Texas, the Lone Star State, where the population growth stemmed mainly because of domestic migration, and the state has experienced a moderate increase according to a census in March 2023.
Relocating to the city due to work or family may mean that you’ll have to bring with you your trusted vehicle that will help you navigate the new place. If you’re from somewhere far from Texas, you might want to look for a reliable company that can help you with the move.
What’s Involved in Car Shipping?
Companies often do a multi-step process to ensure the safe and efficient transport of cars across the state. With auto transport in Texas, you just need to book the service, key in the details, go to the pick-up location, and wait for the automobile to arrive at its intended destination. It’s that simple, but the first step is to find a reliable company that can cater to your needs.
Clients may also be allowed to transport their personal items of up to 100 pounds that they can put in the trunk, but some carriers may discourage this practice due to loss and theft. Call an agent about the pricing, and they will send you the paperwork that you need to fill out. Others have A+-rated drivers who know the routes to or from Texas and have national coverage and vehicle tracking features that will allow you to see where your car is at any given point.
Depending on your agreement, the preparation of the automobile before transport includes cleaning it inside and out, removing any personal items, securing loose parts, and disabling any alarms or tracking devices. You also need to choose between open or enclosed trailers for transportation, where the first one is more common and cost-effective but exposes your asset to weather conditions. Enclosed trailers provide extra protection but may be more expensive.
Inspections are done by both you and the carrier before the automobile gets into the trailer to make sure that any existing damage is documented before transportation begins. After this, your car will be carefully transported from the pick-up location to the delivery destination based on the agreed-upon schedule with the car shipping company.
Upon arrival, another assessment will take place to ensure there are no new dents and scratches incurred during transport. When these are present, you need to call the insurance company for help, and if not, you can sign the bill of lading and be on your way. See more about the bill of lading on this page here.
Reliable Companies are at your Service
Others can cater to heavy duty trucks, RVs, delivery vans, all types of buses, classic cars, vintage, and heavy-duty trucks. You can start by reading reviews about different shipping companies, and see if there were complaints filed against them. Always prefer the ones that have the best reputation in the industry and those that have been operating for decades in these kinds of businesses.
Inquire about insurance coverage provided since accidents or damages can occur during transit. Purchase add-ons if needed for your safety and consider the level of customer service provided by the carrier. Their representatives should be responsive to your inquiries and provide clear communication throughout the entire process.
Inspecting Your Vehicle Upon Arrival
After your vehicle has been transported to its destination in Texas, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect it upon arrival, because this step ensures that any potential damage or issues are addressed and taken note of.
Carefully examine the exterior of your car, and look for any scratches or other visible damages. Take note of these observations and take clear photographs and videos with timestamps as evidence if needed.
You can then move to the interior and see if there are signs of water damage or oil leaks, especially if you opted for an open trailer transport method. Read more about changing oil at this link: https://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Oil-in-Your-Car. Inspect the upholstery, dashboard, and electrical components for any wear and tear, as well as if there are malfunctions. Don’t forget about checking under the hood, and if you notice any discrepancies during your inspection, make sure to inform the company and your insurance immediately.
Cost Factors and Insurance Coverage
Distance plays a significant role in determining the cost. Shipping a car within Texas may be less expensive compared to shipping it across states or even internationally, and the size and weight of your automobile can affect pricing as well.
Open trailers are generally more affordable than enclosed ones since they can carry multiple vehicles at once, and the costs are spread between the owners. However, if you have a high-value or luxury car that requires extra protection from weather conditions and debris, an enclosed trailer might be worth considering despite being pricier.