Terminal car shipping is not as commonly used today as it used to be in the past, but it can still remain a tempting option. After all, terminal car shipping services tend to be cheaper than more standard car shipping offerings, such as door-to-door delivery. But using terminal car shipping is not without its risks. Understanding what to be aware of before you proceed with it can help you to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Here are some of the main things that you should be aware of when it comes to terminal car shipping:
It's Not the Safest Option.
Regardless of how you look at it, terminal car shipping is not the safest option that you can choose.
First, the vast majority of terminals won't let you inspect your vehicle right when it's delivered. As a result, you won't be able to perform an inspection right when the vehicle is delivered or picked up. You also won't be able to officially sign the Bill of Lading. This is an issue because it means, in theory, that an auto transport carrier can sign the Bill of Lading, as well as conveniently not "notice" any damages that your vehicle may have encountered during the shipping process. For insurance purposes, this is alarming, as you need to make sure that any damages and the state of your vehicle are accurately documented with proof.
One way around this is to make sure that you're there right at the point of pick up or delivery, but chances are that this is highly unrealistic due to logistical and coordination issues.
If your vehicle is being handled by a credible auto transport carrier, this probably won't be an issue.
Your Vehicle Might Be Stored at the Terminal for Multiple Days.
Your vehicle may also be stored at the terminal for multiple days, either after being dropped off by you or when it's delivered by the auto transport carrier. This is not necessarily an issue, but it can be if the particular terminal doesn't have adequate security that's present. Your vehicle can be susceptible to vandalism and even a carjacking in some particular terminals in dangerous areas with minimal security.
It's Not Available in Many Areas.
Most smaller cities and towns do not have a terminal available, meaning that you'll have to head to a larger city to drop off or pick up your vehicle. This can be a major inconvenience for you and can also cost you money in gas expenses and/or missing work, depending on how far the terminal is from where you are located. With door-to-door shipping, on the other hand, the auto transport process is simply much easier.
A-1 Auto Transport always does its very best to provide you with an excellent auto transport and customer service experience. We'll work with you on your delivery options, and if terminal car shipping makes the most sense for you, you be can confident that we'll make sure that you avoid many of the aforementioned potential dangers. Make sure to contact us today for your free no obligation quote!
Written By:
Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
