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 book auto transport, you might deal with more than one point of contact—and that can get confusing. One of the most common questions customers ask is: Who do I call for updates. The broker or the driver?   The Difference in Driver Communication and Broker Updates Knowing the difference between these two roles can help make the whole experience smoother and less stressful.  The Broker’s Role  The broker is the company you initially book with . They’re your main point of contact at the start of the process. Brokers coordinate the shipment, find a carrier for your route, and handle most of the logistics behind the scenes. They’ll give you the price quote, explain your options, and keep you updated on scheduling—like when your car is assigned to a driver. Brokers are also who you contact if you have questions before pickup, need to make changes, or want general information about your shipment status.  The Driver’s Role (Carrier)  Once your vehicle is assi...

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...

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 in auto transport , 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 ...

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...