Now, you've probably read the rehash of the same tips. Check reviews, insurance, etc. But we have some new fresh tips that come from our years of being on the field doing this along with the basics we can't leave out.
Informed decisions will make it so you have a smooth ride, so to speak. Customers must equip themselves with knowledge about industry practices, potential pitfalls, and necessary precautions. This limits risks but also boosts the likelihood of it being simple and efficient.
Without further delay, here are 9 Pro Tips to Bring on a Safe, Fast, and Reliable Car Shipment
Don't pay to work with the auto transport company. The deposit normally contains the money the transport broker makes, and then the carrier is paid at delivery. However, unless a carrier is sourced, you should not pay.
It's ok to keep a card on file. It's ok for a penny charge to appear and go away (usually for billing address verifications) but your deposit should not be paid out the moment you book.
A primary red flag in the auto transport industry is the demand for upfront deposits, especially through methods such as ACH, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App. These payment methods offer limited recourse in the event of a dispute, making them attractive to fraudulent companies. You should remain vigilant and avoid companies that insist on such payment methods.
Utilizing major credit cards for payment provides an added layer of security. Credit card transactions offer consumer protection features, including the ability to dispute charges in cases of fraud or service non-fulfillment. This security measure is a critical component of a safe auto transport strategy.
This is a a good one. Customers, we know you really very much want the "actual carrier". The company that you call is the one that takes it, type of car shipping. We get it. But the fact is finding a carrier company that has a truck at the exact time frame coming from and going to your location is like finding a needle in a stack of needles!
When you ask "Are You a Carrier", "Yes we are", means they have a truck, it runs a specific route, (maybe even a local route) and they broker everything else. You'll very quickly see that the name of the carrier on the truck won't be the company you booked.
I tell customers to think of the biggest auto shipper you know of. Now ask yourself, have you ever seen a truck with their logo on it? There's your answer.
This is one that nobody mentions and it is one of the biggest issues in our industry. When working with an auto transport company you may have gotten quotes from not so legitimate websites.
As part as how some shady auto shippers do business, they scour the load boards which are the marketplaces legitimate auto transport companies use to show prospective carriers they have vehicles available. They will piece your information together and that you already booked with someone by gathering information from the board and comparing it to the quote you requested with them.
They will then call you and tell you they are "your auto transport company" . Happy to inform you they have a carrier ready for pick up but you need to sign the driver terms and conditions or some other contract in which you need to re-enter your billing information .
You have now unknowingly signed a contract for a higher price and inflated broker fee. They only found a carrier almost instantly because not only are they charging you for a profit, they put it to the carriers for above market for them to have it all happen before you realize what is happening. You are then responsible for paying that fee and the driver will not release your vehicle until you do so thanks to the contract you signed.
This goes back to the upfront charge. However this is a big part of why.
Remember, just because you put down money does not mean a space has been set aside ahead of time. The auto transport company does not yet know which carrier on file is going to take your vehicle.
However, to reveal carrier details and to send the order to the trucker, yes, at that point a carrier is found, therefore funds can be collected to finalize the order.
The only accurate thing about this is the word "dupe" in the heading! We're in the customer's shoes all the time. I buy things, and you bet I will look to save even $20 wherever I can so it's easy to be enticed.
While cost is an important consideration, it cannot not be the sole determining factor in selecting a transport company.
You must balance affordability with the service you are being offered. Is it cheap but are you talking to a person who doesn't have your best interest? Does gut tell you this may go sideways but wow what a good price . A comprehensive evaluation of both factors ensures a satisfactory transport experience.
Speaking of shady terms, look at the whole contract. Does it give them the ability to change the price? Include discounts that require you to visit at the moon at 3 am on Sunday during leap year? Do they stand by their service or is it a list of reasons you can get taken for a ride , and not the good one that means your car is shipped on time as promised?
Some bad actors have terms that let them add funds to the carrier’s pay in $50.00 increments daily until a driver accepts a price. This is more like an involuntary auction!
The transport contract also encompasses legal implications and consumer rights. Customers should be aware of their rights and the legal obligations of the transport company. For example credit card dispute fees are a no-no and they can get kicked out by the credit card issuers. Though yes, some disputes are not genuine, let's be real. Proving the service was. done correctly is part of the price of admission for customers who aren't ethical. But it's your right to dispute a service that is unethical.
Keep in mind, with all auto transport companies, the carrier bears the weight of anything gone wrong with the shipping, such as damage. However, make sure whomever you work with will be there to mitigate and force a carrier claim.
Look at it this way. If you ran a travel agency and you suggested an airline, and the airline was late, cancelled the flight, or lost luggage, would you expect the airline to take responsibility? Would you help your customer with the airline?
Obtaining and comparing quotes from multiple transport companies is a smart practice. We'd love you to stop here, but it's true. Shop around. But it is important to remain cautious of quotes that appear significantly lower than the market average, as they may indicate hidden fees or bait and switch and you can sum it up from what we talked here.
If you like a shipper (nice, informative, credible) but their price is higher than the other, don't be afraid to barter a bit. But if they do come down in price, be ready to set things up because there are times you might get a willing salesperson just trying to get their numbers for the week.
Documenting the condition on the BOL for the vehicle before and after transport is a one of the most vital steps in this process. A detailed inspection report, including photographs, serves as evidence in the event of damage claims. Keep in mind, damage must be noted on the bill of lading in the unlikely event there is damage for a claim to be processed. If it is not signed off by the carrier as new in comparison to the pick up, it cannot be claimed, period.
A pre-transport inspection, signed BOL should include checking for existing damages, ensuring all mechanical components are functional, and verifying fluid levels. This thorough examination helps in establishing a baseline condition of the vehicle.
Upon delivery, a post-transport damage assessment should be conducted. Any discrepancies or damages should be documented. The driver MUST sign on the damage for a claim to be valid. Prompt action leaves little room for delay or dispute.
Now, you have a fresh of tried and true pro tips to assure you don't get bamboozled, hoodwinked, or bum steered. In other words, tricked! Good Luck!!
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