How long should an auto transport take?
Transport time ALL depends on the Transporter. Times listed below are only approximate but may help you with your initial planning. Only your Transporter can give you more specific times. Due to unknown road and truck conditions, ALL shipping times are estimated but are not guaranteed. MIDWEST to EAST COAST – approximately 4 to 6 days EAST COAST to WEST COAST – approximately 7 to 10 days SOUTH to the NORTH – approximately 5 to 7 days.
Why does a truck (s.u.v) shipment cost more than a regular sedan?
Costs are determined based on pounds / inches as these determine the ultimate load that a carrier can legally haul. Therefore, there will be a small price increase for larger, heavier vehicles.
What type of paperwork do i need in order to ship my vehicle? (insurance, title, registration, etc.)
Unless your vehicle is leaving the country all that is required for your shipment is a signature and walk around with the driver at pick-up. This walk around will allow you and the driver to verify if any damage exists at pick-up.
How is a transport supposed to work
Auto transport is very simple: You should receive a call from the Transporter anywhere from 10 to 24 hours in advance of your pick-up date. The driver will arrive, review the vehicle with you, and load it on the truck. The reverse happens at the delivery point – the driver calls in advance, you will walk around the vehicle for damage and take delivery. Make sure your payment arrangements are complete and understood before the driver arrives. Again, most drivers prefer cash.
What should a consumer do if their vehicle arrives with damage?
First thing you should do is make sure the driver understands that the damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage should clearly be marked and noted, and then signed for by the driver. Upon completion of delivery, a call should be placed to your Transporter to inform them of the damage. In most cases, the Transporter will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a couple of weeks. Be sure that you have ALL of the documentation to back up your claim.
How do i get a quoute for shipping my vehicle?
You can use our online, instant car transport quote calculator to get a quick and accurate quote. Or, you can call 855-937-4476 to talk to one of our car transport specialists. All you need is the pick-up and delivery locations, vehicle make and model, as well as the pick-up date.
How is my car shipping cost calculated?
There are several factors that are taken into account when providing you with a price quote. The mileage between your pick-up location and your delivery location is the main factor in calculating your rate. Another factor is the make and model of the vehicle, as well as whether it's running or not. Vehicle modifications, such as larger tires, lifted, lowered, rack on top, etc., will also affect your final quote. The seasonal availability of drivers on certain routes adds to the cost of shipping your vehicle. Lastly, how soon your vehicle is ready for transport also contributes to the final quote. For a higher level of service, you can choose optional add-ons at the time of booking, such as top-load service or enclosed carrier.
How do i pay for my auto shipping
Payment is simple. For the deposit, we accept all major credit cards, money orders, electronic transfers, as well as bank/certified checks for either the deposit or full pre-payment of your transport. If there is a balance due at the time of delivery, you can pay the Driver directly in cash, money order, or bank/certified check.
Do you offer a military discount?
Yes, we believe in honoring our country's active and retired military. Call us at 855-937-4476 to talk to one of our car transport specialists, and we'll give you a good price to show you our appreciation for your service.
Do you offer a discounted cash price?
Yes. In fact, the Truckers prefer cash and will do the job for a discount as long as they are guaranteed payment at the time of completion, rather than waiting for payment after returning home. Payment can be made in the form of cash, cashier's check, or money order. The Trucker can not accept credit cards or personal checks.
How do i pay the trucker at delivery?
If you chose to pay the full amount with your credit card, you would not owe the Trucker money at delivery. If you chose the "Discounted Cash Price" instead, you would need to pay the Trucker cash, cashier's check, or money order. The Trucker can not personally take credit cards or personal checks.
Do i have to pay the trucker if i am not fully satisfied with the auto transport service?
According to Federal Law, you must pay the Trucker completely for services provided. Withholding payment for any reason will allow the Trucker to legally hold your vehicle until you have paid in full. If you encounter any difficulties or are unsatisfied for any reason, we are here to help. Call us at 855-937-4476 to talk to one of our car transport specialists.
Is there a discount for shipping multiple vehicles?
Yes. Several factors will determine the amount of the discount. All vehicles must be sharing the same truck from pick-up to delivery. Call us at 855-937-4476 to talk to one of our car transport specialists about a multi-vehicle discount.
How refunds work
Deposit is fully refundable if the customer wishes to cancel before a driver has been scheduled. After a driver has been scheduled, the deposit becomes nonrefundable as we will have to compensate the Trucker for reserving the spot on their truck. The customer will receive confirmation of the pick-up and delivery dates, as well as the driver information before the order is dispatched.
Does the value of the vehicle determine the shipping cost?
No. The vehicle's original purchase price and the vehicle's current value will not affect the shipping rate.
How far in advance should i schedule my transport?
We recommend scheduling your shipment 2 to 3 weeks in advance in order to ensure we will be able to meet your time requirements. We do offer expedited shipping options for last-minute shipping. Call us at 855-937-4476 to talk to one of our car transport specialists about scheduling expedited shipping.
What details do you need to place an order?
You will need to provide us with the addresses for the pick-up location and delivery location, as well as the name and phone number for the contact person that will be at each location. We will need the desired pick-up date, the year, make, and model of the vehicle to be transported. We will also need to know whether the vehicle is running or not.
Can i place an order if i don't know the exact address?
Yes. All we need to start the order is the city and zip code. You can let dispatch know the exact pick-up or delivery address as soon as you know it.
Is the consumer's auto insurance primary or secondary?
Most Transporters hold insurance in the following amounts: $1,000,000 combined single limit and $250,000 per incident. This insurance covers damage done to your vehicle while in transit due to the Driver's neglect or errors. Read your contract carefully. Some contracts state that the owner's car insurance or home insurance is primary. Your Transporter's insurance does not cover damage to any personal property left inside your vehicle. Should your vehicle cause damage to another vehicle being carried due to leaking fluids, you will be liable for this damage. Be sure to check with your own insurance policies to make sure that you are covered.
Do i have to pay a deductible?
No, you do not.
What if there is damage to my car caused by my personal items?
Due to the possibility of shifting caused by road vibrations, braking, and turns, personal items in the interior of your vehicle can cause damage, which is not covered by the carrier's cargo insurance policy.
Does my vehicle need to be insured to ship it?
No. We recommend your vehicle be covered with insurance, but do not require it. The Trucker's cargo and liability policy as well as Ideal Motors Inc , which protects your vehicle up to $250,000 should the Trucker's policy fail to cover a valid claim fully.
Can you guarantee a pick-up or delivery date and time?
Yes. If you have a specific date you will need the vehicle picked up by or on, call us at 855-937-4476 for a customized quote. Delivery dates are not guaranteed because you never know what can happen on the road.
What is the first available shipping date?
It is the date your vehicle is available for pick up. Although, it might not actually be the exact date your vehicle is picked up. The pick-up date is dependent on truck availability for that exact date. If a truck is not available for that date, it will be within 1 to 5 business days.
Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery
Yes. You will need to designate someone to release the vehicle and give the keys to the Driver at pick-up, as well as sign the initial inspection report. You will also need someone to accept the vehicle upon delivery and sign the final inspection report. This person must be over 18 years of age.
Where can my car be picked up and delivered?
The Driver will try to get the car transporter as close to your vehicle as he can safely and legally. Usually, the Driver can pick-up your vehicle and deliver it directly to your door. However, there are certain cities and neighborhoods that have restrictions prohibiting large trucks from entering residential areas. If the pick-up area is restricted by low-hanging trees, narrow streets, or tight turns, the Driver will ask you to meet at a nearby location with a large parking area, like a grocery store.
What is the bill of lading, and how does it affect my shipment?
This is a document that car transport companies use to document all pre-existing damages that the vehicle has at the time of pick-up. It also has the official agreement for transport and your contact info. You will need the bill of lading if you plan to file an insurance claim in regards to your shipment.
How much gas should i leave in my car?
You will need gas for loading and unloading the vehicle on the transport trailer, but you don't need a full tank. We recommend 1/4 of a tank of gas.
Can i put personal items in my vehicle?
Yes, however, the total weight of the personal items must be under one hundred pounds. They will need to be stored in the trunk or hidden in the back seat under the window line. Personal items are NOT covered by insurance if they are damaged or stolen.
How do i get my car ready for shipment
It's important to make sure the vehicle is completely clean, inside and out. This will help the Driver when conducting the initial inspection at pick-up to detect any pre-existing damage to your vehicle. Remove any items from the vehicle you do not want to be shipped with the vehicle. Make sure the total weight of any personal items is below one hundred pounds and can't be seen. Inform the Driver of any leaks or issues with the car before it is loaded onto the transport. Make sure there is 1/4 tank of gas for loading and unloading the vehicle.
How do i pay the trucker at delivery?
If you chose to pay the full amount with your credit card, you would not owe the Trucker money at delivery. If you chose the "Discounted Cash Price" instead, you would need to pay the Trucker cash, cashier's check, or money order. The Trucker can not personally take credit cards or personal checks.
Can i ship my vehicle even if it isn't running?
Yes. Non-running and inoperable vehicles can be shipped. However, a special auto carrier with a winch will be used to connect to your car and safely pull your vehicle onto the carrier. Due to the extra work involved and any special equipment needed, an additional fee will be charged. When booking online, please choose the Non-Running option, or let your shipping agent know when making your reservation by phone so that we can make the appropriate arrangements to accommodate your non-running vehicle.
Can i ship a modified or oversized vehicle?
Yes. We can ship any vehicle, any size. We have a nationwide network of specialized carriers that can accommodate your vehicle. Please call us at 855-937-4476 for a customized quote based on the dimensions of the modified or oversized vehicle to be shipped.
Can i ship a vehicle with low ground clearence?
Yes. However, if your vehicle has a ground clearance lower than 4 inches, it will need to be shipped in an enclosed trailer that has a lift gate. Vehicles with low ground clearance can not be loaded onto an open trailer because there is a risk the vehicle would bottom out during loading.
Do i need license plates on a vehicle to ship it?
No. All we need is the vehicle and the keys to the vehicle.
What is door-to-door car transport?
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 or YOUR VEHICLE(s). The carrier will pick up your vehicle from your door and deliver it to your door as long as the streets leading to your house can accommodate the size of the carrier, and there are no overhanging trees or low bridges. As the Driver approaches your pick-up or delivery location, they will call to confirm your address and discuss accessibility. If accessibility is limited, the Driver may suggest meeting at a local supermarket or mall with ample space to load or unload your vehicle(s).
What methods of car shipping services do you offer?
We have open carrier shipping and enclosed carrier shipping. Open carrier shipping is more common. They are the ones you see on the highway carrying vehicles. An open carrier trailer has two decks that are exposed. An enclosed car carrier has walls and a roof and is slightly larger than a regular eighteen-wheeler. Your vehicle is transported inside the trailer, usually recommended for classic cars, exotics, or luxury cars.
What is top load service?
This is when your vehicle is placed on the top deck or level of an open carrier trailer. This is the preferred position as opposed to the bottom load because there is a possibility of the top-loaded vehicles leaking fluid onto the bottom-loaded vehicles.
What types of vehicle do you ship?
We can ship any size, make, and model of vehicle. We even ship motorcycles and boats, as well as non-running vehicles. Call us at 855-937-4476 to speak to one of our transport specialists about shipping your special vehicle.
Can i ship a car from an auto auction?
Yes. We can ship vehicles from salvage auctions, as well as other types of auto auctions. Each auction house has different requirements for releasing a vehicle, which we will ask you for at the time of booking. Make sure the vehicle is fully paid for and ready to be released. If the vehicle is booked as a running vehicle, but at the time of pick-up, it is non-running, you will be charged an additional fee, and the original Trucker may be unable to accommodate a non-running vehicle.