SHIPPING GUIDE FOR AUTOMOBILES

Some of the most commonly asked questions are dealt with below.

Is it true that the quotes relating to automobile shipping pertain to only a few vehicles?

This is NOT true. Auto shipping quotes are available for almost all automobiles. You can easily find quotes for motorcycles, cars, trucks and even personal boats. Vehicle shipping quotes are not available for certain vehicles like trailers, tractors, golf carts, go-carts and zambonis. There is no auto quote for the popcorn machine either. Auto shipping quotes are hence available for almost all types of automobiles.

What about the shipping of automobiles overseas?

Shipping automobiles out of the country is not a problem at all. If you need to ship your vehicle from anywhere in the United States to anywhere in the world, all you have to do is to fill the international quote request form. However, if shipping vehicles into America from any other country of the world, you will have to contact an international automobile shipping agent in that particular country.

Is it possible for me to call someone to get more details on using an automobile shipper?

You can of course call our Automobile Shipping Quotes office and have all your queries answered by very experienced people. As you go through the site you will find a lot of information about shipping vehicles as well as different auto shipping companies. It is not easy to choose the right auto shipper and unless you are sure of what you are doing, it may be wise to ask for help from our professionals. Moreover, once you fill up the online quote request form, you will get upto ten customized quotes from different auto shipping companies. Please feel free to call and ask all the questions you want answers for.

At what time are the customer service of auto shippers available?

Customer Service is usually available from 9 am to 5 pm EST. However, every auto shipping company has their own timings. Automobile Shipping Quotes has a 24 hour customer service and instances of receiving the voice mail are very rare. These voice mail calls are responded to on priority the very next day. Most other companies have their own set timings and its best to call during the usual working hours and check these details. When you fill our online quote request form you will not only get upto ten free quotes from different auto shipping companies, but also the contact details of these very companies. Instead to pondering over these queries, its best to just call and check for details.

How easy is it to find a shipping company to ship automobiles to Guam and Hawaii?

It really is not difficult to find an auto shipping company who will ship your vehicle to Hawaii or Guam. Though not every auto shipping company ships vehicles to the US territories that are overseas, there are some good shipping companies who do oblige. When shipping vehicles to Hawaii, a truck generally picks up the vehicle from your home and takes it to Long Beach. From here the vehicle is taken by ship, to Hawaii. You are probably expected by your shipping company to be present at the port to receive your vehicle. Shipping your vehicle to Guam too is not an issue at all. Once you book your vehicle with an auto shipping company, they will handle it with no worries for you.

Is it easy to ship automobiles to the continental United States?

Yes. There is absolutely no problem in shipping vehicles anywhere in the continental United States. Automobile shipping is done through routes. Some routes are difficult, while some are easier to navigate. Some routes are longer, while some are shorter. As long as routes are available, shipping automobiles is not a problem at all. Any American auto shipping company will ship any vehicle within the continental United States.

How are automobiles shipped to Alaska?

The process of shipping vehicles begins with filling up the online quote request form. Once you receive the quotes, names and addresses of the ten shippers, things get easier. You have now to pick one of them and get in touch with them. Once you have booked with a particular vehicle shipping company they will send a truck and will pick up your vehicle from your home. This vehicle will be taken to Seattle from where it will be taken by ship to Alaska. Once there ,you could receive your vehicle from the port at Alaska.

Does is make sense to ship a vehicle to Puerto Rico?

Shipping a vehicle is not a problem at all for any vehicle shipping company. Not all vehicle shipping companies ship to destinations outside the US mainland, but finding a shipping company that will handle this is not difficult at all. All you have to do is to fill in our online quote request and you will receive the quotes, names and addresses of shipping companies that will handle the shipment of your vehicle to Puerto Rico. Once you choose the auto shipping company you would like to entrust your vehicle shipment with, you need to contact them and they will handle the shipment without a problem.

Are the vehicle shipping quotes valid for many vehicles of the same model?

To begin with, you have to fill in the online quote request form and you will get the quotes, names and contact details for upto ten auto shipping companies. The quote is generally for two vehicles. Once you have chosen your auto shipping company, you can fill in the form they send you. The best method to handle the shipping of more than two cars is to make sure you fill the form with all the relevant details both the cars. After this, you could call the vehicle shipping company and request them to ship the vehicles you own over and above these two. Generally, the shipping companies are more than willing to ship all your vehicles without an extra charge for more than two vehicles.

Is there a need for an oversized auto shipper for large, old vehicles?

This may not be necessary. Firstly, the age of the vehicle hardly matters when it comes to shipping a vehicle from one place to another. The size of the vehicle definitely is taken into consideration. Once you have chosen your auto shipping company, it may be wise to check with them directly if your vehicle is considered oversized by them.

AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTERS AND AUTOMOBILE HAULERS

It is not an easy job for and automobile transport company. Auto haulers have to make sure that your vehicle is delivered to you anywhere within and outside the country. For this, they have to make sure that they provide you with the best service and have a good team of people helping you at every stage. It is important for both the customer as well as the auto transport company to make sure that the drivers of the trucks are licensed and insured, as well as the trucks are in good condition. The reputation of the transportation company matters a lot for the company to remain afloat in the business. Since the entire responsibility of the safety of the customer’s vehicles lies in the hands of the auto transport companies, they have to prove their reliability to all their customers.

Transportation of vehicles from anywhere to a specific place is measured in days. Wherever the vehicle needs to be shipped to the destination, the vehicle shipping company works on the number of days it will take to get the vehicle to you in the new place. Distance between the 2 points is the main factor that determines the number of days it will take for the vehicle to reach its destination. A customer must always keep in mind that the auto haulers do their very best to make a safe and quick delivery of the vehicle entrusted to them.

There are two ways to go about choosing the right auto transporter for your shipment. You may know of a particular auto shipping company and may approach them directly or you could get to the auto shipping company through a broker. There are many advantages in using the services of a broker. A broker will give you the best quotes from many different auto shipping companies, so you can choose the price that suits you best. Usually auto haulers with good reputations only are recommended by brokers, so that should not be a worry for you. Auto shipping companies recommended by brokers usually offer the best services too.

When you approach an auto shipping company directly, you may find a few problems to deal with. Often these auto haulers are overbooked, due to which your vehicle may reach you much later than you want it to. Moreover, the company may also send your vehicle to the destination with some other company’s load, which may not be safe and reliable. However, if you know the auto shipping company personally and are sure you will not have a problem using their services, you are most welcome to ship your vehicle through them. The most important thing is that the vehicle belongs to you and you should be happy with the auto shipping company you entrust your property with.

VEHICLE MOVING COMPANIES AND THEIR QUOTES

Vehicle transportation companies have a big responsibility on their shoulders. They have to make sure that their customers are given the best services and that the job entrusted to them is done with perfection. In today’s hectic world it is not easy for anyone to manage anywhere, especially in a new place, without personal transport. For this, it is important that the transport company makes sure that the delivery of the vehicle to the new place is done safely and on time. It is binding on the vehicle mover to make sure that the personal property of their customers is protected from any damage or theft during transportation. For this, every vehicle transporter must take the utmost care.

Vehicle movers do not transport vehicle for individual customers alone. They also transport vehicles for auto dealers. This is another very responsible job that they undertake. Transporting new cars to the auto dealers in perfect condition and well in time, is a big task. Delays in this delivery cause a lot of problems to the auto dealers as well as to their customers, who have been promised new cars.

It is important for vehicle movers to have a strong and good networking system with other reliable vehicle movers. This comes to play when a particular vehicle mover is over booked and needs to rely on the help of someone else to have his work completed in the best possible manner. There are very few vehicle movers that have a good networking system like this.

Apart from the best service, the rates offered by the vehicle moving companies too, is very important. Often, vehicle movers offer discounts for the shipment of more than one or two vehicles. It is not uncommon to find government employees, especially military personnel getting huge discounts from vehicle movers. The availability of real time auto tracking is another important service that vehicle movers should be able to give their customers. Some vehicle transports take an extra charge for this service.

AUTOMOBILE SHIPPING PRICES AND QUOTES

It is very essential for the shipping of your vehicle to match your budget. For this, it is imperative that you

choose an auto shipper who offers to do your shipment within your budget. This effort on your part could be reduced if you fill in our free quote form and receive the quotes, names and contact details of different auto shipping companies. This online facility will save you a lot of trouble as it is really not easy to locate a reliable and cost effective company to ship your vehicle from one place to another. However, should you not receive a reply from us or should you decide to go through the whole affair yourself, here are some tips to help you.

Try and find an automobile shipping company that offers you a good price as well as offers you good service. The price alone is not enough to make a choice. You have to be sure that you choose a reliable auto shipping company so that your vehicle is delivered without any time lag or damage. A reliable auto shipper with a price that matches your budget is what you must look for and will get if you put a little effort into your search.

It is not very difficult to find an auto shipping company who will deliver your shipment within your state or to elsewhere in the country. It is not difficult to find a shipping company who will deliver your vehicle to you in another country either. All auto shipping companies offer door to door service to their customers. During these shipments, it is important for them to have real time tracking services so that should you enquire about your vehicle they should be able to give you the exact location of the shipment as well as a close to accurate date of delivery.

All automobile transport companies transport vehicles either in enclosed trailers or in open air trailers. Enclosed trailers are very safe but open air trailers leave your vehicle exposed to a lot of hazards. The open air trailers are definitely a lot less expensive. However, it is totally your decision as to which trailer you would like to choose to transport your vehicle in.

Good automobile shipping companies offer not only excellent service but also competitive rates for transportation. The availability of the real time tracking service is indeed very helpful to help keep customers composed right through the shipment. The drivers employed should be good and have a valid license as well as experience in driving these shipment vehicles. They should positively have insurance against damage, liability and cargo. The best automobile shipping companies are those who have been in the business for a considerable period of time.

AUTOMOBILE SHIPPING, SHIPPERS AND QUOTES FROM REPUTED AUTO SHIPPERS

Shipping automobiles is not a matter to be taken lightly – a lot of responsibility is involved. There is absolutely no place for error. The responsibility bestowed on the shoulders of an automobile shipping company is indeed large. Automobile shippers have to make sure that there services are perfect as all their customers, be they individuals transporting vehicles, new buyers or automobile dealers, everyone wants their vehicles in perfect shape.

An auto shipping company has to make sure that the vehicles being transported through them reach their destination without any damages caused during the shipment. They have to hence have a very good set of employees to help them make sure no mishaps take place. To handle cases of overbooking, auto shippers have to make sure they have a strong network to enable them to manage to deliver the automobiles through alternative means, in good shape and on time.

The drivers of the carrier trucks should be very good and should be able to handle any amount of load without a problem. Not only the drivers, but also the shipping company itself should have its licenses and in bonds intact so that the customers are satisfied. The vehicles should all have insurance, property damage and liability. Automobile shipping companies who have been in the business for a considerable period of time have a natural upper hand.

Auto shippers usually have the best possible methods to make sure that vehicles in their care are looked after very well. Even when transporting vehicles in open air trailers, auto shippers make sure that in spite of the exposure to the natural elements, the vehicles are protected from damage. Enclosed trailers are easier to deal with and hence are more expensive. If you are shipping an extremely valuable vehicle, make sure it is being done in an enclosed trailer only – its safer that way.

The job of the auto shipper is not only to safely strap your vehicles on a trailer or on a ship. They have to make sure they offer very good customer service, very reasonable rates for shipment and also real time auto tracking. It is always nice for everyone to be sure of where their vehicle is at any time during shipment and if the auto shipper is able to provide this information, there is nothing like it! Moreover, making sure that vehicles are delivered at their destination on time is a very important factor, and this lies in the hands of the auto shipper.

GUIDE FOR AUTOMOBILE MOVING

Scheduling

It may be wise to schedule the shipment of your vehicle at least four weeks before you actually make the move to the new place. There is a lot the auto shipping company has to do and it is always best to give them enough time to do it all so that there is no delay in receiving the vehicle on time. Most auto shipping companies offer to pick up and drop the vehicle from and at your doorstep. However, you should always be prepared for some inconveniences, should the auto transporter not be able provide this door to door service, which may even be due to your residential colony rules.

Insurance

It is a must to have your insurance papers updated and all the required paper work perfectly in order before booking your vehicle with an auto transporter. When the auto transporter sends a representative to pick up the vehicle, he will make a ‘bill of lading’, noting all the scratches and damages on the vehicle. This bill is to be signed by him and you. Another bill is made when the vehicle is delivered to you at the new location. Do make sure you check for all damages before signing, so that you can immediately make an insurance claim, at all if you need to.

Personal Items

Avoid leaving any of your personal belongings in the vehicle when you send it to the auto shippers. Apart from the extra tires and vehicle tools, nothing else should be left in the vehicle. However, should you need to transport some things in the vehicle, make sure you have the consent of the auto shipper and have securely tied them down so that they do not move and are not damaged.

Delivery

Should you not be available to receive your vehicle at the destination, do make sure that it is received by someone with authority from you and is kept at a secure place till you arrive. Delivering the vehicle at another place may force the auto shipping company to charge an additional fee from you.

Specifics

Cost

Before using the services of a vehicle shipping company make sure you are aware of the total cost of shipment. You will have quotes from many auto movers and will have to provide them with the following information:

• Origin and destination of shipment
• Departure date
• Details of the vehicles
• Vehicle transport service you desire (like door to door or terminal to terminal)
• Special requests (like delivery of vehicle at another address)

Paying For Shipping Your Vehicle

Auto shipping companies receive payment from customers in many different ways. This varies from company to company as well. Some take the full payment on delivery, while some insist on a part payment and others insist on full payment before the shipment. Part payments are often made by cash or cheque. However, should there be a requirement for you to make the full payment before the shipment, make sure you do it by credit card so that should there be reason for a dispute later, it is not difficult for you to take action.

Make Sure You Are Properly Insured

It is a must that you have your vehicle insured against damage and theft by the auto shipping company who is shipping your vehicle. Make sure you get a copy of the insurance coverage. Make sure how the vehicle movers’ insurance cover works with your insurance coverage, should there be any damage during transportation. Be aware of the amount of damage deductible. All this information should be attained by you in writing from the auto shipping company. Be sure to check with your own insurance company about the vehicle insurance you have. Try not to leave any personal belonging in your vehicle at the time of transportation, as there will be no insurance cover for that.

Get Dates - Pick Up and Delivery

It is important to have an estimated date for both pick up and delivery of the car. There should be a three day window as well which is convenient to both you as well as your auto shipping company. All this should positively be taken in writing by you. The auto movers should be able to give you a more or less specific date of delivery of your vehicle when it is being picked up. Should you require your vehicle to be picked up on a particular date and transported after a few days, the auto shipping company should be able to safely store your vehicle for those few days with an additional charge.

Check References

Before booking your vehicle with a vehicle moving company, do make sure you have done enough to check on the company’s credibility for good services and license. When you choose the vehicle shipping company, it may be best to check with the local transport authorities about them as well as to check on their license from the local licensing authorities. Most communities offer such facility without a problem. Once all this is clear, make sure you get all the services written down by the vehicle shipping companies personnel, so that there is no going back on a word given to you.

Inspect Your Car Before Shipping

Before handing your vehicle to the shipping company for transportation, make sure that you have checked your vehicle for all the scratches and damage on it. In certain cases, taking pictures of your own vehicle too may be a good idea. This will serve as proof of the condition of the car prior to shipping. Make sure all these documents are kept with the condition report your shipping company gives you. Make a note of the mileage when handing over the vehicle, all the scratches and minor damages so that, should a dispute arise you have documented proof.

Vehicle Delivery Inspection and Acceptance

Once the vehicle is delivered to you at the destination, do make sure that you inspect your vehicle properly and compare it with the condition report. You must check the mileage as well as the top and under the vehicle too. You must look for any damages that could have occurred during transportation and make sure that you note them in the condition report and get the driver of the transport vehicle to sign it. It is advisable not to receive your vehicle in the night when you will be unable to check your vehicle out properly. Usually these damages are settled with the auto shipping companies without a problem, if you have the proper documentation in place.

Unresolved Disputes

Should there be any disputes with your auto shipping company, it is best to try and resolve it directly with them. Usually they prefer to solve the problems at this level itself. Though you do have the options of filing complaints with agencies like the Federal Department of Transportation or the Interstate Commerce Commission, if you are not satisfied with the way things have been handled with the company itself. You could even get legal assistance and get justice at court. However, this is a last resort and most claims are sorted out at an earlier stage itself.

INSURANCE FOR AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTATION

Any vehicle has to be insured before it is used. You must also insure it before it is being transported. If you have not bothered to check on your own vehicles insurance or the insurance of your auto shipping company before loading your vehicle for transportation, you may end up paying for lots of scratches and dents and other damages from your own pocket. Usually the auto shipping company itself organizes the insurance of the vehicles they are transporting, and most often, the vehicles reach their destination without any damage. There are many little snags and loopholes in most of these insurances. It may be wisest to check some of the online sites of auto movers and go through the important details on shipping and insurance, before you decide to give your vehicle to a shipping company for shipment.

Remember to do the following:

1. All auto shipping companies have to have a valid insurance. It is not wrong to ask to see the insurance certificate before you decide on which company you will trust your vehicle with. Should you feel the need to ask questions about their policy or about how damages to your vehicle will be dealt with, or even how much you will have to pay them for your vehicles insurance cover, do not hesitate. Check every thing before you decide to let a particular auto shipping company handle the shipment of your vehicle.

1. It is imperative for you to get all assurances from the auto shipping company in writing. Do not just take their word for it.

1. Before shipping your vehicle, make sure you are clear about your own vehicles insurance. You will need to be certain if the insurance you already have covers transportation also. You will also need to know if the insurance company needs to be informed if and when you are shipping your vehicle.

1. It is not good for you to leave any personal things inside your vehicle when it is being transported. During shipment, there could be damage to these items and these will not be insured in any way. The items in the vehicle could cause damage to the interiors of the vehicle and this will not be accepted by either the shipping company or the insurance company. Check on all the other things that need to be done before your vehicle is shipped and make sure it is all done.

1. At the time when the vehicle is being handed over to the auto shipping company for transportation, be sure you are present and make sure you examine your vehicle along with the company personnel, before the ‘bill of lading’ is made. You may like to take a few pictures of your vehicle or certain parts of your vehicle to hold as evidence, should some damage occur.

1. Once again the same process of checking is repeated when the vehicle is delivered to you in the new place. Make sure you check every part of the vehicle including the insides and under the vehicle too. Start the vehicle in front of the auto transport company personnel and see if there is any problem. If need be, take pictures again and compare them. Should you receive your vehicle at night, make sure there is enough and more lighting around the vehicle to enable you to see properly. However, a delivery in day light is recommended.

1. If you find that there is some damage to your vehicle note it on the bill of lading and get the driver of the trailer to sign it. You can now confidently contact the auto shipping company and show them proof and surely ask for reimbursement for the damage.

If you are not satisfied with the way your auto shipping company had dealt with the issue at hand, there are many places like the Better Business Bureau or the US Department of Transportation where you can lodge a complaint against the auto shipping company. You could even take the shipping company to court and deal with the issue legally.

All this is indeed a long process, but important all the same. It always helps to have all your insurance issues right so that there is no problem at any stage.

GETTING YOUR AUTOMOBILE READY FOR TRANSPORTATION

It is not easy on your vehicle or on your purse to have your vehicle shifted from one place to another. There is a little work that you could do to make the entire shifting process easy on both the vehicle as well as on your own pocket. It will not cost you much and will not be too much work, however, if you do not follow the following steps, you may end up damaging your vehicle and spending a lot to get it back to perfect.

If you own a larger vehicle than the usual, your budget will have to cater for the size of the vehicle. Your budget will also have to cater for the distance you have to move to vehicle to, given that the longer the journey, the more expensive it will be.

Before you hand over your vehicle to the auto shipping company for transportation, make sure you wash your vehicle so that you can clearly see all the scratches and all the damage on it.

Once the vehicle is clean on the outside, make sure you clean the inside also. Remove all your personal belongings only leaving behind what comes with the vehicle, like spare tires and tools. Nothing in the vehicle should be in a position where it can move and damage the interiors of the vehicle.

If you have a car alarm installed in your vehicle make sure you disable it. Should it go off during transportation, the auto shipping company personnel will be unable to disable it.

Most auto shipping companies specifically ask their customers to leave the bare minimum amount of gas in the gas tank, you must make sure you abide by this requirement so that there is no extra weight to the trailer as well as no wastage of gas.

Before handing over your vehicle for transportation, make sure that accessories like spoilers, fog lights, ground effects, mirrors and antennae are either removed and kept away or are tied up and secured. The more things you have protruding out of your vehicle body, the more there is a chance for them to get damaged.

If you own a convertible and are shipping it, do make sure that the top is closed and tightly secured. If there are any holes do try and close them so that no moisture gets into the vehicle. Should you be unable to close the top of the vehicle, do make sure your auto shipping company provides you with an enclosed trailer to ship your vehicle.

When shipping your automobile, the vehicle will not be really used for a few days, but you have to make sure that it is in perfect shape for use. Make sure the fluids, the tire pressure and the battery charge are all perfect. If at any point, you find that your vehicle is not alright for shipping or while shipping, the automobile shipping company may even charge you an extra fee for unloading the vehicle. You have to be very careful.

Should you have a fluid leak in your automobile, be sure to inform the auto shipping company about it so that the fluid from your vehicle does not spoil another vehicle.

Other faults of your vehicle which will stand in the way of it being started up, loaded or shut off, should be noted. It will be wise to leave your vehicle in the cab and let the driver from the auto shipping company handle your vehicle.

These days cell phones are found with all trailer drivers, so do make sure you take the number from either the driver himself or from the auto shipping company. This way you can personally keep in touch with the trailer and keep a check on your vehicle.

THE FINAL CHECKLIST FOR AUTO TRANSPORT

Vehicle Washing:

Before handing over your vehicle for shipment please make sure that it is washed and is clean. This will help you as well as Auto Transport Inc. personnel to do a proper check up.

Keys & Keyless Entry Devices:

All keys and keyless entry devices for your automobile should be provided to Auto Transport Inc.

Fuel Level:

The fuel in the fuel tank of your vehicle should not be more than a quarter of the tank’s capacity.

Alarms:

Please make sure that all the alarms are disarmed. If there are any specific instructions about the alarms that you need to provide the company or the driver with, please do not forget to do it. Please remember that Auto Transport Inc will not be responsible if your battery dies out due to alarms that have not been disarmed.

Luggage Racks & Bike Racks

Accessories like luggage racks, bike racks and ski racks should be taken off, if they are not permanent fittings of the vehicle.

Weather:

Prepare your vehicle for the climatic conditions of the new place, by checking the engine coolant, transmission oil and other fluids. Any damage caused to your vehicle due to change in climate will not be the responsibility of Auto Transport Inc.

Windshield Damage:

Auto Transport Inc will not be responsible for the damage that your windshield already has before it is loaded onto the trailer for shipment.

Antennas:

All temporary antennas used for the radio or for the cell phones, should please be removed before shipping the vehicle.

Truck Caps & Canopies:

If you own a pick up truck, make sure you secure the truck caps and canopies in the box of the truck, so that no damage is caused to them.

Spoilers:

Any accessories that hang low in the vehicle like, spoilers and air dams should either be removed or should be given enough clearance so that they do not get damaged when loading over rail and truck ramps.

Cell Phones:

The cell phone and radios should be taken out of the vehicle.

Personal Effects:

CD changers, toolboxes and other accessories, personal effects as well as extra equipment should be taken out of the vehicle before shipping, especially if it is an international shipment.

Mechanical Problems:

Any mechanical or technical problem that the vehicle has should be stated to Auto Transport Inc and the trailer driver so that there are no problems during shipment.

FAQ FOR AUTO TRANSPORT

Q. What is the time frame for auto transport?

A. Auto Transport Inc. always works towards making all their customers comfortable. To make this possible, it is for the customer to give the company enough time to work a comfortable schedule to pick up your vehicle well in time to be able to transport it to the new place in time for you to pick it up, on the day you want. It is for the customer to be aware that it will take a trailer double the time to get to the destination than for a vehicle that is personally driven. This time has to be granted to the company. Please make sure that you book your vehicle well in time to give the company at least a week’s time to work on your request. You are most welcome to contact company by phone or by email and check on all details from the customer service representatives. Once your have booked your vehicle transportation with the company, someone will contact you a couple of days before picking up your vehicle and give you all the details you require.

Q. What type of truck will it be transported on?

A. The trucks used for transporting vehicles are usually the ones in which dealers get delivery of new vehicles. These are 8 to 10 car hauler trucks. They are around 80 feet long and 14 feet high and can hardly be used on any road except the main roads. This is something you will have to keep in mind before you ask for the trailer to pick up your vehicle from your residence or your convenient pick up point.

Q. What is door-to-door service?

A. This service refers to picking up or delivering your vehicle as close to your doorstep as possible. As long as the trailer can reach your doorstep without having to work around narrow roads, overhanging trees or low bridges, this facility can easily be provided. This applies to both pick up and delivery of your vehicle. However, if your residence cannot be approached with ease, the driver of the trailer will give you a call and ask you to meet him at the closest place that is approachable by his trailer. This again applies to when the vehicle is being picked up as well as when the vehicle is being delivered.

Q. Will my car be placed in a terminal?

A. Your vehicle will have to be placed in a terminal only if there is a conflict in scheduling dates or if the trailer is unable to get close to your residence. There is no requirement for your vehicle to be placed in a terminal if such problems do not arise.

Q. Can I put personal items in the trunk?

A. Auto Transport Inc. does not permit its customers to transport any personal belongings in their vehicles as they do not have a license to transport household goods. Should they find someone violating these rules a fine of up to $10,000 can be laid by them. Personal items are not insured and should they get lost or get damaged, Auto Transport Inc will not be responsible. Moreover, these items could damage the interiors of the vehicle and for this again, Auto Transport Inc will not be responsible for.

Q. Is the consumer’s auto insurance primary or secondary?

A. There are no primary or secondary auto insurances. Every automobile carrier holds a One Million Dollar combined single limit and a Two hundred fifty thousand dollar per incident insurance. This insurance covers any damage caused to your vehicle during transportation. The auto transport carrier is what is mainly covered in this insurance. Any personal contents in your vehicle are not covered by this insurance. So you will not be reimbursed if any damage or theft of personal items takes place.

Q. Should a consumer pay more money for a lower insurance deductible?

A. No. The deductibles that most carriers have are between $200 and $2000. Whatever be the damage to your vehicle in transit, you will not have to pay a deductible. If you are asked to pay an additional deductible fee, you can be sure that the company is getting a higher price.

Q. Can a consumer ship personal items or household goods in a vehicle?

A. Finally, this is something you need to take a call on. Usually companies charge an extra fee on the extra weight. Over and above this, you have to be prepared for the transportation of uninsured items.

Q. What is the best size carrier to transport a vehicle on? (3,5,6,8 or 10 car carrier)

A. The size of the trailer does not really make a difference. One may however like to believe that a smaller trailer will get to the destination faster. However, if you are sure your transporter will give you good service, you need not worry about the size of the trailer at all.

Q. How long should an auto transport take?

A. In this matter a lot depends on the transport company. Given below is a list which should give you an idea. However, its best to check with your transport company and get the correct details.

East Coast to West Coast - approx. 7 to 14 days

Midwest to East Coast - approx. 5 to 8 days

South to the North - approx. 5 to 8 days

Remember these are all approximate times. Do not base your plans on this. Make sure you check with your transporter for the correct details on schedules.

Q. Why does a truck (S.U.V) shipment cost more than a regular sedan?

A. The total weight that the trailer can legally carry is what shipments are based on. You may hence have to pay a little extra if you are shipping a regular truck or a little more if it is an SUV.

Q. What type of paperwork do I need to ship my vehicle? (Insurance, title, registration, etc.)

A. If the shipment if within the country all you need to do is go around your vehicle with the driver of the carrier and note down all the flaws in your vehicle and sign this ‘bill of lading’. Apart from this important document, no other paper work is really required.

Q. How is a transport supposed to work?

A. A few hours before your vehicle is being picked up for transportation, you will get a call from the driver of the trailer. You will have to check the vehicle with him before he loads it onto the carrier. When the vehicle arrives at the destination, once again the driver will call you and this time you will again go around your vehicle with him and you will check for any damage caused to your vehicle.

Q. What should a consumer do if their vehicle arrives with damage?

A. You have to first be certain that the damage to your vehicle was caused only during shipment. The driver will have to be convinced about this and must sign your bill of lading for the damage caused. You must then inform your auto shipping company and usually they immediately settle the matter with you. If you find they are not responsive enough, you will have to contact your insurance company. Whatever you do, make sure you have all your documents intact so that you are not blamed for making a false claim at all.