Auto Moving Guide - auto transport, transporters, auto transporter, auto shipping, auto mover, transport

Auto Moving Guide - Auto Transport - General Information

1. Q. How long does it take?
A. Normal transit time is usually within 8 to 10 business days and may vary upon actual route, assuming that at least 2 weeks prior notice of your shipment dates is given. Auto Transporters generally appreciate a three-business day window to schedule the pick up/delivery of your vehicle(s). As your pick-up/delivery dates gets closer you will receive a confirmation call giving you a specific date and time frame. The transit time referenced above is based on standard transport times and in certain cases transit times may take less time. For example, it only takes a truck 5 days to go from NYC to LA. If your vehicle(s) is the last car to load and the first one to unload, a shorter delivery time frame is possible, however if your car is the first to load and the last to come off, then your transit time will be closer to 2 weeks. Please keep this in mind when planning your transport.
2. Q. What kind of truck will it be transported on?
A. In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an 8 or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars to your local dealerships. These trucks are 75 to 80 feet long (that's nearly twice as long as a conventional freight truck or moving van) and are almost 14 feet high. Therefore they are very hard to maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind when directing the truck to your home or pick-up location. A local service may be used should the hauler/transporter encounter difficulty in reaching your pick-up/delivery. (See Terminal Service below)

3. Q. What does door-to-door delivery mean?
A. It means that the car carrier will get as close as physically possible to your front door as long as it does not compromise the cargo and/or your vehicle(s). If you live on a main road (at least 2 lanes wide) with no overhanging trees or low bridges and the streets leading to your house can accommodate trucks of that size and length, then the carrier will pick up your vehicle(s) from your door and deliver it to your door if the same conditions apply at your destination. As the driver approaches your pick-up/delivery location, he will call you to confirm your address and discuss accessibility. If accessibility is limited the drive may suggest meeting at a local supermarket or mall with ample space to load/unload your vehicle(s)(s).
4. Q. Will my car go to a terminal?
A. This may depend on your pick-up/delivery locations and/or your scheduled dates for the pick-up/delivery. Should your area not allow for or have restricted access and there are no areas locally which can accommodate the loading/unloading of your vehicle(s), then a local flatbed service will used to pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s)(s). A terminal service is only used when the carrier cannot pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s) due to scheduling conflicts, inaccessible areas or both. All terminals used are licensed and fully insured.
5. Q. How does it work?
A. Once your order has been placed, your shipment will be scheduled according to the dates on your order form. After a truck has been assigned, you will get a call either from the truck driver or from the flatbed service in order to schedule a pick up/delivery time and day. During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a detailed physical inspection of the car, on a bill of lading, which you must sign and acknowledge. This same inspection will be presented upon delivery, so that you can re-inspect the car for any discrepancies. If any damage did occur during transit, please be sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and have the driver sign in agreement. No claims will be honored if the damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by the driver.
6. Q. Can I put things in the trunk?
A. No, Auto Transporters are not permitted by law to transport personal belongings, as they do not have a household goods transportation license. By violating this law they can be fined up to $10,000 per occurrence. In addition, if you were to place things in the car they would not be covered by insurance.
7. Q. How much notice is needed?
A. In a perfect world an Auto Transporter would like to have 2 to 3 weeks notice of your preferred transports dates, this insures that the carrier can schedule your vehicle(s) within the time frame you requested. However if you need to move a car immediately we may be able to accommodate your request. For example, most transporters have terminals in most major cities and can usually get a car picked up within 24hrs if no one can be available to pick-up the vehicle(s). You also have the option to drop the car off at a terminal if you cannot wait for the carrier to pick-up the vehicle(s).
8. Q. What forms of payment are accepted?
A. All carriers accept cashiers checks, cash and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express). If it is arranged prior to the scheduled pick-up of the vehicle(s) you may pre-pay your transport in full via personal check, money order or cashiers check. Usually a minimum deposit of $150.00 is required to initiate and reserve your order and any form of payment is acceptable. If you use a credit card for the deposit, the balance will be due C.O.D. with CASH or a cashiers check at the time the vehicle(s) is delivered. No other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery. Ultimately you will need to pay the freight charges in full before your vehicle(s) is delivered. You cannot withhold or deduct monies from the C.O.D. amount to cover damages that may have occurred in transit. All claims are handled separately once the auto transporter has received the signed bill of lading noting the damages.