Anytime you contact an auto shipping company to move your car, you need be sure that the car transport company good safety rating. It is unfortunate, but it is your primary job to ensure your car will be treated as it should by the vehicle transport company. After your car is loaded onto the auto shipping trailer, you car will need to be secured to the trailer. How that happens will make a big difference in the potential of damage by the car shipping company. There are two ways a vehicle shipping company will do this. One is by chains and one is by straps. From our experience, tire straps are the best option, but you may pay more for it. Some simple some research, will show you that many enclosed auto transport companies use tire straps and only a few open car transport companies use them.
When the vehicle transport driver has adequate experience at applying chains, you will probably not have any issues, in fact, many car manufacturers actually build the car with a place to hook these chains. The issues arise when a new auto shipping driver applies them or one that is either lazy or inexperienced. Here are the potential issues:
Chains Too Tight: When a car shipping company applies the chains too tight, there is a chance that they may bend the frame, causing permanent and unfixable damage. Bending a frame with a chain will cause the car to be “de-valued” and in some cases, the car will have to be “salvaged”. When your vehicle transport driver does this it may cause the car to tear away from the frame causing additional damage because the car will move around during transport.
Wrong Hooks: The auto transport company can uses improper hooks. Either they do not have the right ones, which shows that they you should not use them or they are just too lazy to go get them from storage. Either way, damage can occur.
Wrong holes: If the car transport driver puts the hooks in the wrong holes the chains can either tear the frame or simply fall off. Either way, the car can move in transit and get more damage.
Applying straps are simple and easy. They connected directly to the tires by the vehicle transport company. The only potential for damage is when the auto shipping driver doesn’t use them correctly. When properly applied, the only possible damage is to the rim of the tire and it can be fixed inexpensively.
You now have all the information you need to understand the difference between chains versus straps in car shipping. The choice is yours and it totally depends on you wanting to spend the extra money on tire straps. It does cost more, but can be a life saver in terms of stress and money; if the frame is damaged, you will not know until it is too late because the Bill of Lading is already signed. Tire straps will give you the peace of mind that your car was not damaged. To ask any questions you may have about chains versus straps, call our office today!
At Door to Door Transport, we take the stress out of auto shipping so you can focus on what matters most. As a family-owned and operated business with 25 years of experience in the trucking and Auto Transportation industry, we understand the importance of reliable and hassle-free vehicle transport. Our legacy in the auto transport industry spans generations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to excellence in every service we provide.
We treat each vehicle as if it were our own, ensuring the utmost care and attention throughout the entire shipping process. With dedicated customer support available 24/7, we're here to assist you and provide updates on the status of your shipment. Experience the convenience of our door-to-door service, where we pick up and deliver your vehicle directly from and to the locations you specify. Trust Door to Door Transport for your auto shipping needs.
Get immediate and accurate quotes for your auto shipping needs from our extensive network of 60,000+ vetted car carriers covering every corner of the United States.
Experience reliable and efficient door-to-door transport services that cater to your specific needs, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely and on time.
For extra protection, choose our enclosed car shipping option, safeguarding your valuable vehicles from the elements during transit.
Making vehicle shipping hassle-free and convenient with our straightforward 3-step process:
Schedule Your Vehicle Shipment
At Door To Door Transport, we make scheduling your vehicle shipments a breeze. Our streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience.
Enter Locations
Provide us with your car pickup and delivery zip codes, allowing us to plan your auto transport seamlessly.
Vehicle Details
Select your vehicle type and size, enabling us to tailor our services to your specific needs.
Open or Enclosed
Choose between our open or enclosed auto transport options, ensuring the ideal level of protection for your vehicle.
Enter Locations
Provide us with your car pickup and delivery zip codes, allowing us to plan your auto transport seamlessly.
Vehicle Pickup and Transport Begins Once you've scheduled your shipment, our experienced team takes charge, and your vehicle transport journey commences.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Get your vehicle ready for car hauling by giving it a thorough cleaning, inside and out.
Be Ready for Transport
Ensure to remove all personal items, disable alarms, and maintain a quarter to half tank of gas in your vehicle.
Professional Inspection
A skilled Door To Door Transport driver will carefully inspect your vehicle before it's on its way.
Your Vehicle Reaches Its Destination With Door To Door Transport, your vehicle reaches its destination safe and sound, thanks to our dedicated car hauling service.
Flexible Payment Options
You can choose to pay the vehicle shipment balance upon arrival, making the process more convenient for you.
Final Vehicle Inspection
Your driver will conduct a final vehicle inspection with you, ensuring everything is in order.
Effortless Conclusion
Simply sign off on a Bill of Lading, and your vehicle shipping process with us is complete!
Experience a seamless vehicle shipping journey with Door To Door Transport!
Preparing your car for shipping is essential to ensure a smooth and safe transportation process. Follow these steps to get your vehicle ready:
● Clean Your Car
Wash your car thoroughly, including the exterior and interior, to ensure a clear inspection.
● Remove Personal Items
Remove all personal belongings from your car. These items are not covered by insurance during transport.
● Disable Alarms
Deactivate any car alarms or anti-theft systems to avoid unnecessary disruptions during shipping.
● Check for Leaks
Inspect your vehicle for any leaks and fix them before shipping.
● Quarter to Half Tank of Gas
Keep your fuel level between a quarter to half a tank for weight considerations
● Document Condition
Take photos of your car from different angles before shipping for insurance purposes