Car Shipping Tips

The following tips can save you time and money if you decide to ship an automobile:

Compare companies: Call Auto Shippers generates a list of FMCSA registered auto transporters based on your location and destination, and then provides reviews, company info, and a toll free 800 number to make your research fast and easy. We recommend calling at least 3 auto shippers for quotes to find the company that best meets your needs. When choosing your transporter things to keep in mind are: price, insurance coverage, time required for delivery, and quality of customer service.

Check with the FMCSA: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains a hotline (888) 368-7238 for consumers to check on a shipper’s license and insurance record as well as whether any complaints have been made about the company.

Consider location: It may be less expensive to ship your vehicle from one major city to another than to a suburb because more carriers cover the route. Typically companies offer door to door delivery, but you could save money if you are willing to drop off and pick up your automobile at a terminal.

Consider automobile size: The size and weight of your car play a large role in determining how much it will cost to ship your car. Larger vehicles take up more space on the auto transport truck, and are heavier, so this makes them more expensive to ship.

Consider auto value and age: If your car is a classic, brand new, or high end, it may be a good idea to consider an enclosed carrier. This offers more protection for the car from road hazards, elements etc.

Update your auto insurance: Our transporters are all licensed, bonded, and insured, but it is a good idea to find out the specifics of what your auto insurance company does and does not cover and consider upgrading to a more comprehensive policy, that includes theft and collision.

Plan ahead: Fewer cars are shipped during the winter months, so rates may be lower during that time. If possible consider booking your transport at least two weeks ahead of time to allow for planning and logistics. Moving a car cross country is a big operation logistically, but with the right company there will be little or no effort on your part. Most transporters do offer express services, but this may cost more. The more time you have to allow for your car to be shipped, the lower rate you are likely to get.

Pre Auto Transport Checklist

• Remove all personal possessions from your vehicle. This should include registration and documents in the glove box as well as any thing that you may have in the trunk. Remove any GPS, cd’s, change in the coin tray, phones, garage door openers, etc. Neither your personal auto insurance, nor the insurance of the carrier will cover any loss or damage of personal property.
• Check all fluid levels. This may include engine coolant, transmission oil, and other fluids. If moving to a colder climate, ensure that you have antifreeze, and anti-freezing agents in your wiper fluids. This is a good opportunity to make sure that you your battery is securely attached, and that you don’t have any leaks or hoses that need repaired as well.
• Your gas tank should have between 1/8 and ¼ tank of fuel. This is for safety reasons.
• Wash your car. A clean car makes your pre and post transport inspections easier.
• Remove any custom pieces from your car. This includes spoilers, fog lights, any aerials, antennas, and external spare tires, car covers, grill covers, etc. Luggage racks, bike racks, or ski racks should also be removed.
• Disable your car alarm. This reduces the chances of your car being delivered with a dead battery because your alarm was continuously going off.
• Notify your transporter if your automobile is not in running condition. Failure to do so can result in delayed transportation, and can require specialized equipment.
• Notify your transporter if your car has had any special modifications such as 4×4 lift kits, lowered kits, non removable ground effects, etc. Modifications can be a factor in pricing due to space, or transport type requirements.
• To go on a traditional transport truck your vehicle should be less than 7 feet tall, and have at least 4 inches of ground clearance to be safely loaded and unloaded. If your car is over 7 feet tall, or has less than 4 inches of ground clearance – shipment is possible, but may require a different type of transport, so be sure to mention it to your customer service agent.
• Provide a full set of keys for your transporter, and make sure that you, and who ever will be picking up your automobile on delivery have a full set as well.
• Be sure to provide a number where you can be reached at all times during transport. It is very important that your driver be able to get in touch with you.

Auto Shipping F.A.Q.

How long will it take to get my car to its destination?

Shipping your automobile is likely to take from 7 to 14 days, if booked least a week in advance. Most auto shippers prefer to have 2-3 business days to finalize the details of your transport and pick-up your vehicle. This estimation in time is solely based on the average transport. Distance, availability, and weather all play a part in transport time as well, so be sure to ask transporters for an estimate when calling for quotes. Your auto shipping company may be able to offer additional service if you’re looking for guaranteed dates, but this may require an additional charge.

What kind of transporter will my vehicle be on?

Most of us have seen new cars being hauled on carriers on the freeway. Your vehicle will typically be shipped in the same manner. These transporters haul anywhere from 5-10 automobiles at a time. The trucks are approximately 80 feet in length, have a weight of approximately 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, and are about 14 feet in height. As you can imagine they’re quite difficult to maneuver. Due to the size and weight, these trucks have restricted access to many of the city and residential routes. Keep this in mind when your finalizing your pick-up and delivery locations. Depending on the roads of the neighborhood that you live in, your driver may ask to meet you either at a terminal, or in a parking lot near your home due to these restrictions.

What is door-to door service?

As mentioned above, the driver may have difficulty reaching your door front because of the size and weight of the truck. Door-to-door service means that the driver will get as reasonably close to your physical address as possible. If the driver doesn’t reasonably feel that he can safely reach your location and load or unload your vehicle, he will ask you to meet him at the closest open parking area.

Will I have to take my car to a terminal?

The use of a terminal to either pick-up or deliver your car may prove to be a more efficient way for you to ensure a safe exchange of your vehicle. This could certainly prove to make the loading and unloading of your car safer and quicker and hassle free. All of our transporters offer door to door service, but pick up or delivery of your automobile at a terminal is typically available if this option will better suit your needs.

What should I know about the auto shipping process?

Getting auto shipping quotes is the first step in the process. We recommend calling and comparing rates and services from at least 3 providers. After you book your transport, your shipping order will then be posted according to your requested shipping dates. A driver/truck will be assigned and you’ll get a call (from either the driver or a scheduler from the transport company) to schedule your pick-up date. When the driver arrives to pick up your car, you will be asked to participate in a walk around inspection of your vehicle. Any visible damage will be noted, and both you and the driver will sign off on it. This is referred to as a “bill of lading” It is policy that both you and the driver keep a copy. Use this as a guide when re-inspecting your car upon delivery. This is for the protection of everyone involved. Although you know your car better than anyone, review your “bill of lading” and compare the noted condition prior to the time of transport. If a problem arises and you turn in a damage claim, your “bill of lading” will be used as your proof of the original condition of your vehicle.

Can I load up my car with personal items for the transport?

It is recommended that you do not leave personal items in your automobile. Your items are not covered by the auto transporters insurance, nor by your own auto insurance. By law auto transporters are not licensed to transport household goods, and if stopped are subject to fines, and possible seizure of the contents of the vehicle. Excess weight in the car can also result in damage to the undercarriage of your vehicle or to the items themselves may occur during transport.

How long in advance should I hire an auto shipper?

Ideally, auto shipping companies love to have the paperwork filed 2-3 weeks in advance. Although we are aware that this isn’t always possible. Most auto shipping companies will work to accommodate your needs by offering terminal service for your auto transport. You will be able to conveniently drop off your vehicle anytime. The auto transporter will work to schedule a pick-up within 24-48 hours. There is always the possibility that a transporter has a scheduled delivery that he can add you to. Even with limited notice, you may still be able to receive delivery of your vehicle in less than 14 days.

How should I pay for the service?

Each of our auto shippers have their own individual company policies. Most auto transporters have several payment options. Be sure to discuss this with them when you call in for your quotes. You will probably be asked for a deposit at the time of processing your auto transport order. Payment in full will be required prior to or on receipt of your vehicle. Cash and/or certified funds (made payable to the auto transport company), or the use of a major credit card is the standard form of payment in the auto transport industry.