Need to ship a classic, vintage, or exotic car? As you know – these are no ordinary cars and need special handling.   Driving a classic, vintage, or exotic  car any distant is really not an option – to ship your car you will hire a Auto Transport company that specializes in shipping classic, vintage, or exotic cars, in an enclosed transportation truck.

With the Auto transport company selected it is now time to prepare the car for shipping. Before you hand over the keys to the auto shipping company you will need to get it ready first.

1.      Check for any visible fluid leaks: Fluid leaks can cause problems – with moving the vehicle on and off the truck, or be a hazard on the truck floor.

2.      Remove anything that is not fixed permanently to the car: Things can move during shipping. To help prevent any damage to your car remove everything that is not permanently fixed in place. It is best that these either travel, carefully wrapped and boxed in the trunk or even better with you personally.

3.      Check your car’s battery: Your car’s battery should be fully charged and well secured in its support brackets. The car should be in good running condition, this will allow the shipper to load and unload the vehicle safely and properly.

4.      Make sure the tires are in good condition and properly inflated: Your car tires should be in good condition, and be inflated to the optimum air pressure. Check for slow leaks and punctures. Driving the car on and off the shipping truck with compromised tires can be difficult and potentially dangerous.

5.       Your car’s gas tank should only be 1/4 full:Vehicles are shipped with minimal fuel in the tank, just enough to load and unload the car, but not enough to be hazardous or be an unnecessary risk.

6.      Take out items that are not built-in: Remove items that are not built-in such as antennas, car stereos, car phones, GPS systems, roof rack and bike carriers. Remove any personal items, blankets, phone cables, CD’s, that do not need to be in the car. These items can be carefully wrapped, boxed and placed in the trunk or preferably travel personally with you

7.      Disable your car’s alarm system: To prevent accidental activation of the car alarm system it is recommended that it be disabled during shipping. Your car will be safe and secure in the enclosed transportation trailer for the entire journey.

8.      Remove or deactivate toll passes: To make sure that there are no inadvertent toll charges remove or deactivate toll passes.

9.      Make sure your car insurance is active: Accidents are rare but they do happen.  Auto transportation companies will have their own liability insurance – but it is a good idea to make sure that your car insurance is active and will provide coverage for shipping as well.

10.  Check your car’s odometer and record its readings: For your own peace of mind make a note of your car’s odometer reading.  Then you can be sure that the transportation company is not doing anything unethical!

11.  Keep a set of car keys: The shipper will need a set of keys – make sure though, that you keep a set as well – just in case!

12.  Wash your car and take pictures: Wash the exterior of your car and clean the inside. Inspect both the outside and the inside thoroughly for any scratches and dents. Take close-up pictures of your car and note any existing marks.

Of course, a professional and responsible classic car shipping company will go over the pre-shipping check list with you. If you are still looking for a reliable auto transport company in Massachusetts, contact Ferris Auto Transport – a reliable, professional Enclosed Auto Transportation Company.