Auto Transport - Moving Your Car Tools and Guides
Time Frame For Transporting Vehicle
The standard time frame for reserving your date for transport is 12-15 days in advance. If you wish to order an immediate pick-you of your vehicle, you will likely have to pay extra for this service. Similarly, if you wish to guarantee the date of pick up and delivery of your vehicle you will have to pay extra for this service.
It is important to take into account that without opting for a guaranteed pick up date, the transport company has a 3-5 day time frame within which they may pick up your vehicle, although 3 days is usually the standard. That said, the carrier will notify you of the estimated time and date of pick-up and delivery as the actual date approaches. Be cautious of the carrier that offers precise dates for pick up and delivery, especially for no added fee.
Make certain that any verbal agreements with the transport company be in writing, preferably a contract, complete with legal remedies for non-performance. For example, if the carrier does not perform within the time frame agreed upon or within several days thereafter, it would be your right to cancel the contract. Although cancellation may include an additional small fee, it is a small price to pay for your peace of mind.
Types of Carriers
There are generally two types of carriers available for transporting your vehicle.
The enclosed carrier is where the vehicle is transported in a covered vehicle. The open carrier is where the vehicle is transported in an exposed carrier. The carriers come in several sizes and can hold more than 14 vehicles at a time. If you do not wish your vehicle to be exposed to various types of weather over the course of the transport, you may wish to invest in the enclosed carrier. Note however, that the closed carrier option is usually more expensive. If your vehicle is of value, you will likely wish to invest in the enclosed carrier.
Payment
Payment-in-full is not usually required up front. The transport company that you contract with will provide you with their payment options however, the standard is to pay a deposit up front and the remaining amount due upon delivery. Credit cards, money orders or cashier’s checks are generally accepted.
Acceptance of Vehicle at Point of Delivery
It is of utmost importance to thoroughly inspect your vehicle upon arrival at its destination. No payment should be made until you have carefully examined the condition of the vehicle and checked off the items listed on the Original Inspection Report, to determine whether there has been any damage, superficial or significant to the vehicle, while in transport. For this reason it would be wise to have the vehicle delivered during daylight hours so that you may get a clear look at the vehicle.
It is also your duty to list any damage found on the vehicle at the time of drop-off and have the driver sign on the record. Without this documentation, it will be difficult to prove your claims of damage to the vehicle More Moving Tips & Guide
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