Many of us dream of moving to our favourite holiday destinations. Some people take the leap to uproot themselves and their families and make their move overseas. As you can imagine this takes a huge amount of organising including finding a new home, shipping your possessions and finding jobs and schools.
Shipping a vehicle across the globe is quite a big job but thanks to reputable international auto shipping companies, the process has been made much easier for you. There are several international auto shipping companies in the UK. Finding the best one that will meet your needs can be daunting if you are not sure what to look for.
Not all international auto shipping companies are legit, and you need to be aware of scammers. Your car is valuable, and you want to entrust it to a shipping company that will deliver it to you safely. Don’t just choose the first company you find.
Conduct thorough research when it comes to choosing the right auto shipping company. That includes reading reviews about different companies, including uShip reviews, one of the leading car shipping marketplaces.
To make an informed choice, take a look at what you need to consider when choosing the best international auto shipping company.
Choose a Big International Auto Shipping Company
Look for a big international shipping company that has been in business for a long time. Such companies have invested heavily in their businesses and use the latest equipment to handle their cargo. Look for a company that owns ships and trucks and directly employs drivers to deliver cars.
The length of time in the business is also important. Many shipping companies have come and gone after being in business for a short time. Some companies close down due to a bad reputation. You may find that such companies may try to get back into business under a new name.
Find out how long the company has been operating; the longer the better. A company that has been in business for years has more experience. You want to entrust your car to an experienced carrier.
Check If the Company Is Bonded or Insured
Your number one concern is that your car arrives at its designation safely and in good condition. Choose an international auto shipping company that is bonded and insured. Such a company ensures that your property is covered in the event the car gets involved in an accident or gets damaged on transit. Ask the company to tell you all about their insurance policy and what it covers. You may be required to spend more to get full coverage, but it is worth the peace of mind.
Check the Company’s Ratings and Customer Reviews
Check out the reviews posted on the company’s website to see how other customers feel about the kind of service they received. Scour the internet to check the ratings of the company as well. Ask your family or friends if they know the company you are considering to get their opinions.
Be wary of international auto shipping companies that only post positive reviews. Reputable companies do not edit any critical reviews and allow customers to express themselves freely about the experience they had with them. If a customer leaves a negative review, good companies will reply to it and try to resolve any issues.
Check the Company’s Registration
Find out if the company you want to hire is registered under the Department of International Transportation and if necessary, registered in your state. Before entrusting your car to a particular company, it is vital to confirm its authenticity.
Compare Different Contracts
A reliable and honest company will be happy to let you examine the contract in depth before going into business with them. Go through the fine print and ask questions about any text you don’t understand. Before settling on one international auto shipping company, it is advisable to compare different contracts to find out which one suits your needs and fits your budget best.
Compare Costs
When it comes to international auto shipping, the cheapest is not always the best. You don’t have to choose the most expensive option, but you also don’t have to settle for the cheapest option available. Carriers who offer cheap prices cannot be trusted. Some of the cheapest carriers have been known to shop their customers’ vehicles around until they find another carrier that will do it for a lower rate.
Such dealings also mean that your vehicle may take longer to arrive. You will also find that many cheaper carriers do not offer an insurance policy in case of damages. You may end up paying less for the delivery services, but then spend more on repairing your vehicle in the event of damage.
When it comes to costs, understand that an international auto shipping company will charge for services depending on the following factors:
• The size of your car
• The distance to be covered
• How soon you want the vehicle to reach its destination
Note that a reputable international shipping company will not ask for a down payment for its services. Most companies will ask for the payment once their customers’ cargo has safely reached their destination.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find an international auto shipping company that suits your needs and your budget.
