Auto Shipping Process

The moment you place an auto shipping order with a company, a licensed and qualified auto carrier that is insured will be used to transport your vehicle to the required destination.

Most of the professional, reliable and trusted auto transport companies do not collect any upfront deposits. These companies will review the dates for pickup and delivery after making arrangements for a driver. After approval of dates from the customer, the vehicle is assigned with a driver after which a deposit will be collected before securing the shipment.

Enough prior notice is given to the customer by the driver before arranging for pickup and delivery of vehicle. Balance amount on the shipping bill is usually paid to the driver upon delivery. Most auto shipping companies give you periodic updates on the location of your vehicle during shipment.

If the road is narrow or if it is a dead end and delivery truck cannot access your location, you will have to meet the driver in a neutral location to take delivery of your vehicle. Some of the other reasons why car transporters may not be able to access delivery location include undesirable road conditions, low utility lines and local city regulations and codes.

Even the most professionally managed auto shipping company will not be able to commit on the exact delivery date due to route, road condition and weather constraints. They only commit on delivery as early as possible.

All auto carriers must possess a valid insurance policy according to the Federal Highway Administration regulations. The company that is transporting your vehicle usually provides the insurance.

Your vehicle is inspected in a thorough manner by the driver, agent or owner of the auto shipping company before signing the bill of lading after making note of any previous damage. As you take delivery, be sure to note down on the bill of lading, any damage occurred during transit and get it signed by the driver, agent or owner. Otherwise, your claims will not be honoured. No company will allow you to deduct amount from the balance due for damages if your car is insured. Paying the balance amount does not invalidate damage claims in any manner.

Most auto shipping companies accept a variety of payment options including personal checks, cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa for the deposit amount. Balance amount is usually accepted by the driver on delivery only as cash.

If for any reason, you decide to cancel shipping after paying the deposit, most companies return the money and charge no cancellation fee if canceled before vehicle is assigned a driver.

If you are relocating, you may be tempted to send personal belongings in your vehicle. Most companies and the Department of Transportation do not recommend this practice. The items you store in the car do not come under the car insurance coverage.

Auto shipping companies will also tell you that their carriers have a definite weight restriction. Packing personal belongings may cause the carrier to exceed weight limit which may pose a problem.

Be Sociable, Share!