Understanding what your cross country auto transport contract contains and what it does not contain. Is an important part of the auto transport experience. To make your auto transport contract will work for you. You should read your auto transport contract carefully and make sure you understand it.
Do not rely on any verbal promises from your cross country auto transport company. After you sign your contract. Your auto transport company will always refer to the contract for any complains you may have. Including the cost for canceling your shipment. The main thing to look for is a cause that says there is no guarantee pick up or delivery date. Even though most cars are delivered by the auto transport within the expected time frame. Most will not guarantee a delivery date. To protect yourself upon verbal promises that you may have relied upon. You can ask for the following things...
Request a contract in writing that waves the cancellation fee if the car is not picked up by the car transport company within a certain number of days of the schedule pick up date. If you cancel within the allowed window. You can expect to pay some sort of fee around $200. Also most cars are picked up on the scheduled date or within a few days of that date. A one to two week delay may happened. Your cancellation contract should allow at least a week beyond the scheduled pick up date. It is difficult for a cross country auto transport company to promise an exact pick-up date for you. However if your auto transport company offers a guarantee that covers the cost of a rental car. Find out the cost of the guarantee of any and the maximum dollars per day covered.
By better understand your cross country auto transport contract. You insure that you wont get any surprises and you can choose the cross country auto transport company that will provide you with the right contract that fits your needs.
Auto Shipper 4 steps
September 27th, 2010
If your planning to ship your auto theirs several things you can do to make your car transport process go more smoothly.
Step one: you should wash your car. This may seem unnecessary due to the fact that you car will get dirty while in transit. It allows you and the driver of the car carrier to properly inspect the vehicle and make note of any per-existing damage before loading it. By taking this step you minimize the potential for possibly disagreements over the responsibility for any damage to your auto.
Step two: Remove personnel items from your vehicle. It maybe tempting to include personnel items in your car. It can cause a number of problems. Items can be easily stolen in your interior or truck while in transit. Most carriers are not license or insured for transporting personnel or household items and may refuse to transport your vehicle with personnel items inside. Additional weight can put car carriers over limits. Which puts them at risk with fines and delays. They may choose not to transport your car rather at risk of running overweight.
Step three: Remove or secure any car modifications. Many external modifications or special effects on a vehicle like spoilers and fog lights can be easily damage during your auto transport. When possible its a good idea to remove these items before shipping. If your antenna does not retract, then its a good idea to remove it as well.
Step four: Finally, make sure you car battery is fully charged . Vehicle batteries can drain when your vehicle is sitting for more a week or more, which can lead to your vehicle not starting. A fully charge battery will ensure your vehicle will start when the auto shipper arrives.
By following these four recommendations you can make your auto shipper process go more smoothly.
Overseas Auto Shipper
September 15th, 2010
How to transport your car overseas. Transporting your car overseas, even for non-commercial reasons can be complicated because of customs and red tape. Speed up the process by choosing the right auto shipper company. You will need... The US state dept., Internet access, bids and references, proof of ownership documents, mechanic, marine insurance, metal shipping container.
Step one: Learn if your car is legally accepted abroad by calling the us state department hotline for American travelers. Some countries have entry restrictions on the age and make of cars. Tinted windows and white headlights are common examples of car features unacceptable for entry in the United States.
Step two: Request online quotes from brokers and auto shippers. Compare bids and references,
Step three: Check a auto shippers insurance certificate and safety record at the department of transportation website before signing a contract.
Step four: Gather proof of ownership documents for customs. They must either be original or certified copies of the title. For a car owned by a third party. Provide a notarized lean holder letter allowing the vehicle to leave the country.
Step five: Prepare your auto for shipping. Have a mechanic check your brakes, battery and exhaust system. To make sure that its in good operating condition. Remove anything that can be stolen such as hub caps, floor mats and tools.
Step six: Buy marine insurance for damages that may occur in ocean transit. An auto shipper insurance may not provide full coverage. Before buying marine insurance check your existing auto insurance policy to see if your car is covered.
Step seven: Ship your car in a metal shipping container for extra protection.
Auto Shipper Instructions
September 15th, 2010
In order to get your car safely shipped to its destination. There's a few things you'll need to do to make sure for everything to go smoothly. Let us show you a few of these guidelines to help you understand why its important to have your vehicle ready for the auto shipper.
The first thing is to make sure your vehicle is operable. If your vehicle isn't operative additional fees may apply (usually $100). Your car must have at-least 4 inches of ground clearance in order to safely load and unload the vehicle. When shipping your car make sure to remove you antenna if possible. You can place it in your car for the duration of shipping. You will have to unload all other personnel items in the car for shipping. Make sure you have a phone number for the driver to get into contact with you so it makes the process a whole lot easier. Also don't forget to tell the auto shipper if you have any modifications to the vehicle. Due to the restrictions some auto carriers have make sure you vehicle is under 7 feet tall. Make sure any spare tires in the back of the car is removed. All vehicles go through an inspection before transit, so make sure to remove any non-permanent CD players, tape decks or radio's.
Finally you should make sure your alarm is disarmed and you have less then a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle and don't forget to provide your keys to the auto shipper. I hope these quick guidelines help you transport your vehicle safe and easy.
Cross Country Auto Transport in Seven Steps
September 14th, 2010
How to transport an auto cross the country. In seven easy steps. In this brief example we will go through the challenges and the Frequently asked questions and concerns in cross country auto transport.
Number 1: Decide when you want to move the car. It takes about the same amount of time to transport your car cross country as it does for you to simply drive it. Weather and other factors may play an issue. Number 2: Call several moving companies and tell them what kind of car you have, the location your car is moving from and to and when you plan to move. Ask if these companies can provide you with references. Number 3: Check the top three choices for the BBB (better business bureau). Number 4: Line up your move at-least 2 weeks in advance. Make sure someone will be there to release the car to the carrier. Number 5: Ask the movers what kind of insurance coverage the company has and if there's a deductible. Read the insurance policy carefully and ask for a copy. Number 6: Watch the mover carefully on moving day. The auto shipper driver should fill out a bill of lading which includes a report on the condition of the car before being shipped. Don't sign the form unless you agree with the report. Some sketchy drivers will mark dents and chipped paint just in-case it happens to them while there on the road. Number 7: Check with a car carrier review site. We recommend transportreviewsDOTcom
We hope these seven easy steps will help guide you through a safe and secure cross country auto transport process.
Choosing the Right Auto Shipper
September 2nd, 2010
If you've already requested a auto shipper quote with an online auto transport broker. You've likely been bombarded with responses, but how do companies differ and who can you trust? It can be a confusing and intimidating process. We know what your going through and would like to clarify a few things right up front. Auto shipper services is a pretty straight forward process. In only three things really matter. First is your vehicle going to be picked up and delivered on time? Second Safety, while most vehicles are safely moved accidents do happened. As a result insurance is not something nice to have. Its something you need to have. Quite simply if something were to go wrong is the auto shipper company that's shipping your vehicle gonna be there to back you up? Lastly accurate pricing. The lowest price means nothing as you compare auto shipper quotes how do you know what the right price is? The right price is the real price it will take to get the right vehicle at the right price at the right time.
Many auto shipper transport companies talk a good game. When it comes to proving what they claim well, that's a different story. Most auto shipper brokers are not insured. Most have no quality controls in place to monitor the drivers they use and many will tell you one price up front just to get your business. Only to add extra charges and hidden fees later.
Many auto shipper brokers will tell you they have insurance when in reality they don't. For your protection ask every company to provide cargo insurance. If they cant provide it for you then they don't have insurance.
An Auto Shippers Bill of Lading
September 1st, 2010
What is a bill of lading you ask? A document that establishes the terms of a contract between the shipper and an auto shipper company. Under which freight is to be moved between specific points for a specific charge. In plain English, a bill of lading is like a contract between you and the auto shipper company. Every reputable auto shipper company will represent you and present you a bill of lading prior to shipping your car. Before booking your auto shipping order. Its a good idea to see a copy of the auto transport terms & conditions. This is located on the back page of the bill of lading. This is what we call the “fine print”.
In addition before your car is loaded on to the truck. The driver will fill out an auto shipper condition report. With you present or an authorized representative for you. Everything will need to be verified and signed in advance. Make sure the driver gives you a copy of this report before your car leaves its origin. When your car is shipped you'll be presented with the same report. So any claims of damage at this point. Will be based on the condition of your vehicle compared to whats on the bill of lading.
Its more then likely that your car will be delivered in the exact condition it was when it was picked up by the auto shipper. However if your car was delivered with any damaged by shipping. Write it down in full detail on the bill of lading and make sure the driver signs off on this document before you accept your car back.
Preparing for a Safe Cross Country Auto Transport
August 30th, 2010
Are you thinking of transporting your car across the country? Its not as hard as you think. With a little preparation before hand. You can help your car arrive at its destination safe and sound. Here are a few quick tips to consider before you make a cross country auto transport. Make sure your car is in good working condition and check any fluid leakage or damage before transport. If your car is over 7 feet high make sure you inform your cross country auto transport company ahead of time and your car should be no more then 4 inches off the ground for clearance and vehicle safety purposes. Make sure your gas tank is less then a quarter tank also. Your vehicle should be cleaned before inspection. You'll be asked to sign a bill of lading and a condition report prior to transport. So plan on being their at the origin point and the destination point. Remember you'll be responsible for any damage of the vehicle. So if your not present at the inspection you'll have to accept the car as is.
Its important to specify any damage to your car on the bill of lading. If for some reason you cant be present. Someone from the cross country auto transport company will represent you. Make sure you disable your alarm system also. You wouldn't want your alarm system to go off during the transport and don't forget to remove any loose items. CD players, mobile phones or any other loose or valuable items from your car. And make sure you remove your antenna if possible.
If you follow these guidelines you can make sure that your cross country auto transport will be safe and secure.
A Smart Car Loaded on an Auto Transport Carrier in Florida
August 25th, 2010
Car Transport Quote - Dont Get Ripped Off
August 19th, 2010
Are you searching for an affordable car transport quote. Make sure you don't have to pay more then you have too. There our 2 types of car transport quotes you can get. A Binding and non-binding quote. You can get instantly online on your computer making it easy to shop and compare. We recommend you get at least 3 car transport quotes for both. A non-binding quote is an estimate. The final is usually higher then the quote price. The final price reflects the actual hourly rate, true distance travel and actual weight of the cargo. So you see non-binding quotes usually cost you more in the end.
Also ask the auto transport company if the car transport quote includes the price of fuel for the auto transporter. Price per gallon varies from state to state as you all know and fluctuates daily. Ask in advance so you won't have any surprises at the end of the trip.
There are hundreds of car transport companies out there. Only use services of a professional auto transport company. This will ensure that your prize possession, your car will be shipped safely to your destination. Auto transporters also charge extra for insurance. So don't forget to ask if your carriers insurance is included in your quotation.
Well I hope these quick tips have helped you choose the right car transport company. Just remember to ask the right questions and you should have any kind of trouble getting your car to its final destination as safe and clean as possible.
Shipping your Car Domestically or Internationally
July 23rd, 2010
Shipping your auto to another place due to a move or because of an online sale can be a big challenge. We all wish we can just put our vehicle in a giant cardboard box, stuff with paper then just send it on its way, but it’s a lot more complex then that. We will begin by going over domestic auto shipping. Including open-air and enclosed trailers.
When sending your car cross the country you'll have two main options. Open air or enclosed trailer transport. The common method for domestic auto shipping is the open-air trailer. Who hasn't seen those huge trailers loaded with cars driving down the highway? By choosing this option your vehicle will be securely placed on a trailer and driven to its new location. Now if your vehicle is your baby and you don’t want it exposed to the harsh elements of open air trailers. Then you may want to consider shipping your auto in an enclosed trailer. With this option your vehicle will be placed on a trailer with an enclosed freight area. This option usually cost $400 more, but varies by company.
Now you know how to ship your vehicle within the country. Let’s look into international auto shipping. Shipping your vehicle to another country is a tad bit more complicated then shipping it domestically. Since your vehicle is being transported by ship. There are a few things you need to know about the rules and regulations. For instance, many countries will not allow you to transport vehicles internationally if it’s more then 5 years old. Also there could be restrictions on the size of the engine and the location of the steering wheel. Once you know if you can ship your vehicle overseas. You can decide between 2 options... roll on, roll off service or container service. The first is roll on, roll off service. This is the more common and cheaper option. Your auto will be rolled on or driven on to the ship. Then it would be secured with braces on an interior deck, well protected from the weather. Upon reaching the destination the vehicle will rolled or driven off the ship. If you want your auto more protected you can choose container service. Inside the container the auto will be secured to wooden blocks and strapped in place to keep it from moving. With this option your vehicle will be stored in an individual shipping container and then loaded on the ship.
Rather you’re shipping your auto domestically or internationally. There are several things you can do before your vehicle is shipped. First, wash the vehicle for accurate inspection. Since the vehicle has to be inspected before its shipped make sure its washed and clean for accurate inspection. Second, remove any personal items. Since autos wont be able to ship with personnel items inside. Go through your vehicle including your trunk and remove any personal items. Third, leave less then a 1/4 of gas in the tank. Most auto shipper companies will tell you to do this because they know the more gas in the tank in your car means more weight which means more fuel for the transporter to burn. Fourth, remove or protect any loose parts. Remove the antenna or any other detachable parts. For parts that cant be removed like spoilers, fog lights, or side mirrors. Wrap them with Protective covering. Fifth, ensure the car is in well working condition. You'll probably want to drive your vehicle upon the arrival. Make sure the battery is charged, the fluid levels are good and the tires are properly inflated before shipping.
Open Carrier vs Enclosed Carrier
July 21th 2010
So, you have a specialty vehicle, atv or motorcycle and you need it shipped. Which delivery option is better? Enclosed or open transport, Well that all depends on how much you value your vehicle. Both options insure that your vehicle gets delivered safely to its point of destination. If you own a custom built classic car or motorcycle than an enclosed auto shipping carrier will protect it from wear and tear normally associated with weather and road conditions during transit. Dusty winds, dirt, rain and snow can all cause damage to your vehicles paint and body. If you’re transporting a show car or a luxury vehicle you may want to invest in an enclosed transport carrier service.
Most auto transporters offer both open and enclosed shipping. However an enclosed transport usually is more expensive then the standard open carrier ($400 on average). Another reason why many people choose enclosed carriers is because open transport trucks are designed for the standard more regular cars. The manufactures designed these trucks so cars won’t require to much careful handling. Just load them up and ship them out as quickly as possible. If you don’t mind having your prize position exposed to harsh weather condition and road conditions. The other option to choose is an open transport carrier. .
So why do so many people use open transport? The sole advantage is that the cost is less then an enclose carrier. This form of transport is very similar to what you see when a cars are transported to and from a dealership from the manufacture.
If you choose to go with an auto transport company, chances are your vehicle will end up just as fine or in the same shape as an enclosed carrier. Broken windshields, big scratches, etc. are rare. When there is a problem (1-5% of the time) its usually small trivial things i.e. oil dripping down from the top rack on to the bottom one where the car is, extra dusty, etc. So it really all boils down to weather if an extra $400 is considered pocket change or one week pay to you? Either way when your car is in the hands of an auto transport company. You can have peace of mind knowing that your car will be delivered safely because most auto shipping truckers have your covered up to $500,000 in insurance on any possible damages done to your car and up to $1,000,000 in property damages.
Auto Shipper Advice
July 20th 2010
If you need your car shipped domestically or internationally car transporting companies take the hassle out of getting your car shipped. Here is a brief overview of car shipping payment methods, delivery time frames and how door to door and terminal services work.
Car shipping companies offer easy payment methods, credit cards, cashier check or COD. Many transport companies require a partial payment in advance. A percentage of the total cost upfront with the remaining amount due at the time of delivery. Some companies even require payment in full ahead of time, but most companies require a small deposit on the credit card of around $100 or so. Then when the vehicle is delivered the remaining balance is paid to the driver in cash, cashiers check or money order. All auto shipping companies are different, but this is how about 95% of do business.
If you need your car shipped as soon as possible then it’s no problem. Delivery dates can vary from 3-14 days. Estimated time frame for Expedited delivery is usually 3-10 days, depending on the distance of the delivery. Be weary of any car shipping company that guarantees an exact shipping date. You will receive an estimated delivery time as close to your schedule as possible, because weather, traffic condition and the department of transportation regulations can all influence an auto transfers delivery time. For example the DOT limits a driver to 750 miles/day with an eleven hour drive time maximum. So you can see there are a lot of variables that can affect your delivery date and time.
Door to door shipping and shipping to a terminal can be very convenient options. If you need your car picked up or delivered to your home or office. Auto shipping companies offer door to door service too. In this case a truck will arrive at your door for the pick up and delivery of your car. Be aware that many residential neighborhoods do not permit large trucks to enter. So you may want to arrange for the driver to meet you in a nearby park, gas station, shopping center or large parking lot. An auto terminal delivery is where you car is delivered at a transport terminal.
The time frame for terminal pick-up is usually 12-24 hrs. This is a very convenient option, because you can pick up your car at a location that is close to your home or office within your schedule. Remember when you need your car shipped. Make sure you contact your auto shipper within 3 weeks in advance to insure the timely delivery of your car.
