Coast To Coast Enterprises

 

Are there places that I can drop my car off at?

 

These are called terminals, and many auto shippers utilize terminals for customers who won’t be available when the truck shows up to pickup the vehicle. Since someone needs to be available for the car transport driver to do the inspection and take the keys, the car transportation services can find a terminal that will do it for you. This service is generally cheaper, but it does take longer for the vehicle to ship, because trucks only use terminals if they need a full load, and that can take weeks or even months.

 

Will my vehicle be moved from one truck to another?

 

No. Once your vehicle is on the auto truck, it stays on that truck during the entire process. There are rare circumstances when your vehicle will have to be moved to a different car transport truck, but that usually is only when the truck breaks down. Your car shipping company will always inform you of any changes during your vehicle transport, and you can call your driver any time to find out the status of your transport.

 

How does payment work?

 

There are several different ways you can pay to move your car. The most common method of payment is a deposit to the auto shipping company you book with, and cash or certified funds on delivery to the truck driver. Some auto shippers will allow you to pay the entire balance up front, freeing you of any additional payments in the near future. Other auto shippers will let the carrier collect the money – this usually only happens if there are no other payment options, however, because their money would come from the truck. Most all auto shippers utilize the first two options.

You can pay your deposit to the company in a variety of ways. Most auto shipping companies take check by phone or fax and recreate it in their office, as well as a credit card or, in some instances, a bank wire transfer. Some other auto shippers allow Western Union or to mail in a check. You should always ask your company what methods of payment they accept and which one would benefit you the most.

VISA, Master Card, American, Discover, electronic transfer, personal checks, money orders, or company checks will be accepted for deposit or full prepayment. As for balance due, the auto shipping and car transport company's carrier will accept cash, cashiers check, postal money order, or official bank check ONLY. If you need to use a credit card upon delivery, call us and we will try to help anyway we can (this will incur an additional fee). This fee is normally only $30.00-$50.00, Hawaii, $70.00. Please give us advanced notice so this may be done while accounting is available between 6:30 AM and 10:00 PM Central Standard Time. Please contact us to arrange for cash payment transactions.

 

 

Does this company ship non-running vehicles?

Yes we do; however, most companies charge extra if the vehicle is not running, as they have to find a special truck that has the capabilities to wench it onto the truck. Make sure to tell your company if your vehicle is not running, as they will need to adjust the price accordingly. Please don’t represent your vehicle as running if it isn’t; this can cause costly delays and infuriates carriers if they cannot ship non-running vehicles, as it is a wasted trip, and auto shipping carriers cannot afford wasted trips.

 

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A VEHICLE TO BE TRANSPORTED?

Transit time depends on where your vehicle is shipping from and to. For instance, transit time from Chicago to Los Angeles is approximately 5 to 10 days, where as Los Angeles to New York City can take approximately 10 to 14 days. All pickup times, transport times, and dates quoted are simply averages. Each load is different depending on the individual auto shipping and car transport truck's schedule.

 

IS MY VEHICLE INSURED DURING THE TRANSPORTATION?

Your vehicle(s) will be insured against in-transit damage caused by carrier negligence or equipment failure by the auto shipping or car transport truck that we assign. These auto shipping and car transport trucks, by law, carry a minimum of $750,000 public liability insurance. In addition Able Auto Shipping and Car Transport requires that each independent contractor's insurance agency supplies us with a certificate of insurance naming Able Auto Transport, Inc. as an additional insured or certificate holder. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor. The amount of cargo insurance depends on the size and type of their equipment. Any insurance deductible is paid by the independent contractor. If damage is incurred we will act as liaison during the settlement of your claim.
 

WHAT IS DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE?

Door-to-Door means the auto shipping or car transport driver will get as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Transport trucks are enormous and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to your home is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet the truck at a large parking lot nearby such as a grocery store.
 

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF WORK?

Please don't take time off work unless the driver requests. Most times we can arrange pickup around your schedule.
 

WHEN CAN YOU PICKUP MY VEHICLE?

We specialize in ASAP (As Soon As Possible) moves. An auto shipping or car transport carrier will be assigned to pickup your vehicle in most cases, within a 2 to 3 day window of your requested ship date. In most cases we can arrange pick up on your desired date.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY VEHICLE GETS DAMAGED?

Our car transport and auto shipping transporters strive to do the best job possible, however, sometimes damage does occur. If damage is found on your vehicle, notify Able Auto Transport, Inc. as soon as it is noticed. We will help in every effort to solve this issue.

DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT WHEN YOU PICKUP OR DELIVER MY VEHICLE?

 

Yes, you or your designated individual must be present at both the pickup and delivery for when the auto shipping or car transport company arrives.
 

CAN I LEAVE MY VEHICLE SOMEPLACE?

Yes, providing we have a terminal in your area. There is an additional fee for this service.
 

CAN I PUT ITEMS IN THE CAR?

We do not authorize personal belongings in the vehicle. Please understand that the items that you put in your vehicle will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. Please do not put items such as medicine, presents, or any other item that is needed by a specific time. If the truck is delayed, the items will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. No more than 100 pounds of soft goods such as pillows or blankets. Not only are auto shipping and car transport companies not insured for household goods, it is against the law for them to transport anything except your vehicle. The auto shipping and car transport truck is subject to inspection by the DOT and the Police at every state line and can be fined up to $10,000 if found to be carrying household goods. The car is subject to being impounded and all fines and expenses will be passed along to the owner of the car. Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband.
 

WILL MY VEHICLE BE DRIVEN?

The auto shipping driver will drive your car on and off the car transport, and may have to unload and re-load your car occasionally during transport to optimize space on the trailer. This unloading / reloading is kept to a minimum. Your car should not be driven otherwise, and odometer readings should be noted at pickup and delivery. Discrepancies should be noted on the delivery receipt and signed off by the driver.
 

WILL MY VEHICLE STAY ON ONE TRUCK?

Your vehicle will stay on one truck with the same driver for the duration of the trip unless something unforeseen happens to the original truck or driver (i.e. - a mechanical break down or illness).
 

HOW DO I PREPARE MY VEHICLE?

Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items such as ground effects, spoilers, fog lights, or wide mirrors, and lower or remove the antenna if possible. Repair or seal any tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent fast-moving air from causing further damage. Make sure the radiator has adequate levels of fresh antifreeze. Be sure that the battery is secure, has no leaks, and that the fluid levels are low enough to accommodate expansion. Leave only about ¼ tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank of gasoline adds a lot of costly weight to the transport. Deactivate or disconnect anti-theft devices. There can be serious problems and unnecessary expenses if the driver is locked out or if the alarm goes off during the auto shipping process or the car transport. And finally, make sure that your vehicle is clean enough to ensure an accurate pickup inspection.
 

HOW DO I CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY ORDER?

Call our dispatcher at the toll free number we provide to you once your order is processed. We will track your order and give you an update as soon as possible.
 

WHY SHOULD I USE A BROKER?

A common questions is, "Can't I arrange transport directly with an auto shipping or car transport trucking company?" There is usually no difference between the rates quoted by a Broker and those of a carrier. Most carriers travel very specific routes and may not be able to accommodate your pickup point, destination, or schedule. Many people aren't aware that if the carrier they choose is unable to service their requirements, that carrier may broker the transportation to a different transport company anyway. As a Bonded Broker, we deal with a large network of auto shipping and car transport companies who service many different routes. We deal only with reputable carriers who are properly licensed and insured, and we act as the liaison between the carrier and you, the customer. We have a well established base of over 2,500 trucks providing quality service to assure you a worry free move.