Auto Transport Connection

The actual truck/trailer size does not matter - sometimes you will get faster service with the smaller carrier. However that is not always the case - this is a judgment call if you feel confident in your transporter selection then the size does not matter.

Shipping time all depends on the transporter - listed below are some very basic ideas to help you along the way. Make sure however you contact your shipper for their actual scheduled times. East Coast to West Coast - approx. 7 to 14 days Midwest to East Coast - approx. 5 to 8 days South to the North - approx. 5 to 8 days All shipping times are estimated do not base your transport on these examples without first contacting your shipper for assistance.

Shipments are based on weight that a truck can legally carry - this is why there is a small price difference between $50.00 and $100.00 for a regular truck or S.U.V.

Auto transport is very simply - You should receive a call from the carrier anywhere from 10 to 24 hours in advance of your pick up date. The driver will arrive review the vehicle with you and load it on the truck. The reverse happens at the delivery point - the driver calls in advance, you'll walk around the vehicle for damage and take delivery.

First thing you should do is make sure the driver understands that the damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage should clearly be marked and noted, then signed for by the driver. Upon completion of delivery a call should be placed to your carrier or broker to inform them of the damage. In most cases the carrier will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive and unwilling to work with you to resolve the issue make sure you contact their insurance company and make a claim. Be sure however you have all the documentation to back up your claim - false claims can result in legal action by the carrier or agent.

When a transporter mentions "pick up window" they are referring to the time surronding your pick up date. For instance some shippers may have a 14 day window - that way they can pick your vehicle up anywhere between 7 days before and 7 days after your pick up date. Beware of lower priced carriers who do not specify their pick up dates. You may receive an outstanding price. However, you may not see your vehicle for 4 or 5 weeks. It is very important to make sure the transporter you use can get your vehicle within a reasoable time frame.

There is no such thing as secondary and primary. Insurance works as such: Most carriers hold One Million dollars combined single limit & Two hundred fifty thousand dollars per incident. This insurance covers damage done to your vehicle in transit - there is no other insurance. The auto transport carrier is the main and only coverage. (exception: Automobile personal contents are not covered by any carrier insurance and in most cases if lost, stolen or otherwise will not be covered.)

Most auto hauling companies prohibit the inclusion of personal items in vehicles being shipped. This is for three very good reasons:

Safety - Extra weight in the car could cause damage to the undercarriage during loading and unloading or cause damage to the interior of the vehicle due to shifting of contents.

Insurance & License - Neither the auto hauler's insurance and license nor the car owner's insurance typically cover any personal possessions included in a vehicle being shipped.  Personal possessions are not covered by insurance if lost or stolen.  While a few carriers are licensed to transport personal possessions this cannot be assumed.  The carrier must approve any personal items being shipped in the vehicle. 

Weight - Auto haulers have strict limits on the weight of loaded trucks and trailers. Additional, unanticipated weight of personal items could cause them to be overweight. In this situation, the au...

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