A car is an asset and should be treated as such. This implies that its repair, transportation, and maintenance should only be entrusted to reliable service providers. To make sure of this, you should only deal with licensed service providers.
For example, only car shipping companies duly licensed and regulated by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) should be engaged for vehicle shipping to and from Boston, or any other part of the state and country at large. For more information about FMCSA, you can visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
In the spirit of choosing the right car shipping company, you also need to know how these companies are expected to operate. This knowledge will ensure that you do not settle for less than you should. Seeing how important this is, this article will discuss what car shipping to or from Boston should entail. So, keep reading to find out the ins and outs.
Ins and Outs of Boston Car Shipping Logistics
In no particular order, the service should include:
Consultation
The service quote is determined by several factors but mainly the type & kind of vehicle, condition of the vehicle, shipping option (open carrier or enclosed), and distance. These details are requested during the consultation and a quote is given. The details provided should be accurate to get the real transportation cost.
Vehicle Preparation & Inspection
The vehicle has to be properly prepared and inspected before transportation. This is to avoid damages during transit. Some of the preparations include:
cleaning
The need to get the true state of the vehicle is a major reason for this. This is considering how grime and dirt can conceal pre-existing damages. So, cleaning ensures proper inspection.
Removal of Personal Belongings
Parts like the glove compartment, trunk, and other storage areas are checked for personal belongings. Anything found is handed over to the client to avoid damage during transit or stolen items. Besides, the presence of personal belongings can increase the cost of this service.
Fluid Leak Inspection
The vehicle is inspected for fluid leaks. As a result, coolant, oil, and brake fluid are duly inspected. This is important not only for the vehicle but other transported vehicles. The reason is that leakages can affect other vehicles as well.
Documentation
The condition of the vehicle is documented by the car shipping company. It is also advised for clients to have visual proof of their vehicle’s condition as well. You can do this by taking pictures or recording a video.
Route Planning
People who decide to ship car to Boston or from the city save themselves the stress of driving very long distances. But besides this, it is about the company’s ability to deliver in record time. Their ability to properly plan routes is one of the reasons for this.
This is given how mapping technologies are engaged. In the same vein, traffic data providing real-time information about traffic situations informs their routes. All these significantly reduce the time it takes to transport shipped vehicles.
Transportation Mode
There are various ways of shipping these vehicles. The two major options are enclosed and open-air carriers. The latter is more common given that it is the most cost-effective option. However, the former is more concealing and protecting.
Tracking & Updates
Vehicles are quite precious to their owners and this creates a lot of suspense and anxiety during shipping. As a result, clients usually appreciate real-time knowledge of the state of their vehicle during transit and how fast it is being transported.
Fortunately, this is possible with tracking systems engaged by many of these car shipping companies. This significantly contributes to the ease that comes with using these logistic services.
Loading & Securing
Shipped vehicles need to be properly loaded and secured to avoid damage during transit. This requires the services of people with loading expertise, as well as the right equipment for the task. Some of the equipment needed for properly loading and securing shipped vehicles include:
- Chains & Hooks
- Wheel Chocks
- Loading Ramps
- Tie-Downs & Straps
- Pads or Rubber Blocks
- Winches & Winch Bars
- Reflective Tape or Safety Flags
- Hydraulic Lift Gates
- Protective Covers
This list is not exhaustive as there are several others. By the way, only well-equipped Boston car shipping companies should be engaged.
Border Crossing
Some clients may have reasons to ship vehicles outside the country’s shores. This could be up north (Canada) or down south (Mexico) for instance. Considering that different rules and regulations apply in these countries, it is important to comply with customs regulations.
This would require having the required paperwork. For example, you can click here to find out about the documentation for vehicle shipping to Canada.
Conclusion
Understanding how reliable Boston car shipping companies are supposed to operate is important. It ensures that you settle for the right company when the need to have your vehicle shipped arises. Some of the things that their service entails have been discussed here and should inform your choice when you need this service.
