What You Need to Know About Car Transport

By Relocation.com Staff

In many American households there are more cars than people, so you might need to investigate a car-moving company when you make a long-distance move.

This article will explain how car transportation works, how to find a service to ship your car, how your car will be shipped, and how long it might take.

Other options include browsing through advertisements in local newspapers, phone books or the Internet. You can also seek recommendations from others who have shipped a car. If you can't find a local auto shipper, ask about local terminals or carriers where you can drop off or pick up your vehicle; these terminals are most likely associated with a company located elsewhere.

Before choosing a company to go with, find out if the company is licensed and bonded; this will help you determine if they are regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).

Check with the DOT and the Better Business Bureau to determine if your auto transport company meets the regulations for secure transporting or if any complaints have been made against them

Costs

In order to receive price quotes, you will be asked questions such as:

• Do you need your vehicle delivered by a specific date?
• How many vehicles will you be transporting?
• How far will you be traveling?
• How large is the vehicle you will be transporting?
• Do you want door-to-door service or will you be dropping off and picking up your car at the terminal?

These questions give you a more approximate estimate, because additional fees are applied for oversize vehicles or for immediate pick up. (An oversize fee is an additional fee for vehicles larger than the average size. Cars in this category generally include SUV's, vans or pickup trucks. Consult with your car transport company about whether this charge applies to you.)

The Pick-Up

Make arrangements at least two weeks in advance, especially if you will be traveling a long distance. The earlier you schedule your pick up, the better your chances of having your vehicle picked up on the date you request. Many companies will also have an immediate pick-up option for an additional fee. (Keep in mind that pick up and delivery dates are not guaranteed so plan appropriately.)

Types of Service
Generally, there are two types of services:

• Door to Door: This includes home pick up and delivery. Although it is the most convenient option, you will pay extra. However, you may be asked to meet the carrier at a nearby location if the carrier is too wide to enter your neighborhood.
• Terminal Service: With this option you must drop off and pick up your vehicle at an auto-transport terminal. This may be inconvenient for you if you only have one vehicle because you may have to travel a long distance to get to the nearest terminal.

How Long Does It Take?
There is really no way to determine how long it will take to pick up or ship a vehicle. If you do not choose the guaranteed pick up service, you will be given an estimated pick up date. However, the time frame can range from 1-5 days depending on weather conditions and where you are located.

As it gets closer to your move date, you will receive a specific date and time for pick-up and delivery. These details are important to record so that you can schedule properly. Remember that your car is being transported with other vehicles. This means that your car may be the first to be picked up, but the last to be delivered. If you are worried about scheduling, speak with your auto transport company for information on their previous pick ups and deliveries.

In most instances your vehicle will be transported on an 8- or 10-car hauler. These are the same trucks that deliver new vehicles to car dealerships. They are 80-feet long and almost 14-feet high and are difficult to maneuver.

There are two types of trucks: open and enclosed carrier.

An open carrier is an open truck that can carry 14 vehicles at once. Cars transported on open carriers are exposed to normal and hazardous weather conditions. If you do not want your vehicle to travel in these conditions you should opt for an enclosed carrier, where your car will safely be carried on an enclosed truck. It's more expensive, but your vehicle will be protected. It is suggested to choose an enclosed carrier if you can afford it, especially if you own an antique or custom made vehicle.

Is my car insured?
It is necessary to do a background check on your specific vehicle transport company to ensure that your goods will be fully insured. All reputable transport companies will offer coverage and have a certificate of ' available.

You may make the decision to receive additional ' if you want supplemental coverage for scratches, dents or damage to personal items left in the vehicle. Because personal items are not permitted in a vehicle that is being transported, you cannot be covered for these goods while in transit. This is law and your transport company is not responsible for any belongings left in the trunk or compartments.

You should also inquire with your auto carrier if they are planning to use an agent to transport your vehicle. Your own auto ' provider or home ' policy may also offer additional coverage for your vehicle or items left inside. It is recommended that you investigate your options prior to the move.