Find The Right Car Carrier For Your Move

All Active Car Shippers must provide Full Protection Insurance By Law. How it works:

We insure our automobiles against accidents, theft, and other forms of potential damages because, for the majority of us, they are our most expensive possession, second only to our homes. But many people are unaware that many policies may or may not offer the protection they anticipate when they load their vehicles onto an auto transport carrier for shipping to a different location.

Some auto shipping companies include a waiver in their contract that releases them from all liability for potential damage that might happen while the vehicle is in their care, which only serves to further complicate matters. Therefore, before signing the contract, it’s wise to confirm the car shipping company’s policy. In order to get your automobile where it needs to go without any unanticipated issues or charges, here are a few things you should know about auto transportation.

Request proof of insurance from the car shipping company
The FMCSA enforces the requirement that auto transport companies maintain a current insurance coverage, which they must be able to show upon request. At this time, you should also inquire about their policy. Find out if they cover any damage sustained during the shipping procedure, if the entire vehicle is covered or just particular components, and whether you will be responsible for any deductible payments in the event of damage.

Get everything in writing
Get any special agreements or considerations in writing before agreeing to the terms of an auto transport service. This will safeguard you in case something unanticipated occurs, particularly if they are rendering you a service or consenting to something that is not specified in their standard contract.

Check with your own car insurance company 
Depending on your coverage, your own auto insurance provider might cover your car while it’s being transported, but you should always double-check. Find out if your insurance coverage continues while the car is being shipped and if you need to give your insurance provider any kind of notification from the car shipping firm.

Remove all loose items within your vehicle 
Remove all of the loose objects from your car before giving over the keys to avoid the possibility of interior damage, which is typically not covered by car shippers. Included in this are all removable electronics, extra cash, CDs or cassettes, and anything else that might fly away. You can lower your danger of a break-in theft, which is also typically not covered by car shipping providers, by taking away your loose belongings.

Assist the driver with the vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery 
The vehicle will undergo a comprehensive inspection before the auto shipping business takes custody of it to record any existing damage. You ought to be there while the inspector conducts this inspection, if at all possible. Prior to the shipping firm taking control of the vehicle, it is a good idea to snap pictures of the vehicle to document its condition.

What is the Bill of Lading? 

The Bill of Lading, which is essentially a condition report that describes the vehicle’s condition upon arrival, must be completed by the owner once the vehicle is delivered. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the car, paying special attention to the undercarriage. Start the engine to look for any indications of mechanical problems. If you can, check the vehicle under bright lights if it is delivered at night. Once you sign the Bill of Lading, the transfer is complete, and if you missed anything, the auto transport company won’t be responsible. If there are any indications of damage, note it on the Bill of Lading and get the driver to sign it. After that, get in touch with the shipping business directly to ask about compensation.
They ought to be able to help you with making a claim with the insurance company for the car carrier.

Personal Items Are Not Covered Under Carrier Insurance

Due to the following reasons, the majority of auto carrier businesses prefer not to transport vehicles with personal items:

• Due to a lack of inventory, personal items that are not a part of the vehicle are not covered by the auto transport cargo carrier insurance.
• The driver would prefer not to accept responsibility due to the lack of insurance coverage for personal objects in the car.
• Shipping a vehicle filled with personal items may subject the carrier to fines and/or penalties depending on what state they are in.
• If a vehicle is loaded completely, particularly above the window line, it will more than likely get searched and/or inspected by law enforcement
• In the end, the driver’s liability would only be based on the protection offered by the assigned carrier.

Auto transport cargo insurance is a legal requirement for all auto carriers to protect their shipments in the event of damage during delivery.Only the vehicle that is being transported is covered by the insurance that the auto carrier offers. The driver’s Cargo Carrier Insurance will cover the entire vehicle as well as every component of it.

The insurance for the cargo carrier does not cover items that are not a part of the vehicle.This includes personal belongings like clothing, boxes, furniture, etc.

Due to a lack of enough inventory, a driver would not want to accept responsibility for your personal items.A contract is typically made between the real driver and the customer present at pickup before some drivers make an exception. This would typically require an additional kickback, or what most people would refer to as a “tip.”

Finally, always keep in mind that auto transport drivers are not required to transport your vehicle loaded down with personal belongings. Any decisions on this matter ultimately falls on the driver who is doing the actual driving and will be held accountable for anything under the care of the appointed carrier. This decision is completely up to the driver.

Transport Times for Car Shipping Vary by Route. This is why:

The number of hours it takes to move your car from one state to another depends on which states you require service in. Standard delivery times would be used for a truck driven by a single driver. The journey would be finished considerably more quickly for trucks operated by two or more drivers because they would alternate driving shifts. In general, drivers are permitted to drive for up to 11 hours in a row after being off duty for 10 or more straight hours. The FMCSA imposes this limit on the amount of time a driver is permitted to run per shift.

Drive time, loading and unloading time, plus customer service for each designated pick-up and delivery are all factors that must be taken into consideration when calculating the time needed to carry your car to its destination.

Check out below for common routes and the estimated time of arrival It takes to complete car shipping.

From Los Angeles, CA	From San Francisco, CA	From Buffalo, NY
to Miami, FL	to New York City, NY	to Orlando, FL
Car Ship ETA 7-10 days	Car Ship ETA 7-10 days	Car Shipping ETA 3-5 days
California to Florida	California to New York	New York to Florida

From Jersey City, NJ	From Dallas, TX	From Atlanta, GA
to Houston, TX	to San Diego, CA	to Chicago, IL
Car Ship ETA 5-7 days	Car Ship ETA 3-5 days	Car Shipping ETA 3-5 days
New Jersey to Texas	Texas to California	Georgia to Illinois

From Orlando, FL	From Baltimore, MD	From Tampa, FL
to Portland, OR	to Minneapolis, MN	to Austin, TX
Car Ship ETA 7-10 days	Car Ship ETA 3-5 days	Car Shipping ETA 3-5 days
Florida to Oregon	Maryland to Minnesota	Florida to Texas

From Cleveland, OH	From San Diego, CA	From Philadelphia, PA
to Oakland, CA	to Boston, MA	to Las Vegas, NV
Car Ship ETA 7-10 days	Car Ship ETA 7-10 days	Car Shipping ETA 5-7 days
Ohio to California	California to Massachusetts	Philadelphia to Nevada

You may estimate how long it will take to ship your car from one state to another based on the information provided above. Once your vehicle is added to the auto transport company’s schedule, they should be able to give you more specific and accurate pickup and delivery times.

Remember that there is always the possibility of delay while dealing with roadways. You should receive regular updates from your vehicle transfer company.

By Law, All Active Car Shippers must provide Full Protection Insurance. How it works:

For most of us, our vehicles are second only to our home as our most expensive commodity and like our homes; we insure our vehicles against accidents, thefts and all other types of possible damages. But, what many people don’t understand is that when they load their cars onto an auto transport carrier for shipping to another location, many policies may or may not provide the protection they’re expecting.

To make matters more confusing, some auto shipping companies include a waiver in their contract exempting them of any responsibility for potential damage that may occur while in their possession. Therefore, it’s always smart to double check the car shipping company’s policy prior to agreeing to the contract. Here are a few things you should know about auto transportation so your car can get where it needs to go without unexpected hassles and costs.

Request proof of insurance from the car shipping company
It’s a law enforced by the FMCSA, that auto transport companies carry a valid insurance policy and they should be able to provide when asked to do so. You should also ask questions related to their policy at this time. Find out if they cover any damage that occurs during the car shipping process, if the entire car is covered or just certain parts or if you will be required to pay a deductible if damage occurs. 

Make sure to get everything in writing
Before you agree to the terms of an auto transport service, get any special agreements or considerations in writing. This will protect you in the event that something unexpected happens, especially if they are providing you with a service or agreeing to something that’s not indicated in their regular contract. 

Double check with your own car insurance company 
Depending on your policy, your own auto insurance company may cover your vehicle while it is in transport, but don’t assume this is so; you have to check to make sure. Ask whether or not your same coverage applies while the vehicle is being shipped and whether or not you have to supply the insurance company with any form of notification from the car shipping company.  

Remove all loose items within your vehicle 
Most car shippers will not cover damage to a vehicle’s interior, so to reduce the risk of this happening, remove all of the loose items from your vehicle before handing over the keys. This includes all removable electronics, extra change, CDs or cassettes and anything else that could possibly become airborne. By removing your loose items, you will also reduce the risk of a break-in theft, which is also not covered by most car shipping companies. 

Assist the driver with the vehicle inspection at pickup and delivery 
Before the auto transport company takes possession of the vehicle, they will perform a thorough inspection of it to make note of any existing damage. If possible, you should be on hand when the inspector performs this inspection. It is also a good idea to take photographs of the vehicle to record its condition prior to the shipping company taking possession of it.  

Enclosed vs. Open

The vehicles transported using open auto transport carriers are not shielded from the elements, including dust, insects, birds, and weather conditions including rain, sun, hail, and snow. One of the greatest drawbacks of this kind of carrier is this. You should be aware that your automobile will be exposed to all of those elements if you choose this method of car carrier delivery.

Auto transport businesses, on the other hand, take great care to deliver the vehicles in good condition. They use skilled drivers who are aware of the importance of their cargo. In order to lessen movement and road vibrations while the automobiles are in transit, they are additionally carefully fastened and packed inside the carrier. However, one benefit is that open auto transport is typically quicker than enclosed. Due to the increased demand for open automobile transportation services, there are more truck drivers operating open car carriers.

Since scheduling is simpler, even though those types of vehicle haulers frequently carry more than one car, they are frequently faster than you might expect. A vehicle can be transported from one location in the US to another via open auto transport, which is more economical and still extremely secure.

When moving an automobile, especially a vintage or customized one, an enclosed auto transport carrier is a wonderful choice. The open automobile carrier transportation service is the antithesis of this. The autos are stored in a covered truck in an enclosed car carrier. Often, enclosed carriers can only transport a small number of vehicles at once. typically up to five vehicles.

Therefore, it might be quicker, but in reality, it takes longer to schedule enclosed transporters because there are fewer of them on the road. In addition, enclosed auto shipping is typically more expensive than open car carrier transport. The fact that the cars are shielded from weather conditions like rain, hail, sun, and the like is the biggest benefit, though. Therefore, enclosed car carriers offer your car better protection while it is being transported.

However many you want!

Customers are free to ship however many cars they like.
The option of simultaneously shipping many vehicles exists.
It is unclear if they will be delivered jointly or individually.

That is dependent on a few things:

1. The quantity of vehicles shipped
   It’s extremely likely that up to 3 cars will be transported together.
2. accessible truck parking
   They are occasionally carried in their entirety and other times not, depending on the carrier and truck availability.
3. The choice of the customer
   We certainly facilitate customers who choose to send their autos individually or together.

International Vehicle Transportation

There are several important variables to consider before exporting your vehicle abroad, and they can differ depending on your location:

requirements for documentation

Military orders, a bill of sale, a title, a letter of authorization, and a notarized letter from your finance business (which can be used in the absence of a title).

Obtaining a power of attorney allows the shipping line to export your car on their behalf.

Letter of Intent: Who to contact and where to deliver original documents after shipment is finished so you can pick up your car and provide proof of ownership.

To pick up the vehicle, you will need photo identification, and if you have a US passport, you will also require an EIN number.

Getting Your Car Ready

Less than a quarter of the gas tank is full.

No Personal Items – Personal items are taken out

Your vehicle(s) are in good functioning order, have an emergency brake, and are either licensed or eligible for a license to operate on public streets or highways. The car has been washed.

No windows, including windshields, have any cracks.

Extinguishers are removed.

Tanks for propane are empty.

What to Consider When Shipping:

Age of the Vehicle: Before shipping, make sure your vehicle complies with any age limits imposed by the recipient country by contacting the Customs Clearing Agent in that country.

Import Taxes: 99% of vehicles exported from the United States will be subject to fees when they arrive at their destination. For an estimate on import taxes, get in touch with a customs clearing agent in the country where the vehicle will be received. Typically, a percentage of the vehicle’s overall value is used to calculate this.

Shipping Technique:

Ro/Ro: Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or ro-ro) ships are vessels built to carry wheeled cargo that is driven on and off the ship using a platform vehicle, such as a self-propelled modular transporter, or on wheels such as cars, trucks, trailers, and railroad cars.

Container: In the freight transportation sector, a shipping container, also known as an intermodal container, is a sizable, rectangular steel box. The phrase “intermodal” describes how shipping containers can be transported from one mode of transportation to another, including by ship, train, truck, and airplane.

Please Note: Depending on the location and Customs requirements, transit times may change.

The “TOP 10 Things To Do” to properly get your car ready for shipment are listed below.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you employ a car shipping firm, your vehicle will probably be put onto a trailer with anywhere from 4 to 12 other vehicles.The primary goal of a successful motor transfer is safety.

Here are some things the customer can do to assist in maintaining a safe trip!

• Remove ALL personal belongings from your car.

The car should have full coverage insurance from bumper to bumper, but personal items are not. Due to an inadequate inventory, the driver will not be held responsible for any personal things. Remove everything from the car that is not a part of it to lower the likelihood of loss or even theft.

Maintain a low fuel gauge.

The fuel tank of a car should not be more than a quarter full, according to drivers. This is because there is a greater chance that combustible gas will ignite. The tank should NOT be filled before shipping. The better, the less fuel.

• Clean Your Vehicle.

The driver will perform a vehicle inspection report at pickup. This will serve to document the state of your car, including any dings, damages, or dents it may have. It will be simpler to spot any damage the car may have the less dirt it has.

• Take photos of your vehicle.

It’s a good idea to take pictures of your car’s condition to document it in case it sustains damage while being transported. It shouldn’t take more than a few seconds to snap a few images with your phone, and once the car is loaded, you’ll feel more confident about its security.

• Verify that the loading area is clear.

Eliminate all obstacles that can prevent the loading process.Drivers of auto transport genuinely like it when the customer makes the car accessible. This will make it possible for the driver to rapidly load your car for a simple load and drive.

• Disable Registration & Tags.

While the car is being transported, it is advisable to remove the tags while keeping your registration. Having these things on hand can help you if the need arises because anything may happen when you’re driving.

• Look for and repair any tire leaks.

It’s crucial to keep your tires adequately inflated because it’s dangerous to load or unload a car with flat tires. Your car’s rim as well as the trailer it is being carried on may sustain damage from flat tires. To guarantee that your tires will stay inflated, replace any worn-out tires and seal any air leaks.

• Track Down and notify the driver of any fluid leaks.

When positioning your car on the car transport trailer, this will be of great assistance to the driver. The driver will probably load your car on the bottom if it has any kind of fluid leak, such as an oil leak, to protect the cars below. The driver would make any necessary modifications to the load order.

• Take away any and all toll passes.

The car carrier will cross numerous bridges and toll booths while on the route. Expect to be charged for the tolls if your vehicles are equipped with a toll pass. These fees are your responsibility, thus the driver cannot be held liable. To avoid any problems, take out all the toll readers.

• Eliminate or modify any special modifications.

This will make loading simpler because anything that delays or complicates the loading procedure could endanger your vehicle. Any necessary adjustments should be made before the auto carrier arrives.

The process of auto transfer will run more smoothly and securely if the aforementioned steps are followed. The easier it is for your driver to keep securing your car until delivery, the more prepared your vehicle is for travel. Both open and enclosed auto transport are subject to these regulations.

There is seldom live tracking available for transporting vehicles. Be very weary of any company advertising this. This is typically done via the dispatcher getting in touch with the driver to advise the customer of where they are .