Car transport resumes in these simple steps: first the research you need to do in order to find the right company, right price, and reliable service. Then you have to make sure that when booking you take a company that will tell you the exact price from the start and will not surprise you with hidden fees along the road. After this you have to make sure your car is picked up properly and secured safely for the trip. Before delivery you must keep in contact with the driver or dispatch in order to arrange delivery times and locations. Lastly, once car is delivered you have to make sure that the car was taken care of and has no damages or scratches. In the case all this runs smoothly, consider yourself lucky and mark this company as a keeper, as car transport experiences can be a very bad nightmare when you don’t take the time to research very well for a reliable company.
Tip 1: To start off with your car transport look for companies online or on a phone book. We recommend you do it online, as online you can read reviews about them and help you get more information on the company and their business. Make sure that while you do this, you pick companies that have good reviews. Also make sure you check up with 3 to 5 companies so you can have an estimate average of what your transport will cost.
Tip 2: Provide as much information as possible. One of the main factors that affect your quotes are the details you provide, they also play a very important part in order to provide a safe and proper transport for your car. These are some things you must make sure you include while asking for quotes: exact pick up and delivery addresses, departure or arrival date if you have a tight schedule, make and model of the car, include also any modifications that have been done to ensure the safety of your vehicle during transport, type of carrier: enclosed or open, and specify if your car is running or not as extra fees may apply for inoperable vehicles.
Tip 3: Most companies if not all will not allow you to take any valuables in your car. Carrier insurances do not cover for these items in case of any loss or damage. Ask your agent while booking if you are allowed to put anything inside the car. Sometimes you are allowed to take up to 75lbs of soft goods in the trunk of your car, however ask before you do so. If this information is not provided while booking, your driver may not take your car on pickup and you will go through a preventable bad moment.
Tip 4: Get a backup plan. If you are working under a tight schedule make sure you plan with enough time and count with enough time for any delays as well. Long distances can be easily done in 7 to 10 days, however sometimes it can take up to 15 due to unforeseen conditions. Unless you are hiring a truck to only take your car, you have a big chance of having delays. Even if your car is the only one, there are things you cannot plan, such as weather conditions and accidents. Make sure you have a window of certain days between pickup and delivery in case you bump with an unforeseen obstacle.
Tip 5: Once you have decided on which company to book with, you will be provided with a contract and sometimes required to pay an initial deposit. Make sure that when you receive your contract you check that the company name matches, you are provided with contact information and that the price quoted is the final price you will pay.
Tip 6: Do not double book! Double booking causes inconveniences for drivers, companies and eventually your pocket! Once you choose your company stick with it!
Tip 7: Once your car has been picked up, you will be provided with the drivers information as well, use this information wisely. Drivers are not used to deal with customers directly unless it is for pickup or delivery details. We understand you would like to check up on your car and where the driver is, however drivers are not allowed to talk while driving and most of their rest stops have no reception. They are obligated to update their customers and dispatch once they check in at every stop to let them know they are safe and on their way, but if he does not pick up, do not harass him. Call their dispatch, allow a certain time frame between calls (12 to 15 hours) to get updates, or limit yourself to call when pickup or delivery dates are near.