antique, or custom vehicle.
So, while you might pay a bit more for this service, it certainly makes for a stress-free experience.
Should I Take Photos Before and After?
Taking lots of photos of your vehicle is really important because the last thing you want to deal with is the hassle of debating over damage.
We encourage customers to take plenty of pictures of their vehicle and document every scratch, ding, or dent to ensure there is a proper record of the vehicle’s condition prior to transport.
This will make it much easier to identify and handle any damage claims later on.
Why do so Many Companies Make Their Pricing so Complicated?
Since car transport isn’t a service many would use every day, its understandable that vehicle transport costs can be difficult to understand and we’ve attempted to make ours as easy as possible.
Online quotes provided by many companies will also stipulate many conditions of travel that are either in fine print or are so difficult to understand that many customers don’t even read them.
The last thing you want is to be blindsided by hidden fees and surcharges and, if you move to booking the transport, check for company policies on cancellation fees.
It goes without saying, make sure you ask about every fee upfront and get the quote in writing.
Car Transport Services – Serving You Best
Car Transport Services connects shippers like you with auto transport companies.
If you need to ship a vehicle to any part of the country, it’s easier than you think and probably more affordable too. Find out by get your quotes online today.
About Patrick Kashani
Patrick Kashani is the National Commercial Manager at Carways Pty. Ltd. and a vehicle logistics industry leader. With more than two decades of experience in logistics, supply chain and automotive transport industries, he has seen the best (and the worst) of what the industry offers its customers.
