How much will it
cost to ship my vehicle?
The answer to this question is 'it depends'. You will first need to
contact several car transport companies and request quotes. Be prepared
to answer several questions. Here's a samples list of questions.
What is an oversize fee?
An oversize fee is charged if a vehicle is larger than a traditional
passenger vehicle. Most SUV's will have an oversize fee applied to10
them. These vehicles are large in size and take up more than one space
on a truck or carrier and are charged accordingly.
How far
in advance should l schedule my transport?
Companies will request that you book your transport as early as
possible. At least twelve to fifteen days in advance is advised and this
gives the vehicle transport company time to make the necessary plans to
move your vehicle. By doing so there is a greater chance your vehicle
will be picked up on or close to the date you request. Most companies
will have an immediate pick up option and you will pay extra form this
service. It is important to remember that pick up and delivery dates are
not guaranteed and if you want guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
this option is available at a cost. Good planning will help prevent
headaches and make the move less expensive and thus saving you money.
How long does
it take to transport a vehicle?
The length of time it takes to transport your vehicle depends on many
things. There is really no such thing as normal transit time as many
different requests and events will determine how long it will take to
transport your vehicle. If you did not choose the guaranteed pick up
date option you will be give a window of time that your vehicle will be
picked up in. This window of time can be up to 5 days depending on where
you live although 3 days is more common. As the time comes closer you
will get a specific date and time for pick up and delivery. Your car may
be the first to be picked up however it could be the last to be
delivered and this is dependent on where all the other vehicles on the
truck are being transported to. The weather can also play havoc with
pick up and delivery dates. The best advice is to talk with your auto
transport company and they will give you information based on history.
What are pick up and
delivery dates?
Most vehicle transport companies will give you estimated pick up and
delivery dates. You will probably be given a window of time of up to 5
days although three is more common. Be skeptical of any company that
promises specific precise pick up and delivery dates and get it in
writing if this is offered. If a company does offer you this service get
it in writing on the contract and ask that the remedy be also listed on
the contract in the event the service is not preformed on the specific
dates. Most carriers will be able to meet specific pick up date as they
can store the vehicle at the terminal however the delivery dates can be
more difficult to meet. There are a number of reasons for this including
weather conditions and unforeseen events.
What to look for
when selecting a company?
When choosing an auto shipper, be sure to check and see if the company
is licensed and bonded. Vehicle transport companies are licensed and
regulated by the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Ask for and
check the DOT license number. There exists an enormous amount of
confusion over the role of the Interstate commerce Commission (ICC) and
how it interacts with trucking companies. The Interstate Commerce
Commission which once regulated many of the functions of trucking
companies was terminated in 1995 and many of its functions were rolled
in to the DOT.
The ICC's safety functions were transferred to the Dept. of
Transportation when that department was created in 1966; the ICC
retained its rate-making and regulatory functions. However, in
consonance with the deregulatory movement, the ICC's powers over rates
and routes in rails and trucking were curtailed in 1980 by the Staggers
Rail Act and Motor Carriers Act. Most ICC control over interstate
trucking was abandoned in 1994, and the agency was terminated at the end
of 1995. Many of its remaining functions were transferred to the new
National Surface Transportation Board. Do your own investigation of the
companies you are looking at to transport your vehicle. It is important
to check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been
complaints against any auto shipper you choose and how these complaints
were resolved.
Where to look for auto/vehicle transport companies?
You can find vehicle transport companies advertised in many different
places such as your local papers, phone book and of course the internet.
VanLines.com is committed to working with industry professionals only so
if you need a vehicle transport company simply submit a request for
quote on this site for unmatched service. You can also get references
from friends or colleagues and this is an excellent way of finding a
reputable auto shipper especially if they have first hand experience of
the company themselves. It is a good idea to ask your moving company if
they have recommendations, as they will often have companies they have
partnerships with and you may be able to get a discount by using their
preferred vendor. Do not be concerned if you cannot find an auto shipper
in your local area. Auto transport companies will generally have
contract carriers or terminals in your area or routes that go through
your local area and your vehicle can be dropped off and collected at
these locations.
Is my car insured while
in transit?
If you are using a reputable company your vehicles will be fully insured
however you should always check with the specific vehicle transport
company to ensure they have adequate insurance. Ask to see the
certificate of insurance. Read the fine print. You may decide to get
supplemental insurance as some coverage may be excluded, for example if
you leave personal items in the car and they are stolen this may not be
covered. Small scratches or dents may also not be covered. On that note
it is important to point out that no personal items are allowed in the
vehicle to be transported. This is the law. Inquire as to whether there
is any deductible and if there is you will be required to pay the
deductible amount toward any loss or damage to the vehicle before any
insurance payment is made from the auto transport insurance company.
Ask your auto carrier if he is planning to use an agent to haul your
vehicle. You will need to see the Certificate of Insurance for the agent
also to make sure your vehicle is covered.
Your own auto insurance may also provide coverage for your vehicle so
check your policy. You home insurance policy may also provide additional
coverage for any personal items you leave in the vehicle.
Do I need to have/sign a
contract?
Yes, you should be asked to sign a contract and be sure to read this
very carefully. The contract is designed to protect both you and the
auto transport company Verbal agreement cannot be relied upon. In the
event you have a complaint or a dispute arises the company will refer
you to the contract. It is important to check whether there is any
reference to guaranteed pick up or delivery dates. Most auto transport
companies will collect and deliver your vehicle within the agreed
timeframe. You should request that some additional requirements be added
to the contact. If your vehicle is not picked up within a set number of
days from the agreed pick up day, you can request that a clause be
included in the contract that allows you to cancel. You will be expected
to pay a small fee if you do cancel but it gives you an out in the event
your vehicle is not picked up within the agreed time period. Your
cancellation clause should allow for at least one week from the
scheduled pick up date.
Where will my
car be picked up and delivered?
There are basically two types of service you can request:
Door-to-Door - This is where the vehicle is picked up at your home and
delivered to your new home. It is by far the most convenient service
however you will pay extra for the convenience. You may be asked to meet
the driver of the carrier at someplace other than your home as the
carrier may be too big to drive through your neighborhood and make any
necessary turns.
Terminal Service, as the name suggests you drop your vehicle at the
terminal, it is then hauled to your destination where you pick it up at
the destination terminal.
This can be inconvenient especially if the nearest terminal is a long
distance from your new home.
Can I keep personal items in my automobile or in the trunk while it is
being transported?
No personal items should be left in the vehicle or in the trunk while
the vehicle is being transported. It is not permitted by law for vehicle
transport companies to transport personal items in vehicle they are
moving and hefty fines can be imposed on violators. It is your
responsibility to ensure there is nothing in the vehicle. If you do
leave items in the car they will not be covered by insurance.
What types of payment are acceptable and when do I pay?
You will be asked to pay a deposit initially and the balance is usually
due upon delivery of your vehicle at the prearranged location, which can
be the terminal, your home or another agreed upon location. Credit
cards, cashiers checks or money orders are the most widely accepted
forms of payment. You should check with your auto transport company to
find out what types of payment are acceptable to them.
What do I need to know about releasing my vehicle to the auto
transport company at point of origin?
You will be asked to sign an 'Original Inspection Report' which details
the condition of the vehicle at the time of pick-up. All dents,
scratches, cracks to mirrors and windows will be listed as well as the
overall condition. Also listed will be the actual mileage and the
pick-up and delivery schedule. Ask for a copy of this report if you are
not provided with one. You can use this report to determine if there are
any new dents or scratches on your vehicle when it is delivered to you.
What's the difference between an open and closed carrier?
As the name suggests, an open carrier is one where vehicles are
transported in exposed trailers. The vehicles are exposed to inclement
weather conditions during transit so if you do not wish your vehicle to
be open to the elements while in transit this is not an option. The
trailers come in all shapes and sizes and are capable of carrying from
one to over 14 vehicles at once. You probably see these on the road as
you drive on the on the highways.
An enclosed carrier is one where the vehicles are loaded in to an
enclosed carrier and transported inside the carrier. The vehicles are
therefore protected from inclement weather conditions. It is generally
more expensive to choose the closed carrier option however depending on
the vehicle to be transported it may be the only sensible option. An
enclosed carrier may be the only option for that antique auto or custom
vehicle you have in the garage.
What do I need to know about accepting my vehicle for delivery at
destination?
The first and most important thing to know about vehicle delivery is
that you never accept delivery at night. You need to verify the
condition of your vehicle and it is next to impossible to do this at
night even in a well-lit area. You can use the 'Original Inspection
Report' as you examine the vehicle at delivery to determine if there are
any new dents or scratches that may have occurred during transit. It is
your responsibility to make a note of and sign for any 'new' damage
noted and the delivery driver must sign also. Complete a thorough
inspection, as it is very difficult to claim damage if you found it
after the vehicle was delivered, inspected and signed for.
What
should I do if there is damage to my vehicle?
It is uncommon for damage to occur to vehicles while in transit however
it does happen occasionally. If damage has occurred to your vehicle
during transit you must note the damage in detail on the original
inspection report, obtain the drivers signature and then contact your
auto transport company to resolve the matter. It is your responsibility
to inspect the vehicle and to get the driver's signature confirming
damage before he leaves. Remember if the damage is a result of you
leaving personal items in the vehicle or trunk the auto transport
company is not responsible and will not reimburse you. The auto
transport company will verify the damage and will work with you to
reimburse you for the damage.
What to do if a dispute
arises?
In the unlikely event a dispute arises between you and the auto
transport company it is strongly recommended that you do your best to
try to work with the company to resolve the matter. If you do not get
satisfaction from the company you will need to file a claim with the
Better Business Bureau in the city the company is listed. You can also
contact the US Department of Transportation at
www.dot.gov however
they will be most reluctant to get involved unless you have obtained a
court judgment against the company.
Can I
use a moving company to transport my vehicle?
Moving companies can transport your vehicle however they will probable
charge more. The advantage with using a moving company can be that your
automobile can be picked up and dropped off at your home and if your
household goods are also being transported at the same time it can be
very convenient. Also the pick up and drop off dates can be more
accurate as there will be no other automobiles on the carrier that will
also need to be dropped off. Talk with your moving company to see if
they offer this service and be sure to question what the level of
insurance coverage.