Can I Ship My Car From A Storage Facility?

1. How to know if I Can Ship My Car From A Storage Facility?
2. The current overall condition of the facility matters
3. Outdoor car storage
4. Covered car storage
5. Indoor car storage

How to know if I Can Ship My Car From A Storage Facility?

You’ve received a work transfer notice to another state, or you’ve decided to move, and driving your car to the new state isn’t practical. Maybe you’ve purchased a car online (millions of people do) and the idea of driving to retrieve it makes your stomach churn. Or could be your car broke down while you were on a road trip, in the middle of nowhere, and now all you want is to have it delivered to a mechanic you trust- at home.

There is a myriad of scenarios that can force you to store your car in a storage facility awaiting shipping. So, yes, it’s possible to ship your car from a storage facility. But, not just any facility will do. For the sake of your car's safety, and to maintain its initial condition, the storage facility needs to pass this checklist.

The current overall condition of the facility matters

At a glance, what do you make out of the facility?

• Buildings: How do the facility buildings look from the outside? The facility should be in great shape and without any noticeable defects. Holes along the structure can be a warning sign of water leaks or pest infestations Visible corrosion on the buildings speaks of negligence, and that’s a bad sign. Basically, the entire facility, at a glance should look well-kept, organized and generally pleasant to the eye.
• Illumination: Is the storage facility well-lit both from outside and inside? Poor illumination in the facility means poor inspection or none at all. The facility should, therefore, have good illumination both at night and during the day.
• Cleanliness: How clean the facility speaks volumes about the management. If you spot trash in the storage building, don’t go ahead and store your car there. Otherwise, how will they take care of your car if they can’t take care of their possession?
• Occupancy: A reasonable level of occupancy is a clear indication that the storage facility is a credible one. If you find a storage level that has too many empty storage spaces, something is not right. If the facility was convenient, affordable and accessible, why won’t people take advantage of it? - unless it’s a new facility, a good storage facility should have a high level of occupancy.
• Security: Security is perhaps one of the most important aspects when choosing a storage facility for your car. After all, it makes no sense to pay for a storage service in a facility that doesn’t guarantee you cars safety. These are the indicators of a facility that values security: A fence, a gate, live guards, surveillance systems, insurance, and fire prevention.
• Access Hours: Opt for a facility that offers 24-hour access so that it’s no hassle when your transporter comes to pick up your car for shipping at wee hours.

After you ascertain that the storage facility is in good condition, the next this is to do is get down to details. Most car storage facilities will have these three options.

Outdoor car storage

Although this is the most affordable option, it comes with no protection from weather elements. If the area is prone to violent weather, do not go for outdoor storage.

Covered car storage

Some outdoor car storage options have car shades under which you can park. These cost a little more than the open spots, and they will at least protect your car from hail, rain, dust, and dirt.

Indoor car storage

Indoor storage facilities are usually covered from weather elements. These are the safest, most secure options and also the more expensive options. Some storage facilities offer trickle charging if you select indoor storage. Trickle caging keeps your car battery fresh.

When choosing a storage facility for your car, don’t allow price alone to be your guide. Cheaper facilities are usually cheaper for a reason. Charging cheaper may be the only way a facility that is unsatisfactory makes business. So, keep a keen eye on what you’re signing into. The last thing you want to do is compromise your cars safety just to save a few bucks.

One last thing you should remember. Make sure you have finalized your fees in the storage facility by the time your shipping transporter comes to pick up the car. Doing so will help you avoid unnecessary delays and fines when your transporter comes to pick your car.

If you have more questions about where to store your car and how to ship it, please contact us. We look forward to serving our customers.