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.