Car Transportation Requirements: 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Professional car transportation begins with knowing the requirements for cross-country shipping. Whether you're moving to a new state, or purchasing a car from a distant seller, learning the ins and outs of auto transport is important. We shared all the required information and steps that you should follow and meet the car transportation requirements and help you secure the simple and seamless shipping process.

Table of Contents

• Choose the Reliable Auto Shipping Company 
• Documentation for Auto Shipping
• Vehicle Condition Requirements
• Inspection and Documentation
• Special Considerations for Custom or Modified Vehicles
• Insurance Requirements and Coverage
• Choose the Type of Car Shipping Services
• Vehicle Preparation Tips
• 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choose the Reliable Auto Shipping Company 

Choosing a reputable shipping company promises you a smooth and stress-free auto transport experience. Look for companies with positive reviews, a good track record, and proper licensing. A reliable vehicle shipping company, such as BAH Logistics, stands out for its experience and expertise in handling car shipments. As one of the top-rated vehicle shipping companies, we prioritize safety, security, and a customer-centric approach at every step of the process. 

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Documentation for Auto Shipping

You cannot successfully deal with a vehicle shipping company without having your documentation all set. Here are the required documents you'll need:

Proof of Ownership: You need to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle, such as the title or registration, to confirm that you are the rightful owner and authorized to ship the car.

Valid Photo ID: Provide a valid photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity and authorize the vehicle shipment.

Insurance Documentation: You should have insurance documentation ready, confirming the shipping company's insurance coverage, and ensuring that your vehicle is protected during transport in case of any damage or incidents.

Vehicle Condition Requirements

Give precise information about the vehicle's condition. Based on the given information the correct shipping method and equipment are used. Below are the general requirements for vehicle conditions that you should consider before scheduling your auto transport:

The car must be operational unless specified otherwise. An operable vehicle means that all the essential systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and steering, are working properly and meet the vehicle’s safety requirements. When a car requires no extra force to load it onto the transporting truck or ship, it is considered operable. This ensures a smoother and more efficient loading and unloading process, generally reducing costs and the need for specialized equipment.

Shipping non-operational vehicles. On the other hand, an inoperable vehicle is unable to function properly on the road due to mechanical issues, damage, or other problems that prevent it from moving. In the car shipping industry, an inoperable vehicle requires special handling, such as being winched or pushed onto the transport truck or ship using a crane or other tools. Shipping a non-operational vehicle often involves additional costs and arrangements, so it’s important to notify the shipping company in advance if your vehicle is inoperable.

Inspection and Documentation

When you accept delivery, inspect your vehicle. Regardless of the type of delivery service you receive—whether it's door-to-door car delivery, open auto transport, enclosed auto transport, or expedited shipping—always check your vehicle upon arrival.

Be sure to review the Bill of Lading, which serves as an important document outlining the vehicle’s condition at the time of pick-up and delivery. This document is important for filing any claims in case of any issues.

Special Considerations for Custom or Modified Vehicles

Inform the shipping company about any modifications your vehicle may have, such as oversized tires, a lowered chassis, or custom bodywork. These modifications can affect the vehicle’s height, weight, and overall dimensions, which may require special handling. Providing this information ensures that the shipping company can prepare the proper equipment and transport options to accommodate your vehicle's unique features.

How do Modifications Impact Shipping Methods and costs?

Modifications can impact both the shipping method and costs. For example, a vehicle with oversized tires or a lowered chassis may need to be transported on a flatbed truck rather than a standard carrier, which can increase the cost. Additionally, the company may require more time and resources for proper loading and unloading. By informing the company about modifications early, you can avoid surprises.

Insurance Requirements and Coverage

Insurance requirements and coverage are mandatory. Some states have regulations and strict laws dedicated to insurance. Here are the main requirements to consider:

Verify the shipping company’s insurance coverage. Verify that the shipping company provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle during transport. Reputable auto transport companies like BAH Logistics offer all-in-one insurance coverage to protect your car in case of accidents, damage, or theft. Always request a copy of the company’s insurance policy and carefully review the details to ensure it meets your needs before proceeding with the shipment.

Consider additional insurance for high-value or vintage cars. For high-value, classic, or vintage cars, standard insurance coverage may not offer enough protection. In these cases, it’s recommended to obtain additional insurance to fully protect your vehicle during transport. BAH Logistics' network of professional carriers provides specialized coverage options for luxury and vintage cars, ensuring that your prized possession is adequately protected against potential risks.

Choose the Type of Car Shipping Services

According to your needs, you may choose from various car shipping services, including open, expedited, enclosed, and door-to-door transport. BAH Logistics provides all these shipping methods to accommodate different preferences and requirements. Whether you're looking for an affordable open transport option, a fast expedited service, or the extra protection of enclosed shipping, BAH offers customized solutions.  

Vehicle Preparation Tips

Here’s how to ensure your vehicle arrives flawlessly at its destination:

Clean the car inside and out for inspection. Cleaning your car both inside and out allows for a clear inspection to identify any pre-existing damage. You and the carrier can accurately document the vehicle's condition before transport.

Remove personal items and accessories. Items packed in your vehicle won’t be insured against damage or theft. But if you need to move some items with your race car, try to keep the 100-pound free-of-charge limit.

Fuel level. Keep the fuel level at about a quarter tank to reduce the vehicle's weight and ensure safe transport. Excess fuel can add unnecessary weight and make the car harder to load and unload.

Disconnect devices. Disconnect devices, such as alarms, that could potentially drain battery power during transit.

3 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes you should avoid to help your car arrive safely:

1. Neglecting documentation: Failing to provide the necessary documentation, can cause delays or issues during the shipping process. Make sure all required documents are ready and accurate to avoid complications.
2. Failing to disclose vehicle conditions or modifications: Not informing about the vehicle’s operability or any modifications can lead to improper handling or unexpected costs. Always provide all relevant details to ensure the right shipping method and equipment are used.
3. Not verifying the shipping company’s requirements in advance: Each shipping company may have specific requirements or restrictions regarding vehicle condition, size, or personal items. Verify these details for a smooth and hassle-free transport experience.

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Ship Your Car With BAH Logistics

BAH Logistics is proud of itself as being a top-rated car shipping company by professionally providing the above-mentioned services. We strongly advise you to follow the above-mentioned requirements and simplify whole the shipping process. The professional partnership begins with transparent communication and evaluating the given requirements.