The Ins And Outs Of Car Shipping And Vehicle Transport
Here are some questions you should ask about car shipping. If you need to ship a car, it is smart to ask the company shipping your car many questions. You should do this because you trust the company to ship your second biggest investment, your first being your house, to the vehicle transport service. Here are some questions you should ask the company…
How long will it take to ship?
Most car shipping companies use a formula to determine how long it will take to ship. Divide the number of miles you have traveled by 350 then add one to get the length of time it will take. Car shipping companies may be different, but they usually use the same formula. You need to remember, however, that your car will be riding on the car carrier with other vehicles, unless of course, you use a private transport service. Part of the formula allows for delays caused by the other vehicles being loaded and unloaded.
Does the car shipping company send someone to get my vehicle?
The company will probably have you deliver your vehicle to them somewhere. If you are leaving town before they can receive your vehicle, you’ll have to leave it at the company’s yard. If you are not leaving before then, you’’ meet the transport service in a parking lot somewhere and have your car loaded on their carrier. You will also sign your car over to the person driving the transport.
How do I make a schedule for the vehicle transport?
First, you need to schedule the vehicle transport service in as far of an advance as you can. The car company can work much easier with enough of a warning. If you can schedule at least 5 days in advance, you can pretty much name the day you want to deliver your car to the company.
What payment forms do car shipping companies accept?
The company will tell you when they give you the auto transport quote how they prefer to be paid. Car shipping companies usually will want you to leave a credit card number along with a deposit when they get your contract. Many transport services will ask for a full payment when you sign the contract, while others will just charge your credit card whey the car carrier begins the trip. Some companies even accept cashier’s checks or cash. Keep in mind if you are not paying the full amount up front, the transport service will expect a credit card.
Is additional insurance necessary?
It is required by federal law that each car shipping company carries cargo insurance. However, the insurance the car company provides is only according to Kelly Blue Book specifications for factory finished cars. This means if your car is modified in any way beyond factory specifications, the shipping company’s insurance will not cover the modifications. It also means, weather damage, accidents, and theft will not be provided for non-factory specified items, even if your car is on the carrier at the time of the damage. It may be necessary to find supplemental coverage; this could be from your own insurance company or from theirs.
When searching for your auto transport quotes, you will certainly have some services that you will want to investigate further as you search. Don’t hesitate to speak with your car shipping company about any and all issues related to vehicle services and it is always good business practice to get references along with your auto transport quotes.


