From do-it-yourselfers to serious adrenaline junkies, karting is a sport that many of us can buy into. As one becomes further involved, owning a kart is a natural step in the process. However, many kart owners do not have the capacity or the desire to move their vehicle long distances, whether it is for a move or a race, so hiring a carrier to assist is often a good option to explore. The following will help you choose a quality company, as well as prepare your kart to be shipped.
The first things to look for when selecting a company to transport a kart are reliability and responsibility, so to be a quality candidate a carrier should have an established record of successful moves and a sufficient insurance policy.
References, first-hand customer accounts from previous moves, are a great way to establish a company’s record of customer service. These are on most movers’ websites, but if you have difficulty finding them the company should be able to provide some. Remember that carriers often move a variety of vehicles, so be sure that at least one reference relates to a kart shipment. At this stage in the process the company can also provide you with their insurance information. While the policy may seem self explanatory, be sure you are clear on the steps that must be taken in the event of an accident. Also, look out for unreasonably high deductibles or loopholes in the policy that could be misleading.
Once you have found an acceptable company, a few steps should be taken to prepare the kart to be shipped. Even though different companies may vary a bit on all they require, this is a good starting point in the process.
First, wash off the kart and inspect it for any damage. If you find any, make note of it with pictures and a written account. This will come in handy if the kart is damaged while being shipped and you are forced to file an insurance claim.
After cleaning it up, remove any accessories that could shake loose while in the trailer. This includes mirrors, flags and anything else applicable, as insurance will not provide compensation for lost or damaged accessories. Also, helmets and other large gear that go with the kart will not be allowed in the trailer, so plan on shipping these separately.
A quick mechanical overview is the final step in the prep process. Even as the vehicle will probably not be driven during transport, determining its current condition is important nonetheless. Check the fluid levels for leaks and the tires’ are air pressure levels. Leaking fluids can cause a mess and flat tires make moving difficult, so be sure to address these issues. Also, most shippers will not require you to remove the battery or drain the gas tank, but be sure to find out your company’s policy on this beforehand.
You should now be ready to hit the track or the trail! Happy Holidays!
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