AUTO TRANSPORT ARTICLES
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Choosing Relocation Services
Shipping a Car Yourself
Ship Your Car By Train
eBay Motors Buying Guide
Amtrak's Auto Train
Shipping Cars
Auto Shipping
Vehicle Shipping - Some Bare Facts
Vehicle Transport in the US
Car Transport Services - Hassle Free Transport
Car Transport - Making it Easy
Auto Transport
Basic Tips on Auto Moving
Auto Relocating Options
Auto Transporters
Auto Shipping - The Convenient Means
Car Moving - How to Get the Option Right
Relocating Your Car In The US
Car Shipping - Some Useful Tips
Vehicle Moving - How To Go About It
Vehicle Relocation - Some Guidelines
Car Moving In the US - Suitable Options
Moving Your Car - Step by Step
Buying Cars Online
Buying Used Sports Cars Online
Finance Your Used Car Purchase
Buying Used Luxury Cars Online
Tips For Buying Used Cars Online
Neogotiating A Used Car Purchase
Buying Cheap Cars Online
Buying Cars on eBay Motors
Shipping Classic Cars
Shipping Motorcycles
Shipping in Enclosed Transport
Shipping By Train
Car Relocation - Weight of the Vehicle
Take Care of External Fittings, Alarms And Keys
Auto Relocation By Train - Insurance
Moving Your Household Goods
Auto Relocation And The Right Service
Benefits Of A Home Moving Service
Selecting a Relocation Provider
Relocating - How To Go About It
How To Get the Best Relocation Quote
Types of Moving Services
How To Choose A Relocation Service
Professional Home Relocation Services
Pros and Cons of Professional Movers
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1. PRICE. The first question you'll want answered is
"what is the total cost?". Obtain quotes from several car transport and auto driveaway
companies and be prepared
to provide:
3. CONTRACT. READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY!!! IMPORTANT NOTE!!! 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. You can ask for the following things to protect yourself against verbal promises that you would have otherwise relied upon (also see #5 below):
5. PICK-UP AND DELIVERY DATES. Ask for estimated pick-up and delivery times from your car transport or auto driveaway company. You should be able to get a 3-day window for pick-up during the busy summer or snow bird season the window may be larger, but the car transport or auto driveaway company should warn you of possible delays ahead of time. BE SKEPTICAL OF EXACT PICK-UP AND DELIVERY DATES PROMISED BY CAR TRANSPORT AND AUTO DRIVEAWAY COMPANIES IF YOU ARE PROMISED EXACT DATES, GET IT IN WRITING AND STATE THE REMEDY IF SERVICE IS NOT PERFORMED ON PROMISED DATES ($50 discount, no fee to cancel, reimbursement for rental car, etc.) . Once pick-up is made, your car transport or auto driveaway company should provide you with a fairly precise delivery date. If you need an exact date for pick-up, most car transport and auto driveaway services can pick-up your car and hold it at a terminal for an additional charge. 6. REFERENCES. While we do our best to exclude poor-quality car transport and auto driveaway companies, we unfortunately cannot guarantee quality of performance of those companies listed. BEFORE SELECTING A COMPANY, we recommend that 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. 7. SAYING GOODBYE TO YOUR CAR. Prior to leaving your car with a driver or car transport company, be sure you receive an "Original Inspection Report." This report provides pick-up and delivery information, current mileage, and MOST IMPORTANTLY shows the condition of your car at time of pick-up pre-existing scratches and dents, cracked glass/mirrors, general paint condition, etc. Keep this report and use it when you receive your vehicle. 8. ACCEPTING YOUR VEHICLE FOR DELIVERY. At the time of delivery, inspect your vehicle SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY and compare the condition and mileage against the "Original Inspection Report" provided by your car transport company at origination (ALSO INSPECT THE ROOF AND UNDER FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS). If there are inconsistencies, note them as exceptions and be sure the driver signs it. NEVER ACCEPT YOUR VEHICLE AT NIGHT IF YOU CANNOT VERIFY ITS CONDITION without being viewed and signed by the driver, you have little recourse if damage had occurred during transit. 9. IF DAMAGE SHOULD OCCUR. The majority of car transport experiences are worry-free, with your damage-free vehicle arriving at the estimated time. On occassion, a vehicle may become damaged in transit. If this should happen, note all damage on your inspection report (see item above), obtain the driver's signature, and contact your car transport company. The car transport company should then work with you to reimburse you for verifiable damage done to your car. 10. DISPUTES. If you believe that a car transport or auto driveaway company has not treated you fairly, first try to work it out with the company. Car transport and auto driveaway companies are more likely to cooperate with you if they believe you are trying to work fairly with them. Be reasonable, but firm. If all else fails, you may consider filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in the city in which the car transport or auto driveaway company is listed. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation http://www.dot.gov regulates car transport companies however they will usually not get involved until after you have a court judgement against a car transport company (in small claims court, for example). |