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Car Shipping Tips
1. PRICE. The first question you'll want answered is "What is the total cost of a car move?". Obtain quotes from several car transport and auto driveaway companies and be prepared to provide:
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origination/destination
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approximate departure date
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type of vehicle(s)
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type of car transport service desired (e.g., door-to-door car transport vs. terminal-to-terminal)
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special car transport services (e.g., enclosed car transport)
2. PAYMENT METHOD. While some car transport and auto driveaway companies may not require payment in advance, others require a deposit (10-25% of the total cost), or full payment in advance. If a deposit is given, amount due is always required at time of delivery – oftentimes with a cashiers check or cash. Sometimes a surcharge of 2-3% is required when using a credit card with a car transport or auto driveaway company.
3. CONTRACT. READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY!!! IMPORTANT NOTE!!! Do not rely on any verbal promises from your car transport company. After you sign your contract, your car transport company will ALWAYS refer you to the contract for any complaints you may have, including cost to cancel your shipment. The main thing to look for is a clause that says there is no guaranteed pickup or delivery date. Even though most cars are delivered by car transport companies within the expected timeframe, most will not guarantee a delivery date. You can ask for the following things to protect yourself against verbal promises that you would have otherwise relied upon (also see #5 below):
Ask for a contract clause (in writing) that waives the cancellation fee if the car is not picked up by your car transport company within some number of days of the scheduled pickup date. If you cancel within the alloted window, expect to pay some fee, which may vary from $50 to $250. Although most cars are picked up on the scheduled date or within a few days of that date, a 1 or 2 week delay may occassionally happen. Your cancellation clause should allow for at least a week beyond scheduled pickup date.
It is difficult for any car transport company to promise a delivery date, however, if your car transport company offers a guarantee that covers a rental car, find out the cost of the guarantee (if any) and the maximum dollars per day covered.
4. INSURANCE. Your vehicle(s) should be insured against damage and theft by your car transport company or auto driveaway. ASK FOR A COPY OF INSURANCE COVERAGE. Ask if the carrier's insurance is PRIMARY or SECONDARY to your own insurance in the event of damage during car transport. Also ask if there is a damage deductible – VERIFY ALL IN WRITING. In addition, your own car insurance may cover your vehicle in transit – check with your car insurance company to verify. Keep in mind that many car transport and auto driveaway companies may discourage or prohibit you from leaving personal articles in your vehicle. Any personal articles left in the car are not insured – your home policy may cover these articles, but you should check with your home insurance agent to verify. ALSO NOTE THAT OVERLOADING YOUR TRUNK WITH HEAVY ITEMS MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR CAR'S UNDERCARRIAGE. Your car transport or auto driveaway company may not cover damage in that instance.
5. PICK-UP AND DELIVERY DATES. Ask for estimated pick-up and delivery times from your car transport or auto driveaway company. You should be able to get a 3-day window for pick-up – during the busy summer or snow bird season the window may be larger, but the car transport or auto driveaway company should warn you of possible delays ahead of time. BE SKEPTICAL OF EXACT PICK-UP AND DELIVERY DATES PROMISED BY CAR TRANSPORT AND AUTO DRIVEAWAY COMPANIES – IF YOU ARE PROMISED EXACT DATES, GET IT IN WRITING AND STATE THE REMEDY IF SERVICE IS NOT PERFORMED ON PROMISED DATES ($50 discount, no fee to cancel, reimbursement for rental car, etc.) . Once pick-up is made, your car transport or auto driveaway company should provide you with a fairly precise delivery date. If you need an exact date for pick-up, most car transport and auto driveaway services can pick-up your car and hold it at a terminal for an additional charge.
6. REFERENCES. While we do our best to exclude poor-quality car transport and auto driveaway companies, we unfortunately cannot guarantee quality of performance of those companies listed. BEFORE SELECTING A COMPANY, we recommend that you contact the Better Business Bureau in the city in which the car transport or auto driveaway company is listed to inquire about the company's service history. Also, many car transport and auto driveaway companies are referred by van line companies. Ask for several references, if possible.
7. SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR CAR. Prior to leaving your car with a driver or car transport company, be sure you receive an "Original Inspection Report." This report provides pick-up and delivery information, current mileage, and MOST IMPORTANTLY shows the condition of your car at time of pick-up – pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc. Keep this report and use it when you receive your vehicle.
8. ACCEPTING YOUR VEHICLE FOR DELIVERY. At the time of delivery, inspect your vehicle SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY and compare the condition and mileage against the "Original Inspection Report" provided by your car transport company at origination (ALSO INSPECT THE ROOF AND UNDER FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS). If there are inconsistencies, note them as exceptions and be sure the driver signs it. NEVER ACCEPT YOUR VEHICLE AT NIGHT IF YOU CANNOT VERIFY ITS CONDITION – without being viewed and signed by the driver, you have little recourse if damage had occurred during transit.
9. IF DAMAGE SHOULD OCCUR. The majority of car transport experiences are worry-free, with your damage-free vehicle arriving at the estimated time. On occassion, a vehicle may become damaged in transit. If this should happen, note all damage on your inspection report (see item above), obtain the driver's signature, and contact your car transport company. The car transport company should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your car.
10. DISPUTES. If you believe that a car transport or auto driveaway company has not treated you fairly, first try to work it out with the company. Car transport and auto driveaway companies are more likely to cooperate with you if they believe you are trying to work fairly with them. Be reasonable, but firm. If all else fails, you may consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in the city in which the car transport or auto driveaway company is listed. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation – http://www.dot.gov – regulates car transport companies – however they will usually not get involved until after you have a court judgement against a car transport company (in small claims court, for example).
Complete Information on Auto Shipping and Car Movers
The most complete selection of car moving and suto shipping guides available with tons of information on how to prepare for a car move and the different types of car moving companies.
- Auto Moving Guide
- Auto Shipping Guide
- Auto Shipping Tips
- Auto Shipping Questions
- Car Move Types
- Car Shipping FAQ
- Car Shipping Tips
- Moving Cars Guides
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Need an alternative to more expensive professional moving and packing services? Have you considered what you can save by moving yourself? Hiring a self service moving company to haul your household goods is as easy as having someone drop a moving container in your front yard for you to pack. Pack the moving container at your leisure and have them drive it to your destination when you're ready. Moving containers are the way to save on move costs. Looking for a great deal on moving containers? Check out ABF Upack and make moving easy. Their ReloCube is a great way to move your things without having to worry about who is moving your stuff. Visit ABF Upack and get a self service moving quote.
You want to know yet another way to save money on your move? Buy your own moving supplies and pack your own boxes. That's right. Buy moving boxes and packing supplies from Affordable Moving Supplies and Save Money. Get Free Next Day Shipping on moving supplies delivered to your front door at a fraction the cost most moving companies will charge you. From packing tape and moving boxes to wrapping blankets and hand carts we are you source for moving companies and packing supplies. pick from one of our ready made moving kits or build your own supply order quick and easy online. Have the boxes delivered FEDEX to your home usually in less than 2 business days.
Need to find a moving or self storage facility near you before you move. Door to Door Storage offers a national self storage locator and has moving storage space available near you. Find the best local storage company with Door to Door and Affordable Moving Storage
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International
Moving Guides Moving to another country is possibly the most difficulty move type there is. Dealing with international moving companys can be frustrating. There are many things to consider including customs, language barriers and so much more. Find everything you need to know about moving overseas and international movers with these relocation guides. |
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Moving
Companies Complaints Scam moving companies are hijacking homeowners personal possessions in moving trucks and hauling away a persons entire life with no regard to the law. Learn how to spot scam movers and stay safe when choosing a moving company. Learn the questions to ask a moving company and find out what they don't want you to know. Learn how to settle disputes with existing movers and stay away from moving scams with these scam prevention tips. What to do if you have a disputes or complaint with your mover |
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Auto
Shipping Guides Moving a car is no easy task. Finding the right auto transporter and car carrier can be a major task. Dealing with auto moving brokers is no fun and you are better off going carrier direct. Learn the tips and questions to ask your auto transporter with these easy to use auto shipping guides. |
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To
Do Before Your Move Making a move go easy takes planning and Affordable Moving Company offers the information you need to plan for your next move. Find easy to use moving checklists for pre move planning and make this the best move ever by preparing for things to do before the movers arrive. Find detailed listing of things you should do before a move with these pre move planning guides. |
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To Do After
A Move Once again it's all in the planning. Knowing what steps to take after the move can make the difference in a good or bad move. Get detailed listing of things you should do after a move and post move plans. |
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There are over 95,000 licensed moving companies in America. Of these about 10,000 have been in business for over 20 years. Are you having trouble finding the best moving companies in your area? Don't become a victim to internet fraud or scam movers. Our dedicated staff of certified moving consultants offer guidance and expertise in selecting the best moving companies in your area. If you don't find what you are looking for here then try our site search Powered by Google for more relevant moving services providers.
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Affordable Moving Company Disclaimer:
Affordable Moving Company is a relocation services listing provider offering free moving company estimates from licensed and insured professional movers. Each member of our movers listing has been pre screened and must pass a 15 point business inspection which virtually guarantees you will find nothing but the best moving companies listed in our services. Affordable Moving Company is an information brokerage and will only be responsible to forward your information to licensed moving companies. Hiring a moving company is your decision and you need to be aware of the rights you have as a client of licensed moving companies.
By hiring a licensed professional you are entitled to certain rights listed here Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with your rights as a mover.
