Frequently Asked Local Vehicle Transport Questions
What is a condition report?The Condition Report is a part of the Bill of Lading. The Condition Report documents the condition of your vehicle at the time the Driver takes custody of it. Before the Driver loads your vehicle, he will fill out a Condition Report that will note the condition of the vehicle at the time he receives it. The Shipper or authorized agent will need to verify the notations made and sign that you are in agreement with them. The Shipper should receive a copy of this Condition Report before the vehicle leaves the point of origin. Claims of damage at destination will be based on the condition of your vehicle, as reported, before it was transported.
What kind of auto transporter will move my vehicle?
Vehicles will be transported via multiple car carriers, the same type used to transport new vehicles to dealerships.
What is the difference between an open and an enclosed carrier?
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 exposed to weather or road conditions. Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom and antique/classic cars. This mode of transport is more costly than the open carrier.
Do I have to be present when my vehicle is picked up and delivered?
Yes. You must be present at both the pickup and delivery of the vehicle or you may designate a person to act as your agent in your absence to complete the auto transporting process.
Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?
The vehicle will be picked up/delivered as close to your home as possible. Occasionally, the maneuverability of these large transport carriers or local government regulations will not allow the transporter truck to come directly to your home. In these cases, an alternate site will be selected that contains a large parking lot, such as a shopping mall.
How long will it take to pick up and deliver my vehicle?
By law, a carrier is only permitted to travel up to 500 miles in one day. So to determine approximate transport time, take the mileage in between the pickup point and delivery point and divide the mileage by 500. That will leave you with the approximate transit time for your move. Some transports may take longer than others, so please inquire with your transporter.
A coast to coast vehicle transport trip usually takes from 7 to 14 days. Shorter auto shipping trips can take from 1 to 7 days, depending on the distance. Traffic, inclement weather, truck breakdowns, seasonal fluctuations and other unforeseen events may delay the auto shipping of your vehicle. Pickup and delivery dates are estimated but are not guaranteed. If either your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping in a more timely fashion.
Will My Vehicle Be Fully Insured During Transport?
A: Absolutely. Your vehicle will be transported fully insured with a zero deductible for the duration of your transport. Most carriers hold up to $100,000.00 insurance per vehicle, but it may vary depending on the transport. Please inquire with the transporter that you choose in order to be 100% certain of their policies.
Is There Such A Thing As Paying Extra For a Lower Insurance Deductible?
A: NO WAY! The customer will always have a ZERO DEDUCTIBLE during transport, with no additional cost. You should never have to pay to decrease a deductible because the carrier pays the deductible in the case of a claim. Do not be fooled into paying an extra fee for what you are entitled to.
I Have A Few Personal Belongings. Can I Ship Them Along With My Vehicle?
A: In most cases, you will be permitted to transport a specified amount of personal items. But with some carriers, you may have to pay an additional fee based upon weight. Also, the personal belongings in the vehicle will not be insured during transport. Please inquire with your chosen transporter to verify their personal belongings shipment policy.
Why Does A Truck Or A S.U.V Cost More To Transport Than A Regular Sedan?
A: All carriers have a certain amount of alloted slots on their trucks. They also have very strict height and weight requirements that must be obeyed. Generally, a truck or s.u.v. will be slightly taller and heavier than a regular sedan, so it cuts down on the amount of cargo the carrier is alloted to take. It is usually around $50.00 - $125.00 more for an oversized vehicle.
What Is Required When My Vehicle Is Picked Up?
A: You do not need to have any major documentation at the time of pick-up, unless the transport will be international. When the carrier arrives at your specified pickup location, an inspection report is required for insurance purposes. The point of contact at the pickup location will walk around the vehicle with the driver and mark down any imperfections on the vehicle. Once the inspection report has been signed, the vehicle is ready to go.
What Happens If My Vehicle Shows Up With Damage?
A: In the instance of your vehicle arriving with damage, there are a few steps that you MUST make sure you follow in order to file your claim. You have to make sure that the carrier understands that there is damage done to the vehicle and all damage must be noted on the inspection report. If the damage is not noted on the final inspection report, there will be no claim. You will then be required to receive an estimate on the damages to send to the carrier/broker. Your carrier/broker will be responsible for the claim and will take the next steps in order to get you your money. If you do not receive any help from your carrier/broker during the process, you must call their insurance company and file a claim with them directly.







