How Does Car Shipping Work from Start to Finish?
When driving your vehicle long distances is impractical, car shipment is the best and most convenient option. If you are new to this field, you probably think that the shipping process is quite complicated. For sure, you will change your mind after doing research and receiving answers to your questions. Let’s go through the main aspects of car shipping and find out how it works.
What is Auto Transport?
Auto transport is a service that people apply to move their vehicles to any location in the United States. This service is available to get either by an auto transporter or an auto transport broker. In both circumstances, the organization is responsible for transporting your vehicle securely. You can benefit a lot by entrusting the transportation of your car to a reliable and reputable company. It can assist you in avoiding a variety of stressful situations.
What Are Your Choices?
Once you’ve decided to ship your car, you’ll need to choose between the services offered by the various companies. Here they are:
- Open-air auto transport vs. enclosed auto transport: The first option is very safe, and around 95% of all customers select it. But if your car is rare and luxurious, you should choose the enclosed shipping option. It is capable of providing complete protection to your vehicle. But the price is much higher.
- Door-to-door shipping vs. terminal-to-terminal shipping. The door-to-door shipping option is the most convenient for the customers. The truck driver tries to get as near as possible to both of your addresses. However, it costs a bit more than terminal-to-terminal shipping.
- Delivery time. If you want to get your vehicle much faster, you can choose an expedited shipping option. Although this option is more expensive, it may be a good alternative for those who require quick delivery.
What do you have to do?
Firstly, do your research to select the best shipping company. When comparing the advantages of the shipping companies, pay great attention to the following tips:
- Ensure that they have the proper licenses to operate.
- Read online reviews from past customers.
- Check insurance coverage.
- Learn about the driver’s experience.
- Get a pricing quote.
How much will it cost to ship a car?
Every customer wants to ship the vehicle at a reasonable price. But note that paying a lower price sometimes can be very risky. There are, however, some factors that influence the price. Such factors are vehicle type, type of transport, season, distance, condition of the car, and time frame. Obtain at least three different pricing quotes before making your ultimate decision.
How to prepare the car for shipping?
You should prepare your car for transport before giving over the keys. It’s an effortless task. Let’s go through several actions you should do:
- Thoroughly clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle and take good photographs from every angle.
- Remove all your items.
- Cut your fuel use by a quarter of a tank.
- Look over your car for any damage and inform the truck driver.
There is nothing other than to wait for your car’s safe delivery. Only remember to sign the condition report after receiving and inspecting your vehicle.
Why Use Auto Shipping Brokers Instead of Carriers?
When you are looking to transport your vehicle, you have two options you can choose to book with: going directly with a carrier or picking up an auto transport broker, also known as a logistics service provider. However, before shipping your car, you need a bit of insight into how this industry works. The process can be pretty confusing if you have no idea where to start and what to consider. Today we will discuss differences between shippers and brokers and the role they play in the process of transporting your vehicle.
Auto Shipping Carrier VS Auto Shipping Broker
At first glance, both carriers and brokerage companies go into the same labor known as auto shipping; however, there are significant differences between these two. In simple terms, an auto carrier also referred to as an asset-based shipper, carries out shipping using its trucks. At the same time, a broker works as a mediator to help you find shippers in your neighborhood to pick up and ship your vehicle.
Large companies that own their trucks and operate individually sometimes work with auto brokers to have extra resources and get more shipping offers. Meanwhile, compared to auto carriers with specific routing and geographical restrictions, most brokers operate and coordinate auto shipping throughout the country.
Why Might You Want to Work with a Broker?
Extensive Network: Though carriers have their trucks and hold direct control over them, brokers offer a much extensive network to help ship your car nationwide. It means that using brokerage services to have your vehicle shipped is much easier and quicker than dealing with a direct carrier.
Good Truckers: Relying on a legitimate broker means having an experienced and licensed trucker shipping your car. Auto brokers are industry experts, and they work exclusively with legitimate carriers.
Unexpected Situations: When you book auto transport with a carrier, you have no protection against emergencies or unforeseen situations. For example, if the truck breaks down during the trip, you are down on your luck until fixing the issue. Meanwhile, in the same situation, a broker may offer to replace the truck without any delays.
Flexibility: Unlike any carrier, auto brokers aren’t tied down with their fleet, meaning they can offer you shipping services irrespective of where you locate. Due to an extensive network of carriers, they may find trucks with open spots in your neighborhood and offer you a flexible pickup window.
You Save Time: If you are looking for a stress-free shipping experience and saving your time looking for a licensed carrier or competitive prices, you need to rely on a brokerage company. Apart from being easy and quick, dealing with legitimate brokers prevents you from auto shipping scams that are too common in the US market.
Easy to Reach: This feature mainly refers to excellent communication and good customer service that most brokerage companies try to boast. Many brokers are available 24/7 to be proactive about any problems that may happen during auto transport.
You can read more about the Advantages of Auto Shipping Brokers.
Key Takeaways
Whether you choose to work with an auto broker or deal with a carrier directly, we suggest checking if a company is reliable and licensed. Try to get references and find genuine reviews from real customers. In many websites, such as Google, it’s pretty easy to spam with false reviews, thus opt for using reliable sources (such as BBB) to navigate reviews and make a good decision.
How to Ship a Damaged Car
Being in a car crash is never fun, especially when it happens in a foreign state, and you need to get your wrecked car back home. Typically, a vehicle involved in an accident becomes a non-runner, meaning it has functional issues or missing essential components, making it unsafe to drive. Today, we’ve put together some key things to consider before you ship a damaged car.
When you need to ship a damaged car, the process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Ensuring your vehicle is safe for transport and providing accurate information to the auto transport company are crucial steps. Properly preparing your car can help avoid additional damage during shipping and ensure a smooth process. Whether you are dealing with a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, understanding the necessary steps can make a significant difference.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to ship a damaged car, from preparing your vehicle and understanding special equipment needs to the importance of hiring professionals for the job. By following these tips, you can ensure your damaged vehicle is transported safely and efficiently.
Preparing Your Crashed Car for Shipping after an Accident
When you reach out to a auto transport company to get your wrecked vehicle delivered right to your door, you need to make sure to provide as many details as possible about your vehicle’s condition. For example, the hauler has to know whether the car brakes, rolls, steers, has a full fuel tank, or any fluid leaks in a vehicle. Also, make sure your vehicle is pointing forward, the transmission puts in neutral, and the parking brake is working correctly.
To protect your vehicle during car transport, we advise inspecting your car and taking photographs to help with the condition report once the carrier arrives. And also, having concrete proof with you is the main guarantee to claim indemnification if your automobile gets damaged during transport.
Special Equipment Needs to Transport Your Damaged Car
When shipping damaged or semi-functional vehicles, a carrier needs special equipment. This equipment is used to load and unload them on and off a hauler trailer. Using the hydraulic auto lift, also referred to as a forklift, is often necessary for damaged vehicles. However, if your car doesn’t run but still rolls, brakes, and steers, it can be pulled onto a trailer using a winch. If you ship a damaged car that is non-working, the carrier needs proper tools. These tools will help load your vehicle onto a flatbed trailer.
Don’t Ship a Wrecked Car on Your Own
You might wonder why you can’t just grab a few friends and try to load your damaged car onto a standard truck by pushing or dragging it. At first glance, this might seem like a good option. However, it contradicts all safety rules found in auto transport literature. Loading or unloading a non-runner without special equipment, such as a forklift, flatbed truck, winch trailer, or rollback tow truck, is unsafe. It can also cause considerable damage to your car, potentially costing more than professional shipping. This is why it’s best to hire professionals to handle your car shipping, whether it’s damaged or totaled.
The Final Word
When speaking of shipping a car after an accident, the primary thing you need to be concerned about is finding a reliable company specializing in crashed car transportation. With Tempus Logix, you can have your car (either new or wracked, operable or non-running) shipped wherever you need. In addition, our company offers professional services, reasonable delivery windows, and carriers with full insurance coverage. And what about pricing? In the vehicle shipping sector, Tempus Logix has the most competitive rates.
When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport?
When speaking of shipping a rare or upper-class vehicle, most people are usually concerned about getting a damage-free experience during the road trip. As a result, many decide on enclosed auto transport to add extra assurance in car protection. The carrier transports your automobile in a fully enclosed trailer which entirely shields it from road dangers.
Tempus Logix might be your best choice to ship your vehicle safe and sound if you choose to go for enclosed car shipping to prevent risks for your high-end automobile. It doesn’t matter if you want to transport a classic, antique, or vintage car; we can help you deliver your vehicle nationwide just in time, and what is more important, in tiptop shape.
Reasons Why You Need to Consider Enclosed Car Transport
Enclosed car transport is the safest alternative to other conventional shipping methods. With an enclosed car hauler trailer featuring walls and a roof, you add more protection to your vehicle during auto transit. Because a car is known as one of the most valuable assets people possess, there are situations when enclosed car transport is much preferable compared to open-air auto transport.
Use Enclosed Transport to Ship Luxury and Rare Cars
If you have a Ford Mustang Eleanor like the one in Gone in 60 Seconds or a supercar such as Koenigsegg Agera RS that can do 0-70 mph in less than three seconds, you cannot skimp on safety and choose to ship your specialty car by open trailer. Shipping a vehicle that features a hefty price always requires special attention, as even minor damage may critically drop the car’s trade-in value. Thus opting for enclosed auto transport to add more protection against harsh weather or debris on the roadway is what you need to consider when shipping your elite car. As a rule, these kinds of premium cars are an extremely valued possession for their owners; so, having a vehicle delivered safe and sound at its final destination is the number one priority for them.
Make Use of an Enclosed Trailer when Shipping a Car with Low Ground Clearance
Everyone shares the same road with low ground clearance cars. However, sometimes the distance between the lower end of the body of these vehicles and the ground is shorter than 4-inch, which obliges haulers to have special equipment to lift and load it onto the trailer.
Here is the trick, if you have a car with low clearance, enclosed auto transport is not just the best option for you; it’s the only option. Carriers move low clearance cars using special equipment, such as a hydraulic liftgate. Otherwise, your vehicle could descend over the uneven ramps, scratching the front bumper and damaging the underbody engine splash cover.
Learn more about When to Choose Enclosed Auto Transport.
The bottom line
If you are looking for enclosed auto transport to add extra protection to your premium car during the road trip, Tempus Logix is here to help you out. Our company features a wealth of experience in enclosed auto transportation, including sports, exotic and classic cars shipping. At Tempus Logix, we understand that your four-wheeled companion is a valuable investment for you, especially when it’s a rare or expensive car. Thus, if you want to get a hassle-free auto shipping experience and have a piece of mind knowing that your beloved vehicle has extra protection and full insurance coverage, we are always at your service.
Auto Transport Glossary: Terminologies of the Auto Transport Industry
Organizing your car shipment can seem like a complicated procedure full of paperwork. Therefore, it is inevitable that you are going to deal with unknown acronyms and terms. Below we are going to present some commonly used terminologies of the auto transport industry.
Glossary of Terms for the Auto Transportation:
A.T.A.: An abbreviation with the meaning of Actual Time of Arrival. It is most commonly used to indicate the exact time when you will have your vehicle delivered to its drop-off destination.
A.T.D.: An abbreviation for Actual Time of Departure is meant to show when the vehicle is picked up and departed from the original location.
Agent: An individual or a company that has the authorization to arrange and handle shipping transactions and documents.
Auxiliary Service: This is a supplementary service if additional assistance is required to load or unload your car on or off the freight trucks.
Bill of Lading (B.o.L.): Legal document in the form of either receipt/contract showing detailed vehicle loading information, agreement of its transportation, terms of the shipment, etc. In simple terms, BoL is a receipt of freight services, the copy of which you need to have with you at the drop-off location.
Binding Estimate: The total cost presented on the final contract, showing the exact price for the shipping service you will end up paying.
Brokerage License: This is a legal document that brokers should possess to make shipping arrangements.
Carrier’s Liability for Loss or Damage: The shipper company presents a statement of loss/damage to the client while the vehicle is under their responsibility. You may usually come across such a statement in a Damage Claim Form.
Co-Loading: It means loading more than one car in a single carrier. This mode of transportation is quite common due to its cost-effectiveness.
Cut-off Time: The term generally indicates the deadline of the shipment delivery to its final destination.
Diversion: This term means rerouting or changing the originally decided route while the shipment is in transit.
Enclosed Car Hauler: This is a transport method to carry out auto shipping and protect your car from road hazards. Enclosed auto transport is a common choice to ship a rare or high-end vehicle by adding more protection during a road trip.
En Route: It signifies that the vehicle is in transit towards the final destination.
Open Carrier: The open-air carriers are the most common and cheapest method of shipment, but the vehicles on-board can be vulnerable to external elements such as wind, snow, road debris, etc.
Proof of Delivery (P.O.D.): A document is a shipping receipt that may also contain information about the car’s condition after delivery.
Shipping Mileage: It shows the total distance between pickup and delivery points.
S.I.T.: An abbreviation for storage in transit.
Terminal-to-Terminal: The terminals are assigned areas where the shipped vehicles are stored and prepared for loading. In this case, the clients need to drop off and pick up their car from the closest terminal.
Tracking: Following the auto shipment progress throughout its delivery process.
Vehicle Logistics Company: It is a service provider that plans and manages auto transport procedures.
V.I.N. Number: A vehicle identification number is a unique registered code used to identify individual motor vehicles.
Buying a Car out of State and Have It Shipped to You?
There was a time when the only way to buy a car was to go to the nearest dealership lot and work out a deal in a sales office. However, many things have changed since then. Today, many online vehicle retail platforms offer to help you locate hard-to-find cars or discover the exact models you want at a lower price.
Thousands of Americans opt to buy a car out of state, thanks to online auto dealerships. At first glance, the process of buying a car out of state and having it shipped to you seems pretty hassle-free, but it’s easier said than done. If you consider purchasing your vehicle in another state, please make sure you understand the whole lot related to a car with an out-of-state title.
Why Buy a Car Out of State?
Currently, because of concerns over the supply-demand imbalance, car prices in different states vary widely. Therefore, when considering buying a car out of state, the first thing that comes to mind is capitalizing on these price differences. For instance, in Miami, despite an ample supply of vehicles, the demand is relatively low. On the other hand, in California, increased demand cannot satisfy the marketplace needs. In a nutshell, you can find the right price for your desired car if you buy a car out of state and purchase it online.
Shipping Your Vehicle Across State Lines
Once you decide to go ahead with the car purchase, you need to consider getting your car delivered to your door or driving it yourself. While driving a car cross-country is sometimes lower-priced than shipping, affordable car transport service is a lot more convenient and hassle-free. If you have decided to have your car shipped to another state, you need to find good carrier service and rely on professionals.
Aside from using a car shipping rate calculator and getting initial shipping quotes, consider some notable factors that directly influence the shipping price.
Car Delivery Distance
The primary factor that influences the shipping cost is the distance between pickup and drop-off locations. In general, the price per mile varies between $X and $X, depending on the shipping distance. However, the longer the shipping distance, the lower auto shipping rates per mile you can get.
Vehicle Size and Weight
The size and the weight of your vehicle will also affect the carriage cost. Apart from taking up more space on the transport truck, oversized cars also increase the fuel constipation of the haul truck. So the heavier your vehicle is, the more costly it will be to deliver.
Auto Shipping Method
Shipping costs may also vary depending on the shipping method. You can decide between open auto transport or enclosed auto transportation and choose the one which fits your needs the most. The main benefit of going open-air car hauling is to have your car shipped for a low price. On the other hand, enclosed transport offers a higher level of protection and reduces the risk of damages during the car trip.
Consider Other Variables
Other variables that you need to consider while calculating car transport costs refer to pickup & drop-off locations and additional liabilities that a carrier may take. For example, a car shipping company may charge you extra money for loading your car onto the transport trailer from a hard-to-reach place. Vise versa is also true. If the locations are accessible easily, drivers may charge less money for transporting your car.
The Bottom Line
Buying a car out of state and having it shipped to you is a significant undertaking. Even if you buy a car from an online auto dealership, you will have to fill out paperwork and register your vehicle with DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). Just consider all pros and cons, understand the state taxes & shipping costs and determine whether it’s worth the effort. Once you decide to ship your car, the all-important step will be to choose the right car transportation company. Top-rated car shipper, Tempus Logix, moves cars, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and heavy equipment throughout the US. Our process takes place in three easy steps: you book your order, we transport and deliver your vehicle. Our professional team is au fait with transporting a newly online purchased vehicle (https://tempuslogix.com/online-car-buying-transport/).
What Happens If a Vehicle is Damaged During Transport?
It’s tough to envision our lives without our four-wheeled companion in today’s fast-paced world. One of the first things we want to bring with us is our vehicle, especially when going on vacation. If you’ve ever been in a scenario like this, you’ve probably considered moving your car. And you probably have tried to select between two options: to do it yourself or hire pros. When you examine all the car shipping benefits, picking a decision won’t be so difficult: you save time and energy and avoid tiring and often dangerous journeys. You can certainly hand over your keys to a vehicle shipping company instead.
Do Your Research!
Now that you’ve learned about the incomparable benefits of vehicle shipping businesses, it’s time to gather as much information as possible. You should check all the information before signing the contract. Choose experienced auto transportation companies that only work with insured carriers, which is undoubtedly necessary by law for them to have it. Sometimes, however, the companies fail to verify expired insurance. By the time the carrier is liable for your vehicle, your insurance policy may no longer cover it. As a result, the haulers have their mandatory insurance coverage. Feel free to inquire about the transaction’s details and obtain a shipping quote from the shipping agent.
Have You Noticed Any Damage?
But first, let’s find out what kinds of damages your vehicle might face. Scratches or dents, truck rollover, breaking of car parts, and theft are all probable damages during vehicle transportation. After you get the vehicle, thoroughly inspect all the details and compare them to the photographs taken before the delivery. Take a look at the roof and the undercarriage as well. After the external inspection, check for fluid leaks and start the automobile to ensure the engine is in good working order and there are no strange noises that could cause harm. Carriers picking up a vehicle will write a report on BOL. After delivery, you can compare any damages noticed with the record previously taken. BOL will prove and be solid evidence for your claim if anything happens to your car. It is essential to check the BOL before and after the transportation transaction.
So Which Are Your Steps?
So, when you examine your car and see newly caused damages, take some photos, especially from the same position as the one taken before delivery. Let your vehicle transportation company representative know of the mishap. They will fill out the vehicle condition report and notify the carrier to take responsibility for the insurance coverage. Examine the inspection documentation and look through all the details before signing. Before you drive your car away, double-check that a representative from the transport company has contacted the hauler. After that, you should go to your mechanic to find out the actual cost of repairing the damage. Then obtain the assessment by email or printed copy. Give all these materials to the company, which they will need to continue negotiating for your reimbursement or advise you on your claim in court. Good companies, such as Tempus Logix, will do everything in their power to help you because satisfied customers are attesters of their service.
How Auto Transport Companies Ship Non-Running Vehicles
There are several occasions when there is a need to ship non-running vehicles. Many auto transport companies have the required facilities for shipping non-running vehicles. Nevertheless, it can be a slightly complicated process for both the service providers and the clients. Therefore, we will share some tips and information to simplify the procedure of shipping non-working transports.
Non-Running Transport Distinction
Non-running vehicles usually have functional issues or missing essential components that make them unsafe to drive. Some typical cases are cars with missing engines, dead batteries, flat tires, structural malfunctions, etc. For auto transport companies, cars that can’t be driven to the shipping truck and need to be transported by a specific mechanism are considered inoperable and non-running. In some cases, the car can be rolled onto the shipping truck, though it’s not safe to move due to safety precautions. Usually, it’s because of problems regarding the steering mechanism or brake functionality. Nevertheless, an experienced auto transport company can always arrange logistics to carry any car in any condition.
Choosing the Shipping Company
Firstly, it is essential to note that not all carriers can provide auto transport shipping for non- running vehicles. Some shipping provider companies do not possess the required equipment to transport the inoperable cars as the standard accessories on shipping trucks are not sufficient for the process. Commonly auto shipping companies are not willing to handle the shipment of the non-working vehicle due to a lack of experience and trained specialists. Tempus Logix took this into account and created a task force in charge of shipments of inoperable motor vehicles.
Before placing an order or making a payment, you need to provide your carrier with a vehicle condition report specifying the car’s condition and possible complications that may jump up during the auto transport. Additionally, we recommend using enclosed car shipping if the car in question is a high-value classic car or holds sentimental importance.
Cost of the Shipping Service
Shipping inoperative vehicles are more expensive because of extra work and pricey equipment used to load and unload them. To transport your non-running car, the shipper may request more money for winching your vehicle and rolling it onto the truck. Please be informed that this is an additional service, and standard trucks don’t feature such specialized equipment to ship your non-running car. The truckers and the shipping staff must pass specific training courses to handle the essential steps of the loading/unloading procedure. We strongly recommend trying to fix some of the malfunctions and make the necessary improvements, which can be less costly than hiring auto transportation services to haul non-functional automobiles. Therefore, compare the service prices from several companies to ensure the shipping cost will not be over-budget.
Check Reviews and Permits
Firstly, check the reviews and recommendations to understand whether the company can ship non-running vehicles safely and on time. By quick research, you can evaluate the company’s experience and the common complaints from the customers. Afterward, check the licenses to make sure whether you want to cooperate with that particular company. Auto transport companies must have the certifications and licenses to ship vehicles. Also, make a note that not all companies are allowed to transport cars between states or countries.
Car Shipping Laws
The auto transport industry is being controlled and regulated by governmental institutions. Each country has its regulations and laws that both the service provider and the client must follow. Even though auto transport companies are more likely to be under the spotlight, the clients must also be aware of transportation laws which are mostly related to the shipped car’s age/condition, dimensions, import goods restrictions, etc. Accordingly, the basic knowledge will help you to avoid potential issues. Therefore, we are going to present the essential car shipping rules and restrictions.
Weight Restrictions
There is often a fixed weight limit that auto transport drivers can carry per trip. By adding up the estimated weight of each vehicle, they can calculate the shipping truck’s load. It is important to note that car shipping companies do not weigh your vehicle during the pickup while loading it onto the vessel. The weight depends on the make and the model of the car. In most cases, the companies also add extra weight to the car’s factory weight, such as 100 lbs.
The drivers need to weigh their trucks at several weigh stations to check whether the cargo’s weight complies with auto transport rules and regulations. We advise against packing your automobile to the brim with personal belongings.
Height Restrictions
The vehicle’s height is also a defined limit. The standard car’s height is usually up to 7 feet or less. Therefore, transporting such vehicles on conventional trucks can cause minimum delays and additional fees. In case your car is taller than the permissible height, we suggest using specialized carriers.
Required Documentation
Car shipping involves lots of paperwork and documentation. As a first step, the client needs to provide documents proving the ownership or authorization for shipping the car. If you plan to move a newly purchased car, you will need to present a Receipt of the Purchase and an Original Certificate of Origin from the dealership/previous owner from where/whom you have bought the car.
Driving Hours
Auto Transport companies are often in tight competition with the market’s players. To gain customers, some companies tend to promise unrealistic shipment conditions and timelines. So be conscious of the typical limitations and rules of not paying an additional fee or waiting for delayed transportation.
Be informed that a shipper may postpone an agreed delivery window because of federal laws regarding driving hours. Per day, truckers are allowed to go on the road only for a certain amount of hours. These limitations are more likely to concern interstate transportation to maintain security, commercial, and health requirements. The fixed driving hours naturally affect the delivery speed, and you should plan your shipment keeping in mind the information mentioned above.
Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car
It doesn’t matter whether you ship your car interstate or internationally; there are too many auto transportation and brokerage services you may choose to opt-in. Although most car shipping companies work for the same purpose, you need to beware of many differences in service quality when shipping your car. We have made up a list of the most common mistakes you need to avoid to have a hassle-free car shipping experience. Let’s take a closer look at our checklist.
Check Out the Shipping Company
Before choosing the transport company, you need to check whether your carrier has national registration with the US Department of Transportation (DoT). If a company offers out-of-state car shipping, you also need to check its registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Be aware that a reputable company should provide you with both of these registration numbers based on your primary request. We strongly advise not to deal with a shipper that is either not registered or otherwise doesn’t want to present you DoT or a Motor Carrier number (MC). Any information related to the registration numbers the company should provide you in writing. Don’t trust promises or verbal agreements, as none of them may become legally binding.
Incorrect or Missing Documents
Before you get your car loaded onto the truck, you need to present the insurance certificate and vehicle registration. These are mandatory to have on hand to prove that you own the car. Before loading your vehicle, the transporter needs to carry out a car inspection and make applicable notes on the inspection report. This document is the only record of the car’s condition before you have it loaded. Please ensure that a carrier fills out the inspection report accurately and signs the document in case of any damage. Otherwise, you cannot fill a freight claim against the hauler and get compensation for damages.
Insufficient Insurance Coverage
If something goes wrong during transport, the movers have to provide you with insurance to cover the damage. To check the sufficiency of insurance coverage, you can request an insurance certificate online from the carrier. Please note that you may receive additional insurance coverage from your insurance even though you are not obligated to have it insured while having it shipped.
Empty Your Car of Personal Items
Although many auto shipping companies allow for 100 lbs. of personal or household items packed in the vehicle, we advise freeing up your car of personal belongings before having it shipped. Keep in mind that a carrier has no responsibility for damage or loss of your items inside the vehicle; thus, it would be impossible to claim any compensatory damage for them.
Read about Tips on Packing a Car When Shipping It
Not Getting Shipping Quotes
Car transportation terms, especially shipping costs, may vary from shipper to shipper. Thus, it’s essential to find one that will provide superior value for your money. If you want to know exactly how much you will end up paying for car transport, a free quote is what you need to request. Initial quotes may vary depending on shipping destination, mode of transportation, vehicle size/weight, and so forth.
Opting for the Cheapest Service
Unfortunately, the auto shipping industry is full of scammers that will always try to sway you by rock-bottom prices or force you into paying an upfront deposit that you will never get back. Therefore, a big jump down in the price may mean a red flag that you will likely end up getting scammed, as none of the legitimate companies will work at a loss.
