What You Should Do Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Vehicle Pick-Up
Be one time! When scheduling your pick-up time with the auto transport driver, make sure that you have a definite time and location scheduled for the exchange. The truck trailers are not easy to manipulate through the average neighborhoods. If the driver asks you to meet him at a near-by location there is a reason. If you’re late meeting the truck, you’re delaying your own pick-up as well as other pick-up and/or deliveries the driver has already scheduled.  

Do your paperwork
Be prepared to release your vehicle to the auto transport company. Have your inspection report filled out detailing the condition of your vehicle and your automobiles current mileage. Make sure to itemize all the scratches, dents, cracks in the glass, and the overall general paint condition. You may also want to consider taking photos with dates to use as evidence in the event that damage occurs during transit. Your driver should review your inspection report and make notes of his own providing his signature along side of yours. This report will be used as evidence to the condition of your automobile at the time of pick-up. Keep this report and use as the comparison at the time of delivery.

Accepting Delivery
Be on time! When scheduling your delivery with the auto transport driver, make sure that you have a definite time and location. Keep in mind that the driver may have restrictions or limitations with maneuvering his truck so your scheduled location should be easy to get to for both of you. Check your car over. Look for any damage that wasn’t documented on your original inspection. Double check your roof, and undercarriage for damages that may have occurred while loading or unloading your vehicle. If you automobile arrives after dark, you may want to consider rescheduling your delivery for the following day so you can properly inspect during daylight.

What to do if damage occurs
Characteristically auto transport is hassle and trouble free. Most vehicles are shipped in a timely manner and without damage. If a problem does occur you should understand the process of filing a claim. Your documentation (inspection report with both the driver and your signature) should clearly detail the condition of your vehicle prior to the transport, making it simple to identify new damages. Filing the proper paperwork, along with estimates identifying the verifiable damages will help guarantee receiving proper compensation for those damages.

Handling Disputes with your Auto Transporter
When a problem occurs with your Auto Transport try to work it out with the transport company first. Most companies want to resolve issues without a third party becoming involved. Give the details of the problem, clearly identifying damages, along with your expected resolution (estimates for the verifiable damages) and let the Auto Shipper respond to the issues at hand. Be polite but direct with your complaints and your resolve. If at that point you are unable to resolve your issues reasonably you may feel it necessary to file a complain with the B.B.B. (Better Business Bureau) or the DOT (Department of Transportation).