If you’re planning on shipping a car and you live in the Kansas City area, then you’ve come to the right place. There are a lot of hidden intricacies in the process that might scare people off if they aren’t prepared, and we’d like to share some tips and tricks on how to navigate them. After all, transporting a vehicle can often save you a lot of time (and even some money!).
The thing is, there may be some roadblocks along the way no matter your reason for transporting an automobile. Whether you’re doing it to save some cash on a road trip (check out recent prices on those here: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-travel-in-usa/, because it’s crazy), or you’re looking to ship a car to a buyer, there are tons of things that you may not have known about.
How Does Car Shipping Work?
Obviously, the first thing that you’ll want to sort out is where you’re looking to get the vehicle moved to. This is probably something that you should have figured out long before you’re making any reservations or security deposits with a shipping company, so keep that in mind as we continue.
From there, the most important thing is to figure out which company you actually want to work with! Here in Kansas City, we have access to a wide range of options. What sort of metrics should we be using to decide, then?
Research or ask about various amenities and services offered, as well as how much extra they cost (or what’s already included in the initial bill). For example, most Kansas City car shipping companies offer what’s known as door-to-door shipping, so a driver will come to retrieve the vehicle as well as drop it off once the transport is complete. This is a standard service at this point, so it’s good to look for one that offers it.
Additionally, try to find shippers that have a bunch of positive reviews. This can help give you an idea of what to expect if you aren’t really sure or haven’t worked with one before. At the end of the day, it will probably come down to cost, though.
More often than not, these companies will charge based on the make, model, year, and weight of your vehicle, along with how far you’re shipping it. Compare the price estimations you get from different companies and see which one would work out best for you. While it can be hard to decide, you may find that it’s worth taking some time to really dig into the comparisons here in order to find a good deal.
Preparing For Car Shipping
Before the driver arrives to pick up your car, there are a few things that you’ll want to have done first. Naturally, everything inside the vehicle should be nice and clean. Tips on how to achieve that can be found on this page, but it’s fairly self-explanatory. Above all else, you’ll want to remove any personal belongings from the car.
That could be phone chargers, a purse, an umbrella – really, anything that you normally leave in there you’ll want to take out. That does include the trunk, too, so don’t forget about that! What else is there to keep in mind?
Well, the exterior of your car should also get a scrub, so visit your local car wash before you have the vehicle picked up. Typically, the driver will be cataloguing any current damage to it just to prevent any liability issues. Having a clean automobile expedites that process.
Additionally, you’ll probably want to round up any important documents beforehand so that you aren’t scrambling on the morning of looking for them. Some examples could be your photo ID, insurance proof for the car, registration details, and anything like that. Ask the shipper beforehand so you know the specifics.
Should We Use Car Shipping Services? Are They Worth it?
Finally, let’s take a look at these questions. They’ve been plaguing automobile owners for a long time. The thing is, if you’re selling to a buyer who lives outside of Kansas City (or who lives here, and you’re the one far away), then you’ll probably find it well worth the cost. It saves you from having to take a long trip that’s way out of your way.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you’re intending to use these services for a move, then you’ll probably be saving yourself money as well as time and energy. The price of gas is pretty high right now, so a road trip isn’t at the top of anybody’s list of fun, inexpensive activities. The stress of them also isn’t very appealing, let’s face it, so having an alternative that can save us time is a pretty big deal.
