Faq

Is the price you quoted me guaranteed?

No, it is impossible for any auto transport broker to guarantee a price, so please be wary of this if another company tells you otherwise. The quote we provide you is only our estimate of what we think it will take to ship your vehicle based on what vehicles have shipped for in the past. We try to make the quote as accurate as possible to ensure your vehicle gets transported, but market rates fluctuate. If your order is priced too low, carriers will not be interested in transporting your vehicle, and you could risk not getting your vehicle transported altogether. The price we agree upon will not change without your approval. If a carrier should request for more we will not dispatch your vehicle to them without your approval. You are in control.

What is included in the price I am quoted?

The quote we provide you essentially includes all costs associated with shipping your vehicle. This consists of the broker fee (the ‘deposit’) and the carrier offer (the driver). There are no taxes and insurance is included in the carrier offer.

When do I have to pay?

Unlike most auto transport companies, we do not charge an upfront deposit for taking your order. You do not pay a dime until we actually locate a driver to transport your vehicle. When we locate a carrier to pick up your vehicle we contact you to approve the dispatch. When the dispatch is approved by you and the carrier accepts the contract that is when we require our fee. At that time, you will be charged the deposit, and the remaining balance will be due to the driver in cash or certified funds once your vehicle is delivered to the final destination.

Are my pick-up and delivery dates guaranteed? 

No, so do not be fooled by other transport brokers who may tell you otherwise. Any dates given are estimates. The actual pick-up/delivery dates could change due to weather conditions, unexpected traffic and a variety of other factors. For this reason, we ask you to give us a time window consisting of the earliest possible date you would be willing to release the vehicle and the latest possible date you could have the vehicle picked-up/delivered. We always inform the driver of your preferred dates, and they are usually able to accommodate them.

Once we dispatch your vehicle, we put you in direct contact with the driver so that you can discuss the pick-up/delivery times and know where your vehicle is at every step of the process.

Is my vehicle insured?

Yes. Part of the deposit you pay to our office is to verify the carrier/driver is covered by adequate insurance that is up-to-date. All of the carriers/drivers we contract are fully insured with a minimum of $75,000 of liability insurance.

Do you offer door-to-door service?

Yes. This means that the carrier will pick up the vehicle and drop it off as close to your desired addresses as possible. Carriers need room to maneuver around, so if access to your home is restricted by narrow streets, tight turns, etc. The driver may contact you to request that you meet at an alternate destination close by.

What kind of carrier will transport my car?

Most carriers are 6-10 car haulers, similar to the ones you see on the interstate that deliver new cars to dealerships. Open carriers are subject to weather and road conditions whereas enclosed carriers are not. We recommend shipping via an enclosed carrier if you are shipping a custom/classic car, but the choice is always yours. Shipping via an enclosed carrier will incur an additional fee.

 

How long will it take to transport my car?

Transit time obviously depends on where your vehicle is being shipping from and to. For instance, transit time from coast to coast may be 7-10 days, whereas transporting a vehicle from the Midwest to the west coast may take 3-5 days.

Can somebody other than me release/receive my vehicle?

Yes, the carrier will contact whomever you like, whether it is you, a family member, friend, a car dealership, etc. Somebody just has to be present at both your pick-up and delivery location to sign the Bill of Lading.

What is the Bill of Lading Form?

Once the you (or your designated person at the origin) and carrier driver inspects your vehicle at the origin, they will give you the Bill of Lading form to sign. This is a similar form that you fill out when you rent a car. You and the driver walk around the vehicle and make any notations of previous damage that is on the vehicle to insure that your vehicle arrives to the destination in the same condition as it left. This form contains the driver’s inspection notes as well as the releasing party’s contact information so the carrier can notify them of any updates, transport delays, etc. Familiarize yourself with this form, and be sure to read the conditions of the form carefully.

Once your vehicle is delivered to the destination, the carrier will present you (or your designated contact) with the original Bill of Lading form. It is extremely important that you or your designated contact inspect the vehicle and note any damage on the Bill of Lading. In order for the carrier’s insurance company to process a damage claim, any and all damage must be noted on the Bill of Lading and the form has to be signed by both parties. Just a note, even though vehicle damage rarely happens, most carriers like to have the choice to settle vehicle damage out of pocket to avoid it going to the insurance company. It is advised to first contact the carrier and if you don’t have any resolve then please contact us so we can contact the carrier for you.

Can I put personal items in my car?

 Most carrier will allow up to 100lbs in the trunk of a car but it is best to let us know so we can ask the carrier before the dispatch. The Department of Transportation can fine the carrier for transporting household goods or for being over its weight limit. Also the carrier insurance does not cover any lost or damaged household goods during transit so it is not advisable to have any valuable goods in your vehicle.

With that said, even though most carriers that will allow a few personal items to be placed in the trunk and items of that nature are fairly common, the carrier will not likely complain as long as the vehicle isn’t packed full. However, this all needs to be worked out with your carrier. The driver may ask you to remove your personal items and is not obligated to transport your vehicle if you refuse to do so. Please also be aware that the broker or the carrier is not responsible for any personal items lost or damaged in transit.

How should I prepare my vehicle for transport? 

Deactivate any anti-theft devices, toll road passes and remove any personal items/household goods from the vehicle. Secure or remove any loose parts, wide mirrors, or custom items. Lower or remove the antenna, if possible. Make sure the radiator has adequate anti-freeze to protect your vehicle from cold weather. The battery should be secure, and the fluid levels should be low enough to accommodate expansion. Leave only about a ¼ – ½ tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank of gasoline can add costly weight to the transport truck.

Can I ship an inoperable vehicle? 

Yes, Excellent Auto Transport regularly ships inoperable vehicles. However, in order for us to do so, the vehicle must roll, brake and steer. An additional fee will be charged depending on the loading difficulty.

Any Other Questions? Call us today 505-908-3870.