If you need to send a vehicle during a national blackout due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re in luck. The Department of Homeland Security defines Transportation as a critical industry, which means that road carriers continue to deliver vehicles to all parts of the country.
Also, reputable car shipping companies have improved their procedures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may be a university student who suddenly needs a car home from school or a traveler whose plans suddenly change. You may even be someone who has to hide somewhere besides home, and who understands how important it is to have your car at hand.
Because of COVID-19, many people who have never had to get a car delivered before suddenly finds themself in a situation where they need to send it immediately.
Shutdown orders will not affect your ability to transport anything, but for your health and the health of the driver you are working with, you must take some necessary precautions when you meet them.
You should follow these protocols to hand over your car without putting anyone at risk.
Before Drop Off
The preparation of the vehicle for transport has not changed much. You will want to clean the interior and take your personal belongings out of it, especially anything of value. Make sure to wear proper personal protective gear, such as a face mask, disposable nitrile gloves for cleaning, and old clothes or coveralls, when decluttering your car. You don’t want to get nasty germs or stubborn stains on yourself while prepping your vehicle for shipping.
Depending on the circumstances of transportation, you may want to create a set of materials such as disinfectant wipes, facial masks, hand sanitizer, that you send with the vehicle, and have on hand whenever you (or someone you permit for) pick up the vehicle.
If you need to go to a bank to get cash to hand over to the carrier, ask the cashier to put the money in an envelope. Do not count them to restrict your exposure, which will make it safer for the carrier to receive the money.
During Drop Off
It is no more or less safe to meet face-to-face with a carrier during COVID-19 than meeting during any other period. Take similar precautions as when you are outdoors, start by putting a face mask on.
If you do not have an N95 mask or face shield, CDC recommends that you make a protective coating out of the materials you most likely have at home.
Regardless of the materials and construction quality, having something covering your mouth and nose reduces the risk of infection and transmission.
It is recommended to wear disposable gloves throughout the delivery period and always stay six feet away from another person.
When exchanging money or documents, place them on the surface and walk away instead of handing them over directly.
To further limit the impact of transmission, take your pen instead of sharing it. After meeting with a motor vehicle driver, wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
During Pickup
All the same safety precautions should be taken when taking delivery of the car. For example, wear a mask and gloves, keep your distance, etc. A car riding on the trailer of a truck is not likely to be at risk of Coronavirus, even if it passes through areas with a high level of contamination. However, it is still the best practice to treat any vehicle that you take as a potential risk.
Use disinfectant wipes on each surface before touching it – even if you wear gloves. Be sure to take care when touching the door handle, gearshift, or steering wheel. These are the car parts that people mainly can touch.
The car should then be safe to drive. However, you may choose to clean it more thoroughly later.
Staying Safe With Your Vehicle
The better way to protect yourself, your family, and everyone else during a pandemic is to stay at home as much as possible. However, driving does remain incredibly important.
You can also help relieve cabin fever by limiting your impact and maintaining social distance by taking a walk (if allowed in your area).
With lower gas prices than ever before, now is the time to take advantage of the open road to feel free.
However, please don’t go too far for your safety. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find an open public toilet.
It is much easier to survive this unprecedented time in history, no matter how long it lasts, when you have your vehicle at your disposal. Keep that in mind, when you start thinking about what you want and need to stay healthy, both mentally and physically.
To Sum Up
If you need to send a vehicle to any part of the country, it is easier than you think, and perhaps more accessible and very safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The key is to take all the necessary precautions that are safe for the car and for you. This way, planning to ship your vehicle during the pandemic can be easier than you think.
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