Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long does it take to ship my vehicle?
- How many days in advance do I need to call?
- How long does it take to have my car picked up?
- How far in advance are reservations accepted?
- How much does it cost to ship my car?
- Do I need to pay in advance to ship my vehicle?
- What payment options do I have?
- Can I pack my belongings in my car?
- Is my vehicle insured during transit?
- Will you ship my car if it’s inoperable?
- What if I am unavailable to pick up the car?
- What if my location is inaccessible to the truck?
- How much gasoline should I leave in the tank?
- What is a roll-on, roll-off vessel?
- What are the port and clearance charges?
- Can I send my belongings when I ship overseas?
- Do we provide marine insurance?
- What is required before I ship my motorcycle?
How long does it take to ship my vehicle?
Shipping your vehicle within the United States:
Auto carriers pick up and deliver eight to ten vehicles at all times; weather & road conditions and other unforeseen factors make guaranteeing the delivery date impossible. Allow seven to fourteen days for the carriers to complete the trip on W-E runs; they can be quicker on other routes.
Shipping your vehicle overseas:
Most of the time we are able to give you expected arrival dates. However, sometimes due to; customs delays, ships canceling their departures, or in the event of lack of enough freight available for consolidated shipments delays can occur.
How many days in advance do I need to call?
Plan enough time for us to pick up your vehicle. Two weeks in advance is recommended. We will also deal with urgent situations on an individual basis, which will be given priority status. Please call us at 626-833-0467 to discuss your needs.
How long does it take to have my car picked up?
Shipping within the United States:
We normally schedule shipping for your vehicle with a truck within two to three days of the scheduled pick-up date. We can always arrange to accommodate your schedule, but you may incur additional costs.
How far in advance are reservations accepted?
We accept reservations up to two months in advance.
How much does it cost to ship my car?
Prices are determined by mileage, vehicle size, and delivery location.
Do I need to pay in advance to ship my vehicle?
A deposit and a signed order are usually required before your vehicle is scheduled for shipping. However, there are exceptions. The balance must be paid upon the vehicle’s delivery by Cash, Postal Money Order, or Cashier’s Check.
What payment options do I have?
We accept Personal Checks, Cashier’s Checks, Postal Money Orders, and Major Credit Cards (we require the customer’s signature for credit card payment).
Can I pack my belongings in my car?
Shipping within the United States:
As of 1998 the Department of Transportation ruled that you may NOT load any items in a vehicle on auto carriers. All trucks are occasionally subject to be inspection, which includes unloading the vehicles off the truck and items contained from the vehicle. This risks leaving the items behind. Auto carriers are NOT licensed to carry household goods or personal items; these goods and items are not covered by the carrier’s insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods’ shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle are shipped strictly at the owner’s risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility. Also, items packed in the vehicle add weight and may cause damage to the exhaust system or suspension of the vehicle.
For shipping overseas, go to question 16
Is my vehicle insured during transit?
Shipping within the United States:
Your vehicle is insured for its Blue Book value during transit on the truck. Total loss or minor external body damage does not include glass or motor/undercarriages. Classic vehicles should have an updated appraisal for insurance purposes.
For shipping overseas, go to question 17
Will you ship my car if it’s inoperable?
We will transport your vehicle if it is inoperable (Not Wrecked) at an additional fee. Vehicle tires must be inflated and able to roll, and the car must have emergency brakes.
What if I am unavailable to pick up the car?
Shipping within the United States:
Have an alternative party, like a friend or relative, sign on your behalf. If you are not available, your vehicle may go to a terminal for you to pickup.
For shipping overseas:
You can designate any person to pick up the vehicle but you must advise us so that we can enter his or her name as the receiver. They will be required to identify themselves and produce the Title of Ownership or Letter of Permission to ship the vehicle.
What if my location is inaccessible to the truck?
Shipping within the United States:
Most trucks are 75 feet long and very wide, which makes it impossible to reach most residential areas due to narrow roads, trees, power lines, city ordinances, and other road factors. The driver will attempt to get as close as possible to the delivery location, or we will arrange a convenient location, like a shopping center or major street crossing, to pick up or deliver your vehicle.
How much gasoline should I leave in the tank?
Whatever is in the tank will be acceptable, except when the vehicle is shipped to Hawaii; then it is recommended the tank should be as low as possible.
What is a roll-on, roll-off vessel?
This is a large vessel, which carries all vehicles that have wheels. The vehicles are stored below deck, not open to the elements. This method is the preferred method of shipping for new vehicle manufacturers.
What are the port and clearance charges?
These are offloading and documentation fees are charged by the destination country. Each country differs. Container offloading fees are usually double that of roll-on roll-off fees.
Can I send my belongings when I ship overseas?
If you are shipping your vehicle in a shared container you will be permitted to pack goods into the car. These goods are sent under your own risk and cannot be insured. If you ship your vehicle in a container on its own you can pack the vehicle and the container with your goods, which can be insured.
Do we provide marine insurance?
Yes, we do. There are two types of Insurance.
a. Total Loss:
You will be covered for the full amount that you choose to insure for with zero deductible. In the event of the boat sinking, theft of the vehicle at the ports on either end or any permanent loss to the vehicle while in our possession. Note: This does not cover any minor damage, which is calculated as 1.5% of the value you wish to insure.
COST: 1.5% of the value that you wish to insure the vehicle.
b. Full Coverage:
This covers you against the above and any dents or damage or loss to part of the vehicle while in our possession. This does cost more and has a deductible of $500.00.
COST: 2.5% of the value that you wish to insure the vehicle.
What is required before I ship my motorcycle?
Make sure your motorcycle is within 96″ long and 40″ wide. If your motorcycle is not within these dimensions, then please call our office so we can provide proper shipping. You need to know the weight of your motorcycle; if you don’t, then please click here. You also need to completely drain all fuel from the tank, unlock the steering, remove the keys, fold in the mirrors (if possible), and remove all items from the saddle bags and glove box. DO NOT send the keys or important documents with your motorcycle. We recommend you send them with an overnight courier. The driver will not pick up or deliver the keys and documents.