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Auto shipping and transporters guide- find the right car movers

Auto Shipping Scheduling

Schedule your auto shipping at least 4 weeks before you need to move, giving enough time to arrange for a car mover carrier to pick up your vehicle. Basically, the more advance time your auto transporter has the better. If you are not available to deliver your car, please arrange an alternative authorized party such as neighbor, friend or relative you can trust to transfer the car to the car mover. Many automobile transporters offer door-to-door car moving services at additional cost to station transfers. However, in many residential neighborhoods it may be difficult to drive in a large car carrier hauling your vehicle. Because of potential difficulty in getting the carrier into your neighborhood, the car mover may ask you to meet them at a nearby local shopping center or garage for pick up of your vehicle. The same will apply for the delivery of your car as well.

Auto Shipping Insurance

Make sure your car is adequately insured by the car mover for your upcoming transport. Upon pick-up of your truck or car, the truck driver will do a condition report (bill of lading) for any scratches or damages on the vehicle moved which should be signed by both parties. The same will occur upon delivery; make sure you check vehicle before signing. Reporting any damages or claims at a later time is not advisable. Auto shipping is a safe method of moving cars but it is unavoidable that some vehicles will get damaged. Make sure they pay when it happens.

Personal Items

Do not leave personal possessions of any kind in your car. You never know where you car is going or who will have access to it. Items left in plain view can become targets for thives and vandals. Of course spare tires, car jacks, and other standard items that can be found in a trunk of a new car are not a problem. Make sure anything left in the car is tied down securely.

Auto Shipping Delivery

Make sure that if you or an authorized party is not available to receive your car, that it will be stored in a secure storage facility where you will be able to pick it up at a more convenient time. This may be subject to additional charges.

Specifics on Auto Transport

Auto Shipping Cost

When working with an auto transporter, confirm what the total cost of the car shipping services will be. As you obtain quotes from several car transport and auto shipping companies, be prepared to provide:

origination / destination zip code
approximate departure date
type of vehicle(s)
type of car transport service desired (e.g., door-to-door car transport vs. terminal-to-terminal)
special car mover or auto shipping requests (eg., deliver at a location other than your home vs. at your home)

Paying For Shipping Your Vehicle

While some car movers and auto shippers may not require payment in advance, others require a deposit, or full payment in advance. If a deposit is given, amount due is always required at time of delivery - oftentimes with a cashier's check or cash. If full payment is required prior to car transport or auto shipping service, consider using a credit card so that charges may be disputed if circumstances warrant such actions.

Make Sure You Are Properly Insured

Your vehicle should be insured against damage and theft by your car transport or auto shipping company. Ask for a copy of the car mover's insurance coverage. Find out how the car mover's insurance works with your own insurance in the event of damage during car transport. Additionally, find out if there is any kind of damage deductible and the amount. Everything pertaining to the car move should be in writing. Your own car insurance policy may cover your vehicle in transit; make sure to contact your insurance company to find out. It is advisable that you do not leave any personal items in your car when it is shipped; items left in the car may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.

Get Dates - Pick Up and Delivery

Get the estimated pick-up and delivery dates and times from your car mover or auto shipping company. Make sure to get a 3 day guaranteed window for the pick-up and delivery dates of your car, as suggested earlier get everything in writing. Once pick-up is made, your car mover or auto shipping company should be able to provide you with a specific delivery date. If you require a specific date for pick-up, many car moving and auto shipping companies can accommodate you and store your car at a terminal for an additional charge.

Check Auto Transporters References

It is important to verify the good standing and valid licensing of any auto transporters and shipping services you work with. We urge you to contact your local Better Business Bureau as well as to verify that the shipper's license is valid and active with the appropriate transportation agency (such as the state or federal Department Of Transportation). Affordable Moving Company does its best to make sure that we list only quality service providers. However, we cannot guarantee continued quality of service of any car moving or auto shipping company. It is important that you take the time to check references and get all services agreed to by the company in writing.

Inspect Your Car Before Shipping

It is advisable that in addition to receiving a condition report document from your car mover detailing any pre-existing damage to your car, that you take photographs of the car, date the photos, and attach them to the condition report provided by the car mover for your records. You must have a detailed description of the condition of your car prior to shipping. The condition report or other document used by the car mover should include: current mileage, pre-existing damage of any type including: glass, scratches, paint, dents, and so on. This report is important in case any disputes arise.

Vehicle Delivery Inspection and Acceptance

When your car is delivered, make sure to methodically inspect your car. Use the condition report given to you at pick up and go over all of the details. Look for damage not on the original report. Check for changes in mileage and check every part of your car carefully including the roof and under your car. Look for obvious damage or changes to the car's condition that may have occurred during the shipping. If there are any discrepancies, make sure to note them on the condition report you received on pick-up of the car, and have the driver sign the document. Please be advised that you should avoid accepting your vehicle at night or at a location that does not permit you easy access to inspecting all parts of your car. It is absolutely essential that you perform a thorough examination of your car as described above. Remember that once you have accepted your car, your signed documentation is what protects you. If problems arise, reputable car moving and auto shipping companies will work out disputes with you in an amicable fashion, but you must have documentation.

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Scheduling: Having Realistic Expectations

one of the most important issues facing the auto shiping industry that people should understand is that the auto transport industry is not like UPS, Fed-Ex or even the Postal Service. Car shipment pick-up and delivery dates are only general estimates and are typically not guarantees of pick-up or delivery dates. There are many unforeseen problems like mechanical break downs, backed up traffic, and bad weather that may all contribute to extended delays. Most ironic is that most often the biggest delays for vehicle transport companies are usually caused by their own customers. Many customer will often fail to show up on time or they try to change pick-up or drop off locations at the last minute. All of which can cause major delays and headaches for both parties. Often times patience is required, and many companies want to get your vehicle to you as soon as you do. Try to be certain you have realistic expectations about when your vehicle will be picked up and delivered.

Selecting an Auto Shipping Method: Open or Enclosed

Open air auto transport trailers are either partially or fully exposed to the elements at all times. There are many different types of open trailers, ranging from small three car carriers to the large 11 car carriers used ny car dealerships that you often see on the Interstate. Enclosed trailers are protected from the elements, and your vehicle is shipped in what is basically a mobile garage. Having your vehicle shipped enclosed is usually at least a 25-40% premium over having it transported on an open trailer. Most cars can be hauled either on an open trailer or in an enclosed trailer. It all depends on what you want to spend and how nice your car is.

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