Auto Shipping FAQ
How long does SUV or truck shipping take?
How far in advance should I schedule my move?
Where will my auto be picked up and delivered?
Do I have to be present when we pick-up or deliver your automobile?
May I leave my automobile somewhere else?
Can I check the progress of my automobile shipment?
Will my truck or SUV be insured during transport?
What do I do if my truck or SUV is damaged during the auto shipping process?
Will my truck or SUV be driven during auto shipping?
Will my vehicle stay on one truck during the auto transport process?
Can I pack personal belongings in my SUV or truck?
How do I pay for my auto shipping?
How long does SUV or truck shipping take?
Pick up and transit times vary from company to company and by location and destination. Most auto transport takes between one to three weeks total time. Plan on a 1 to 7 day pick-up time and then an additional 7 to 14 days for transit and delivery. Some automobile shipping companies will offer expedited services for an additional fee. MoveVehicles.com recommends you only use this option right from the outset. Never pay additional expedition fees if your vehicle is late getting picked up.
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How far in advance should I schedule my move?
The farther in advance you can schedule vehicle shipping for your auto, the more likely you will be able to meet the time requirements you wish to have. For best results, try to schedule auto moving services a month in advance.
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Where will my auto be picked up and delivered?
All quotes on MoveVehicles.com are for door to door auto shipping. Auto carriers will attempt to provide door-to-door service, but are not always able to pick-up and deliver from residential addresses. Narrow streets, low power lines, and heavy vehicle restrictions may prevent the auto carriers from getting directly to your address. Meeting in a nearby parking lot is often the best solution.
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Do I have to be present when we pick-up or deliver your automobile?
You should either be present, or should have a designated person upon the pick-up and delivery of the vehicle. If you are selling the vehicle the buyer should be present at the other end.
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May I leave my automobile somewhere else?
Some auto shipping companies have "terminals", basically large storage areas that act as hubs for moving vehicles. Companies who operate terminals will typically allow you to drop the vehicle off in advance of shipment.
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Can I check the progress of my automobile shipment?
Some companies offer GPS tracking of the trucks that are carrying your auto. Check for the availability of this service with the companies that provide you quotes.
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Will my truck or SUV be insured during transport?
Auto transport carriers are required to carry enough insurance to cover the book value of your auto while it is in transit. MoveVehicles.com highly recommends that you maintain your own insurance while the car is in transit to cover any issues that might not be under the carrier’s policy. A vehicle condition form should be completed on pick-up of your vehicle. The person turning the vehicle over and the truck driver both sign this report and a copy is given to the party delivering the auto. This same report is presented upon delivery of the vehicle at its destination and you should compare the auto to the report thoroughly at that time. If, for some reason, you feel that some damage has occurred, you must note it on the report before you sign it and before the driver leaves. Take your time, and look over the vehicle thoroughly. Any claims made after this time are rarely honored.
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What do I do if my truck or SUV is damaged during the auto shipping process?
Auto shipping is typically worry free, however damage does sometimes occur and If damage occurs, and you feel it is directly attributable to the auto shipping process, note all damage on your inspection report, obtain the driver's signature, and contact your auto shipping company. The auto shipping company should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your truck or SUV. If this tactic does not produce results, you may opt to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org). You may also wish to contact The U.S. Dept. of Transportation (http://www.dot.gov).
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Will my truck or SUV be driven during auto shipping?
Typically, the only driving should be the truck driver moving your truck or SUV on and off the trailer, and may have to unload and re-load your vehicle occasionally during transport to optimize space on the trailer. This unloading / reloading should be kept to a minimum. Your vehicle should not be driven otherwise. Odometer discrepancies should be noted on the delivery receipt and signed off by the driver.
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Will my vehicle stay on one truck during the auto transport process?
Typically, the answer is yes. However, unforeseen issues may arise that may cause your vehicle to be transferred to another truck. For example, if the truck carrying your vehicle breaks down, another truck might be brought in to take over.
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Can I pack personal belongings in my SUV or truck?
Any personal belongings shipped in the auto are strictly at the owner's own personal risk. This policy is used by auto shippers for several critical reasons:
The Department of Transportation DOES NOT LEGALLY ALLOW FOR THE TRANSPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS (personal belongings) in vehicles being transported on auto carriers. The auto carrier can and will be fined if they are pulled over and your goods may be impounded. Please remember this when preparing your vehicle for shipment with ANY AUTO MOVING COMPANY.
Personal belongings are not covered by the auto carrier's insurance. The operator of the auto carrier will not inventory any personal items packed in the vehicle and will not assume responsibility for them.
Overloading your vehicle with household or personal items may damage suspension, exhaust or transmission components while in transit. This will not be covered by the auto carrier’s insurance.
Improperly packed items within the vehicle may move and jostle during transport and damage the interior of the vehicle. This is not covered by the car hauler’s insurance.
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How do I pay for my auto shipping?
Many auto shippers require a deposit before they will pick-up your vehicle. This deposit is usually about 10-25% of the cost of moving the vehicle. Most automobile shipping companies accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Dicover. The balance of the vehicle move is usually due when the auto is delivered. The balance should typically be paid either in cash or cashier’s check, but other options might be available such as paying in full. It is extremely rare that a company will accept a personal check.
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