When you are moving to Hawaii, or even overseas, there are a tremendous number of things you need to do before you can actually pick up and go. Aside from getting your passport in order, making sure your living arrangements are set up, and making decisions on what to take with you, you also need to consider car shipping arrangements. Though it would be beyond awesome, there is no such thing as car-submarine. There are no bridges spanning hundreds of miles across the ocean. There certainly aren’t planes big or strong enough to carry them. You will have to get it shipped.
But shipping by sea is not only hazardous; it could also severely devalue your car unless certain precautions are taken. You have to make the necessary investment, both personal and monetary, to make sure that your car is protected against both cosmetic damage as well as catastrophes at sea. So let’s go over some of the things you need to do before you trust your vehicle in the hands of an able captain.
First Things First: Get a Blanket
One of the most basic things you can do to preserve your car’s condition is by investing in a car blanket. You have probably seen those things draping over your neighbor’s RV or boat when it’s parked in the driveway. Cars have them too and they can be an indispensable resource when you are sending them on such a long journey across treacherous terrain. Make sure that you provide one to the shipping crew so they can apply it at the dock or even in the cargo hold. Better yet, put it on yourself! This body armor for your vehicle will undoubtedly save a lot of trouble.
Don’t Forget About That Last Wash!
Before you do any of that, though, there are plenty of other things to do to get ready for car shipping. One of the most basic things is to simply get the vehicle clean. A final run through the car wash should be done immediately before you arrive at the dock. Dirt and other grime have a tendency to leave scarring on a vehicle’s paint. Trust us on this: It will only get worse once the car comes in contact with salt water environments. So it is imperative you avoid more damage than could be necessary by getting rid of all the terrestrial stuff before it mixes with the seaborne stuff.
Keep a Detailed Record
One thing putting your car through the wash will also help you do is identify pre-existing scratches and other damage that is unrelated to sea travel. Every travel company recommends that when you are making a long-distance move across oceans or terrestrial borders, you need to make a record of everything you are packing up in case something is missing or damaged. That same attitude needs to be taken with your car. Make a detailed record in video or photo of the condition your car is in before you take it to the dock. This will allow you make an insurance claim in the event somebody damages your vehicle and possibly sue the car shipping company if serious enough.
Remove All Your Personal Belongings
When you are moving to Hawaii or elsewhere overseas, you also need to consider all the federal regulations in place for vehicles and other cargo. Inspection after inspection is carried out before you can even consider handing the approved manifesto to the captain. During these inspections, your car will be turned inside out for any kind of contraband. So you need to protect your belongings as well as make their job easier. Make sure there are no personal items in the car or trunk aside from the tire iron, spare tire, and wench, which should have all come with it on purchase. Everything else needs to be gone.
There are many other things that should be taken into account before your car is ready for shipping. So this week will be spent talking almost exclusively about preparing your vehicle for sea travel. Stay tuned to learn more!
