Transporting a car from one place to another that is not a drivable distance might seem easy. But when you are going long distances, there are some issues that are inevitable, like unexpected delays, logistical challenges, and mechanical issues.
Whether you’re planning to transport a car from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or vice versa, always be aware of the risks to make smart and safe choices. This blog shows what you should watch out for and how you can avoid those challenges.
Possible Risks You Might Face While Transporting Your Car to Its New Home
The following are some of the challenges that you should be aware of before you plan to transport your car to your new home or deliver it to someone.
Weather-Related Delays
The weather is not extreme, but since it’s along the coast, it can be unpredictable. From windstorms to heavy rainfall and even fog, can delay the transit. It can also stop the transit midway. Because driving in those conditions is not safe anyway, let alone carrying more vehicles. These causes of delay are actually common along the Garden Route and other parts of the N2 highway that connect both the places.
How to avoid it: So set a date to transport your car during the stable weather months. For example, autumn and spring. These seasons are the best for moving. Even then, always check the weather forecast for the whole week starting from the date of your move. Also confirm that the truck carrying your car is prepared for potential weather disruptions.
Inadequate Insurance Coverage
Not all vehicle transport providers offer full coverage, and some may provide only basic liability insurance that doesn’t fully protect against transit damage or theft. Do not choose companies that do not offer insurance, and if you do and something happens, that will be on you.
How to avoid it: When booking car transport from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, ask for a clear breakdown of the insurance provided. If the coverage isn’t sufficient, consider purchasing additional transport insurance independently.
And if you are moving furniture too, there are more insurance and safety tips. Click here to know.
Poor Vehicle Condition Before Transit
Many delays or damages happen because the vehicle wasn’t roadworthy at the time of loading. Leaks, low tyre pressure, or mechanical faults can become worse during loading or transport. You can obviously ask the company whether their fleets are okay to move with the cars.
How to avoid it: Before you book a service of car transport from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, inspect your vehicle thoroughly. Fix any leaks, check fluid levels, inflate tyres to the proper pressure, and remove personal items. Also, document the vehicle’s condition with photos.
Damage During Loading or Unloading
This is one of the most common problems in long-distance car transport. Scratches, dents, or alignment issues can occur if the carrier uses improper loading techniques or substandard equipment.
How to avoid it: Use a reputable transport company with trained staff and the right loading tools. Request that loading and unloading be done on even, stable ground. Be present if possible, and supervise the process.
Delayed Deliveries and Poor Communication
Delays are not only caused by weather. Truck breakdowns, traffic issues, poor route planning and other issues on the road can also cause the delays. Another thing is that some movers might not even offer detailed updates. So all you can do is stress over guessing where your car is.
How to avoid it: Choose a moving company that ensures constant and good communication. Ask about their tracking process and how often they will update you before you sign a deal with them. If they don’t offer a proper delivery window or regular communication, walk away.
Fuel and Toll Surcharges
The market is varied, and policies vary with the company too. So some movers might not disclose toll or fuel surcharges before the move. And when you get the final invoice, you might see the added-up hidden costs that are way more than the initial quote you were given.
How to avoid it: Request a fixed quote with all charges included. Go through the fine print and enquire whether the toll fees or fuel hikes are likely to affect the price. A reputed and trusted company won’t hesitate to offer a detailed cost breakdown.
Final Thoughts
You might be planning to transport a car from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth or going the other way. No matter what, preparation and awareness are paramount. Knowing all the aforementioned risks will let you mitigate them efficiently. And when you hire services from trusted and experienced companies like Mr Cheap Transport, it gets even better and safer! Click here to make an enquiry for moving services
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