FAQ

Occasionally the delivery process can be held up for various reasons. Listed below are a few reasons for possible delay of delivery. Often a customer will need an immediate pick up, which does not allow time for a reservation on one of our transport trucks. A-1 will pick-up the vehicle on the day requested but we will need to hold the vehicle until we can find space for it on one of our transport trucks. Uncontrollable factors such as mechanical breakdowns, unfavorable weather conditions, and traffic situations can also cause delays. The Department of Transportation regulations can also affect the delivery time. For instance, auto transport drivers are only allowed to drive a total of 500 miles per day. We are aware of how important your vehicle is to you and we will provide you with a realistic timeframe for delivery.

Here at A-1 Auto Transport, we offer two choices of car transportation services delivery methods, allowing the customer to choose which system works best for their needs. The most common method is the door-to-door delivery which allows for your vehicle to be picked up from its current location and delivered directly to the location of your choosing. If you live in an area that is not safely accessible to our transport trucks, you may be required to meet the transport driver at a nearby location that can accommodate the truck. Our other method of delivery/pickup is to have your vehicle shipped to one of our conveniently located terminals in your area. This can be a good option for those looking to cut down on car shipping rates as well as the time of shipment.

The earlier you book your transport, the easier it will be for us to accommodate all of your needs, including shipment schedule. However, if an immediate pick up is necessary, we can typically arrange to have your vehicle picked up within two to three days. If the requested pick up location is in a major city, same day pick up is available in most cases at no extra cost. To ensure that your vehicle is moved within the time frame that you desire, we request that you set up your auto transport as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, your car and its trunk compartment must be free of all personal belongings. There are several reasons for this. The primary of those reasons is that the Department of Transportation does not allow for the transportation of “personal items” in a car that is being hauled by an “Auto Carrier”. The second reason is that any personal items are NOT covered by the carrier’s insurance. Lastly, all trucks have weight limitations that they must comply to. With the excess weight of a customer’s personal items placed within the car being transported, this can put the carriers transport truck over its weight limitation, and cause delays. So please, DO NOT have any personal items in your vehicle when it is picked up or dropped off for shipment, or you may be subject to an additional charge.

Yes, we do require that either yourself or another designated party be present upon pick-up of your vehicle. A contract known as the “bill of loading” will need to be signed by you once the vehicle has been loaded for shipment. If you are not able to be there, please call our office prior to the pick-up date to confirm an alternate party to be responsible for your vehicle. However, if there are any changes made to the pick-up or delivery address after you have placed the order, additional costs may apply.

Yes, we have convenient Transport Terminals located within most major U.S cities. This is a great option for anyone looking for immediate delivery of their vehicle.

Yes, by utilizing either the pick-up or delivery terminal you can save approximately $50 off the standard car shipping prices at each end. This request must be prearranged when placing your order.

To ensure a convenient pick-up or delivery time, you will be contacted by telephone within 12 to 24 hours in advance. This call will inform you of the general time which you can expect our transport driver to arrive. If any scheduling complications arise, you will be contacted to provide an updated time of pick-up/delivery.

Most urban areas are more than suitable for a vehicle delivery/pick-up. However, rural areas can often present hazardous road conditions that might require the transport driver to change the delivery location. Our transport trucks must avoid any roads that might have overhanging trees because the tree branches could damage the vehicles being transported. Also, our transport trucks are typically 80 ft. long, weigh 80,000 lbs., and are built low to the ground. This limits their ability to maneuver in tight spots. For the safety of your vehicle, our driver may choose a parking lot or interstate turnout that is as close as possible to your residence. This allows the driver to safely load or unload your vehicle. We leave this decision up to the discretion of our drivers since the driver is responsible for both the safety of the transport truck and the transported vehicles.

We ask that you have no more than a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle when we pick it up for transport. More fuel than this can provide an unnecessary safety hazard. Also, please remove any loose parts from your vehicle such as bed liners that are not bolted down, so that they will not blow off. All non-retractable phone, radio, and CB antennas MUST be removes so that they do not get damaged in transport. If you are shipping your vehicle to Alaska or Hawaii, you will be charged an additional de-gassing fee if your vehicle has more than a quarter tank of gas.

Yes, A-1’s cargo insurance policy covers your vehicle for full replacement value while in our possession.

Upon your request a specific pick-up date, A-1 will do all within our power to accommodate your needs, unlike other companies that typically charge a fee for this service. If the exact date that you request is unavailable, we will push to have your vehicle picked up within 2 to 3 days of that request. We can not guarantee a delivery date due to the fact that natural complications such as weather and damaged roadways can obstruct the process of your vehicles transport. However, your vehicle’s transport schedule will be placed into the most efficient routing system available by our highly trained dispatch department. When booking your move with A-1, you will be provided with an estimated transit time that your shipment will take, in order that you may plan ahead.

This quote is good through the next business day. However, A-1 Auto Transport, Inc. reserves the right to adjust any quoted price.