Auto Shipping FAQ’s
1. How do I find out how much it will cost to ship my vehicle?
2. Does the size of my vehicle affect the price?
3. What is the difference between open and closed trailers?
4. What is door to door vs. terminal to terminal service?
5. Do I get to choose specific pick-up and delivery dates?
6. How do I find out where my car is during shipment and when it will arrive?
7. What are the payment methods? When will I be required to make payment?
8. Will my car be insured during the shipping process?
9. Can I pack personal items in my vehicle during shipment?
10. What happens when my car is released to the carrier?
11. What should I do before accepting my vehicle at delivery?
12. What do I do if my vehicle arrives with damage?
13. Should I use a broker or should I arrange transport directly with a trucking company?
1. How do I find out how much it will cost to ship my vehicle?
Start with Quotes At Home to get free, no obligation quotes from several car transport companies. To get the most accurate quotes, be sure to include the following information:
- Type of vehicle (larger vehicles such as SUV’s may cost more)
- Origin and Destination City
- Approximate date of departure
- Special transport requests (ie. Door-to-door service vs. terminal drop-off)
Remember, the lowest quote may not be the best service. Check out the track record for each company and request references. You should pick a company that can provide you with good service, deliver the vehicle in a timely manner, and provide a good value.
2. Does the size of my vehicle affect the price?
Yes, size does matter. A full-size truck or SUV will cost more than a regular sedan. Shipments are based on weight that a truck can legally carry. Taller and longer vehicles, as well as those with specialized or custom enhancements to the exterior may also require an additional fee.
3. What is the difference between open and closed trailers?
The most popular and commonly used trailer is the open trailer. These trailers carry anywhere from 10-12 vehicles at a time. Open trailers are less expensive than closed trailers. However, open trailers will subject your car to the elements of nature, such as rain, snow, wind, and dirt. Still, unless you are shipping your vehicle through extreme climates, this option should be fine. If you own an expensive or classic car that you wish to protect from the elements during hauling, closed carrier may be worth the extra cost. A closed trailer is a vehicle that has a covered freight area.
4. What is door to door vs. terminal to terminal service?
If your auto transporter offers complete door-to-door service, a local truck is dispatched to your home or desired location and the vehicle is also dropped off at your precise destination. The car transport driver will get as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Transport trucks are enormous and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to your home is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet the truck at a large parking lot nearby such as a grocery store. If your auto shipper does not provide door-to-door service, cannot pick up your vehicle due to scheduling conflicts, or if your vehicle is not located in an accessible area, terminal service may be necessary. In this case, you may be required to drop off your vehicle at a terminal and pick up the vehicle at another terminal close to your destination.
5. Do I get to choose specific pick-up and delivery dates?
Your auto shipper company’s representative should be able to provide you with an estimate of pick-up and delivery times. A 3-day window for pick-up is common and reasonable. After the vehicle is picked up, your hauler should be able to give you a fairly precise estimate of the delivery date. If you need an exact date for delivery, most auto transport companies can accommodate your request by picking up your car and holding it at their terminal for an additional charge.
6. How do I find out where my car is during shipment and when it will arrive?
Because it is impossible to schedule vehicle freight precisely, auto transport companies will use “estimated dates.” Some auto shippers offer optional “premium” service or guaranteed delivery dates. All reputable companies have customer service representatives who can provide information about where your vehicle is in the transport process. You may also be able to request the cell phone number of the driver, ensuring that you can have the best line of communication with the driver and know the location of your vehicle at any time.
7. What are the payment methods? When will I be required to make payment?
Most companies accept credit cards, money orders or cashier's checks. Check with your auto shipper to learn more about their individual policy. Some companies require a deposit up front, usually 10-25%, while others require full payment in advance. If you give them a deposit, the remaining balance is due at time of delivery (C.O.D.). If you are required to pay in full up front, you may want to consider using a credit card because these charges can be reversed if necessary such as in the instance that you decide not to transport the vehicle. Be wary of any company that asks for a non-refundable deposit.
8. Will my car be insured during the shipping process?
Your auto transport company should provide adequate insurance to protect against driver negligence. To be sure, always ask for a copy of the Certificate of Insurance and read the fine print. Most companies do not cover certain types of common damage, such as glass breakage or small nicks and dents. Consult your own auto insurance to see if it includes any coverage for vehicle transport. You may also decide to get some additional insurance to supplement what you already have. Check to see if there is a deductible and the amount. Be particularly careful if you are using a broker, because they are using an agent which subsequently must have their own proof of insurance.
9. Can I pack \personal items in my vehicle during shipment?
It is not recommended to pack personal items in your vehicle during shipment. Check with your individual carrier first, because some will not accept the car for shipment if personal property is inside the vehicle. If you do decide to pack personal goods in the vehicle, remember that the carrier is not liable for loss or damage to your items.
10. What happens when my car is released to the carrier?
When your vehicle is picked up by the car transport company, you will receive an "Original Inspection Report." This report provides pick-up and delivery information, current mileage, and most importantly, shows the condition of your car at time of pick-up -- pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc. Make sure your car is washed before inspection. The original Bill of Lading is the record of inspection of your car at pick up and is to be signed by both you and your driver after the inspection.
11. What should I do before accepting my vehicle at delivery?
At delivery, your car is then inspected again with the driver and you or your agent. Both parties are then to again sign the bill of lading make sure to note any inconsistencies between the first bill of lading and the second. Any claim must be filed directly with the carrier and their insurance immediately. DO NOT accept the car without inspecting it, because it is extremely difficult to claim for damage after the car has been signed for.
12. What do I do if my vehicle arrives with damage?
If damage has occurred, inform the driver that the damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage should be marked and noted clearly, then signed for by the driver. Next, you should place a call to the carrier. In most cases the company will ask for an estimate for the damages and send you payment in a couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive and unwilling to work with you to resolve the issue, make sure you contact their insurance company and file a claim. Before filing your claim, be sure that you have all the documentation to back it up. False claims can result in legal action by the shipper.
13. Should I use a broker or should I arrange transport directly with a trucking company?
For the most part, there are no differences between the rates quoted by a Broker and those of a Carrier. Most carriers travel very specific routes with limited trucks and may not be able to accommodate your pickup point, destination, or schedule. If the carrier you choose is unable to service their requirements, that carrier may broker the transportation to a different transport company anyway. When selecting an auto transporter, be sure that your broker is bonded and deals only with reputable carriers who are properly licensed and insured.