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ShipA1 Nov 07, 2019

One aspect of having a car that most people overlook is adequately preparing it for the winter. However, you may have to go through too much preparation if you live in the South of the United States,  you should start preparing for your vehicle. It can not only help you to avoid automobile malfunction, which could cost you a considerable amount of stress and costs, but it really does not take very long to prepare it. And you do not want to be in a situation where are stranded out in the cold.

This guide to winter shipping will give you insight into how you can choose the best possible service for your car. 


An Introduction to Winter Car Shipping Services

Switching from summer to winter brings about a lot of change in the vehicle shipping industry. In winter, there is cheaper freight, there are fewer people shipping vehicles. As a result, shipping prices decrease, as the competition increases between carriers, they provide seasonal deals. Prices drop during winter seasons and then increase during the summer.

In the summer, high-volume routes are pretty standard. In winter, the opposite happens. These routes experience low traffic and lower prices. But some ways towards the Northeast to Florida see a massive influx of traffic. This route of Northeast to Florida is known as the snowbird route.


Preparing your Car for Shipping in the Winter

For Beginners, you can check whether or not you actually need to ship a vehicle. Most importantly, you can figure out a budget and a time frame and figure out the best time to ship your vehicle. 


Record Existing Damage

The first thing you should do before shipping your car is to clean it. Once your automobile is clean, inspect it entirely for any pre-existing scratches, dents, and paint chips. Do not forget to take high-quality pictures of these defects, these pictures are for your shipping record. When your vehicle is collected up for shipping, have these ready. So you can mark them on the bill of Lading, which is an inspection report given to you by the career that you must sign.



Perform Overall Maintenance

The cold winter season can be dangerous for your vehicle. If you have a worn-out belt or a cracked hose, the cold air may be the final blow. The last thing you want is getting stranded on the roadside with a raging blizzard just because you did not have your car checked in time. Do yourself a favor by having your mechanic inspect your car thoroughly before the winter season. Have a mechanic check your fluids, brakes, and other forms of maintenance to make sure your automobile is in good condition. Make sure that your tires are fully inflated, and repair or seal any fluid leaks. 

Check the condition of your battery, it should be fully charged and well secured in its supporting bracket. You can even take your car to a local mechanic shop for diagnosis. Most of the time, this is at no cost to you. The battery is critical to start your vehicle. 


Things to Consider Before Shipping

Even if your pick-up and moving location are correctly maintained in the severe weather, that does not mean that every stretch of road between point A to point B is going to be perfect. Unexpected delays are a fact of life in every shipping endeavor.


Prepare for Delays

Harsh weather and icy roads are not the only challenges that can cause delays. The winter season is also responsible for holiday traffic, high order volumes, and endless service restrictions preventing carriers from driving when you need them the most. Delays are inevitable.


Communication Delays

Winter delays are inevitable, but keep constant communication between your shipping company that can help minimize the effects. Look for an auto mover that offers the ability to accurately track and monitor your shipments whenever and wherever they might be.


Have several alternative Plans

When you plan shipping your vehicle, you need to consider the logistics of the situation and not only in terms of the weather right now, but what the weather could be. But if you have several backup plans that could work in different weather conditions, you would not be scrambling for your smartphone when that completely unexpected blizzard comes blowing in.


Hire a Professional Service Provider

Working with a qualified shipping company who can provide you the best available rates is a fantastic way to survive the winter, as they can help navigate challenges and adapt to any unforeseen changes. Acquiring the services of a provider as Ship-A1 is a perfect choice for avoiding those winter shipping problems. We work with you to solve potential challenges such as shipping costs, changing routes to minimize delays, and finding the possible carriers to assure that your delivery arrives right on time. 

These steps for preparing your vehicle for shipping may seem wearisome, but they are all essential to ensure your car is transported and delivered as safely as possible. Following this guide will significantly reduce the risk of any damage to your automobile. Trust Ship-A1 for shipping your car with the necessary experience.