California is among the largest states in the country, with a constant migration of newcomers. New residents and visitors are afforded endless opportunities from careers to recreation and a rich cultural history. In order to explore at leisure, it’s essential to have reliable transportation. 

With California Car Movers your vehicle can safely and conveniently be transported to or from the state. A qualified company with competitive rates and quality services will protect the auto from the moment of pick up until delivery.   

You can find the best companies by carefully researching and obtaining quotes from multiple providers. Instead of basing a decision on the cheapest rates you can find, prioritize reputation, experience, and reliability. Rates that fall well below the average often fall short in some areas of service. 

Tips On What to Know Before Transporting a Car with a Shipping Provider 

Many people prefer to transport their car when visiting or moving into California instead of driving it. The drive can involve a long distance, possibly across the country, a heavy toll for an asset of this value to take.  

Shipping the vehicle is a safe, affordable, and practical alternative giving car owners peace of mind that their auto will arrive in the same condition as it was picked up.  

Auto transport can be a relatively straightforward process when you follow the protocol. If you’ve never shipped a car, here are a few things to know before moving forward. 

Researching A Car Shipping Service 

As a car owner, you want to be able to trust the company transporting your vehicle. That means due diligence researching to identify those of quality versus the ones to avoid. In doing so the following resources simplify that process. 

• Federal Motor Carrier Administration 

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration keeps a profile on transport company’s along with their safety records which you can view on their website. This will detail whether the service is authorized to transport cars, their safety rating, and if they have a below-average out-of-service percentage.  

The site also discloses if the provider is a carrier or broker. You won’t want to move forward with them if they don’t meet the essential criteria. 

• Local resources 

Great local resources include loved ones, friends, and even dealerships in your area that have transport companies that they trust. You can also research and join online communities or forums dedicated to local car shipping.  

Here, you can ask direct questions relating to your specific situation and gain insight into quality providers. 

Car shipping methods 

Becoming familiar with all facets of the transport process before booking will ensure you make the right choices. Most carriers offer open and enclosed trailers for shipping. These are distinct in that the open carrier is exposed to the outside while the enclosed trailer is not. 

• Open trailer 

With the open carrier cars are exposed to the outside elements including road debris, weather, and intrusion. The risks are more prominent at certain times of the year, like winter when road salt and inclement weather are present.  

As a rule, the open trailer is the favored choice for transport among drivers and customers. They’re easily accessible, affordable, and proven fast albeit safe and secure. 

• Enclosed transport 

Enclosed trailers are closed on all sides leaving no exposure to the outdoors. This allows added safety and protection from the elements and intrusion. These carry fewer vehicles and there are less of these available compare to the open trailers.  

The enclosed trailer is often reserved for high-end, classic, or exotic autos. The price point is significantly higher than that of open trailers, but the vehicles are provided with an extra level of protection while in transit. Visit https://europeanbusinessmagazine.com/business/how-to-save-money-on-california-car-shipping/ for guidance on saving money on California car shipping. 

Prepare the vehicle 

When it comes time to ship the vehicle, you first need to ensure it meets the auto transport company’s protocol. The provider will let you know how to prep the car. The auto must be mechanically sound and washed before it’s picked up. Any damage can be more readily seen with a clean vehicle during the inspection. 

The car should be operational including functional brakes. If it doesn’t work, the transport rates will likely be higher. The shipping company could also refuse the vehicle if it doesn’t move, turn or have brakes. 

The antifreeze level must be adequate when traveling through various climates to prevent engine damage. All fluids should be checked to ensure they’re sufficient. There should also be no leaks. 

When cleaning the auto, all personal items and anything that could come loose and create damage should be removed. Insurance won’t cover these items if there’s damage or a loss. Go here for details on California car shipping features and price points. 

Final Thought 

California is a favored holiday destination for many people with some ultimately staying in the state. For many, this means finding a way to get their vehicle there without driving. Finding a trusted auto transport company is relatively straightforward.  

With adequate research to find a reputable company offering competitive rates and high-quality services, you can have peace of mind that your car will be protected from pick up until delivery. The best carrier aims to provide safe and secure services for the most positive experience.