Auto Transport - General Information

1. Q. How long does it take?

A. Auto Logistics understands that all of our customers have individual needs and priorities, therefore our goal is always to do everything possible to accommodate each one. Obviously the duration of your vehicle transportation depends on more than one thing. The two most important details are your needs and how early you let us know. The more notice we get the easier it is to respond to your vehicle transportation requirements. Please keep in mind that if it takes 6 days for a person to drive to your destination it will take a couple more for a 75 foot truck loaded with 8-10 cars, having to stop along the way to unload in different cities. In order to best serve your delivery dates Auto Logistics request at least a 3 to5 daysweek prior notice. We invite you to contact us by e-mail or phone, one of our representatives will gladly give you a minimum and maximum transit time according to your request. For your peace of mind someone will be contacting you 24-48 hrs to confirm pick up and delivery dates and approximate time.

 

2. Q. What kind of truck will it be transported on?

A. In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an 8 or 10-car hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars to your local dealerships. These trucks are 75 to 80 feet long (that's nearly twice as long as a conventional freight truck or moving van) and are almost 14 feet high. Therefore they are very hard to maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind when directing the truck to your home or pick-up location. A local service may be used should the hauler/transporter encounter difficulty in reaching your pick-up/delivery. (See Terminal Service below)

3. Q. What does door-to-door service mean?

A. It means that the car carrier will get as close as physically possible to your front door as long as it does not compromise the cargo and/or your vehicle(s). If you live on a main road (at least 2 lanes wide) with no overhanging trees or low bridges and the streets leading to your house can accommodate trucks of that size and length, then the carrier will pick up your vehicle(s) from your door and deliver it to your door if the same conditions apply at your destination. As the driver approaches your pick-up/delivery location, he will call you to confirm your address and discuss accessibility. If accessibility is limited the drive may suggest meeting at a local supermarket or mall with ample space to load/unload your vehicle(s).

4. Q. Will my car go to a terminal?

A. This may depend on your pick-up/delivery locations and/or your scheduled dates. Should your area not allow for or have restricted access for trucks and there are no areas locally which can accommodate the loading/unloading of your vehicle(s), then a local flatbed service will be used to pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s). A terminal service is only used when the carrier cannot pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s) due to scheduling conflicts, inaccessible areas or both. All terminals used are licensed and fully insured.

5. Q. How does it work?

A. As soon as we have been provided with all necessary information, your order will be placed in the hands of our operations department according to your specifications. Next, your shipment will be assigned to a truck, at this point, either the appointed driver or the office will be contacting you in order to advise you of your pick up and delivery dates and approximate times when possible. Please note that pick up and delivery date will be reconfirmed 24-48 hrs prior to actual loading and unloading.  During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a detailed physical inspection of the car, on a bill of lading, which you must sign and acknowledge. This same inspection will be presented upon delivery, so that you can re-inspect the car for any discrepancies. If any damage did occur during transit, please be sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and have the driver sign in agreement. No claims will be honored if the damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by the driver.

6. Q. Can I put things in the trunk?

A. No. Auto Transporters are not permitted by law to transport personal belongings, as they do not have a household goods transportation license. By violating this law they can be fined up to $10,000 per occurrence. Any personal  belongings sent inside you car will not be insured, for loss or damage, neither by Auto Logistics nor by your own car insurance. Should you decide to put things despite these warnings, your belongings must be out of sight so that they do not draw attention to themselves, your car or other vehicles on the truck, and must not exceed 75lbs. 

7. Q. How much notice is needed?

A. In a perfect world an Auto Transporter would like to have 2 to 3 weeks notice of your preferred transports dates, this insures that the carrier can schedule your vehicle(s) within the time frame you requested. However if you need to move a car immediately we may be able to accommodate your request. For example, most transporters have terminals in most major cities and can usually get a car picked up within  48 hours if no one can be there to release the vehicle. You also have the option to drop the car off at a terminal if you cannot wait for the carrier to pick it up.

8. Q. Which methods of payment are accepted?

A. All carriers accept cashiers checks, cash and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express). If it is arranged prior to the scheduled pick-up of the vehicle(s) you may pre-pay your transport in full via  money order, cashiers check or credit card. Usually a minimum deposit of $150.00 is required to initiate and reserve your order and any form of payment is acceptable. If you use a credit card for the deposit, the balance will be due C.O.D. with CASH or a cashiers check at the time the vehicle(s) is delivered. No other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery. Ultimately you will need to pay the freight charges in full before your vehicle(s) is delivered. You cannot withhold or deduct money from the C.O.D. amount to cover damages that may have occurred in transit. All claims are handled separately once the auto transporter has received the signed bill of lading noting the damages.

For additional information or to make a reservation please fill out our Online Estimate Request Form or call 1-888-623-0028 to speak to one of our transport agents.