Before You Ship a Car or Vehicle
Car Shipping Guidelines for Safe Vehicle Transport
  1. Your vehicle must be operable. If it is not, additional fees or methods may apply.
  2. You must advise us of any modifications made to your vehicle such as 4x4 lift kit, camper shell, vehicle lowered, etc.
  3. Your vehicle must have a minimum of 4” ground clearance to safely load and unload your vehicle.
  4. We must have a working phone number where you may be reached throughout the duration of your vehicle relocation.
  5. Transit times will vary depending on the time of year and the origination and destination of your particular move. Your estimated
    transit time will be indicated on your quote and order confirmation documents.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment
  1. The vehicle must have no obvious fluid leaks.
  2. Your battery must be secure in the mounting bracket.
  3. The vehicle must be clean for inspection. A dirty vehicle decreases the ability to perform a quality inspection.
  4. The gas tank must have a minimum of (1/8) tank of fuel, but no more than (1/4) tank of fuel.
  5. All alarm systems must be disconnected, disabled, or turned off.
  6. Radios, cassette decks or CD players not built in, car phones, garage door openers, and E-Z pass must be removed.
  7. All antennas must be fully retracted or removed.
  8. All personal belongings must be removed. (except standard vehicle items such as the jack and spare tire)
  9. All exterior spare tire covers, grill covers, or car covers must be removed.
  10. Plants and hazardous materials are forbidden by law to be transported.
  11. One set of ALL keys for the vehicle must be provided.
  12. Non-permanent luggage racks, bike racks, or ski racks must be removed.
  13. Your vehicle must be prepared for the new climate. This may include engine coolant, transmission oil, and other fluids.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements
  1. You or your designated representative must be present for the inspection at the time of pick-up and delivery.
  2. You or your designated representative must sign the bill of lading and condition report at both origin and destination.
  3. You or your designated representatives are responsible for confirming your vehicle’s condition. This must be done before the
    driver leaves the destination.
  4. Damage will be noted by our representative on the bill of lading at origin. In the unlikely event there is additional damage on
    delivery, it will be noted by our representative on the bill of lading.

Auto Questions:
Q. How long in advance do I need to book my auto transport?
A. It's highly recommended that you book your transport at least 5-10days in advance.

Q. How long will it take for my car to be shipped?
A. There are many factors involved during transport, including distance being shipped, weather and traffic. If your car is going from coast
to coast, average transport time is 10-15 days.

Q. Will my vehicle be insured during transport?
A. Yes. Legally all auto carriers must carry insurance. The industry minimum is $100,000.

Q. Must all  car carriers be licensed?
A. Yes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must issue all auto carriers an MC# and/or US DOT#, in order to have proper
operating authority.

Q. Can I store anything in the car?
A. It is illegal to store items anywhere in the car. Auto transporters are not licensed to carry household goods. In addition any items stored
within the car or vehicle are not covered under the carriers insurance as well.

Q. What if my vehicle is inoperable, can it still be transported?
A. Yes. However, additional fees will apply as extra equipment and labor are needed when transporting your vehicle.

Motorcycle or ATV questions :

Q. Do I have to drain the bike's gas tank before shipping or transport?
A. Most companies will require you have only half a tank or less before shipping your motorcycle.

Q. How will my motorcycle be transported?
A. Your motorcycle will be transported on a truck that could be open or enclosed. In most instances motorcycle transporters will use
enclosed transporters. For specialty bikes or collector cycles, enclosed transport is always recommend.

Q. How long will it take for my motorcycle to be shipped?
A. There are many factors involved during transport, including distance being shipped, weather and traffic. If your motorcycle is going
from coast to coast, average transport time is 10-15 days.

Q. Can I pack items in my motorcycle during shipping?
A. It is strongly recommended that you do not store any personal items in or on your motorcycle. Transporters are not responsible for any
lost, stolen or damaged items that are not part of your motorcycle during the shipping process. Plus insurance does not cover any
personal items during transport.

Q. Will my motorcycle be insured during transport?
A. Yes. Legally all auto carriers must carry insurance. The industry minimum is $100,000.
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