Re: Shipping a car / vehicle notes from my experience

Posted by Charles On 2014/5/12 19:46:16

Brokers: This was the option I choose and can write the most information about. Brokers act like a middleman. Similar to a travel agent booking your travel itinerary. They will gather your information such as the type of car, where it is located and where it is being shipped to.

Is the car operable? Be honest! If the car does not run, the hauler may not have the equipment to load it. If the car is operable, but becomes inoperable (battery dies, car no longer starts) you may be charged an extra fee.

The broker will take your information and then quote you a price. The price consists of a "deposit", which is usually non-refundable. This is actually the brokers fee. The second part of the price is what the carrier earns. The deposit is paid in advance and the balance is given to the driver upon delivery of the vehicle.

It is important to make sure the quote is all inclusive and that there are no additional fees that can be tacked on later. If you agree to use the broker, you are usually "locked in" with their service. You cannot try to get better quotes after you have signed the contract. If you try to cancel after a carrier has been dispatched you will lose your deposit. Read the contract documents VERY CAREFULLY and know what you are agreeing to.

The broker enters the pick up and delivery information into a database that carriers have access to. The broker uses this database to find a carrier willing to deliver the car for the price the broker quoted (less their fee). Many brokers advertise that they will only select carriers that have the proper license and insurance. This is for your protection.

When a carrier is found you will be notified that they have been dispatched and an approximate date for pick up. As the pick up time gets closer, the driver will contact you and tell you when he should arrive. You must be available (or someone you authorize) to meet the driver and give them the keys. An inspection is made of the vehicle before loading and any damage is reported on the bill of lading. The driver and you (or authorized person) sign the bill of lading indicating you agree on the cars condition. Once the car is picked up, the broker's job is done. The rest of the transaction, including insurance claims for damage, is done with the carrier.

The carrier will give you an approximate delivery date and again, will call when close to the destination as to when he will arrive. After unloading, you will inspect the vehicle to make sure there was no damage during transit. IF there is damage, it must be noted on the bill of lading. You will have to contact the carrier's insurance and make a claim. If you wait or do not note the damage on the bill of lading you will probably be out of luck and not have a claim. The driver is paid the balance of the money, usually by cash, money order or cashier's check. Most drivers to not take credit cards so be prepared ahead of time.

Most deliveries are "door to door" meaning the vehicle will be picked up at one location, stay on the trailer throughout the trip and be delivered as close to the address as possible. If you opt for an open carrier, be aware they may send a semi-truck with a giant trailer. The driver must be allowed to travel on all the roads to pick up and deliver the vehicle. If there are rules against semis on the route, an alternate location will need to be found, usually close to the expressway. Keep this in mind and make preparations in case this happens.

Some carriers are not "door to door". They may use terminals to transfer the car from one truck to another. This option can be cheaper, but leaves the vehicle exposed to more potential damage from loading and unloading as well as getting lost in the process.