Question: What should I do to prepare my vehicle for shipping?
Answer: Secure or remove any loose parts or anything that could be knocked off while loading and unloading on the transporter. Typical items that hang low or are extra wide accessories what you should look at. These items could be front spoilers and ground effects packages. Other items to look at are fog or running lights, any aftermarket wide mirrors. Make sure you lower any antenna if you can. Repair or seal up any holes or seams that are open on convertable tops. These area's could cause major problems when transported in open trailers. Make sure vehicle has proper mix of antifreeze to prevent any engine problems while in transit. Its best to leave approximately one quarter of a tank of gas. Make sure all car alarms are disconnect so that transport driver can move the vehicle if he needs too without any problems. Also don't forget to leave the keys with driver. Before loading the vehicle, make sure you walk around the car with transport driver and have him document on his BOL (shipping documents) any damage, condition of the car, clean or dirty, any cracks or broken windows. By doing this you can make sure that when your car gets to destination it is in the same condition as when you loaded it. Get a copy of the document so you have it with drivers signature. If you aren't present when car is loaded, make sure you have somebody you trust these things for you.
Question: What kind of lead time do I need to allow for picking up auto?
Answer: This depends mostly on the origin and destination of the move. Some lanes could require up to a Month in advance if the move is in and out of remote area's. In most cases scheduling the move two weeks in advance gives the transport company plenty of time to build a route to include your vehicle. By building the best route for your move, it will same you money because it will be a more efficient trip. By being flexible on the vehicle transport, it very well will give you the best bang for your buck.
Question: How long will it take for the hauling of my auto, suv or motorcycle?
Answer: It all depends on the auto transport provider, they may be transporting up to ten vehicles at a time. There are different factors that can contribute to delays like weather and road conditions. So, a quaranteed car delivery date is likely impossible. However, on a realistic basis, it may take up to 12 to 15 days for an auto transporter to reach its destination; of course, some auto shipment routes are quicker than others depending on the miles traveled and different stops for the truck.
Question: How long after scheduling pickup with a transport company will vehicle be picked up?
Answer: An auto transporter provider may require up to two weeks advanced notice to make sure that the vehicle is picked up on time or to allow ample time for any unforeseen circumstances during the route. All pickup times, transport times, and dates quoted are simply averages. Each load is different depending on the individual auto shipment and vehicle transport trucks schedule. Express shipments are available, be sure to ask for expedited services if it is required. In most cases, this service will cost additional money.
Question: How do I pay for the auto shipment?
Answer: In most cases, you will be asked to make a small deposit at point of pickup and sign a shipping order. In some instances, there may be exceptions to the rule. Usually the balance is due at point of delivery. Be sure to ask auto transport company what they require before booking your shipment. This insures that everybody understands whats required.
Question: Can I put personal items in the vehicle during the shipping process?
Answer: This is NOT ALLOWED. No auto shipping provider will permit you to do this because of the strict rules regulated by the Department of Transportation with respect to that. If you decide not to abide by this rule and pack any of your personal items in the shipped vehicle, you will not be able to recover any damages because those items are not covered by insurance. The auto could be subject to being impounded and all fines and expenses could be passed on to the owner of the car. Absolutely no firearms, hazmat, or illegal items.