Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about vehicle transportation guidelines

To protect consumers and the safety of American roads, vehicle transportation is highly regulated, and companies must be licensed and bonded. Drivers receive special driving instruction, and equipment is closely inspected. The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Safety Administration oversee the industry. Your company can find applicable regulations as well as information about all registered vehicle transportation companies.

I recommend: Visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration portal to read the rules and regulations that apply to auto transport service providers. The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues periodic warnings about scams and abuses among car transporters. For more information, read the entries at the DOT website.

Discover the basics of auto transport

Understanding auto transport basics will make the experience easier. Encourage your team to learn how the shipment and delivery process works, the basics of the contract and the way costs are figured. The information will allow your company to plan the shipments efficiently.

I recommend: Go Auto Transport provides detailed information about the differences between domestic and international shipping. It also can guide you in everything from shipping preparation to obtaining insurance, to receiving shipping quotes. Not only can you get shipping quotes at Shipride.com, but it also has a collection of informative articles that discuss the best ways of choosing and using auto relocation services.

Investigate the ins and outs of automobile delivery services

There are dozens of companies in the auto transport business. You can learn about the industry by visiting their websites. You'll find company profiles, customer testimonials and an outline of services. If your business is shipping especially 'sensitive' equipment, such as antique, expensive cars or oversize vehicles, you can find outfits that have enclosed carriers or specially designed trailers.

I recommend: Take a look at the A-1 Auto Transport website. In addition to FAQs and answers, you can find out how to prepare company vehicles and get an instant price quote. Check the information about enclosed vehicle shipping from Express Auto Transport. Also look at the quote fields to get a sense of the information your firm will provide in contracting for automobile transportation.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many auto transport firms offer price quote functions at their websites. To get a sense of costs, input your business's information in several and compare the results.

Guide to Auto Transport

Choices to make when choosing auto shippers

By Ned Averill-Snell

1. Where the car will be picked up and where it will be delivered (these can be terminals/depots, or street addresses for costlier 'door-to-door' auto transport).
2. The approximate departure date (and a required arrival date, if you want to negotiate a specific delivery date for a higher car transport fee).
3. Type of vehicle (compact car, full-size car, truck, etc.).
4. Any special requirements for the car carrier, such as an enclosed truck.

Action Steps
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Manage car transport pickup, delivery, and cancellation dates

Besides the quote, the heart of your contract with an auto transport company is all dates. Most contracts have built-in penalties for your failure to drop off at the allotted time, but not for the auto shipper's late pickup and/or delivery. After negotiating pickup and delivery dates, ask to add to the contract a clause protecting you if the car is not picked up on time (say, a waiver of the cancellation fee if the car is picked up more than one week late) and if the car is not delivered within the promised time frame (a discount, a free rental car until the car shows up, etc.).

I recommend: Before negotiating dates, learn what constitutes a reasonable delivery timeframe for car transport from FAQs like the one at AutoShippers.com and 123Movers.com, or the delivery time information listed on the web sites of most auto transport services (watch closely for fine print).

Check the insurance of your auto transport company

The law requires the car transport carrier to fully insure your vehicle (at book value) against damage or theft while it is in the carrier's possession, so you're typically pretty safe--but read your contract carefully for any mention of a deductible or exclusions. Although your vehicle and its original equipment are usually insured, other stuff that may be in the car -- your CDs, luggage, jewelry in the glove compartment, etc. -- may not be covered, so avoid sending any items along for the ride. Your own insurance may cover such items, but many auto shippers will refuse to accept your vehicle until it's empty. And if your car is damaged thanks to heavy items in its trunk, the auto transport company's insurance may not cover that damage.

I recommend: Some auto transport companies, such as American Auto Moving, post their insurance certificate right on their websites. On the Website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you can look up insurance information for auto shippers, along with their safety record. (You may need a carrier's D.O.T. number, usually listed on its website, to look up its FMCSA record.) Some multi-carrier search engines, like AutoShipping.com, certify that all of the auto transport companies they represent are fully bonded and insured.

Check references and reviews for auto shippers

Many auto shippers post testimonials on their Websites, but of course, they exclude complaints. You may find the complaints filed with the local Better Business Bureau in the auto transport company's HQ city.

I recommend: A-1 Auto Transport posts customer testimonials on its Website, as does Dependable Auto Shippers. Check out consumer reviews of auto shippers at Auto Transport Reviews or Epinions.

Inspect your car thoroughly before releasing it to an auto transport company (and at delivery)

Before accepting your car at the pickup location, the auto transport company will inspect the vehicle and note any damage--including dents, dings, scratches, and so on--on an inspection report or bill of lading, present it to you for your signature, and leave you a copy. Check it carefully for accuracy before signing. When you car is delivered, you'll want to inspect it again for any damage; if you find any damage not already listed on the report, file a damage claim with the auto transport company.

I recommend: ShipMyVehicle.com offers a handy checklist of items to consider when preparing your car for inspection, as does Road Trip Transport.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Like any long-distance movers, most auto transport companies cannot guarantee exact delivery dates; a window of from three days to one week is typical.
• •  Many auto shippers require that you drop off your car at least one week in advance, but some require two weeks or even four weeks.
• •  * Your car should be driven very little during auto transport, typically just on and off the truck and to a nearby parking space upon delivery. Still, make sure it has at least a quarter tank of gas when you drop it off, to prevent damage that can occur when a car sits too long with a low tank.
• •  Many auto transport companies now offer online tracking, so you can see where you car is at any moment.

Action Steps
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Get your car deliveries on time

The most important advice: start your search well before you need the auto transport services. It can take some time to find an auto transport company that guarantees delivery when you want it. An on-time delivery will hinge on having the vehicles ready for pick up as negotiated. And note that the 'delivery date' to automobile transporters often spans three days to a week. Make sure your company's agreement stipulates penalties for late pick up and/or delivery.

I recommend: For detailed information about auto transport, read the answers to the FAQs at All States Auto Transport. Then, have your team apply its new knowledge to the wide range of shipping services at The Showroom Transport. Its full-service shops handle special shipments and international destinations.

Find an auto transport specialist

Unless otherwise instructed, your company's vehicle delivery service will haul your equipment on car carrier trucks. If you have special vehicles, such as antique, very expensive or over-sized, the car transporters will make arrangements for enclosed trucks or special trailers.

I recommend: Check Express Auto Transport if your firm has special circumstances. In addition to cars, it ships trucks, SUVs and boats in open or enclosed carriers. Hire Jack Copper Transport to carry your firm's autos, trucks or SUVs. It will pick up at or deliver to the factory, dock or railyard.

Hire respected automobile delivery services

For peace of mind, your company should verify the insurance of your auto transport company. Federal and state laws require auto transporters be fully insured. This protects clients such as your company as well as motorists sharing the road with automobile transporters. Terms of insurance should be spelled out in your contract. If necessary, have your legal department or a lawyer review the agreement. Check your company on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Better Business Bureau websites.

I recommend: Study the information at the FMCSA website. You can find registration and licensing information for your vehicle delivery service as well as national regulations. Note the Better Business Bureau endorsement of United Auto Transport. It provides a full range of services, including international destinations and enclosed transport.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many auto transport companies have free quote functions at their websites. To get a sense of costs, input your company's shipment information at a couple of websites and compare the results.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Universal load board

The universal load board is a national inventory of cars and trucks that are waiting for shipment. Auto transport brokers list shipment dates and destinations on the load board, and auto transport companies use the system to select jobs. This helps the companies keep their car carriers full on long hauls.

I recommend: Check out AutoShipping.com for more detailed information about the use of the universal load board and how it could impact your car shipment.

Bill of lading

The bill of lading, also known as the condition report, is a report that acknowledges the delivery of the car. If you are picking up the car, then you should check it thoroughly for damage and note any that exists on the bill of lading.

I recommend: All America Auto Transport provides detailed information about a bill of lading.

Insurance certificate

The insurance certificate is a document that proves the auto shipping company has an active insurance policy. You should ask to see the insurance certificate before you agree to ship your car with any company. Keep in mind, the insurance certificate only proves the company has insurance, it does not necessarily detail what is covered.

I recommend: 123 Movers, from Dominion Enterprises, offers information about insurance certificates and insurance for auto transport companies.

Car-shipping contract

When you hire a company to transport your vehicles, you will have to sign a car-shipping contract. The contract details the cost, cancellation fee, pick-up and delivery dates, deductibles, claim procedures and guarantees. If the company promises you something (such as a specific delivery date), then make sure it is in the contract. Do not rely on verbal promises.

I recommend: To view a sample contract, take a look at Swad Auto Transporters.

Open-auto transport

When you use open-auto transport, your car will be put onto an open air car carrier. Most car carriers can carry 10 cars, with five on the bottom and five on the top. Your vehicle will be exposed to rain, snow, dirt and dust.

I recommend: ProStar Auto Transport explains the pros and cons of open-auto transport.

Enclosed-auto transport

If you used enclosed-auto transport, then your vehicle is completely protected from the elements. It is placed in an enclosed truck with two or three other cars, and it's often covered with a cloth overcoat. Enclosed-auto transport generally costs 90 percent more than open-auto transport.

I recommend: CSL Auto Transport gives a good explanation of the benefits of enclosed-auto transport.