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Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport:
Leave only about ¼ tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank of gasoline adds weight to the transport. Deactivate or disconnect anti-theft devices to avoid problems and/or additional expenses if the alarm were to go off during shipping. Remove any electronic toll collection units from your vehicle to avoid getting charged for unnecessary tolls. Remove all personal items from your vehicle. Repair any chips and/or cracks in your windows. Make sure your vehicle is prepared for changing weather conditions. And finally, make sure that your vehicle is clean enough to ensure an accurate pickup inspection.
Do I have to be there when my vehicle is picked up and delivered?
Yes, you or a person you designate to act on your behalf must be present at both pickup and delivery. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Inspect your car thoroughly before signing the Bill of Lading. This is a big mistake people make when they ship a vehicle. You have no recourse afterward to say something was damaged during transport if you sign the Bill of Lading and the damage is not indicated on the Bill of Lading. It is very important that any damage you notice upon arrival of your vehicle is clearly noted on both your copy and the driver’s copy. It is also smart to take photos of any damage and to ask the driver to sign the Bill of Lading. Lastly, make sure that odometer readings are noted on the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery.
Will my vehicle be driven?
The transport 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. Any discrepancies should be noted on the delivery receipt and signed off by the driver.
What if my vehicle is inoperable?
It is very important that we know in advance if your vehicle does not operate. Inoperable vehicles must brake, steer and roll (NO FLAT TIRES), but can be shipped. Additional fees apply when transporting inoperable vehicles since specialized equipment is required to load and unload the vehicle. This equipment is not standard on every transport carrier. Inoperable vehicles are also typically loaded in a position on the carrier where they will not need to be moved during transport. This can require additional loading and unloading time. Please note that vehicles that do not start reliably 100% of the time are considered inoperable. Vehicles must be accessible to the carrier for easy loading or a additional charge may apply.
Can I transport any personal items in my vehicle?
This practice is strongly discouraged. Auto transport companies must abide by Federal laws and aren’t licensed to transport household goods. Additional items may shift during transit, damaging your vehicle’s interior. Additional contents may also block the driver’s view when loading or unloading your vehicle. Any personal items left in your vehicle are solely your responsibility. Damage or loss of any kind for any reason is solely on you. Personal items are not covered by the auto shipper’s insurance policy. If your vehicle is being transported by ship, restrictions on personal items are much stronger and no items may be left in the vehicle, not even in the trunk. Again, we strongly discourage the practice of putting personal items the trunk or inside the vehicle, this would be at your own risk and you may subject to additional carrier fees.
What happens if my vehicle arrives damaged?
While our transporters strive to do the best job possible and most transports are hassle free, unfortunately accidents do occasionally happen and sometimes damage does occur. If you believe that damage occurred during the shipping of your vehicle, work through the system properly to ensure that your claim will be processed promptly. The initial pickup inspection report, also called the Bill of Lading, will be compared to the delivery inspection report to verify the condition of your automobile before and after transit. Both your signature and that of your transport driver represent the acknowledgment of the actual condition. If you notice any damage at the time of delivery, make sure to document this on your Bill of Lading. It is very important that any damage you notice is clearly noted on both your copy and the driver’s copy. It is in your best interest to take photos of your vehicle both before it is transported and immediately after and make sure to ask the driver to sign the Bill of Lading.
How long does it take?
Transit time depends on where your vehicle is shipping from and to. All pickup times, transport times, and dates quoted are simply averages. Each load is different depending on the individual transport truck’s schedule, traffic conditions, and other conditions that effect travel times such as road construction and weather. Please note that even if you book your transport well in advance, since carrier schedules and availability are constantly changing, vehicles are typically not assigned to a specific carrier until within approximately one week of the desired move date. If you have any questions about your vehicle’s specific pickup or delivery date and times, NEAT Customer Service can assist you.
