
1. Q. How
long does it take?
A.
Normal transit time is usually within 8 to 10 business days and may
vary upon actual route, assuming that at least 2 weeks prior notice
of your shipment dates is given. Car Movers U.S.A. generally
appreciate a three-business day window to schedule the pick
up/delivery of your vehicle(s). As your pick-up/delivery dates gets
closer you will receive a confirmation call giving you a specific
date and time frame. The transit time referenced above is based on
standard transport times and in certain cases transit times may take
less time. For example, it only takes a truck 5 days to go from NYC
to LA. If your vehicle(s) is the last car to load and the first one
to unload, a shorter delivery time frame is possible, however if
your car is the first to load and the last to come off, then your
transit time will be closer to 2 weeks. Please keep this in mind
when planning your transport.
2. Q. What kind
of truck will it be transported on?
A.
In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an 8 or 10-car
hauler, the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars to your
local dealerships. These trucks are 75 to 80 feet long (that's
nearly twice as long as a conventional freight truck or moving van)
and are almost 14 feet high. Therefore they are very hard to
maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any
overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind
when directing the truck to your home or pick-up location. A local
service may be used should the hauler/transporter encounter
difficulty in reaching your pick-up/delivery. (See Terminal Service
below)
3. Q. What does
door-to-door delivery mean?
A.
It means that the car carrier will get as close as physically
possible to your front door as long as it does not compromise the
cargo and/or your vehicle(s). If you live on a main road (at least 2
lanes wide) with no overhanging trees or low bridges and the streets
leading to your house can accommodate trucks of that size and
length, then the carrier will pick up your vehicle(s) from your door
and deliver it to your door if the same conditions apply at your
destination. As the driver approaches your pick-up/delivery
location, he will call you to confirm your address and discuss
accessibility. If accessibility is limited the drive may suggest
meeting at a local supermarket or mall with ample space to
load/unload your vehicle(s).
4. Q. Will my
car go to a terminal?
A.
This may depend on your pick-up/delivery locations and/or your
scheduled dates for the pick-up/delivery. Should your area not allow
for or have restricted access and there are no areas locally which
can accommodate the loading/unloading of your vehicle(s), then a
local flatbed service will used to pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s).
A terminal service is only used when the carrier cannot
pick-up/deliver your vehicle(s) due to scheduling conflicts,
inaccessible areas or both. All terminals used are licensed and
fully insured.
5. Q. How does
it work?
A.
Once your order has been placed, your shipment will be scheduled
according to the dates on your order form. After a truck has been
assigned, you will get a call either from the truck driver or from
the flatbed service in order to schedule a pick up/delivery time and
day. During the pick up of the car the carrier will complete a
detailed physical inspection of the car, on a bill of lading, which
you must sign and acknowledge. This same inspection will be
presented upon delivery, so that you can re-inspect the car for any
discrepancies. If any damage did occur during transit, please be
sure to note it on the bill of lading at the time of delivery and
have the driver sign in agreement. No claims will be honored if the
damage is not noted at the time of delivery and acknowledged by the
driver.
6. Q. Can I put
things in the trunk?
A.
No, Auto Transporters are not permitted by law to transport personal
belongings, as they do not have a household goods transportation
license. By violating this law they can be fined up to $10,000 per
occurrence. In addition, if you were to place things in the car they
would not be covered by insurance.
7. Q. How much
notice is needed?
A.
In a perfect world Car Movers U.S.A. would like to have 2 to 3 weeks
notice of your preferred transports dates, this insures that the
carrier can schedule your vehicle(s) within the time frame you
requested. However if you need to move a car immediately we may be
able to accommodate your request. For example, most transporters
have terminals in most major cities and can usually get a car picked
up within 24hrs if no one can be available to pick-up the
vehicle(s). You also have the option to drop the car off at a
terminal if you cannot wait for the carrier to pick-up the
vehicle(s).
8. Q. What forms
of payment are accepted?
A.
All carriers accept cashiers checks, cash and most major credit
cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover). If it is arranged prior to
the scheduled pick-up of the vehicle(s) you may pre-pay your
transport in full via personal check, money order or cashiers check.
Usually a minimum deposit of $150.00 is required to initiate and
reserve your order and any form of payment is acceptable. If you use
a credit card for the deposit, the balance will be due C.O.D. with
CASH or a cashiers check at the time the vehicle(s) is delivered. No
other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery. Ultimately you
will need to pay the freight charges in full before your vehicle(s)
is delivered. You cannot withhold or deduct monies from the C.O.D.
amount to cover damages that may have occurred in transit. All
claims are handled separately once the auto transporter has received
the signed bill of lading noting the damages. |