Your Car Transport Guide

If you’ve ever wondered why your car carrier couldn’t come directly to your door or had to meet you a few blocks away, then you’re not alone. While door-to-door auto transport is standard in the industry, it doesn’t always mean a truck will pull up to your exact address.  Top Reasons Why Auto Carriers Avoid Certain Areas There are several valid reasons auto transport carriers avoid certain roads or neighborhoods, and they all come down to safety, logistics, and legal restrictions. Weight Restrictions  Many residential streets and local roads have weight limits that large transport trucks simply can't exceed. Exceeding these limits can result in heavy fines for the driver and potential damage to the road itself. Carriers are required to follow posted weight regulations, which often means avoiding narrow streets, older bridges, or smaller communities with tight road infrastructure. Low Bridges and Overpasses  Auto transport trucks, especially multi-level carriers can sta...

  When you're preparing to ship your vehicle , it’s natural to wonder whether you can pack a few personal items inside.  Top Questions to ask about Personal Items  Customers often ask about the dos and don’ts of shipping belongings along with their cars, and getting clear answers helps build confidence and avoid last-minute surprises. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic. Can I ship personal items inside my car?  Yes, but with limitations. Most auto transport carriers allow you to ship personal items inside the vehicle as long as they’re under a certain weight—typically up to 100 lbs—and stored securely in the trunk or below window level in the backseat. These items should not be valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable, and you ship them at your own risk. Can I ship clothes in the car?  You can ship clothing items as long as they fall within the allowed weight limit and are properly stored. Clothes are one of the more commo...

In the auto transport world, not all cars are considered equal, especially when it comes to whether or not they run. You may have heard the term "inoperable vehicle," but what does that really mean? Understanding the Difference Between Inoperable and Immobile Vehicles This article will clarify the difference between inoperable and immobile vehicles, explain how transporters define these terms, and list common examples that fall into each category. Knowing the difference helps avoid delays, surprise fees, and pickup issues. 1: What Does “Inoperable” Mean in Auto Transport? An inoperable vehicle is one that cannot start or move under its own power , but it can still roll, brake, and steer . These vehicles can usually be loaded onto a carrier using a winch and manual labor, but they require special equipment and extra coordination. Examples of inoperable vehicles include: Cars with dead batteries Vehicles with engine failure or electrical issues Cars with non-functi...

In the world of auto transport , the Bill of Lading (B.O.L.) is more than just paperwork. It's your official contract and inspection report rolled into one.  Whether you’re shipping your car across the state or across the country, it’s critical to understand what’s on the B.O.L. and why it matters before you sign anything . What to Look for on the BOL Here’s a breakdown of the key details to review at pickup and delivery to protect yourself and your vehicle. 1: Vehicle Condition Notes The B.O.L. includes a detailed inspection report documenting your car’s condition at pickup. This section should note: Any existing scratches, dents, paint chips, or rust Cracks in glass or damaged trim Any aftermarket parts or loose components ✅ What to do: Be present at the time of pickup if possible Walk around the vehicle with the driver and verify the condition report Take clear photos of all sides of the vehicle before signing At delivery, use the original inspec...

Optimizing Time in Logistics A Guide for Auto Transport Dispatchers Auto transport dispatchers play a critical role in coordinating shipments, communicating with drivers, and ensuring vehicles are delivered on time. With so many moving parts, effective time management is essential to staying organized and productive. Here are some strategies to help dispatchers manage their time efficiently. 1. Prioritize Tasks Start each day by identifying the most urgent and important tasks. Use tools like task lists or scheduling apps to categorize tasks by priority, ensuring that critical assignments are addressed first. 2. Utilize Dispatching Software Leverage auto transport dispatch software to automate repetitive tasks, track shipments, and organize schedules. These tools streamline workflows and reduce manual work, saving time and minimizing errors. 3. Set Clear Deadlines Establish realistic deadlines for each task and communicate these timelines with team members and drivers. This helps preven...

Spring Weather and Car Shipping How weather affects Auto Transport services during the Spring Season, what to expect and how to deal with it.   When spring comes knocking , it's like a breath of fresh air after the cold winter months. But even though the weather gets warmer, it doesn't mean smooth sailing for auto transporters. Spring can be tricky, with surprise rain showers and unexpected storms making things challenging. 1. What's the Deal with Spring Weather? Spring is famous for its unpredictable weather. One moment, the sun is shining brightly, and the next, dark clouds roll in, bringing rain showers or even thunderstorms. These sudden changes can throw a wrench in the plans of auto transporters . 2. How Weather Affects Auto Transport Rain and wet roads are not friends of auto transporters. They can mess up transportation schedules and even make accidents more likely if drivers aren't careful. Picture this: roads become slippery, visibility decreases, and it...

Fuel Safety and Car Shipping A Critical Consideration when shipping your car regarding the amount of fuel in your vehicles gas tank.  Let's delve into a crucial aspect of preparing for car shipping that often goes unnoticed: the fuel gauge. You might not think much of it, but maintaining a low fuel level in your tank before shipping isn't just a suggestion – it's a vital safety measure for everyone involved. Minimizing Risks: Why Less Fuel is Safer Picture this: a driver arrives to collect your car for shipping, only to discover that the fuel tank is brimming with gasoline. While it may seem convenient for you, it poses a significant risk to the driver and others on the road. Why? Because gasoline is highly flammable, and a full tank increases the chances of a fire or explosion. Driver Preferences: The Quarter-Full Rule This is why most drivers prefer your car's fuel tank to be no more than a quarter full before shipping. It's not just about their convenience; it...