1. How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?
We recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your car is moved within the time frame which best meets your schedule. Traditionally, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 7 days from the date the vehicle is first available for pick-up.
If your vehicle is available for pick-up immediately, we will work with you on getting your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when orders are submitted 5 to10 days in advance of the available date. About 75% of our customers place orders with a first available date for pick-up of today. Scheduling your order in advance is helpful however not necessary for a successful relocation.
2. How does the Immediate Pick-up work?
An Immediate Pick-up should be thought of as a pick-up that is scheduled to be where and when you want it. A local tow company who will then become our terminal does the Immediate Pick-up. They will use a flatbed tow truck to pick-up the vehicle. The vehicle will be stored at the local terminal until the long distance truck can be scheduled to take it to its destination. This is a very good service for certain situations - some are as follows…
- People who want to keep their car until it's time for them to leave town.
- Customers who want to have the vehicle pick-up at a specific time for convenience reasons.
- Customers who have made a vehicle purchase and do not want the previous owner to have possession of the vehicle any longer.
This service will not get the vehicle to its destination any quicker. If faster service to the destination is desired please talk to a Transport Specialist for options on a faster delivery.
3. How much will it cost to ship my vehicle?
Our Transport Specialists are trained to ask the right questions which pertain to your move. They will review your quote request so we can accurately price your transport.
Pricing your transport is determined by a few factors. The origin, destination, vehicle size, and the level of service desired. These all play a part in how your vehicle is quoted. Quoting a competitive price can be complicated. We need to make sure we have factored enough money in the move so the truck can be paid competitively. If two or more vehicles are in the same route the dispatchers will generally load the vehicle that pays the most first. So not paying enough for the move can be a factor in the length of time it takes to transport your vehicle.
In addition to making sure we quote enough for your move we don't want to charge you more than necessary to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Generally, we run around 89 to 90% of our vehicles being assigned in 1 to 7 days. Of the 10 or 11% remaining many are assigned shortly after the 7day mark with some extra effort from the dispatch department. There are a small amount of orders, despite our best efforts, that will not dispatch for the initial quoted price. Your Customer Service Representative will work closely with you to discuss what may be needed if your vehicle has not been assigned to a truck in our standard time frames.
4.How long does it take to transport a vehicle?
There are two major factors in determining how long your vehicle transport will take for delivery. First is the distance between pick-up and delivery. Typically the longer the distance for the transport the longer it will take the driver to deliver the vehicle. In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will have to make will also play a factor in the delivery time. Unexpected delays can be caused by traffic conditions, weather conditions, and roadway conditions; rare mechanical problems can also add time to the delivery. There are many State and Federal regulations that our drivers must comply with. These regulations include restrictions on the amount of daily and weekly time the drivers can log as on duty and driving. Additionally the drivers are required to conduct daily truck safety inspections and do routine maintenance as needed.
On average, a delivery of up to 500 miles will take 1 to 3 days - 1,000 miles will take 2 to 5 days - 2,000 miles will take 4 to 8 days, and coast to coast will range from 7 to 14 days with 10 days being close to the average. Please remember these are just estimated times for delivery. Our Dispatch Department will try to provide an accurate estimate of delivery as the truck assignment is made.
5.What is the difference between an Open and an Enclosed Carrier?
Generally, an Open Carrier is similar to those you see transporting cars to and from dealerships. These carriers range in size and capacity. Vehicles that are moved via an open carrier are exposed to inclement weather and road conditions. Enclosed Carriers also range in size and capacity. Since these carriers are covered, the vehicles in transit are not subjected to inclement weather or road conditions. Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom, exotic or autos that have been especially cared for. All motorcycles are shipped on enclosed carriers.
6.Is The Vehicle Insured?
If your vehicle is of unique value it is recommended that a reputable company appraise the vehicle prior to shipping it.
In the event we use an agent to assist with your transport, we verify that all agents have an active insurance policy with acceptable coverage. In addition to their trucking policy as a certificate holder. This ensures advance notice in the event an agent's insurance policy changes status. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor.
The amount of cargo insurance needed depends on the size and type of the equipment. The contractor pays any policy deductibles. Our customers will never have any deductible charges in the unlikely event of vehicle damage; assuming the claim has been validated. We will act as liaison during the settlement of any valid claim.
7.Can I pack things in my car?
Absolutely no items are allowed in your vehicle if you are shipping overseas, or to Alaska and Hawaii. The shipping ports will not accept your vehicle because the Customs Agents will not inspect your vehicle if there are any items not attached to the vehicle from the factory. There is no tolerance for exceptions to this policy.
If you are shipping in the continental United States the following applies.
Federal and State Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit the transport of household items in vehicles being transported by auto carriers.
Several common sense reasons also suggest why packing items in your vehicle is not a good idea. Personal goods may shift around (forcefully at times) in the trunk or interior of the transported vehicle and become damaged or damage the vehicle. It is also possible that the stored items may cause a weight problem with your vehicle and add unnecessary difficulties with loading and unloading, and possible undercarriage damage to your vehicle. Any items left in the vehicle are totally at the owner's personal risk.
We prefer not to ship personal belongings inside a vehicle. Personal belongings that are inside the car at the time of transport are not insured. If you need to put personal items (Not Household Items) you must limit your items to less than100lbs. These items should be confined to the trunk area. We do not recommend packing electronics, breakable items or items of great monetary or sentimental value. If you do decide to place objects inside the vehicle, please keep them "light and out of sight." Remember, since these items are not insured, we ask that they be securely positioned in an area that is not visible. Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband.
8.How do I place my order?
We Have 3 Easy Ways to Place Your Order: - If you have received an email quote, look for the online order link. "Click here to place your order ONLINE NOW."
- Call 1-858-551-3282 or 817-501-5995 TODAY and give the customer service representative your customer ID number or ask for a transport specialist.
- Fill out an Order Form and fax it to 1-858-551-2397.
9. How do I pay for services?
We only need a deposit to start your shipment. For your convenience we accept all major credit cards. The balance should be paid to the driver as they make the delivery. The remaining balance must be paid via Cash, Certified Check or Money Order (No Credit Card, Personal or Business checks, or any other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery). You may make payment in full, with a credit card; at the time the order is placed if necessary.
10.What happens after I place the order?
Once your Transport Specialist enters the order, your transport is immediately assigned to a Customer Service Representative. You will be emailed after this assignment telling you who your CSR is and their work hours. Your Customer Service Representative will also contact you by phone to make an introduction and review your needs of transport. The CSR will work closely with the Dispatch Department ensuring your vehicle is picked up timely and delivered safely. Email notifications will keep you informed as to the status of your move. Your Customer Service Representative will be available to you for status, updates, or for any questions that may arise.
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available date you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released.
11.What steps are involved in shipping my vehicle?
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available date you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released.
12.What happens if I'm not available when the truck comes to pick up or deliver the vehicle?
We try to keep each customer well informed during the entire shipping process. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. We ask that you make yourself as available as possible. Please do not take off work or hang around your home until you speak with the driver.
In the event you are not able to release or take possession of your vehicle, you may appoint anyone to do this task. We ask that you supply us with the proper information for contact in this situation.
13.Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?
Door-to-Door Service
The vehicle will be picked up as close to your home as possible. In some cases we ask that you meet our truck at a mutually appealing location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. This is due to the typically large size of the trucks and the inability to maneuver through many streets, and under low bridges, wires, and branches.
