*location of origin/ destination

*desired departure date

*type of vehicle

*type of auto shippers service (terminal to terminal, door to door, or variation there of)

*type of auto shippers transport trailer (open, enclosed, freight)

Standard Payment Policy with Auto Transport Companies

While payment methods vary from company to company most auto shippers require a deposit ranging from
(10-25% of the total shipping fee) at the time of placing the order. In some cases you may be asked for advanced payment in full. When only a deposit is required, payment in full is always due upon your vehicles delivery. You should also be aware that the most requested form of payment is cash, or a cashier’s check. If paying by credit care the individual transporter may charge an additional 2-3% to cover the cost of processing your payment with the credit card company.

BUYER BE WARE…AUTO SHIPPING CONTRACTS:

As when purchasing any product or service READ YOUR CONTRACT!
Your signature is an acknowledgement of agreement to ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED within the contract. Once you’ve provided your “John Hancock” you are legally bound. Your auto transport company will be referring to your contract to dictate all decisions with regards to a complaint or discrepancy.

Important references to note in your Auto Transport Contract:

*Guaranteed delivery date:
Most auto transporters DO NOT guarantee pick-up or drop-off dates. DO NOT accept
verbal promises as a delivery date.

*Cancellation fees
Most cancellation fees range from $50-$250. Get the details of your contract regarding
the cost involved to cancel your order.

You may want to consider asking for the following:

*Modify the contract clause (in writing) that waives the cancellation fee if the
vehicle is not picked up by the transport company within some number ( 5 for example) of the scheduled pick-up date. Most auto shippers work diligently to ensure promptness with their deliveries. Occasionally you may encounter a time when lengthy delays occur (7-14 days).

*Ask your auto transporter if they offer any coverage (insurance) for a car rental if a lengthy delay arises. This may offer not only peace of mind but limit the “out of pocket” expense to you if such a thing would happen. Get the details, the guarantee, and the maximum $ per day covered.

Insurance

Ask for a copy of the insurance coverage your auto shipping company has in effect while your vehicle is in their possession. If your vehicle is going to be parked in a terminal, find out what your coverage is while parked. You should also contact your personal insurance carrier and confirm the details of your current policies coverage.

There are several questions you may want to ask to ensure that your automobile will be fully covered.
*Is the auto coverage offered by the transport company Primary or Secondary to your own coverage?
*Is there a deductible, and what is the amount?
*Is the coverage on my vehicle “replacement value”?
*Are there exclusions to the auto transport company’s policy?
For most of us, our vehicles are a fundamental part of everyday life. Confirming that your automobile coverage is adequate prior to the possibility of a problem can save you substantially.

PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF DATES

Auto Transport Companies offer “estimated” pick-up and drop-off dates. The industry standard ranges from a 3 to a 7 day window. During the busy season, you may experience an extended delay in time, but your auto transport company should always caution you on a possible delay.
DON’T TAKE THE AUTO SHIPPERS “WORD”. It’s okay to be a skeptic when promised exact pick-up and drop-off dates. If your transporter is promising exact dates, GET IT IN WRITING and ask for a performance clause in your contract. Asking the auto shipper to detail the remedy if he can not perform will save time and money. An example of the remedy may be ( $ discount, no cancellation fee, or reimbursement for car rental, etc.) After your vehicle has been picked up, your auto transporter should be able to provide a reasonably accurate drop-off date. If extra time is needed in order for you to accept delivery of your vehicle, your auto transporter will offer to store to your car at a terminal until you’re available to accept delivery.

FAREWELL TO YOUR VEHICLE

You should prepare your vehicle for transport. Prior to dropping off your car at a terminal, or having the driver pick it up, take note of your automobiles condition. Cleaning your vehicle out, and taking it through the car wash, will help clear your mind on the overall condition. You may also want to consider taking a few photos that could clarify issues if problem occurs. Be prepared to review your inspection report (this may be referred to a “bill of landing”) which will detail any pre-existing scratches or dents, and the overall condition. You should also write down the current mileage. This report will be used as the “tell all” should problem arise.

ACCEPTANCE OF YOUR VEHICLE

Take the time to inspect your car at the time of delivery. Now’s the time to document any damages that may have occurred during the transport. Use your vehicle inspection report along with your photos to validate that your automobiles condition at time of delivery is identical to the condition at origination. In addition to the obvious, you should inspect the bumpers (front and back), the roof and the undercarriage. NEVER accept delivery if it’s too dark to inspect your vehicle. The driver will give his assessment of the overall condition of your car at the time of delivery, and note it on the “bill of landing”. This will require both yours and the drivers’ signature and will be used as an acknowledgment and acceptance of the condition of your vehicle. If damages have occurred on transit, but are not noted on the “bill of landing” you will have limited recourse with your auto transporter.

DAMAGE….NOW WHAT

Most Auto Transport experiences are hassle free, damage free, and arrive in the estimated time window. Unfortunately there are times when damage does occur during transit. Remember, when this happens it’s your responsibility to prove your case. Use your original inspection report, which is acknowledged with both yours and the drivers’ signature along with your photos to validate the condition at the origination location. Your vehicles condition, as documented at the time of delivery on the “bill of landing” should be used as a comparative to the original inspection report. Any and all damages or discrepancies should be detailed on your “bill of landing” and acknowledged with both yours and the drivers’ signature. The responsibility of the auto transporter is clearly defined in the contract, and with this documentation will work to reimburse you for all verifiable damages done to your vehicle during transit.

DISPUTES

If a problem occurs, try to work with your auto transporter first. Most companies will cooperate and work with you reasonably if they believe that you are trying to be fair. Using your documentation, with a credible estimation on damages will help develop a platform for negotiation. Be rational, realistic and firm with your expectations. If you’re unable to resolve an issue, you may want to file a complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in the city where the auto transport company is listed. All auto shipping companies are registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. You may be able to obtain information through them that would help you resolve a problem before getting involved in a legal dispute.