Corona Virus outbreak has not only challenged the day to day life but has also brought disruption in the contours of professional life. Almost all the countries are shut down and only essential industries are at work. People are advised to stay indoors. Some countries are in fact forcing lockdowns on its citizens but there are some special essential services that are still on the go. Though a stay indoors order is issued, there are still some situations that might require you to transport your vehicle. As the transportation industry also comes under the essentials industry, it is possible to transport your mandatory stuff. In certain conditions, it might be mandatory for you to take your vehicle to a faraway place. You can be an essentials worker posted at a new place, a travelling nurse and/or maybe a student who is forced to return home after the college campus is shut.
Hiring a reputable car shipping company is the most important decision at the moment so that you are sure that the company is taking all the required precautions while transporting your vehicle. Also, you have to be even more careful while preparing your vehicle for transportation during this pandemic situation. Following are some tips from top car shipping companies that you should keep in mind while shipping your vehicle during this COVID-19 outbreak to save yourself and the transporter from any risks:
Preparing Essentials for Shipping:
Regular Car Preparing tips include cleaning your car, getting a copy of all the car keys especially if you have only one set, taking pictures of the car, removing all personal belongings from the car, checking batteries, tires, and any other mechanical things and issues, keeping the fuel low, and disabling the car alarm.
Along with all these regular preparations, there are some more things that should be kept in mind while preparing your car during this situation. Make sure to place some latex gloves, disinfectant gels/wipes, and face masks in the car. This will be helpful for the person who will be responsible to drop your car at your doorstep. In case he is out of supplies, your and his safety will still not be at risk.
How to Handover Your Vehicle Safely During this COVID-19 Outbreak:
Again along with all normal tips like checking your transporting driver’s driving license, keep in mind many other things to eradicate the possibility of any exchange of infection. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions while giving your car as during this time you will be in the close contact of the transporting team members. You should be covering your mouth and nose to diminish the transmission of virus. Wear gloves and keep at least 5 ft distance from the team. Disinfect the car keys and keep them at a distance. Use your own pen to sign the car inspection report prepared by the driver after his walk through inspection. Even ask the driver to keep the report at a safe distance which he can take after your signatures are done. You can even avoid signing a report if you both (you and the driver) don’t have your own pens. In such conditions, take pictures of the car as a virtual inspection which can act as a binding inspection between you and the car carrying driver.
Precautions to be Taken During Retaking Possession of Your Car at Your New Place:
Use all the precautionary measures again that you had taken when you handed off your car to the carrier at the pickup point. Keep a safe distance from the delivery team while unloading the car and while signing off the inspection sheet or checking pictures taken at the pickup point. Don’t forget to wipe off surfaces that are frequently touched while all this situation. Cash is the most common mode of payment for transportation so if it is a must for you to pay in cash then put the cash on a clean surface and make a safe distance and ask the carrier to retrieve it and confirm. Prefer paying by credit card or other ways of electronic payment to limit human interaction.
Precautions to be Taken After Delivery:
Make sure to not touch the car for a certain time, maybe for at least 24 hours. Then wipe off all the main car surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner or spray. These surfaces may include gear shift handle, door handle, center console, radio/music system, rearview mirrors and not to forget steering wheel. Wash the car carpet and if there are any seat covers used. Although, it is very much advisable to remove seat covers before sending the car for transportation to avoid any infections as cloth-based things catch infections easily and for longer.
By using the above said tips and tricks, you can safely transport your vehicle from one place to another by keeping yourself and the transporter safe from any virus infection. Stay Safe Stay Home!!
