Pavel Lisitsin: basic pre-export activities before shipping your auto
At the beginning of this article, Pavel Lisitsin notes that sending an auto abroad can be a difficult task. Fortunately, modern technology and operating procedures make it easy for you to prepare for most circumstances.
There are several preliminary steps to take when sending an auto. It is not recommended to skip any of them. Below, Pavel Lisitsin gives a brief description of your actions at each step.
1. Vehicle documentation.
“Start by collecting all the documents related to your auto,” advises Pavel Lisitsin. “Without them, the car can’t leave or arrive.”
Carriers want to be sure that auto really belongs to you and that it is not stolen. You will need its original registration, proof of insurance, bill of sale, original title and your identification, which can be a driver’s license or passport.
“Don’t forget to prepare all documents in advance to avoid delays,” reminds Pavel Lisitsin.
You should also have enough money to pay any import duties and taxes, and to reduce storage fees.
2. Cleaning the auto.
The second step Pavel Lisitsin recommends is to thoroughly wash the car, which includes the interior and exterior. This allows you to see any damage to auto before it is shipped. There are often disputes about damage, and they can easily be resolved by having auto cleaned, carefully photographed, and any dents, scratches, or dents reported. With professional transportation, you’ll have a clean auto at your new destination.
Damage check and maintenance
3. Checking for and reporting damage.
Pavel Lisitsin specially dwells on the fact that reporting damage is an important step that the carrier will need to take. You should carefully inspect and photograph the vehicle, noting any damage. You can report paint chips and discoloration. Given the vast improvement in delivery standards, it is unlikely that the vehicle will be damaged in transit. However, it is always best to make sure you know the exact condition of the vehicle being shipped.
4. Removing personal things from the auto.
“Don’t forget to remove personal things from the car,” reminds Pavel Lisitsin.
They can be lost, and the carrier is not responsible for them. When cleaning, open all cabinets and shelves to clear them of personal things. Never hide boxes or other items in the auto in the hope that they can be transported for free. These items are not insured against theft or damage, so you will have no protection if they are lost.
“In fact, the carrier can be penalized for moving items in the auto,” states Pavel Lisitsin.
It is recommended to leave a spare tire, license plates, a jack and an emergency kit in case there is a problem.
5. Perform necessary maintenance work.
“You must perform all necessary maintenance work on the auto,” emphasizes Pavel Lisitsin.
This is done so that the vehicle can get in and out of the truck. Otherwise, you may have to pay extra forklifts and cranes. Check for mechanical problems and leaks.
“Look at the tire pressure to make sure the tires aren’t overinflated or flat,” reports Pavel Lisitsin. “The accumulator should be fully charged.”
Fill up the necessary fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and power steering. Record the mileage so you can check any discrepancies at the end of the trip.
6. Emptying the gas tank.
Empty the gas tank because the car will not be driven long distances. You can leave some fuel for the truck shift. By filling the tank before you change gears, you are just weighing auto down and incurring unnecessary expense.
“A quarter tank is fine for most vehicles,” believes Pavel Lisitsin.
Prepare the documents and lock the auto
7. Disconnecting all external accessories
“Before shipping, you should remove all external accessories from the car,” suggests Pavel Lisitsin.
These additions can damage the auto during transportation. At the same time, expensive accessories can also be damaged.
8. Lock auto and leave the keys behind
Lock your car for safety reasons. However, you should leave the keys or a copy of them in the vehicle so that they can transport the car.
“Locking the car door is an extra security measure that will help you if you need to file a theft claim,” Pavel Lisitsin is confident.
Give up only a spare key so you still have control of the car. Those keys can get lost in transit.
9. Prepare and present your bill of lading
“Prepare and present your document issued by the freight carrier to the freight owner to begin the process,” advises Pavel Lisitsin.
Before the shipment, the driver will call to make sure the vehicle is ready for transfer. Sometimes it is necessary to drive to the pickup station. There must be an authorized agent to inspect the car and sign all documents, including a document explaining the condition of the auto.
“The bill of lading will indicate the place of departure and destination of the car,” adds Pavel Lisitsin. “It will also indicate special and mechanical problems for future use.”
Customs officials need to have all documents in their possession at least 72 hours before shipping the cargo. At the time of departure, the vehicle is presented to the customs and border team to make sure everything is in order. Officials will authenticate and mark the documentation once everything is confirmed.
“It is absolutely necessary,” says Pavel Lisitsin, “that you purchase appropriate and adequate insurance for the vehicle at the time of transportation”.
