Auto Transport - Helpful Tips
Auto Transport is the process of getting a car moved from point A to point B via semi trucks specifically designed to carry cars.
You have probably noticed open carrier type trucks that hold several automobiles driving along the highways.
These trucks, along with special enclosed trucks, are used to move vehicles anywhere in the nation when someone needs a car moved.
Reasons for moving cars are as varied as the owners and types of vehicles moved.
When an owner cannot drive the vehicle, does not have time, a third party is buying, renting, or leasing a vehicle are examples of people in need of auto transport.
Customers sometimes include, people who buy a car in a distant location, perhaps on an internet auction buying service or a distant auto dealer; people moving who prefer to fly or have multiple vehicles to move; people transporting show cars, classic or custom cars, hot rods or motorcycles; people who seasonally move between locations, students, military, or those without the time or inclination to go on a one way interstate road trip, (paying for hotels, fuel, and food along the way) are some of the folks we move cars for.
When someone needs a car moved, an auto transport broker takes care of the transportation arrangements locating a qualified truck and driver, currently on that route, insured and with high performance ratings.
Pickup and delivery is typically door to door when possible or to a nearby parking lot if the truck can't deliver on the customers' street.
Some important things to consider or questions you may want to ask before you schedule your auto transport are: o Is the company licensed and bonded? o Does the company have references or reviews posted? o Does the company use terminals or deliver door to door? o Ask about any additional fees or surcharges o How is payment received? Here are some facts that may save you some time.
o Insurance All drivers are required by law to carry cargo insurance.
This covers your vehicle against any damage that is a direct result of the driver.
This does not cover any damage due to extreme weather, such as hail or any road debris, such as a rock chip etc.
Insurance should not be an additional expense.
However, you should always carry private insurance on any vehicle you ship to cover things like a broken window from a rock or other damage that may occur and is out of the driver's control.
o Personal Items The Federal Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits the transport of personal items by an auto carrier.
Personal items are not covered by insurance and if you do decide to transport some personal items in your car, you do so at your own risk.
Auto carriers are licensed to haul cars and moving companies are licensed to ship household items.
There is a difference.
o Guarantees Companies should not guarantee specific pick up and delivery times.
Anything from traffic to weather to mechanical difficulties can radically affect a drivers time schedule.
Unless the person giving you the guaranteed time frame is sitting behind the wheel of the truck that is transporting your car you can consider this a desperate attempt to gain your business.
A reputable company that uses the term "guarantee" will have a disclaimer should any of the previously mentioned situations arise.
This is just a brief overview of what auto transport is and some of the questions that we hear everyday.
Educating yourself about the auto transport process can help you have a more trouble free auto shipping experience.
You have probably noticed open carrier type trucks that hold several automobiles driving along the highways.
These trucks, along with special enclosed trucks, are used to move vehicles anywhere in the nation when someone needs a car moved.
Reasons for moving cars are as varied as the owners and types of vehicles moved.
When an owner cannot drive the vehicle, does not have time, a third party is buying, renting, or leasing a vehicle are examples of people in need of auto transport.
Customers sometimes include, people who buy a car in a distant location, perhaps on an internet auction buying service or a distant auto dealer; people moving who prefer to fly or have multiple vehicles to move; people transporting show cars, classic or custom cars, hot rods or motorcycles; people who seasonally move between locations, students, military, or those without the time or inclination to go on a one way interstate road trip, (paying for hotels, fuel, and food along the way) are some of the folks we move cars for.
When someone needs a car moved, an auto transport broker takes care of the transportation arrangements locating a qualified truck and driver, currently on that route, insured and with high performance ratings.
Pickup and delivery is typically door to door when possible or to a nearby parking lot if the truck can't deliver on the customers' street.
Some important things to consider or questions you may want to ask before you schedule your auto transport are: o Is the company licensed and bonded? o Does the company have references or reviews posted? o Does the company use terminals or deliver door to door? o Ask about any additional fees or surcharges o How is payment received? Here are some facts that may save you some time.
o Insurance All drivers are required by law to carry cargo insurance.
This covers your vehicle against any damage that is a direct result of the driver.
This does not cover any damage due to extreme weather, such as hail or any road debris, such as a rock chip etc.
Insurance should not be an additional expense.
However, you should always carry private insurance on any vehicle you ship to cover things like a broken window from a rock or other damage that may occur and is out of the driver's control.
o Personal Items The Federal Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) prohibits the transport of personal items by an auto carrier.
Personal items are not covered by insurance and if you do decide to transport some personal items in your car, you do so at your own risk.
Auto carriers are licensed to haul cars and moving companies are licensed to ship household items.
There is a difference.
o Guarantees Companies should not guarantee specific pick up and delivery times.
Anything from traffic to weather to mechanical difficulties can radically affect a drivers time schedule.
Unless the person giving you the guaranteed time frame is sitting behind the wheel of the truck that is transporting your car you can consider this a desperate attempt to gain your business.
A reputable company that uses the term "guarantee" will have a disclaimer should any of the previously mentioned situations arise.
This is just a brief overview of what auto transport is and some of the questions that we hear everyday.
Educating yourself about the auto transport process can help you have a more trouble free auto shipping experience.
