Car Transportation Services FAQ
Will my vehicle be driven?
Your vehicle will be driven by the vehicle transport driver to get it on and off the transport truck. The odometer readings should be noted at pickup and delivery of the vehicle. Any discrepancies will be noted and signed off by the driver on the delivery receipt.
How do I prepare my car for pickup?
Any loose parts or specialty items such as spoilers, fog lights, or mirrors should be removed or secured properly for auto transport. Antennas should be removed or lowered. There should be an adequate supply of antifreeze in the radiator. The gasoline tank should only be a quarter full. More gasoline in the tank only adds weight for transport. Make sure the battery is secure, with no leaks and fluid levels low enough to allow for expansion during transit. Any tears in convertible tops should be sealed or repaired to avoid further damage by air during transit. Alarm devices should be deactivated. Lastly, make sure that the vehicle is clean enough to allow accurate inspection at pickup.
Can I put items in the vehicle?
Auto shipping companies are not insured for household goods. The law specifically forbids automobile movers from transporting anything except your vehicle. The vehicle shipping transport truck is inspected by the Department of Transportation agents and police at every state line and can be fined up to $10,000, if found to be carrying household items. Under no circumstances may a vehicle carry firearms, illegal substances, contraband, or hazardous materials. The vehicle may be subject to impoundment, and in such an event, all fines and expenses will be passed on the owner of the vehicle.click this over here now
Can I specify an exact time for delivery and/or pickup of my vehicle?
With advance notice, arrangements can be made for this service in most metropolitan areas.
Can I leave my vehicle somewhere?
Yes, providing we have a car shipping terminal in the place of your choice. There is also an added fee for this service. However, the use of terminals should only be a last resort because of excessive handling of your vehicle. We prefer that you personally release the vehicle to the actual transport driver.
Do I have to be present when you pickup and/or deliver my vehicle?
You or your designated representative must be present to sign the release form upon pickup, and to accept the vehicle upon delivery.
When can you pickup my vehicle?
In most cases, our car transport company can make arrangements for pickup on your desired date. If not, a carrier will be assigned to make the pickup normally within 2 or 3 days of your requested date.
How long does car transport take?
Transport time is a function of the distance between pickup and delivery points. Car transportation services from Chicago to Los Angeles, for example, usually take 7 to 10 days, whereas transport from Los Angeles to New York usually takes 10 to 14 days. Each load can be different, depending on the schedule of the individual carrier.
What does door to door service mean?
Door-to-Door means the driver will get as close to your home or designated pickup point as he can safely and legally get. Transport trucks are huge and need lots of room for maneuvering. If access to your home is restricted by low-hanging trees, tight turns, narrow streets, or speed bumps, the driver may ask that you meet him in a nearby parking lot.
Is my vehicle covered by insurance?
By law, carriers have to carry a minimum of $1,000,000 worth of public liability insurance as well as cargo coverage. In addition, United Auto Transport requires that each independent contractor’s insurance agency furnish UAT with a certificate of insurance naming UAT as an additional insured or certificate holder. This certificate comes directly from the insurance agent’s office and not from the independent contractor. Accordingly, your vehicle will be insured against in-transit damage by the transport carrier that we assign. Any insurance deductible is paid by the independent contractor.
What do I do if my vehicle is damaged?
Notify UAT as soon as the damage is discovered. UAT will make every effort to resolve the issue. A thorough inspection must be performed at the time of delivery. At that time, all damage claims should be noted in the destination exception in order to be accepted as valid.
How can I check on the status of my transport?
Call our dispatcher using the toll-free number provided to you upon processing of your order. UAT will track your order and provide you with an update as soon as possible.
How do I pay, what forms of payment are accepted for car shipping?
UAT provides cheap auto transport that is safe, reliable, and on-time. For deposit or full payment, we accept VISA, Master Card, Discover, electronic transfer, official checks, and money orders. Company checks will be accepted from dealers and major corporations. For balance due, the carrier will only accept cash, cashier’s check, postal money order or official bank check.