Preparation in Choosing a Vehicle Transport Company:
Tips on How to Prepare and Ship Your Vehicle:
Before choosing auto transport company it is important to research "what’s out there. " You can obtain information on various transport companies through advertisements on the internet, your local paper, phone directory or even your moving company, who may be able to obtain a discount for you based on their partnership with the particular vendor. The best bet is to get a reference from friends or associates, who have had personal experience with a particular transport company. In any situation however, it is advisable to check with the Better Business Bureau concerning the reputation of a particular company. Additionally, it is important to investigate whether the transport company is licensed and bonded.
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently the government agency that regulates and licenses vehicle transport companies, and all matters relating to safety of transport. Other functions, relating to trucking/transport are handled by the National Surface Transportation Board (NTSB). Note that the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), which had previously handled these regulatory matters, was disbanded in 1995.
Note that while there are
moving companies that will transport your vehicle as well as your home items, it is generally a more expensive option and there may be problems with insurance coverage for your vehicle.
Types of Pick-Up and Delivery Services
There are generally two options for pick up and delivery services:
Door to Door Service - With this option, your vehicle is collected from the point of departure (usually your home) and deposited at your final destination. The carrier may request a pick up location away from your home, if he anticipates difficulty in navigating his transport vehicle through your neighborhood roads. While clearly the most practical option, it is also the more expensive one
Terminal Service - With this option, you deposit your vehicle at a terminal selected by the carrier (which will likely) be in the vicinity of your point of departure and the carrier transports your vehicle to a terminal (while will likely be) in the vicinity of your destination point. While this option is less expensive it also may be less practical, depending how far the terminals are from your departure/destination points.
It is not that vital to find a carrier in your local area, as many "non-local"
transport companies have local drop-off sites where your vehicle can be picked up.
NOTE: It is also your right to inspect the location where your vehicle may be stored prior to shipment.
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