 Auto Transport FAQ
FAQ - Auto Transport
How much will it cost to ship my vehicle?
This is not a simple question to answer. The price for shipping your car depends on many variables. You will first need to contact several car transport companies and request quotes. Bellow is a list of information you should have on hand before requesting a quote:
· What city will they be picking up and dropping off your car? Have the exact address in order to get an accurate estimate.
· How many vehicles will they be transporting?
· They will need an estimated date for picking up your car. If you would like to request a guaranteed date, this will cost extra. If not you will be contacted by the driver or dispatcher as to when your car will be picked up.
· What are the year, make and model of vehicle being transported?
· Do you want door to door service or will you drop off and collect your vehicle at the terminal? Door to door will cost you more money. Before making this choice you should verify that your new location allows access to oversized vehicles.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my transport?
Usually an auto transport company will request that you attempt to order transportation service at least 10 - 15 days prior to your requested pick-up date. By placing your order in advance, not only will the auto transport company have a greater chance of picking up your vehicle on or as close as possible to your requested date but you could receive a better transport rate.
If needed, most companies offer express pickups but this service will cost extra.
What is an oversize fee?
An oversize fee is charged if a vehicle is larger than a traditional passenger vehicle. Most SUV’s will have an oversize fee applied to them. These vehicles are large in size and take up more than one space on a truck or carrier and are charged accordingly.
How long does it take to transport a vehicle?
There are several factors that affect transportation times:
- Varying pick-up times – Unless you’ve requested a guaranteed pickup date you will have a 5-10 day window for pickup.
- The total distance between pick-up and delivery
- Uncontrollable factors such as weather conditions, traffic, and truck maintenance
A usual coast-to-coast move takes between 10 and 14 days. Transit times up and down the coasts range from 3 to 10 days. Inclement weather, traffic, and truck maintenance may lengthen transit time, depending on their severity. Trip planning and route coordination is determined by current orders. For example, if your vehicle is the last to load and the first to unload, the transit time will be drastically reduced. If your vehicle is the first to load and the last to unload, the transportation time will be lengthened.
Can I pack things in my car?
No, not only is it illegal for auto transport companies to transport personal belongings inside a vehicle but NO personal belongings are insured at time of transport. Your auto transport company will not be responsible for objects that are not part of the vehicle.
If you do decide to place objects inside the vehicle, please keep them "light and out of sight." Due to the numerous weight restrictions that are placed on trucks, auto transport companies will not allow objects whose weight is estimated to be in excess of 100 lbs. Remember, since these items are not insured, we ask that they be securely positioned in an area that is not visible. Unseen objects do not draw attention to themselves, the vehicle, or other vehicles on the carrier.
Is my car insured while in transit?
The company with whom you contract to transport your vehicle should provide adequate insurance to protect against driver negligence. However you should always check with the specific vehicle transport company to ensure they have adequate insurance. Ask to see the certificate of insurance. Read the fine print. You may decide to get supplemental insurance as some coverage may be excluded, for example if you leave personal items in the car and they are stolen this will not be covered. Small nicks & dents, and glass breakage may also not be covered.
Remember if the truck driver's insurance coverage has lapsed for any reason, you will be unprotected.
Inquire as to whether there is any deductible and if there is you will be required to pay the deductible amount toward any loss or damage to the vehicle before any insurance payment is made from the auto transport insurance company.
Always make sure to ask your auto carrier if he is planning to use an agent to haul your vehicle. You will need to see the Certificate of Insurance for the agent also to make sure your vehicle is covered.
Your own auto insurance may also provide coverage for your vehicle so check your policy. You home insurance policy may also provide additional coverage for any personal items you leave in the vehicle.
What's the difference between an open and closed carrier?
An Open carrier is one where vehicles are transported in exposed trailers. This means that the vehicles are exposed to inclement weather conditions during transit. This would be the most popular mode of auto transportation. It is both safe an economical. The trailers come in all shapes and sizes and are capable of carrying from one to over 14 vehicles at once.
Where an enclosed carrier is one where the vehicles are loaded in and transported inside the carrier. This is a better choice when transporting an antique or custom car because in this case the vehicles are protected from inclement weather conditions. This choice is a more expensive one however depending on the vehicle to be transported it may be the only sensible option.
Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?
In this case you have 2 options:
- Door to Door Service
With this service your vehicle will be picked up at your home and delivered to your new home. In some cases (such as weight restriction, low bridges, wires and branches) you carrier might ask that you meet them truck at a mutually appealing location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. Keep in mind that door to door service will cost you extra.
- Terminal Service
With Terminal Service your vehicle will either be picked up or dropped off at a terminal. While your carrier will try to find a terminal as close to your home as possible (usually within 20 miles) this distance is not guaranteed.
When and how do I pay?
Most auto transport companies require a deposit (10-25% of the total cost). If a deposit is given, the balance due is always required at time of delivery -- oftentimes with a credit card, cashiers check or cash. You should check with your auto transport company to find out what types of payment are acceptable to them.
If full payment is required prior to car transport, consider using a credit card so that charges may be reversed if circumstances warrant such actions.
What do I need to know about releasing my vehicle to the auto transport company at point of origin?
Prior to leaving your car with the driver be sure you sign and receive a copy of an “Original Inspection Report”. This report will details the condition of the vehicle at the time of pick-up and at which you will be able to compare at the time of delivery. Current mileage, dents, scratches, cracks to mirrors and windows, paint condition, etc. will be listed as well as the overall condition. Make sure you ask for a copy of this report if you are not provided with one. Keep this report and use it when you receive your vehicle.
What if damage should occur to my car?
You shouldn’t really worry about any damages to your vehicle because the majority of car transport experiences are worry-free. If damage has occurred to your vehicle during transit you must note the damage in detail on the original inspection report, obtain the drivers signature and then contact your auto transport company to resolve the matter. The car transport company should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your car.
Remember if the damage is a result of you leaving personal items in the vehicle or trunk the auto transport company is not responsible and will not reimburse you. |
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