Aloha! If you want to transport your car to Hawaii, you might think that it’s challenging since it’s an island far from America. In reality, it isn’t that hard if you plan your steps and research the right way on how you would do it.
To make sure that everything works well with your plans though, you have to get the most reliable auto transport company that you can find. Beyond this, you’ll be understanding important factors such as the costs provided by these auto transport movers.
So you can get a better idea of how the process will be, here is a guide on the things you have to keep in mind when choosing the best company to move your car to Hawaii.
Understanding the Shipping Process
Before finding out who the most reliable transport company is, it’s good to find out how shipping to the island works. Here are the two main methods:
- Roll-on/Roll-off Shipping: This type of shipping is pretty simple, making it the most common method used by auto transport movers for shipping to Hawaii. In this method, your car will just be driven onto the ship and after securing, it will make a sea trip to its destination. This method is affordable and is ideal for vehicles that can run since it’s gonna have to be driven on and off the ship.
- Container Shipping: If you want your car to be protected against all types of potential damage, shipping it in a container is the best option for you. Doing this costs more so it’s only advisable for high-value cars and those that require extra protection to ship.
Shipping to Hawaii usually takes companies one to three weeks, depending on where the ship departs, how the weather conditions are, and other factors that can hold you up in logistics.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Transport Company
1. Reputation and Reviews
If you want the most reliable auto transport company to be at your service, you have to look at how reliable these companies are to give you a good impression of what you need. Find reviews on Google, Better Business Burea (BBB), and Trustpilot. Look at what former clients say about important things such as customer service and punctuality. A company with a good reputation presents a history of good feedback.
2. Experience in Hawaii Auto Transport
It’s important to know that not all auto transport movers are capable of moving vehicles to Hawaii. The most reliable auto transport company for you is one that has experience in shipping to and from Hawaii. They will be more used to state regulations, port procedures, and other possible obstacles.
3. Licensing and Coverage
Make sure that the company is licensed and insured to see that they are worth entrusting your car with. It would be best if they have Department of Transportation and Federal Maritime Commission certifications. Moreover, check if they provide you with insurance coverage alongside their services in case of potential shipping damages.
4. Cost and Payment Structure
To get the best deal for you, you should try to request multiple quotes for Hawaii shipping and compare them. While you’re doing this, keep a sharp eye on hidden fees. Companies that offer you super low prices might cut costs on the quality of their services.
5. Port Locations and Convenience
Try to check if the auto transport company of your choice can ship to and from a port close to you. Reputable companies also offer services that can pick up your car from your location of choice and transport it to the port themselves for a fee.
6. Delivery Time and Reliability
Ask the auto transport company for detailed shipping timelines and ask how they will handle it if there are delays. The most reliable auto transport company will give you realistic timelines and keep you updated if there are any changes to the schedule. Shipping times can be greatly influenced by the weather and other port and transport tools issues that may cause delays.
7. Customer Service and Communication
The most reliable auto transport company for you is someone who communicates well since you’re entrusting your vehicle to be shipped to and from a place like Hawaii. You should see that the company is responsive to your needs and concerns.
Preparing Your Car for Shipping
Once you have decided on a transport company, follow these steps to ready your car:
- Clean the vehicle well to make it easier for you to document its condition before you ship it.
- Remove all your personal belongings so you won’t lose your stuff or damage the car in some way because of it.
- Make sure that your car is in proper working condition by checking and fixing any mechanical issues before you ship it.
- Disable any alarms or emergency precautions that might be a nuisance when toggled while you’re shipping it.
- Take proper documentation of your car from tons of angles as proof if there are potential damages.
- You should leave the gas tank at 1/4 full, a nearly empty tank is safe and makes the car weigh less. The remaining fuel is there so that you can drive it from the carrier.
In the end, you should always consider having the most reliable auto transport movers in the industry on your side to help you move your vehicle to and from Hawaii. When you need auto transport services, don’t forget to do your research and prepare your vehicle properly to get the best and most hassle-free service you can get.