Auto Transport Services Explained
Whether this is your first time shipping a vehicle, or you frequently use
auto transport services, we want you to be comfortable that your car, boat
or other vehicle will be transported professionally, with attention to detail
and that you will be kept informed at every step in the process.
In plain and straight-forward language below, we explain what you need to
know to make your vehicle shipping experience a pleasurable one.
It is best to contact us as soon as possible. We have auto
transport trucks delivering vehicles all over the country. As soon
as we have your information, we are able to start planning for your
move.
Many car types fall into the same quoting range. A nominal fee can be
expected if your vehicle is inoperable, oversized, modified, or you
request an enclosed trailer. Please inform us of these conditions prior
to arrival of the truck so we can have the proper equipment available to
deliver your car safely. Additional fees must be paid prior to transport.
You may call, e-mail, fax us your information or use our online
form for a free and instant quote. We will need the zip codes of
both the origin and destination of your request and contact information
for you.
The quote is good for 7 days.
You need insurance on the vehicle prior to transport. Any loss due to theft or
damage that occurs due to an “act of God” will fall under your policy. The carrier’s
policy is in force only in situations where damage is the direct result of the
driver’s negligence.
The following will make the move of your vehicle a more pleasurable experience:
Car Wash: In order to expedite origin inspection by your carrier, please
provide the vehicle in clean condition. This allows for quick and fair evaluation
of the vehicle prior to shipment, and establishes the standard for condition of delivery.
Antennas: Antennas should be lowered or removed. Temporary antennas for cell
phones or CB radios should also be removed.
Keys: U.S. Department of Transportation requires that one set of all keys for
the vehicle be provided to the carrier, including the ignition, trunk, and glove box keys.
Alarms: Alarms should be turned off for transport. If there are special instructions
required to start a car in order to disarm the alarm, please inform your Express Auto
Delivery representative or the carrier picking up your car. Express Auto Delivery is
not responsible for drained batteries resulting from an alarm that has not been turned off.
Racks: Remove any luggage, bike, or ski rack that is not permanently attached to the car.
Leaks: The vehicle must have no obvious fluid leaks.
Battery: The vehicle battery must be secure in the mounting bracket.
Covers: All exterior spare tire covers, grill covers, or car covers must be removed.
Pre-existing Conditions: Express Auto Delivery will not be responsible for damage
caused by any pre-existing condition or for parts which come loose in the moving process.
For example, imperfections in glass (a nick, chip, crack, or other imperfection) often get
worse in transport.
Climate: Make sure your car is prepared for any climate. Replenish coolants,
transmission oil, anti-freeze and other fluids, as needed. Express Auto Delivery is
not responsible for preventable damage caused by Acts of Nature.
Spoilers: Spoilers, fairing, air dams or other low hanging items should be
removed, or sufficient clearance assured, to expedite loading on the rail and truck ramps.
Caps/Canopies: Caps and canopies on pickup trucks must be properly bolted to
the box of the truck to ensure safe delivery.
Personal Items: Do NOT leave or transport anything valuable in your vehicle.
Express Auto Delivery is not responsible for anything loose inside your car,
including cell phones, radar detectors, garage door openers, E-Z Pass, removable
radios, household goods, sunglasses, etc. The U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) prohibits the carrying of personal items on a truck licensed only for
carrying automobiles. Stored personal items can also increase the overall weight
of your vehicle, and could cause damage during transport. Any items left in
the vehicle are subject to removal upon inspection at state lines by the DOT.
Gas: The gas tank must have a minimum of 1/8 tank of fuel, but no more than 1/2 tank of fuel.
The following will make the move of your motor a more pleasurable experience:
Drain the fuel tank: Please get the fuel level as low as possible prior
to shipment to prevent leaks.
Remove all personal belongings: Please make sure that all personal
belongings are removed from saddlebags, under-seat storage and any other storage compartments.
Secure all accessories: Please make sure that all accessories (saddlebags, windshields, etc.)
are secured to the motorcycle. We only ship helmets if they are secured to the motorcycle.
Special requirements: Please notify us at the time you request your quote if your
motorcycle over 8 ft. long, or has a sidecar or custom modifications that require special attention.
Whether a ramp or a lift gate is used to place your motorcycle onto the trailer, your motorcycle
will be secured either to it's own pallet or to the trailer floor directly using soft ties.
The front wheel may be placed in a non-marking fork to additionally secure the unit.
We strive to have your vehicle move scheduled within 8-10 days of booking
the appointment. The delivery can take anywhere from 1-7 days depending
on the distance your vehicle is moving. Factors like the weather,
traffic issues and mechanical breakdowns may cause unavoidable delays,
so we can’t offer a guarantee. We know this vehicle is important
to you and we strive to provide you with a realistic time frame
for both pick-up and delivery.
We strive to provide door-to-door service to the addresses
you have provided. There are cases where our drivers must meet you
at a nearby location such as a parking lot. This can occur if you
live on a narrow street, cul-de-sac, or there are low tree branches.
Also, there are weight restrictions and other local laws that can
create the need to meet at an alternative location.
Yes, you or somebody you have designated will need to be present.
Our drivers will perform an inspection of the vehicle and will need
a signature on this and the bill of lading.
Express Auto Delivery will stay in contact with you throughout your
transaction. Not only will our office contact you, but the
driver will also give you an advanced notice of their arrival.
Insurance rules require that the car be placed on the transport
equipment by the transport driver.
We accept cashier checks and money orders. As well as Visa, MasterCard,
and Discover credit cards, and PayPal. Payments must be
received in full before we will be able to deliver your car. Dealerships may
apply for a line of credit by filling out our credit application.
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