Transporting Vehicles

Before selecting a shipping company for transporting vehicles, I recommend you contact the Better Business Bureau in the city in which the car transport or auto driveaway company is listed to inquire about the company's service history.  Also, many car transport and auto driveaway companies are referred by van line companies.  Ask for several references, if possible.

From the list of transport companies that you have compiled obtain quotes from several of these car transport and auto driveaway companies and be prepared to provide:

• Origination/destination
• Approximate departure date
• Type of vehicle(s)
• Type of car transport service desired (e.g., door-to-door car transport vs. terminal-to-terminal)
• Special car transport services (e.g., enclosed car transport)

Do not rely on any verbal promises from your car transport company.  After you sign your contract, your car transport company will always refer you to the contract for any complaints you may have, including cost to cancel your shipment.  The main thing to look for is a clause that says there is no guaranteed pickup or delivery date.  Even though most cars are delivered by car transport companies within the expected timeframe, most will not guarantee a delivery date.

When transporting vehicles realize pick-up and delivery dates are estimates, typically not guarantees of pick-up or delivery dates.  Unforeseen problems from mechanical break downs, traffic, and weather all contribute to delays.  Ironically, the biggest delays for vehicle shipping companies are typically caused by their own customers. Customers fail to show up on time, try to change pick-up or drop off locations at the last minute etc.  Patience is required, and most companies want to get your vehicle to you as soon as you do.  Make sure you have realistic expectations about when your vehicle will be picked up and delivered.