Frequently asked questions
Most frequent questions and answers
When Will My Vehicle Be Picked Up?
On average, for a standard shipment it will typically take one to seven business days from the time your booking has been received to locate a carrier and schedule a time for pick-up. Expedited services are available for rush shipments and time sensitive transports.
Does Someone Have To Be Present For Pick-up And Delivery?
Yes, there must be someone present to accept the vehicle, provide keys and sign an inspection report. This person can be anyone over the age of 18.
Is My Vehicle Insured During Transportation?
Your vehicle will be insured against in-transit damage caused by carrier negligence or equipment failure by the assigned auto shipping or car transport truck. These auto shipping and car transport trucks, by law, carry a minimum of $750,000 public liability insurance.
How Far In Advance Should I Schedule My Transport?
The farther in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, try to schedule your transport at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
What if my vehicle is damaged?
Damage is rare, but unfortunately it does happen. The single most important thing for you to do if your vehicle is damaged is to note the damage on your final bill of lading report when you receive the vehicle.
The bill of lading is the report that the driver will fill out on pickup, denoting if there is any pre-existing damage. Any damage that occurs in transit must be entered on this report on delivery. Failure to do so could seriously hinder your damage claim, so we cannot stress this enough. Look your vehicle over thoroughly when you receive it. The bill of lading is a document that releases the carrier of liability once signed at delivery.
Will my vehicle be inspected before it is transported?
When Will My Vehicle Be Delivered?
Based on mileage, once your vehicle has been picked up, it will typically be delivered within anywhere from one to ten days.
Should I leave a full tank of gas in the car when it is being transported?
- The less gas in the car, the better. Anything over a quarter of a tank is unnecessary and will just add weight to the truckload. We will transport your vehicle if more fuel is in the tank, but we recommend that you keep it under a quarter tank to lighten the load.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
- An open transport carrier is open on all sides and will expose the vehicle to the elements just as driving would do. Vehicles are safe on open carriers and it is the least expensive way to move a car via the interstate as well as when shipping overseas. Enclosed transport carriers are sealed on all sides and are recommended for classic, antique and extremely expensive cars and trucks as well as motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. The cost of enclosed transport can range from 35% to more than 50% higher than open transport.
What documents will I need to ship my vehicle?
Most of the time, you’ll only need to provide your registration and insurance documentation plus a photo ID. Some auto transport companies will also require you to show the title. That’s for domestic shipments. If you’re shipping a car internationally, there will be other requirements set by the country that will receive your vehicle. If you don’t understand what the requirements are, you risk a situation where your car can’t be released from the port at its destination.
Is your company fully insured? What does your policy cover? Can I see proof of insurance?
All reputable car shipping companies will be fully insured — it’s the law! The best companies have enough coverage to respond to any issues or emergencies that may arise. You can and should ask specific questions: What are the company’s standard shipping insurance options? Can I buy additional insurance? Should the worst happen, will your entire car be covered or just certain parts? Will there be a deductible you have to pay?
How fast will my car be delivered?
Your car will be delivered on time unless there is an unforeseen incident that causes a delay. You will be notified if that occurs.
What kind of guarantee do I have that you will ship my car?
You can monitor where your car as at all times by calling dispatch, which has a tracker on my truck.
Can I Put Personal Items In My Vehicle?
We advise you not to, as personal items are not insured if they are damaged or reported missing. If you decide to pack personal items inside your vehicle, it must not exceed 75 lbs. and must be kept in the trunk or back seats (below the window line).
Is it door-to-door?
Yes, we always ask for your specific pickup and delivery addresses, if the carrier can get right to the addresses you provide, they will. If the addresses that you give us are not safely accessible for a Multi-car carrier, however, you will need to make arrangements with the driver to meet at a nearby location where the carrier can safely get in and out.
What kind of carrier is it?
We do both open and enclosed vehicle transport and all various sizes. The majority of cross country moves will be on an 8-10 car carrier, the kind that you see new cars on all of the time. The smaller 2-3 car carriers will tend to do shorter, more “localized” shipments.
What type of paperwork will I need when transporting my car?
If you are having your vehicle transported via the interstate, the only thing that will be needed is for you to sign the bill of lading when the driver picks the car up.
If I live in a small, rural area or on a road that is very narrow, will that be a problem for the auto transport driver?
- If your home or office is far from a major interstate or on a road that a large auto carrier cannot access, the driver may need to have you meet him with the car at a location nearby your home or office where he can easily maneuver the truck to load the car as well as turn the truck around when leaving. The driver will make every
possible attempt to get as close to your preferred location as possible but will usually arrange to meet at a local
shopping center or major roadway near you.
How do I prepare my vehicle for shipping?
The answer you’ll receive on the phone will probably be: empty it, clean it, and have another set of keys made if you only have one. However, there are more steps that need to be taken. Check out this post for more information about what empty and clean mean in this context, and what else you’ll need to do to prepare your vehicle for its journey.
Can you give me a free quote?
Getting a quote from an auto transport company should never mean that you’re under the obligation to use that company. Most shippers know that you’ll be getting quotes from other companies and are okay with that. A deposit should not be required to get a quote, so if a car shipping company will only give you a quote if you make some kind of commitment, move on. As we mention above, many companies now have online calculators that will give you a free estimate, but you’ll often get a more accurate quote by talking directly with a representative.
Do you transport to residential locations?
Yes, if you can arrange to have a safe location to drop off the car, such as a nearby Walmart, Home Depot, etc.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Yes, there should be someone to sign when the car is being picked up and dropped off.
