Auto Transport Services
Scheduling
Schedule your auto shipping at least 4 weeks before you move, giving enough
time to arrange for a car mover carrier to pick up your vehicle. Basically,
the more advance time the better. If you are not available, please arrange an
alternative authorized party such as neighbor, friend or relative you can trust
to transfer the car to the car mover. Most automobile shippers offer door-to-door
service. However, in many residential neighborhoods it may be difficult to drive
in a large truck carrying your vehicle. Because of potential difficulty in getting
the truck 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.
Insurance
Make sure your car is adequately insured by the car mover for
relocation. Upon pick-up, the driver will do a condition report (bill of
lading) for any scratches or damages on the vehicle 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.
Personal Items
Do not leave personal possessions of any kind in your car. 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.
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
Cost
When working with a Car Mover, confirm what the total cost of the shipping will
be. As you obtain quotes from several car transport and auto shipping companies,
be prepared to provide:
- origination/destination
- 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 References
It is important to verify the good standing and valid licensing
of any car moving company or auto shipping service. 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). www.123movers.com
does its best to make sure that we list only quality service providers.
However, we cannot guarantee the 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.
Unresolved Disputes
Always try to work out your dispute with the car mover or auto
shipping company first. They often work on a referral basis and are motivated
to working out problems. However, if you feel you have reached a dead end
or that you have not been treated reasonably, you have the option of filing
complaints with multiple agencies (BBB, State and or Federal Department Of
Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission) as well as seeking legal
counsel.
