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Auto Transport FAQ
- How long will it take to ship my car?
- How long in advance should I plan my
delivery?
- Where will I drop-off and pick-up my car?
- Do I need to be there for dropping off and
accepting delivery?
- Can my car be left somewhere else for
pick-up?
- How do I check on the progress of my auto
transport?
- Is my car insured during transit?
- What happens if my automobile arrives
damaged?
- Who will be driving my car?
- Is my car going to stay on only one truck trailer?
- Can I load my car up with personal items for the transport?
- How am I going to pay for my auto transport?
1. How long will it take to ship my car?
Scheduling your auto transport will vary due to the departing and arrival
destinations as well as by carrier. The majority of auto transport trips take between
one and three weeks. You should allow a window of 1 to 7 days for pick-up, and
7-14 days for the transport and acceptance of delivery. Your Auto Transporter
may offer you the option of speedier service, but that will come with an
additional cost.
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2. How long in advance should I plan my delivery?
The more advance notice your auto transport company has the better. You are
most likely to find an auto shipper to accommodate your needs and time table if
you allow him adequate time to schedule your move.
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3. Where will I drop-off and pick-up my car?
Today’s’ standard in the auto shipping industry is quoting for door-to-door
service. You should be aware that it is plausible that the driver may not
actually be able to come to your home. Due to the difficulty maneuvering through
neighborhood streets, your carrier may ask you to meet him in a nearby parking
lot.
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4. Do I need to be there for dropping off and accepting delivery?
You should do your best to be present or have a friend represent you
for the drop-off and the acceptance of the delivery of your automobile. Being
present at these times along with verifying that your documentation identifying
your vehicles condition is of significance should a problem arise. If you’re the
purchaser of the vehicle being transported, the only evidence of the original
condition of the automobile is the documentation provided by the seller and
acknowledged by the carrier driver. You should take the time to inspect the
automobile for any damages that may have occurred during transit.
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5. Can my car be left somewhere else for pick-up?
You may choose to take advantage of your auto shipping company’s terminal.
Simply put, this terminal is a large storage facility that houses vehicles
waiting for both pick-up and drop-off. Auto shipping companies will offer this
as an alternative to door-to-door service.
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6. How do I check on the progress of my auto transport?
Your auto transporter may be able to offer you service with trucks that have
GPS tracking. This would permit you the ability to track your automobiles route
from start to finish. If this is of importance ask your Auto Shipper Company if
they have this service to offer, and what the cost is.
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7. Is my car insured during transit?
Your auto transport Carrier is required by law to carry insurance to cover
your vehicle while in transit. It is suggested that you retain your personal
coverage during the transport to cover damages that may be excluded by the
carrier’s policy. Confirm with your vehicle transporter that your auto
inspection form is properly completed and signed by the driver. Retain a copy of
this and upon delivery inspect your vehicle carefully. Take the time to do a
comprehensive inspection and if you believe that damage occurred during the
transport write up the details on the report and have the driver sign it. This
is his acknowledgement that damages may have been caused during transit. Your
claims must be validated by your documentation.
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8. What happens if my automobile arrives damaged?
Typically auto transport is hassle free. Unfortunately accidents do
occasionally happen. If you believe that damage occurred during the shipping of
your automobile work through the system properly to ensure that that your claim
will be processed promptly. Your auto transport company will use your initial
inspection report to compare and verify the condition of your automobile before
and after transit. Both your signature and that of your driver represents the
acknowledgement of the actual condition. At the time of delivery if you notice
damage make sure to document this on your bill of landing and again, make this
acknowledgement with your signature as well as your drivers. The auto shipping
company is the responsible for the verifiable damage to your vehicle.
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9. Who will be driving my car?
Generally, the auto transport driver is the only person that will be driving
your car. He may be loading and unloading your vehicle occasionally throughout
the shipping process to make the best use of the space on the trailer, otherwise
your vehicle shouldn’t be moved.
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10. Is my car going to be staying on only one trailer truck?
Normally your vehicle will remain on one truck. If there is a mechanical
problem with the truck it is possible that your vehicle will be placed on
another truck.
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11. Can I load my car up with personal items for the transport?
There are several reasons you should NOT leave personal items in your
automobile during transport.
Loading your car up may cause damage to your exhaust or transmission during
transit. This damage is not covered by the auto shippers’ insurance policy.
If an item moves around during your transport, it could cause damage to the item
and to the interior of your automobile. Again, this damage is not covered by the
auto shippers’ insurance policy. Any personal items left in your vehicle are
solely your responsibility. Damage or loss of any kind for any reason is solely
on you. Again, personal items are not covered by the auto shippers’ insurance
policy.
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12. How am I going to pay for my auto transport?
As with most services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order
for auto transport. Generally the deposit ranges from 10-25% of the total
shipping fee. The balance will be due upon delivery. Most auto transport
companies require payment in the form of cash or cashiers check although there
are some whom may offer the option of payment with credit cards.
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