Your Car Transport Guide

One of the most important parts of shipping your car happens before it ever leaves the driveway: the vehicle inspection. Auto transport drivers carefully document your car’s condition at pickup and again at delivery.  Auto Transport Driver Vehicle Inspection Checklist The process of documenting an item's condition before transport has been practiced for ages .   This inspection protects both you and the carrier by creating a written record of your vehicle’s state before transport. But what exactly are drivers looking for?  Let’s break down the typical checklist. Exterior Condition Drivers start with a close walk-around of your vehicle, noting any visible issues such as: Scratches, dents, or paint chips Cracks in the windshield or other windows Rust spots or areas of damage on bumpers, doors, or fenders Loose or missing parts like trim, mirrors, or hubcaps These details go on the Bill of Lading , a document both you and the driver sign, confirming the vehi...

Shipping a car might look simple from the outside: a truck arrives, loads your vehicle, and delivers it to your new location. But for auto transport drivers, the job involves a lot more than just driving from point A to point B.  From navigating narrow streets to dealing with weather, regulations, and schedules, drivers face daily challenges that customers don’t always see.  What the Driver Wants You to Know Here are a few things auto transport drivers wish customers understood and how small actions from you can make their job (and your delivery) smoother. Tight Streets Aren’t Easy for Big Trucks Most auto transport carriers are huge on up to 75 feet long and carrying multiple cars at once. Getting a truck that size into tight neighborhoods , cul-de-sacs, or streets with cars parked on both sides can be nearly impossible. Drivers often ask to meet at a nearby parking lot, shopping center, or wide street. This isn’t to inconvenience you but rather it’s to ensure your car can ...

One of the biggest questions customers have about auto transport is how close the truck can actually get to their home. While most companies advertise “door-to-door service,” the size of the truck often determines just how close to your front door the driver can realistically deliver.  This raises the question: do smaller carriers offer better door-to-door service than full-size haulers? The Challenge with Full-Size Carriers Standard auto transport trucks are massive, often carrying 7–10 vehicles at once. These full-size carriers can be up to 75 feet long and sit 13 feet high, which creates several challenges in residential areas: Tight turns and cul-de-sacs can be impossible to navigate Low bridges and tree branches may block access Weight restrictions on local roads may prevent entry Limited parking space in neighborhoods makes loading and unloading risky For these reasons, full-size carriers often meet customers at wider, safer spots nearby—such as a shoppi...

 Auto transport insurance provides essential protection when shipping your vehicle across the country or even just a few states over. However, many customers are surprised to learn that not everything is covered under a standard policy.  What’s NOT Covered by Auto Transport Insurance  To avoid misunderstandings and give you better peace of mind, here’s a closer look at what’s typically not covered by auto transport insurance. Personal Belongings Inside the Vehicle  While it might seem convenient to pack your car with clothes, electronics, or other personal items , those belongings are not protected by the carrier’s insurance. If they’re lost, stolen, or damaged in transit, the responsibility falls on the vehicle owner and not the transporter. It’s always best to remove all non-essential items before your car is picked up. Pre-Existing Damage  Insurance only covers damage that occurs during transport. That means any scratches, dents, or issues that existed be...

  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 comm...

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 taking snowbird vehicles back home, as surprise rain showers and unexpected storms can make 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 slippe...

Fuel Safety and Car Shipping A Critical Consideration when shipping your car regarding the amount of fuel in your vehicles gas tank.  Let's look 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: an auto transport 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 auto transporters prefer your car's fuel tank to be no more than a quarter full before shipping. It's not j...

Auto Transport Payment Process Explained The most common way to pay for car shipping is processing an initial deposit to hold your spot and the remaining balance on delivery. In auto transport , figuring out the payment process can sometimes be as complex as charting a route across the country. From reservation fees to coordinating electronic transfers, each step holds its significance in ensuring a seamless transport experience. In this post, we look into the most common methods of payment for auto transport, putting light on the importance of deposits, certified funds, and electronic payments.     Reservation Fees/Deposits: Verifying Identity One of the initial steps in securing auto transport services often involves paying a reservation fee or deposit. This fee serves multiple purposes, including reserving a spot in the transporter's schedule and verifying the customer's identity and commitment to the service. It's common practice for auto transport companies to require ...

From Dealership to Your Home with Auto Transport Getting your newly bought vehicle delivered to your home from a dealership is easy as 1-2-3. When you buy a car from a dealership in another state, getting it to your home can seem like a big task. But there's a solution that makes it easy – using a state to state car delivery service to ship your new car from the dealership.  These services specialize in moving cars safely and efficiently from one state to another, taking the hassle out of the process for you. Step 1: Buy Your Car Start by finding the car you want and buying it. Whether you found it online or at a dealership far away, once it's yours, you're ready for the next step. Step 2: Use a Delivery Service After you buy the car, contact an out-of-state car delivery service. They'll ask you where the car is and where you want it to go. Give them some info about the car, and they'll handle the rest. These services have experienced teams that know exactly how ...

Auto Auction Car Transport Delivery Getting a car pickup from the auction yard and delivered to your drive way is easy.  Have you ever paused to consider how your newly purchased car from an auction finds its way from the bustling auction yard to the quiet comfort of your driveway?  While the process may seem complex, it's actually quite simple. Let's analyze the transport process your car takes, step by step. When you buy or sell a car at renowned auction venues like Co-Part , Manheim , or I.A.A ., the process of transporting your vehicle begins. An auto transport company swiftly swings into action, arranging for the pickup of your car and ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order. Once the formalities are sorted, your car undergoes a quick inspection to ensure it's ready for transport. Following the inspection, your car is carefully loaded onto a transport truck. Depending on your preference and the level of protection desired, it may be secured onto an open auto tran...

How To Reserve Auto Transport Simplifying Auto Transport: 3 Easy Steps to Reserve Service If you're gearing up to transport your vehicle from one location to another, you might be wondering how to kick-start the process smoothly. Thankfully, reserving auto transport services can be a breeze when you break it down into three simple steps.  Let's walk through the process, from requesting a quote to preparing your car for shipment. Step 1: Requesting a Quote The journey begins with a simple request, a quote for transporting your vehicle.  Here's how to do it: Research and Reach Out:  Start by researching reputable auto transport companies online. Look for reviews, ratings, and testimonials to gauge their reliability and service quality. Once you've narrowed down your options, reach out to a few companies to request a quote. Provide Necessary Information:  When requesting a quote, be prepared to provide essential details about your vehicle and the transportation require...

Understanding Insurance Coverage in Car Shipping A simple guide to what auto transport insurance coverage means. When it comes to transporting your vehicle , ensuring its safety and security is crucial. That’s where insured auto transport comes in a service designed to provide insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. Let’s explore what it involves and how it offers peace of mind throughout the shipping process. Car Shipping Services with Insurance Coverage Explained What is Insurance Coverage in Auto Transport? Auto transport with insurance coverage goes beyond minimal legal requirements, offering protection for your vehicle against potential damage, theft, or loss during transit. This coverage gives vehicle owners confidence knowing their car is protected from pickup to delivery. How Does Auto Transport Insurance Coverage Work? Here's a simplified overview of the process: 1. Vehicle Pickup: The process begins when your vehicle is picked up from your home, a deale...