Car Transporter

A car transporter is a service that will move your vehicle from one location to another, at a price. Car transporters are not all the same and the services they do provide differ in quality and in prices. For example some specialize in exotic and collectible cars, others in long distance car transporting, and within that you also have open car transport and closed auto transport.

Whatever type of auto shipment service you choose there are a few things you may want to consider so below are some tips and a few things you need to think about before you decide on the car transporter for you.

Before you decide on an auto shipper know their pick-up window. This means the time period they will give you to pick up the car. For example if they have a 5 day window it mean 5 days before or 5 days after the date they give you is their window for picking up your car. The cheaper services will not give you a window and it can take weeks before they pick-up your car and weeks even before they deliver it.

One other important thing to do is to go over your vehicle carefully and document any dings, dents, scratches etc that your vehicle many have. Take photos of your vehicle and store these in a safe place so that you can refer to them later if you need to.

Before to sign the contract to have you car transported you will want to get a quote. You want to get quotes from several transport companies/ Provide them each with the same information so that they are all bidding on the same specification. Some of the information you will want to provide them is point of origin, your final destination, when you need the car picked-up and what type of auto transport service you want such as open, or closed, terminal to terminal or door to door.

Keep in mind open auto transport from terminal to terminal is usually the least costly. Make sure you also understand the payment terms and how the car transporter will accept payment. If using a credit card make sure you know if there is a surcharge that can sometimes be as high as 2%.

Before you sign the contract that the auto shipper hands you go over it in great detail. You want to make sure the contract is fair and that there are penalties for the transport company if it does not deliver your vehicle in time. Also take note of any cancellation fees you will have to pay if you cancel the contract. Cancellation fees should not be more than $300.00.

Make sure the car transporter has adequate insurance to cover any damages that may occur to your car during shipment. Ask for a copy of the insurance policy and know beforehand the type of insurance and whether it's primary or secondary. Remember personal articles that you leave in the car are usually not covered, so remove any personal stuf before you vehicle is picked-up.

When you car arrives at it's destination take the time to thoroughly inspect it for damage. Check all around the car, under the car, and inside the car. Check the odometer reading to insure the car has not been driven excessively. A mile or two should be enough, anything more than that and you need to ask why. Damages rarely happen but if you find any take pictures and have the drive sign off on the damage so that you can file a claim.

In conclusion, if you need the services of a car transporter make sure you take some of the tips and advice we have provided so that you can be sure of a pleasant experience when shipping you car.

A Car Transporter Video showing a car being loaded.