A major part of a successful vehicle relocation is setting the right expectations. It’s not a process many people have experienced before. Going into it, you probably don’t know what you don’t know. And might not even know what to ask.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of key aspects of the auto relocation process. It includes details on what the transportation entails, how to prepare your vehicle, normal procedures for shipping vehicles and some “housekeeping” items such as insurance and damage claims.
The inspection process is crucial
A thorough inspection is conducted at the time of pickup and delivery. You or someone you assign must be present during the inspection to ensure every bit of existing dings, dents, scratches (or new damage at delivery) can be documented. To ensure the most effective inspection, we ask that you present the vehicle to the carrier in clean condition.
Take pictures and/or video of your vehicle
Documenting the condition of your vehicle via photos and video before releasing it to the carrier is highly recommended. While the driver will also take photos as part of the inspection process, it doesn’t hurt to have it documented as well.
Remove all personal items
Do not leave or pack anything that will stay in your vehicle for the duration of its transport. The Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits carrying personal items on a truck licensed only for transporting vehicles. These items can also increase the overall weight of your vehicle, which could cause damage during transport or result in additional charges. Failure to comply could result in removal of items upon inspection by the DOT at state lines.
Notify us of any special instructions
Is your vehicle missing a bumper? Or maybe the driver’s-side window doesn’t go all the way down. These are just a few examples of special instructions that Reindeer needs to know about ahead of time. Tell your move coordinator before pickup to avoid additional fees, delays or damages. Please note: How to disarm an alarm should also be communicated. Or the alarm needs to be turned off completely.
Provide detailed delivery instructions
It’s helpful for us and the carrier to have detailed delivery instructions to make the process as smooth as possible. Information we need includes additional points of contact who can sign for the vehicle, parking maps and key drop instructions. This is especially important for fleet vehicles, as the company is typically facilitating the move, not the driver of the vehicle being moved.
Make sure nothing sticks out
Anything extra on your vehicle that may cause damage during loading and unloading needs to be properly dealt with prior to pickup. Antennas should be removed or lowered to less than three inches above the hood or fender. You should also remove luggage, bike and ski racks, bug shields, or any other items not permanently attached to the vehicle. Spoilers, fairings, air dams, and/or other low-hanging items should be removed or be adjusted to sufficiently clear the rail and truck ramps.
Address your tires ahead of time
Tires, rims and wheels are not inspected at any time during transit. Even though they are technically part of the vehicle’s exterior, the transporter is unable to completely evaluate them. It’s best to properly inflate the tires before pickup to avoid any issues. As a result, these items are also not covered under cargo liability.
Don’t fill up your tank
Per industry guidelines and our recommendation, your fuel tank should be at least 1/4 but no more than 1/2 full. The extra fuel adds weight to the overall haul and there are strict weight guidelines for a car hauler. Plus, you may incur extra costs if your car has too much fuel in it at pick-up. If your vehicle is being transported internationally or to or from HI, AK or PR via a port, it must be less than 1/4 to 1/8 tank, or it will be refused by the shipping line.
Avoid any surprise charges
All EZ Passes and insurance mileage trackers should be removed and/or deactivated before transit. If you don’t remove and/or deactivate these devices, you could get some surprise (not the good kind) charges during the relocation
Weather happens
Before your pickup date, make sure your vehicle is prepped for any changes in weather. For example, if your vehicle is traveling from the hot and humid south through the snowy mountains of Colorado, it’s important for your vehicle to be prepared for both conditions. The best protection is to have the vehicle prepared for both the trip and the weather conditions at the destination. Add coolant, transmission oil, antifreeze, and other fluids necessary to safeguard your vehicle.
Road debris can still affect your vehicle
Moving a vehicle on an open carrier is just like driving down the road. So, road pebbles or other objects might still hit your vehicle. Neither the transporter nor the broker are responsible for this type of damage. If this is an issue, you may want to opt for an enclosed carrier.
Not everything is covered under the carrier’s insurance
While the carrier is required to have insurance that covers damage caused by accident or changes in the vehicle’s condition because of mishandling, it doesn’t cover everything. Your own auto insurance should remain in place to cover Acts of God or Nature, including but not limited to hail, floods, or other severe weather conditions. And if you need coverage for a vehicle worth more than $100,000, let Reindeer know up front.
Inoperable vehicles can be moved, too
But there is a caveat. Additional fees apply to vehicles that don’t start, don’t stop, don’t steer, don’t brake or don’t stay charged (for electric vehicles). For an operable vehicle, the transporter typically drives the vehicle onto the truck. Because this isn’t possible with an inoperable vehicle, winches, hydraulic liftgates, or forklift-capable flatbeds need to be used. And there are fees associated with that.
Your pickup and delivery location matters
Vehicles can be loaded and/or delivered to hotels, offices, parking lots, residences, etc. Please decide what is best for you, and we will arrange door-to-door service. However, most car carriers are much larger than household goods moving vans. This can occasionally mean the large car carriers can’t maneuver in some residential and downtown areas. If your pickup or delivery location is not easy for a semi-truck to access, advise us and we can arrange for a more suitable location. Please note: In Canada, we must deliver to a bonded warehouse and not directly to a residence.
Flexibility is key for a vehicle move
Keep in mind that your vehicle will be loaded on a car carrier along with other vehicles being delivered to other destinations. As a result, delivery times fluctuate depending on the miles between your beginning and ending destinations, the scheduling of car carriers in your area, the proximity to other vehicles being delivered on the same carrier, weather, and unforeseeable events such as traffic accidents and carrier breakdowns. Vehicles moving in enclosed carriers can take up to 21 days due to the lack of supply of enclosed trailers. Your patience is appreciated regarding your delivery date.
At the end of the day, we want shipping your vehicle to be a positive experience. The only way to accomplish that is to communicate your needs and work with us throughout the process.
Need help with your vehicle relocation? Reindeer Logistics is here to help. We operate an extensive network of highly reputable, licensed, bonded and insured carriers. At Reindeer, our mission remains to offer the highest quality shipping services by providing the highest level of care, communication, and consistency. You can count on Reindeer for safe and secure transport with every vehicle we move.