Your Guide to Auto TransportComplete
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Your Ultimate Guide to:
Auto Transport Services
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ON THIS PAGE:
⚪ Explaining Auto Transport ⚪ Ship Car by Open Carrier ⚪ Safest Way to Ship Vehicle ⚪ Guaranteed Insurance Coverage ⚪ State to State Car Transport ⚪ Top Load Spot on Car Carrier ⚪ Delivered to your Front Door ⚪ How Pricing is Calculated ⚪ How To Prepare for Transport ⚪ Frequently Asked Questions |
⚪ Car Transport Explained
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Auto transport will involve many different steps, people and planning. An auto transport company, for example, provides open and/or enclosed auto carriers to ship automobiles from one destination to another.
If you need to move your car somewhere, these auto shipping companies are the people that can do it for you. |
Auto Transportation, also known as vehicle shipping or car hauling, is a service that aids people in moving their vehicles from one location to another on a truck designed to transport vehicles.
Transporting a car is a complex process which involves preparation (planning ahead and scheduling the shipping in advance, cleaning out the car, inspecting it, a suitable checklist can help), transportation (the car has to be delivered or picked up by the shipping company, secured and transported) and delivery right to your front door.
Transporting a car is a complex process which involves preparation (planning ahead and scheduling the shipping in advance, cleaning out the car, inspecting it, a suitable checklist can help), transportation (the car has to be delivered or picked up by the shipping company, secured and transported) and delivery right to your front door.
PROS
✅ Hiring an auto transport service means you wont have to drive it yourself.
✅ Having a licensed, bonded & insured car shipper do it for you will make your life a whole lot easier.
✅ No wear and tear on your car as it is delivered to your front door.
✅ Using a car shipping service will save the mileage on your vehicle.
✅ Hiring an auto transport service means you wont have to drive it yourself.
✅ Having a licensed, bonded & insured car shipper do it for you will make your life a whole lot easier.
✅ No wear and tear on your car as it is delivered to your front door.
✅ Using a car shipping service will save the mileage on your vehicle.
CONS
🔴 Whats not to like about hiring an auto transporter to haul your car preserving its mileage & condition?
🔴 Whats not to like about hiring an auto transporter to haul your car preserving its mileage & condition?
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LOAD CARRIER WITH GOPRO
Watch how an auto carrier is loaded one car at a time from the driver's point of view. Everything from the prospective of a Go-Pro. A great visual experience that will show you exactly how your vehicle would be loaded and secured. |
⚪ Car Shipping by Open Carrier
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Open transport means that your vehicle will be outdoors, on an open trailer, exposed to the elements of travel. There are several types of transport vehicles that can provide open transport auto shipping, from single car trailers to trucks capable of towing 10 or more cars. Some open-air car carriers can hold up to 12 cars depending on vehicle specs (weight & size).
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PROS
✅ With open auto transport services being the most common option, you can expect the rate to be affordable.
✅ Direct communication with your driver will ensure that you stay up to date till delivery.
✅ Top load placement is an option which would be the safest spot on the open car hauler.
✅ Open car carrier transportation is the most economical type of transport.
✅ Open Auto Transport is the cheapest way to ship your car.
✅ With open auto transport services being the most common option, you can expect the rate to be affordable.
✅ Direct communication with your driver will ensure that you stay up to date till delivery.
✅ Top load placement is an option which would be the safest spot on the open car hauler.
✅ Open car carrier transportation is the most economical type of transport.
✅ Open Auto Transport is the cheapest way to ship your car.
CONS
🔴 Your vehicle would be exposed to the elements of the air during transit.
🔴 Dirt from travel would most likely cover the car but can be easily fixed with a quick wash.
🔴 Your vehicle would be grouped with many other stops for pickups and deliveries.
🔴 Longest delivery time 10-14 days depending on route and mileage required.
🔴 Your vehicle would be exposed to the elements of the air during transit.
🔴 Dirt from travel would most likely cover the car but can be easily fixed with a quick wash.
🔴 Your vehicle would be grouped with many other stops for pickups and deliveries.
🔴 Longest delivery time 10-14 days depending on route and mileage required.
⚪ Safest Way: Enclosed Trailer
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Enclosed car transport is a type of auto transport that adds protection for vehicles mainly used for higher end cars.
It's a great car shipping option if you need to transport a classic, exotic or luxury car. Enclosed car carriers can often only carry a few vehicles at the same time, in most cases, up to 7 automobiles. |
Enclosed car haulers are less available than the most common form of auto transportation which is the open auto carrier. Going enclosed will definitely cost a bit more due to it being a Premium service but also factoring in the cost is the availability of enclosed trailers. There are less enclosed haulers on the road which results in higher prices due to supply and demand. Longer windows for scheduling pickup may be necessary while in route.
PROS
✅ The safest way to ship a car as it would be enclosed within a container while in transit.
✅ Lift Gate tech which used a hydraulic lift to safely load & unload your beloved vehicle.
✅ V.I.P. Treatment with carriers that are trained to specifically deal with vehicles of high value.
✅ Maximum Protection concealed within a trailer plus its all 100% fully insured.
✅ Faster delivery times as less cars are loaded into enclosed transport carriers compared to standard open shipping.
✅ The safest way to ship a car as it would be enclosed within a container while in transit.
✅ Lift Gate tech which used a hydraulic lift to safely load & unload your beloved vehicle.
✅ V.I.P. Treatment with carriers that are trained to specifically deal with vehicles of high value.
✅ Maximum Protection concealed within a trailer plus its all 100% fully insured.
✅ Faster delivery times as less cars are loaded into enclosed transport carriers compared to standard open shipping.
CONS
🔴 Premium services requires premium cost. Cost would range $600-300 more than standard Open Carrier rates.
🔴 Due to limited availability, a 2-5 day pickup window for scheduling would be required.
🔴 Premium services requires premium cost. Cost would range $600-300 more than standard Open Carrier rates.
🔴 Due to limited availability, a 2-5 day pickup window for scheduling would be required.
⚪ Full Insurance Protection
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You are not required to have insurance to ship a car. Auto transporters are legally responsible for carrying liability insurance per the United States Department of Transportation and the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
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This only applies to companies that are physically shipping your car, not brokers. Full insurance information should be provided by the auto transport company you hire to ship your car. Vehicle inspections should be conducted on both pickup and delivery. Condition of the vehicle should be documented at both points. Filing a claim due to damage occurring while in transit should be easy. Your car shipping company should be able to walk you through the steps.
PROS
✅ Your vehicle would be repaired or replaced if damaged during transport.
✅ Peace of mind while you await your car delivery.
✅ Your vehicle would be repaired or replaced if damaged during transport.
✅ Peace of mind while you await your car delivery.
CONS
🔴 Damages covered are only as good as the policy your car carrier provides.
🔴 Damages covered are only as good as the policy your car carrier provides.
⚪ Nationwide Car Shipping
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Depending on where you are and when you’re going, these car transport companies can vary widely in their availability and services. While some states seem to have a shortage of car transport options, others seem to have more car delivery services than actual cars in the state.
Everything is based on who is available. |
States with some of the largest cities in the country are generally a lot easier to ship cars to and from than states with smaller economies and metropolitan areas. The five easiest cities to ship cars in and out of are Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Miami, and Seattle. If you are looking to buy a car online and want to ship a car to another state, (the state that you are living in, for example), then getting your car shipped from one of these car shipping hubs is going to be much easier than getting it shipped to or from a smaller city in your state. This is mainly due to how much the services would be required compared to population.
PROS
✅ Safe and secure car shipping services would make the delivery a breeze.
✅ Direct communication with the driver makes the shipment easier for everyone involved.
✅ You wont have to drive it yourself!
✅ Safe and secure car shipping services would make the delivery a breeze.
✅ Direct communication with the driver makes the shipment easier for everyone involved.
✅ You wont have to drive it yourself!
CONS
🔴 Standard delivery time across country (2,700 miles) generally takes 7-10 days due to travel time and route variations.
🔴 Standard delivery time across country (2,700 miles) generally takes 7-10 days due to travel time and route variations.
LOCATE CAR CARRIER BY STATE
Find your auto carrier by state:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Find your auto carrier by state:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
⚪ Top Load Placement
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When you hear the term “top load,” the phrase refers to the area of the auto transport truck where your car is placed.
Top load placement means that your vehicle will be placed on the top, or highest, level of the transport trailer. Reserving this spot may require an additional fee ranging from $150-50 depending on weight and size of the vehicle. This is all based on availability. Some drivers may even do it for free. That is completely up to the drivers discretion. Discuss these details with the driver direct if you wish. |
PROS
✅ Top spot ensures your vehicle will not be secured beneath any other vehicle.
✅ Top load would most likely require your vehicle to be the first one picked up due to stacking order.
✅ Safe from oil leaks which may occur from vehicles posted above.
✅ Top spot ensures your vehicle will not be secured beneath any other vehicle.
✅ Top load would most likely require your vehicle to be the first one picked up due to stacking order.
✅ Safe from oil leaks which may occur from vehicles posted above.
CONS
🔴 Branches from trees may be an issue with an inexperienced driver.
🔴 Added cost in some cases, depending on availability.
🔴 Your vehicle would definitely be the last one of the load delivered due to stack order.
🔴 Branches from trees may be an issue with an inexperienced driver.
🔴 Added cost in some cases, depending on availability.
🔴 Your vehicle would definitely be the last one of the load delivered due to stack order.
⚪Door Front Delivery
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Door-to-door auto transport refers to a form of car shipping in which an auto transport company picks up or delivers a vehicle as close to a predefined location as possible.
It might not bear the literal meaning of having your car delivered right outside your door. In most cases, drivers prefer front door delivery as it avoids them having to wait for anyone on pickup or delivery. They just arrive, load or unload and go. |
PROS
✅ Convenience of having your car delivered to your home is mostly preferred by customers.
✅ The comfort of inspecting the vehicle with the driver when delivered on your property.
✅ Convenience of having your car delivered to your home is mostly preferred by customers.
✅ The comfort of inspecting the vehicle with the driver when delivered on your property.
CONS
🔴 Some delivery zones restrict or do not allow transport trailers due to laws, inaccessible roads or low hanging trees.
🔴 Some delivery zones restrict or do not allow transport trailers due to laws, inaccessible roads or low hanging trees.
⚪ How Cost is Calculated
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The cost to ship a car from state to state can range anywhere from $200-$2000 depending on many different details which would come into play when calculating your car shipping rate.
Rates are mainly generated by taking the following factors into consideration: ➡️ Vehicle size & weight, ➡️ Route Variations, ➡️ Availability and ➡️ Current Diesel Fuel Rates. |
PROS
✅ If you have the money to spend, hiring a car shipper is an easy way to transport your car.
✅ Car Carrier insurance is required by law.
✅ If you have the money to spend, hiring a car shipper is an easy way to transport your car.
✅ Car Carrier insurance is required by law.
CONS
🔴 Whether you need cheap or premium service, hiring an auto transporter will require you to spend money.
🔴 Whether you need cheap or premium service, hiring an auto transporter will require you to spend money.
⚪ How To Prepare For Car Shipping
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When you hire a car shipper to load your vehicle and haul it to another state, keep in mind and remember, your car, truck, van or SUV will most likely be loaded and secured onto a car carrier trailer holding anywhere from 4 to 12 other vehicles going to the same destination. Safety is the main objective to completing a successful auto transport assignment.
In order to maintain a safe trip, here are some things the customer can do to help! |
PROS
✅ Getting ready in advance will make the loading process go smoothly.
✅ The drivers job would be more efficient when everything is ready.
✅ Getting ready in advance will make the loading process go smoothly.
✅ The drivers job would be more efficient when everything is ready.
CONS
🔴 You can never go wrong with being prepared.
🔴 You can never go wrong with being prepared.
🙋 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Is Open Auto Transport Carrier Really Safe?
That all depends on the auto carrier which has been assigned to your order.
In all cases, any auto transportation provider operating within the United States of America should have the required cargo insurance policy enforced by the F.M.C.S.A. This means that your vehicle should be fully protected against any damage inflicted during transport. Be sure to ask for insurance documentation prior to pick up. The insurance docs could be easily requested by the auto transportation logistics coordinator who is responsible for dispatching your vehicle to the auto carrier. Make sure to check the expiration date on the insurance policy and also reassure yourself that your vehicle is completely insured during transport. With all these details in order regarding the insurance during shipment, your vehicle should be in good hands as the last thing anyone wants is an added claim to their policy. This assures you that the driver will take care of your vehicle with the respect it deserves. Learn More About Open Auto Transport Services What Type Of Cars Can Be Loaded?
This all depends on the size and weight of your vehicle. A standard car or truck can pretty much fit in any option you choose to ship your car. Pretty much any standard sized vehicle in the category of sedan, regular sized trucks, normal sized S.U.V.'s and even some vans again depending on the size which are determined by length and height.
The total size of a vehicle able to fit on an open auto transport carrier would depend on the other vehicles which would be loaded along with it. If you have seen an open auto trailer, you will notice that the top level can be adjusted to different heights which would allow for the loading and unloading of many different types of vehicles. In any case, expect the vehicle to be strapped down to the frame of the trailer. Thick leather straps or light chains are used around the wheelbase and securely fastened to the metal frame of the open-air auto carrier trailer. This avoids the vehicle from bouncing around during transport and ensures that the unit will be delivered in the same condition as it was picked up. Please Note: Low clearance vehicles may require alternate methods. Learn More About Auto Transport Services Viceroy Provides Bigger vehicles such as dump trucks and buses would have to be transported via flat bed auto transport. Can Open Carrier Transport Save Me Money?
The cheapest option to ship your car is the most common, the open auto transport carrier. When shipping your vehicle on an open-air auto transporter, you are most likely being transported along with six to sometimes nine other vehicles which are all loaded and secured. Having so many vehicles on a load to deliver allows the driver to ease up on the total rates per unit.
Of course car shipping rates are all dependent on: ✔️ Vehicle Specs (Size/Weight) ✔️ Carrier Availability ✔️ Route Variables ✔️ Current Diesel Fuel Rates The higher the demand for service on the route you require will determine the total cost of the transportation in question. Rates will always fluctuate as they reflect gas prices, mainly diesel fuel. There is never really any set rates for shipping a vehicle in this industry as everything in the end revolves around fuel prices. Even when gas prices may be at their highest, going open auto hauler will always be your safest and most affordable option when shipping a car state-to-state. Can Personal Items Be Loaded?
Most auto hauling companies prohibit the inclusion of personal items in vehicles being shipped. This is for three very good reasons:
➡️ License & Insurance It is against FMCSA regulations for carriers to transport personal possessions within a vehicle. Carriers risk fines for transporting any personal possessions. In addition, the auto transport carrier insurance policy typically does not cover the loss or damage of personal possessions included in a vehicle being shipped. ➡️ Weight Auto haulers have strict limits on the weight of loaded trucks and trailers. Additional, unanticipated weight of personal items could cause carriers to be overweight. In this situation, the carrier has to make a choice to drive overweight (risking fines and significant delays) or not take the vehicle. ➡️ Safety Extra weight in the car could cause damage to the undercarriage during loading and unloading. If items of perceived value are visible through the car’s windows they may attracted unwanted attention from thieves or vandals when carriers park at truck stops. No hazardous materials (e.g. explosives, flammables, poisons, compressed gases, oxidants, corrosives, etc.), firearms, ammunition, items of unusual value (e.g. cash, money, bonds, precious metals, stones, and gems), alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, drugs or medicines (either prescribed or illegal), antlers, furs, or pornographic material. To avoid the potential loss of personal items and to make sure that vehicles can be delivered on time, please avoid shipping any personal items in your vehicles. Although we will ship customer’s personal items upon request we ask that you limit the weight of personal items to 100 lbs. Additionally personal items stored inside the vehicle must not be above the window line and must not inhibit the driver’s seat from moving all the way back. Learn More About Auto Transport Protection Coverage Does Viceroy Deliver Door to Door?
Our expert car carrier drivers prefer to auto transport door to door on most routes. Delivering your car door to door would avoid our auto shipper waiting for a customer to meet. They just simply arrive, load & go!
Of course, if the roads prohibit or the law restricts in the area, then the auto hauling driver would contact the customer ahead of time to secure a more accessible pickup/delivery location close by. Keep in mind, our dispatch team is always on stand by to assist with any & All auto transport information or updates. Learn More About Door to Door Car Shipping Will My Car Stay On The Same Truck?
Yes.
Our auto haulers prefer to Not move your vehicles around once they are loaded onto the auto transporter. Before the route begins, our car shipping logistics teams plan the routes before hand & carefully schedule all auto transportation loads to flow smoothly. The same auto carrier driver that picks your car up will be the same auto hauler that drops your car off. We provide all contact information for the car shipper driver direct so you may stay in touch from pickup to delivery is completed. Can I Track My Car By GPS?
As things advance technologically speaking, some car shipping companies will offer some sort of tracking system.
Keep in mind, Satellite tracking & GPS monitoring can get quite expensive. Most car carriers are simply owner-operators who do not own GPS equipment & would rather not due to expenses. GPS tracking is mainly reserved for military Auto Shipping or high profile car transportation. That is why we connect you direct with your auto hauler. Stay in touch with direct car carrier contact information. Is My Car Insured During Transport?
Yes.
Your vehicle would be completely insured under the cargo protection policy required by law to operate in the United States under D.O.T. Proof of auto transport insurance can be provided by the car carrier direct prior to pickup. Complete both car shipping vehicle inspections with the car carrier driver on pickup & delivery to ensure the vehicles condition. Our claims department is always here to assist you with all of your needs. 100% Guaranteed! How does the Payment process work?
The payment is split in 2 parts. The first would be a reservation fee to validate the order. The remaining balance would be owed on Delivery in certified funds: Cash, Money order or Bank Certified check. This is the industries standard way to reserve a spot on a car carrier.
How long does it take to ship a car?
The delivery time to ship a car varies depending on the route. Keep in mind, most car haulers can carry 5-9 vehicles at a time. This may requires 5-9 different stops for both pickup and delivery. Also factor in loading and unloading at each stop along with drive time.
Every route is different and times for delivery are determined once the order is added to schedule. Here are some common examples: Miami to New York City 3-5 days. Seattle to Chicago 5-7 days. Houston to Charlotte 3-5 days. Boston to Los Angeles 7-10 days. Am I able to communicate with the driver?
We connect you with the driver direct by providing you the contact information for the carrier selected. Even though you will be in direct communication with the driver, please remember to always keep your dispatching agent as your primary contact. Our dispatch office can manage everything from here.
Is the price quoted a guaranteed price?
The initial quote is an estimate based on your required needs. Once the order has been booked and your spot is reserved, the quote would then become your final price. All details pertaining to your order will be sent to you in writing by email. The total amount should also be reflected on the bill of lading or vehicle inspection sheet at both pickup and delivery.
Are pickup and delivery date guaranteed?
There is a two-day pickup window which is required for scheduling. Once the order has been added to schedule, the driver would have a better idea of exactly when pick up and delivery would take place. More accurate times for both pickup and delivery would be coordinated between you and the driver direct. We would also email you the driver direct contact info along with estimated times for both points.
Does Expediting my order speed up transport?
To expedite a vehicle would require a 2 man driver team which would rotate shifts. They specifically drive nonstop to destinations. Drivers are only allowed to operate 500 miles per shift by law. With a two-man driver team, they are able to travel Non-Stop. This service may cost the customer 25 to 40% more than the standard hauling delivery time depending on mileage and Route variations.
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