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What should I look for in a transport company?
There is more to choosing a transporter than just the lowest price
offered. Things like communication, transport times, type of carrier
(open or closed), subcontracting, insurance, extra services and the
shipping agreement/contract are all very important factors in making
this choice.
Let’s start with the contract because it is by far the most
important aspect of this process. Every auto transport or brokerage
transport company has a shipping contract/agreement, also known as
the terms and conditions. Here is where all the legal stuff is being
laid down and you must have access to it. Read and understand this
document before placing an order. Beware of companies that are
hesitant to send contracts or refuse to send contracts. In the case where you place your order with
a broker instead a of a transporter/carrier, you will note that most
or all of the contracts have a paragraph informing you that once the
vehicle was assigned to a carrier (the actual company moving your
car) you are bound by that company’s contract and all claims arising
thereafter are between you and the carrier. That’s why you should
ask for a contract from the carrier prior to transport because it
will be different from the one presented to you by the broker. In
order to eliminate confusion about contracts, you should try to hire
a company that will move your vehicle on their own trucks.
At Fastautotrans we use our own truck
to transport your vehicle.
- Will I be
kept informed?
We make it a priority to communicate to our customers all aspects of
the transport process and are available to answer any auto transport
related questions that you may have. The driver will call the
customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to
establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out
specific directions. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will
perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading.
Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this
Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin.
The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the
vehicle can be re-inspected before released.
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How long does it take to transport a vehicle?
There are two major factors in determining how long your vehicle
transport will take for delivery. First is the distance between
pick-up and delivery. Typically the longer the distance for the
transport the longer it will take the driver to deliver the vehicle.
In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will
have to make will also play a factor in the delivery time.
Unexpected delays can be caused by traffic conditions, weather
conditions, and roadway conditions. Mechanical problems can
also add time to the delivery. There are many State and Federal
regulations that drivers must comply with. These regulations include
restrictions on the amount of daily and weekly time the drivers can
log as on duty and driving. All that said, we will try to pick up
your vehicle within two weeks of the vehicle ready date, and once on
our truck, a delivery of up to 500 miles will take 2 to 3 days -
1,000 miles will take 3 to 5 days. Keep in mind that
pick-up dates and delivery times are
not guaranteed. Guaranteed and Expedited pick-ups are available at
an additional cost.
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Do you provide an Expedited or Guaranteed Service?
We offer a 7 Day Expedited Service.
We will provide a transport service which will pick-up and deliver
your vehicle within 7 days. If the order is placed after 5:00pm EST
the first of the 7 days will start the next business day. This
service will cost approximately $500 to $600 extra depending on your
vehicle type. If your vehicle is not delivered in 7 days we will
refund $50 per day up to $200. This is intended to cover the cost of
car rental. Although we will do our best to meet the 7-day delivery
schedule, delays can happen. Call us for more information to see if
this service is right for you. This service is not guaranteed and
should not be used for critical delivery schedules.
We can provide Guaranteed Service
by using a truck that will be dedicated to your move. This service
can be quite expensive, but DEDICATED SERVICE IS THE ONLY WAY TO
GUARANTEE A DELIVERY SCHEDULE. Dedicated Service is guaranteed.
However, we will only be responsible for refunds related to the
transportation cost. We will not be responsible for any other
damages or losses suffered by the customer. Please see our
Terms & Conditions for
more information.
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What is the difference between an Open and an
Enclosed Carrier?
Generally, an Open Carrier is similar to those you see transporting
cars to and from dealerships. These carriers range in size and
capacity. Vehicles that are moved via an open carrier are exposed to
inclement weather and road conditions. Enclosed Carriers are just
that, enclosed. Since these carriers are covered, the vehicles in
transit are not subjected to inclement weather or road conditions.
Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom, exotic or autos that
have been especially cared for. Service on this type of carrier is
much more expensive. All motorcycles are shipped on enclosed
carriers. Our truck is an open carrier but if you need an enclosed
carrier we will be glad to recommend one for you.
- What about
insurance?
We recommend that you keep full insurance coverage on your vehicle
while being transported. As per Department of Transportation (DOT)
regulations, we are fully in compliance with all the operating and
insurance requirements. Proof of this will be made available to you
upon request. Our policy covers $1,000,000.00 general liability and $250,000.00 for
cargo insurance. There will be no deductible to you in the event of
a valid claim. Keep in mind that there are limits to the liability a
carrier has while transporting your vehicle. Read the terms in the
shipping agreement. If you have questions, call us and we will
answer them.
- Can I
pack things in my car?
Federal and State Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
prohibit the transport of household items in vehicles being
transported by auto carriers.
Several common sense reasons also suggest why packing items in your
vehicle is not a good idea. Personal goods may shift around
(forcefully at times) in the trunk or interior of the transported
vehicle and become damaged or damage the vehicle. It is also
possible that the stored items may cause a weight problem with your
vehicle and add unnecessary difficulties with loading and unloading,
and possible undercarriage damage to your vehicle.
Any items left in the vehicle are totally
at the owner's personal risk.
- How
do I pay for the transport?
If you decide to hire us to transport your vehicle, complete a
shipping
order form and mail or fax it to us with a minimum
$200.00 deposit. The balance would be due on delivery by cash or
certified funds only (No Credit Card, Personal or Business checks,
or any other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery). Of
course you may make payment in full, with a credit card at the time
the order is placed, if necessary.
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What happens if I'm not available when the truck
comes to pick up or deliver the vehicle?
We try to keep each customer well informed during the entire
shipping process. Our driver will call the customer 12 to 24 hours
in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate
estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. We
ask that you make yourself as available as possible. Please do not
take off work or hang around your home until you speak with the
driver.In the event you are not able to release or take possession of your
vehicle, you may appoint anyone you trust to do this task. We ask that you
supply us with the proper information for contact in this situation.
- What is
Door-to-Door Service?
The vehicle will be picked up as close to your home as possible. In
some cases we ask that you meet our truck at a mutually appealing
location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. This
is due to the typically large size of the trucks and the inability
to maneuver through many streets, and under low bridges, wires, and
branches.
We hope that after reading this, you’ll make a much more informed
decision about transporting your vehicle and we would like to
provide that quality service to you.
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