Your vehicle is one of your most valuable and prized possessions, so trusting it in the hands of an auto transport companies when you're relocating can be a stressful, harrowing experience. When you're moving, you are often under a lot of pressure with many tasks to take care of in a limited amount of time. If you are under specific time constraints, you may be dependent on your vehicle arriving at its destination by a certain date unscathed, without spending a fortune. After all, moving costs enough as it is! With so much at stake, you will want to hire auto transporters that can get your car to you quickly, safely, and at a great price.
Unfortunately, there are numerous factors involved in car shipping, and many ways that things can go away. Following are some of the common problems that tend to arise during auto transport, how you can deal with them, and how you can prevent them from happening in the first place.
Late delivery
One of the most common problems that arises during car shipping is delayed delivery. While car shippers do their best to provide customers with an accurate date of expected delivery, there are many factors that can contribute to a late shipment. This includes unexpected traffic jams, extreme weather, mechanical problems, accidents, or a flat tire, among others. Additionally, since trailers are often carrying many vehicles at a given time, late customers and paperwork can also cause late delivery.
Because of the likelihood of delays, auto movers will rarely provide you with an exact date and time of delivery - and you should be wary of any company that does. Car shippers will typically estimate your delivery within a three-day window. If anything happens that will delay your shipment, the shipper will contact you as soon as possible with your new expected date of delivery. Some companies may offer you a discount if your car is late by more than three days, but it shouldn't necessarily be expected.
Incorrect quote
Occasionally, the quote you're given by the shipping company might be incorrect due to a misunderstanding about your location. This occurs when there are two cities in the same state with very similar names located several hundred miles apart, which can cause a variance of hundreds of dollars in your estimate. To avoid such a predicament, speak with your auto transport carrier or broker, and make sure to reiterate the zip codes of your pick-up and delivery locations to ensure you are being quoted the correct price (not to mention avoiding your car being delivered to the wrong city!).
Poor communication
Hiring an auto transport broker to find a carrier for you to ship your vehicle can sometimes make the process easier but it can also lead to miscommunication. Even though having a third-party broker handle all communication between the carrier and the customer may take the responsibility off of you, it can increase the risk of there being a misunderstanding.
If the carrier needs any information about your vehicle or the pick-up location and cannot reach your broker, they may remove your vehicle from their list and continue on with their shipment. Your broker will now have to find a new carrier to transport your vehicle, which will only set back your progress and prolong your expected date of delivery. Make sure to be in touch with your auto transport carrier to prevent any delays due to poor communication.
Off-route destinations
Auto transport companies have often common routes that they travel. If you require pick-up or delivery from an off-route location, you may incur extra charges or a slower delivery. Picking your vehicle up at a terminal, rather than requiring door-to-door delivery will likely shorten your wait and lessen your expenses. Be sure to inquire about extra charges for your out-of-the-way origin or destination before hiring a company so you can prevent a surprise hike in your price later.
Damage
Another common mishap that can occur during transport is damage to your vehicle. When your car arrives, be sure to thoroughly inspect it in a well-lit area for any scratches, dents, cracked glass, or any other damage. Don't forget to check the roof and under the bumpers - these areas are often overlooked.
If you find any new damage that wasn't there when your car was picked up, make a note of it on the Original Inspection Report (also known as the Bill of Lading). Then have the delivery driver sign the document. You will have trouble filing a claim later if the driver doesn't sign the document before leaving.
Next, you will want to contact your shipper with your complaint. They will likely ask you to send them the Original Inspection Report, photos of your damage, and a copy of an estimate on the damages from your mechanic. If the company does not respond to your claim with an offer for resolution, you may want to contact the Better Business Bureau to prompt the company to quickly resolve the matter.
Additionally, make sure you inquire about the shipper's standard insurance coverage and the cost for additional insurance before enlisting their services. You can also purchase shipping coverage from your current car insurance provider. Read "Auto Transport Insurance: All You Need to Know" to get more information on insurance for auto transport.
Bait and switch estimates
Like any other moving service, the auto transport industry is often plagued by fraud and scam, the most common of which being the bait-and-switch estimate. This occurs when a company offers an unusually low quote for their service, then tacks on an array of "hidden fees" that raise the price astronomically. When the customer disputes the cost, the company refuses delivery until the amount is paid in full.
How can you avoid falling victim to these problems?
You can avoid falling victim to scams by thoroughly researching your auto transporter before hiring them. Check their record on the Better Business Bureau website, read online reviews, ask for customer references, get detailed quotes, and request the company's MC number and verify it on the FMCSA website. These steps will help you to be sure that you are hiring an honest and reputable auto mover to ship your vehicle.