Shipping a car within Canada or to an overseas destination is not an easy job. Apart from making sure your vehicle arrives in one piece, you need to also pay the excise duties, go through all the paperwork, and make sure every party involved is easily communicated with. However, it is good to understand that only experienced auto shipping companies can help you quickly ship your car. Shipping a car is not an easy process.
That is why it is important to get a good auto shipping company. From finding the right provider to drafting a contract between you and the car shipping company, you need to be very careful when making important decisions. Deliberating your choices and revisiting the course of action is the key to success. TIn this article, to make things easier for you, we impart some tips when shipping a car across Canada.
Make sure the transporter is registered and licensed
As a car transporter, you need to follow DOT regulations. Most transporter websites state that they are DOT compliant. It is worth checking if your preferred transporter is DOT compliant. If you find that a transport company is not DOT compliant, leave the business. There is nothing to lose except the money invested in choosing the wrong transporter. Make sure you use a firm that holds a DOT number. Also, make sure the transporter has clearances from the body shops you intend to ship the car to.
If you want to ship a vehicle, you need to ensure the chosen one has the suitable capacity. According to DOT regulations, there is a maximum limit on the maximum weight a vehicle can carry. Avoid shipping cars that exceed this limit. Do not get yourself into trouble by transporting a car that cannot be used in the country it was shipped from. When it comes to vehicle transport, consider all legal points and safety measures.
Here, you can definitely consult with one of the certified international car shipping companies that not only transports vehicles within the nation, but also overseas. It is because they can provide you with all the legal and technical insights into shipping your car to a distant location in a seamless manner.
Prepare your car
Car shipping companies also need to prepare their vehicles for the journey to their client’s locations. That includes the car’s service history, tires, etc. Do not ship a car that needs repair or has a lot of miles. The last thing you want is for your customer to face an emergency once your vehicle arrives at the destination. That will delay delivery, and that is the last thing you want to happen.
Packing your car for shipping is the first step in this lengthy process. You need to check if any items need to be packed. Some of the things that need to be sealed are electronic items, keyfobs, registration documents, life and health insurance certificates, driver’s licenses, fire extinguishers, and any other relevant documents.
If shipping to an overseas destination, ensure the provider is registered with FMC
Any move you make regarding your vehicle will be affected by an import duty levied by your chosen automobile shipping company. Ensure that they are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and International Trade Commission (ITC) in the country, or, if not, find another company with experience in doing business in this field. You need to ensure that you keep in touch with the car shipping company, even after the vehicle is shipped to its destination. It is an essential step to ensure your investment is well protected.
Everything should be in writing
We all know what constitutes a contract. Usually, we tend to put less emphasis on it. However, it is advisable to sign a letter of intent when you start a new work-related relationship. Signing a contract with a shipping company, on the other hand, is advisable. Therefore, keep all essential documents in place. Before signing it, please read carefully all the terms and conditions of the agreement you have made with the shipping company.
Get a bill of lading
Always make sure you get a bill of lading from the car shipping company. It is necessary to have this document to track your delivery. You must also provide a hard copy of the document to the customs and other agencies to keep you updated on your journey.
Unlike car salespeople, the shipping companies will give you an estimate of the shipping time of the car that you want to send. Do not get fooled by them, as you do not know the time of arrival of the vehicle until you find yourself in the waiting area of the shipping company’s terminal. To avoid confusion, read all the documents thoroughly, ensure you sign everything, and provide the correct information whenever you are asked. Do not miss out on a single point when it comes to documentation.
