TruckerCenter.com is not
associated with any particular Transportation company, and
while we do our best to exclude poor quality
transportation carriers from our listing, we cannot guarantee
their performance. Before selecting a transportation company we recommend
that you follow these steps:
Normal transit time is usually 1 to
2 weeks and may vary upon actual route, assuming that you
have found a transportation carrier at least 2 weeks
prior to the shipping date. Ask for estimated pick-up and
delivery dates, you should be able to get a three day window for pick-up,
and the carrier should warn you if
delays are expected. Transportation companies do not usually give exact pick-up
or delivery dates, If you need an exact date
for pick-up, most carriers will pick-up your vehicle within 24hr and hold it at the
local terminal for an additional fee (or you can drop the car at
the terminal yourself if you can't wait). Once pick-up is made, the
carrier should provide you with a more accurate delivery
date.
Towing to/from a
Terminal:
Your
Vehicle/Boat might be towed to a local terminal, this may depend on your
pick-up/delivery locations and schedule. Transportation haulers are about 80 feet long and almost 14 feet
high, and therefore restricted to main roads that do not have any
low clearance. If your pickup and/or delivery location does not permit safe
access for the carrier, or if you need a pickup on
a specific date, a local towing company will be
used to pick-up or deliver your vehicle to or from a local
terminal.
Pickup and Delivery
Inspection:
During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a
detailed exterior inspection of the car on an Inspection Report (bill of lading), which you must sign
and acknowledge (keep a copy of this inspection!) This report will be presented upon delivery, so that you
can inspect the vehicle/boat for any discrepancies. If damage occurred during the transit, please
be sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time
of delivery and have the driver sign it. Carefully inspect the car
exterior including the roof and under the front and rear bumper, and make sure
to check the mileage. Never accept your vehicle after dark if you can not thoroughly verify
its condition. No claims will be honored if the damage is not noted at the time of
delivery and acknowledged by the driver.
Placing things in
the trunk:
Transportation Carriers will
not allow
you to put things inside the car/boat or
the trunk. They are not permitted by law to transport
personal belongings, as they do not have
a household goods transportation license and may be fined by violating this
law. Moreover, your personal belongings will not be covered by insurance and the extra weight on
your vehicle may damage its undercarriage, in this case the carrier may not cover the damage to you
vehicle.
Payment
Terms:
Some Carriers may require a
deposit or a full payment in advance. Most carriers
accept cashiers checks, cash and most major
credit as a deposit. The balance is always required at time of
delivery and usually only a cashiers check or cash
are excepted. You cannot withhold or deduct monies from the amount due
on delivery to cover damages that occurred in transit. All
claims are handled separately once the auto transporter has received
the signed inspection report noting the damages. If you believe that
the Carrier has not treated you fairly and you have failed
to work it out with the company directly, you may
consider filing a complaint with the Better Business
Bureau
in the city which the carrier is listed
in.
