Auto Transport Questions and Answers

Here you will find valuable information regarding the auto transport process. We have assembled 12 of the most common car shipping questions that you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. CLICK TO EMAIL

1. How long will it take to TRANSPORT my car?

The scheduling of your auto transport will vary due to several different factors. The majority of total auto transport timing takes between one and two weeks. You should be prepared to allow a window of between 1 to 7 business days for pick-up, and 7-14 days for the transport and delivery. Your Auto Transporter may offer an expedited service option, but that comes with an additional cost.

2. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY AUTO TRANSPORT?

The more advance notice that you can give your auto transport company, the better. You are most likely to find an auto shipper to accommodate your needs and time table if you allow them adequate time to schedule your move.

3. WHERE WILL I DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP MY CAR?

The standard in today's auto shipping industry is quoting for door-to-door service. You should be aware that it is plausible that the driver may not actually be able to come directly to your home. Due to the difficulty maneuvering through neighborhood streets and legal constraints of your city, your carrier may ask you to meet him in a nearby parking lot.

4. WILL I NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR RELEASE AND DELIVERY OF MY CAR?

You really should do your very best to be present at the time of pick-up and delivery of your vehicle. You or your agent will need to verify that the documentation identifying your vehicles condition is extremely important in the event of an unforseen problem. If you are the purchaser of the vehicle being transported, the only evidence of the original condition of the automobile is the documentation provided by the seller and acknowledged by the driver. You should take the time to inspect the automobile for any damages that may have occurred during transit.

5. CAN MY CAR BE LEFT SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR PICK-UP?

You may choose to take advantage of your auto shipping companies terminal service. Optional terminal service is a large storage facility that houses vehicles waiting for both pick-up and drop-off. Auto shipping companies will offer this as an alternative to door-to-door service, often at an additional cost.

6. HOW CAN I CHECK ON THE PROGRESS OF MY AUTO TRANSPORT?

Your auto transporter may be able to offer you service with trucks that have GPS tracking. This would permit you the ability to track your automobiles exact location from start to finish based on your assigned vehicle tracking number. If this is of importance to you, ask your Auto Shipping Company if this service is available, and what the cost is. Often times, if the auto transporter doesn't offer this service you can call or email them periodically for updates.

7. IS MY VEHICLE INSURED DURING TRANSPORT?

Your auto transport Carrier is required by law to carry insurance to cover your vehicle while in transit. It is strongly suggested that you retain your personal coverage during the transport to cover any damages that may be excluded by the carrier’s policy. Confirm with your vehicle transporter that your auto inspection form is properly completed and signed by the driver. Retain a copy of this and upon delivery inspect your vehicle carefully. Take the time to do a comprehensive inspection and if you believe that damage occurred during the transport write up the details on the report and have the driver sign it. This is his acknowledgement that damages may have been caused during transit. Your claims must be validated by your documentation.

8. WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR ARRIVES DAMAGED OR DESTROYED?

Unfortunately accidents occasionally do happen. If you believe that damage occurred during the shipping of your automobile work through the system properly to ensure that that your claim will be processed promptly. Your auto transport company will use your initial inspection report to compare and verify the condition of your automobile before and after transit. Both your signature and that of your driver represents the acknowledgement of the actual condition. If you should notice damage at the time of delivery, make sure to document this on your bill of landing and again, make this acknowledgement with your signature as well as your drivers. The auto shipping company is the responsible for the verifiable damage to your vehicle. More often than not, mechanical malfunctions and glass damage that may arise during transport are not covered by your auto transporter.

9. WHO WILL BE DRIVING MY CAR?

The auto transport driver is typically the only person that will be driving your car. He may be loading and unloading your vehicle occasionally throughout the shipping process to make the best use of the space on the trailer, otherwise your vehicle shouldn’t be moved. If you decide to utilize terminal service for your vehicle, your auto transport driver will unload the vehicle then release the vehicle to the terminal staff. Be sure to ask that the terminal staff conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle at the time of acceptance.

10. IS MY CAR GOING TO BE STAYING ON ONE TRUCK?

Your vehicle should always remain on one truck. If there is an unforseen mechanical problem with the truck it is possible that your vehicle will be need to be placed on another truck. This is extremely uncommon.

11. Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You really should NOT leave any personal items in your vehicle during transport. Filling your car with personal items may cause damage to your exhaust or transmission during transit. This damage is not covered by the auto shippers’ insurance policy. If an item moves around during your transport, it could cause damage to the item and to the interior of your automobile. Again, this damage is not covered by the auto shippers’ insurance policy. Any personal items left in your vehicle are solely your responsibility. Damage or loss of any kind for any reason is solely on you. Again, personal items are not covered by the auto shippers’ insurance policy.

12. HOW AM I GOING TO PAY FOR MY AUTO TRANSPORT?

As with most services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order for auto transport. Generally the deposit ranges from 10-25% of the total shipping fee. The balance will be due upon delivery. Most auto transport companies require payment in the form of cash or cashiers check although there are some whom may offer the option of payment with credit cards.