Question 1

How Far in Advance Should I Book My Transport Company?

Accepted Answer

In general, the earlier you can schedule pick-up or delivery for your car shipment, the better. The more advanced notice you can give car transport companies, the more likely it is that the auto transporter will be able to match each step of the progress to your exact needs.

However, it is also usually possible to arrange car shipping on short notice, as well. If you’re in or near a big city, we can often arrange pick-up on the same day, often without any extra car shipping costs to you. Otherwise, we’re usually able to arrange your car delivery service within two to three days.

Question 2

Will A-1 Ship My Car from a Dealer?

Accepted Answer

Sure! Any time you buy an automobile, whether it’s from a private seller or a dealership that isn’t local, you have to figure out how to get your car home. It’s time-consuming to travel to pick up your car yourself and drive it home, and it often adds unnecessary mileage to your automobile.

Dealerships can set up the automobile shipping service for you, but that tends to add extra fees to your purchase price. Instead, you can work with A-1 directly, and we’ll provide you with affordable, reliable options to get your automobile.

Our shipping services are especially useful for online buyers, since traditional shipping through these platforms can be expensive.

Question 3

How Long Will It Take to Ship My Automobile?

Accepted Answer

While we try to make auto shipping as efficient as possible, there’s no set formula to determine how long it will take your automobile to arrive at your final destination, especially for long-distance or state-to-state transfers.

In this industry, federal regulations limit car transporter truck drivers to only 500 miles per day, including any stops they make to drop cars at homes or terminals. Additionally, drivers can only work six days each week. Every two weeks, they are required to take a longer break.

We arrange our routes to maximize efficiency, but truck driver unexpected circumstances, like severe weather and mechanical problems to car transporters, can arise.

However, we will provide you an estimated date of delivery and keep you informed of any changes to those dates as the information becomes available.

Question 4

How Much Should I Expect to Spend?

Accepted Answer

It depends. There are several factors that go into how much it will cost to ship. Here are some of the factors you should consider all which affect car transport costs:

Shipping Distance

The general rule is the further you’re sending a car, the more the trip will cost. There are some exceptions, but longer hauls usually come with bigger price tags - even from the best moving companies.

Make and Model

When an auto transport company puts together your quote, they’ll ask you for your make and model mainly for one reason: To know how large your vehicle is. Bigger cars take up more room from the auto transporters and tend to weigh more, which may increase your car transport quote. Small vehicles take up less space in the carrier, making them easier to ship and thus - lowers the transport cost.

Type of Service

The best company offers various types of car transport services, including open-air shipping and both soft- and hard-sided hauler service. While enclosed transportation offers more protection, it also comes with higher costs.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Options

Most times, automobile moving companies offer terminal-to-terminal automobile transport. This means that you drop off your car at the nearest company terminal, then pick your car up at another terminal near your final destination. This service is not as popular today, as it used to be although it is still used frequently.

Most times in the auto transport industry, you can also get door-to-door service, as well. However, this service usually costs about $50 more on each end. Having a car arrived via door to door might increase your transport quote, but the extra convenience makes it well worth the price for most.

In order to know how much it will cost to ship, you can get free auto transport quotes on A-1 Auto Transport’s website during our normal business hours (which means 24/7).

The season that you are moving

Car transporters operate in what is considered a very seasonal industry, and the current season will affect your automobile moving rates. Some major, more popular routes require more cars that need to be shipped.

During the spring and summer, typically the cost to ship a car will increase - especially when the shipment is a shorter distance or if the route is in high demand. Like general economics, the increase in demand drives up the price which carriers will charge.

During the winter, if you are transporting to a warmer southern state then you can expect auto transport quotes to be higher due to the snowbird season when many cars are heading south. Once again, the higher demand typically equals increased shipping costs.

Hurricanes, floods, or bad weather can also incur extra charges as well as delays on when your vehicle arrives at its destination.

Question 5

How Do I Decide Whether I Need Open-Air or Enclosed Shipping?

Accepted Answer

For many drivers, the most important factor in deciding between open or enclosed is price. If you’re looking to maximize value, then open transportation is the right answer. If you want more protection for your vehicle, then you’ll want enclosed shipping.

Open-Air Shipping

Open-air shipping saves you money, but leaves your unit exposed to the elements, like wind, rain, and potentially hail, as well as road debris and dust.

Soft-Sided Enclosed

In this method, the transport carrier is covered by a vinyl or canvas material, offering your vehicle limited protection.

Hard-Sided Enclosed

Hard-sided enclosed offers the highest level of protection in vehicle transportation. Your automobile will be completely enclosed in a hard-sided box, preventing weather and debris from reaching your automobile. Even better? No one can see your automobile—an added benefit if you’re moving vintage, classic, or exotic cars.

Question 6

What Can I Leave in My Vehicle While It is Being Shipped?

Accepted Answer

The short answer? Nothing. The Department of Transportation (DOT) prohibits auto transport companies from moving cars that contain personal belongings, and if these items are discovered during an inspection, the carrier can be assessed a $10,000 fine.

There are other reasons, too. These extra items are not covered under the carrier’s insurance policy, creating a liability question. Car transportation trucks can only carry so much weight. Added household items can end up overloading the carrier, which can lead to fines and delays.

Question 7

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare?

Accepted Answer

The first step to prepare your car for shipment is to remove any personal items. This not only ensures you’re complying with federal law, but it also limits the chance that any items will become lost during transportation.

Next, you need to make sure you have ¼ of a tank of gas or less. Any extra fuel can pose a greater than necessary fire risk and adds additional weight that can affect the overall weight of the car carrier. You should also be sure you don’t have any fluid leaks, which could pose a hazard to other vehicles.

Finally, you should remove any external parts from your car that could potentially fly off, including non-retractable antennas, bike racks, and bed liners that are not bolted to your vehicle.

Question 8

Will Your Insurance Cover My Automobile?

Accepted Answer

All vehicle transportation companies are required to carry insurance to cover the cars they ship. Our cargo insurance policy will cover your vehicle in the event of damage, up to the cost of full replacement during the entire time it’s in our possession.

Question 9

What Kind of Paperwork Will I Need?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to paperwork, you will always receive a copy of your bill of lading and the terms and conditions for your insurance coverage. Other documents may be required.

Your bill of lading is essentially a contract that acknowledges the condition of your vehicle at pick-up. It describes in writing where your car will be delivered to. The insurance terms spell out what level of coverage A-1 Auto Transport has and lays out the terms of that coverage.

Other documents that may be required include authorizations for lienholders or absent owners. Some states require documents like title and registration, photo IDs, and proof of personal insurance, as well.

Question 10

Who Will Be Transporting My Shipment?

Accepted Answer

A-1 Auto Transport started with a single tow truck in 1988. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest auto shipping companies in the U.S., handling local, interstate, and international vehicle shipping. With our many years of experience, we know how to get your car delivered safely and efficiently—and affordably.

We ensure that all members of our team embrace our mission: To get the job done right without ever cutting corners. Our core values are authority, expertise, and transparency. Our drivers embody all three of these traits.

Question 11

Where Will My Shipment Be Picked Up/Dropped Off?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your car will be picked up and dropped off at our terminals, which we maintain in almost every major city in the United States.

You simply arrive at our terminal, sign your bill of lading, and then rest easy knowing your car is in expert hands. Pick-up is just as easy: Bring your bill of lading and an ID, and you can get your car and quickly be on your way.

However, you can also arrange door-to-door service for an extra fee. One of our car carriers will arrive at your home, have you sign your bill of lading, then load your car onto the carrier. When the truck arrives at your new destination, your transport professional will unload the car with no fuss.

However, you should be aware that some areas are too tight for our carriers, and arrangements might need to be made to meet somewhere nearby so that the carrier is able to maneuver.

Question 12

How Will I Know When My Automobile is Being Delivered?

Accepted Answer

You should hear from one of our team members 12 to 24 hours before your car is ready to be delivered in order to set up a convenient delivery time that works for you.

While we can’t give you an exact time when your car will be ready to be delivered due to traffic, weather, and other variables, we can certainly give you a window. If a conflict comes up, we’ll contact you to update your pick-up window.

Question 13

Do I Need to Be There For Pick Up or Delivery?

Accepted Answer

Either you or a designated representative will need to be there in order to pick up or drop off your vehicle. Because you will need to sign a bill of lading once your automobile is loaded or unloaded, a responsible party needs to be there to complete the transaction.

If you aren’t able to be present yourself, you will need to contact us beforehand to let us know who you are designating to act on your behalf. That way, both you and the carrier will be protected.

Be aware, though, that if you need to change where the vehicle is being picked up or delivered after the initial order, you may be assessed additional fees.

Question 14

What Kind of Tracking Services Do You Offer?

Accepted Answer

With A-1 Auto Transport, satellite tracking is included in every quote. We know that delivering your vehicle can be stressful, even if it’s a relatively short distance. That’s why we make it as easy as possible for you to keep track of where your car is.

With satellite tracking, you can keep tabs on the progress of your vehicle as it makes its way to its final destination. While the tracking may experience disruptions due to low signal or other issues, you can rely on it to give you a general sense of where your car is along its journey.

Question 15

How Long is My Quote Good For?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, your quote is good until the end of the business day. Car shipping rates can be extremely variable, due to demand, fuel prices, and other factors beyond our control. We will do our best to honor your quote on the day you receive it. However, A-1 Auto Transport reserves the right to make adjustments to your quote if we feel it is necessary.

Question 16

Is My Pick-Up or Delivery Date Guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

As much as we would like to, we can’t guarantee any pick-up or delivery date for your vehicle, although we will do whatever we can to accommodate your needs.

If you request a specific date, we will try our best to be there without charging you an extra fee. However, we may not be able to meet that exact date, based on volume, logistics, and variables we can’t control.

If we are not able to pick up or deliver your car on the specified date, we will make every effort to arrive within 2 or 3 days to minimize any inconvenience. We will ensure that your car takes the most efficient route possible, and we’ll provide you an estimated arrival time to allow you to make plans.

Question 17

What Are the Benefits of Transporting My Car Versus Driving It?

Accepted Answer

First and foremost, using car shipping companies to transport your vehicle is about convenience. There are many cases when you simply don’t have the time to drive your car as far as your final destination, such as when you start a new job on short notice.

Here are some other advantages to shipping your car:

Less physical stress from long hours of driving
Lower risk of getting into a car accident, especially on long trips
Put less mileage on your car

Shipping a car also allows you to avoid the logistics and complications of a long drive.

Question 18

My Car Still Hasn’t Arrived. Should I Be Worried?

Accepted Answer

No! If your expected delivery date has come and gone and your car still hasn’t been delivered, contact our customer service department and we’ll look into the situation. Any number of factors could have led to a delay, from mechanical problems with our car carrier to weather-related issues, including snow, hail, high winds, and flooding.

Any time our carrier experiences a delay, we will do our best to let you know so we can set up an updated delivery window. Our goal is to make transporting your vehicle as easy and stress-free as possible.

Question 19

Will My Exotic/Luxury Car Be Safe?

Accepted Answer

We pride ourselves on ensuring that vehicles make it from their origin to their destination in the best shape possible. However, with more expensive cars, there are some steps that we can take to keep your car in pristine condition.

First, you should consider a hard-sided enclosed carrier. This provides your car the highest levels of protection against the debris and weather that could cause damage to your vehicle.

These carriers also prevent curious parties from seeing your vehicle, helping to keep your car safe. We will also cover the inside and outside of your car, even when inside an enclosed carrier, to offer you maximum protection.

Secondly, we can adjust how your car is loaded onto the carrier. Our carriers have hydraulic lift gates for easy loading and unloading, and we can put your car at the front of the carrier to minimize the number of times it is loaded and unloaded before reaching its final destination.

While your car is covered under our insurance policy, it might be a good idea to secure additional insurance on your high-end vehicle if it is especially valuable. For instance, many classic cars are worth a great deal of money, but replacement costs are difficult to gauge from an insurance company perspective, and you may want the additional protection just in case.

Question 20

How Do I Pay?

Accepted Answer

We are happy to accept numerous forms of payment—we pride ourselves on being flexible. If you’re not sure about your payment method, give us a call with any questions you might have.

Question 21

Will You Pick Up Cars that Don’t Run?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although these cars require specialized equipment and usually require additional fees, usually around $50-100. Even if your car’s engine starts, your car will be considered non-running if it can’t be driven effectively. Examples would be a car with bad brakes, steering problems, or other issues.

There are several reasons why you might want to transport a car that doesn’t run. Most of the time, these cars have either financial or sentimental value, and owners want to transport them so they can repair them to running condition.

Whatever the reason, be sure to let us know your car is non-running when you make your arrangements to ensure we send the right equipment and provide you with an accurate quote.

Question 22

Do You Ship Cars Internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! We’ve been shipping cars internationally for more than 20 years, so we know the process. Every country has its own process for importing cars to the country, and our team of professionals will make sure you get through the process with as little stress as possible.

Question 23

Should I Expect Any Extra Charges Once My Car is Delivered?

Accepted Answer

At A-1 Auto Transport, you won’t find any surprise charges tacked on to your bill once your car arrives. We believe in only charging you for the services that you want, and we won’t try to upsell you on extra packages and protections. You know what you need for your vehicle, and we’re here to make sure you get the services you want.

Question 24

Who is Vehicle Shipping Intended For?

Accepted Answer

Everyone! Shipping your car is safe, convenient, and affordable. It is available to anyone who’s interested.

Here are some of the common reasons that people choose to hire car shipping companies:

Relocation for a new job
Bought a car online from a distant seller or at a car auction
Moving due to military orders
A single person trying to move multiple cars to a new home
Avoiding a long, tiring trip
Transporting classic cars
Starting college
Going on vacation

If you’re not sure whether shipping your vehicle is right for your situation, contact one of our experts. We will help you to decide if auto transportation services will work well for you.

Question 25

What are the different types of auto shipping?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of auto shipping, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:

Open auto shipping: This is the most common type of auto shipping. The car is transported on an open trailer, which is exposed to the elements. This is the least expensive option, but it is not the best option for cars that are valuable or sensitive to the elements.
Enclosed auto shipping: The car is transported in an enclosed trailer, which protects it from the elements. This is the most expensive option, but it is the best option for cars that are valuable or sensitive to the elements.
Hotshot shipping: This is a type of open auto shipping where the car is transported on a truck with a single trailer. This is the fastest option, but it is also the most expensive.
Train shipping: This is a less common type of auto shipping. Cars are transported on train cars. This is a cost-effective option for long-distance shipping.
Flatbed auto shipping: The car is transported on a flatbed trailer. This is typically used for larger or heavier vehicles.
Door-to-door auto shipping: The car is picked up from your home or business and delivered to your new home or business. This is the most convenient option, but it is also the most expensive.
Terminal-to-terminal auto shipping: The car is picked up from a shipping terminal and delivered to another shipping terminal. This is the least expensive option, but it is not the best option if you need your car delivered to a specific location.

The best type of auto shipping for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you are shipping a valuable or sensitive car, you will want to choose enclosed auto shipping. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to choose open auto shipping. If you need your car delivered to a specific location, you will want to choose door-to-door auto shipping.

Question 26

What are the factors that affect the cost of auto shipping?

Accepted Answer

Sure, here are some of the factors that affect the cost of auto shipping:

The distance the car is being shipped: The longer the distance, the more it will cost to ship the car.
The type of auto shipping: Open auto shipping is the least expensive option, while enclosed auto shipping is the most expensive option.
The size and weight of the car: The larger and heavier the car, the more it will cost to ship.
The time of year: The demand for auto shipping is higher during peak seasons, such as summer and winter, so the prices will be higher during these times.
The demand for auto shipping: The demand for auto shipping is higher in some areas than others, so the prices will be higher in those areas.
The availability of auto shipping companies: If there are fewer auto shipping companies available in your area, the prices will be higher.
The type of insurance: The type of insurance you choose will affect the cost of auto shipping.

Question 27

How do I choose an auto shipping company?

Accepted Answer

Choosing an auto shipping company can be a daunting task, but it's important to do your research to ensure that you get the best possible service. Here are some tips on how to choose an auto shipping company:

Get quotes from several companies: This is the best way to compare prices and services.
Read reviews from past customers: This is a great way to get an idea of the company's reputation and customer service.
Make sure the company is licensed and insured: This will protect you in case your car is damaged during shipping.
Ask about the company's security procedures: This will help to ensure that your car is safe during transport.
Get a written estimate: This will help to avoid any surprises down the road.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing an auto shipping company:

The type of auto shipping you need: Do you need open or enclosed auto shipping? Do you need door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal shipping?
The distance your car is being shipped: The longer the distance, the more it will cost to ship your car.
The size and weight of your car: The larger and heavier your car, the more it will cost to ship.
Your budget: How much are you willing to spend on auto shipping?

Once you've considered all of these factors, you'll be able to choose an auto shipping company that meets your needs and budget.

Question 28

What should I do if my car is damaged during shipping?

Accepted Answer

If your car is damaged during shipping, you should contact the auto shipping company immediately. The company will be responsible for the cost of repairs. Here are the steps you should take:

Inspect your car: As soon as you receive your car, inspect it thoroughly for any damage. Take pictures of any damage you find.
Contact the auto shipping company: Contact the auto shipping company and notify them of the damage. They will send a representative to inspect the damage.
File a claim: The auto shipping company will file a claim with their insurance company. The insurance company will investigate the claim and determine if the company is liable for the damage.
Get your car repaired: If the insurance company finds the company liable, they will pay for the repairs to your car.

Question 29

Does it cost extra for a car shipper to transport an inoperable vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it typically costs extra for a car shipper to transport an inoperable vehicle. This is because inoperable vehicles require more time and effort to load and unload, and they may also require special equipment.

Here are some of the reasons why it costs extra to ship an inoperable vehicle:

Special equipment: Inoperable vehicles may require special equipment to load and unload, such as a forklift or a winch. This equipment can be expensive to rent or purchase.
More time: It takes more time to load and unload an inoperable vehicle than a running vehicle. This is because the shipper has to be more careful not to damage the vehicle.
Increased risk: There is an increased risk of damage to an inoperable vehicle during shipping. This is because the vehicle is not running and cannot be driven off the truck if it starts to shift.

The amount of extra cost for shipping an inoperable vehicle will vary depending on the specific circumstances. However, it is important to factor this cost into your budget if you are considering shipping an inoperable vehicle.

Question 30

How much does online car shipping cost from car pickup to car delivery?

Accepted Answer

The average cost of shipping a car is around $1,200. However, the cost can range from $500 to $2,500 or more, depending on the Distance, Type of auto shipping, Size and weight of the car, Time of year and Demand for auto shipping.

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