Auto Transport F.A.Q.

 

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

 

Quotes can be sent by email or text message - you may request a quote at www.viceautotransport.com/request-quote or call 1-800-541-0696.  We can also send quotes through text, reach us at 754-800-4112. 

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How is my car shipping cost calculated?

 

When determining your quote,, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination, along with the general coverage on your route are the biggest factors that contribute to your total rate. 

 

In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition (running/non running) of the vehicle being shipped. 

 

The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service.

 

 

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

 

We can accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer/ACH - cashapp, zelle & Venmo full pre-payment of your shipment. Typically there is a 4% credit card processing fee for full payments by credit card.

 

 If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or zelle.

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How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

 

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 1-2 weeks in advance. 

 

Expedited shipping options are available in order to accommodate shipments that require short notice, narrow or specific pick up/delivery dates. You can always give us a call, text or email and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

 

 

 

What details do you need to place an order?

 

We will need the address for the locations that your vehicle will be picked up from and delivered to, along with the name and phone number of the contact person at each location. We will also need the date that your vehicle will be ready and the year, make, and model of the vehicle(s) that will be transported.

 

 

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Can I place an order if I don’t know the exact address?

 

Yes, the city and zip code will suffice until your exact pickup or delivery location is known, you may also use a placeholder address such as a shopping mall, truck stop or other location with truck access as the pick up and drop off point

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Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

 

                                                                             In most instances, Yes.

 

There should be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle. In the rare cases when no one is available to release/receive the vehicle, the keys must be in a secure location and the driver can provide pictures once picked up/delivered. We highly recommend having someone available to release/receive the vehicle in person vs an absentee pick up/drop off.

 

 

 

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

 

 

The driver will generally bring the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pick up and deliver directly at your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store, shopping mall or truck stop.

 

 

 

What is the bill of lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

 

The bill of lading is the document used by car shipping companies to document the condition of the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading signed by both the driver along with the shipper & receiver. Many drivers use an electronic bill of lading which can be emailed to you upon pick up and delivery.

 

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When will my vehicle be delivered?

 

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be typically 2-3 days. 

Our transport reps and the carrier dispatchers can provide updates during transit as needed.

 

 

Do you guarantee pickup or delivery dates?

 

All pickup and delivery dates provided are estimated. Although it is not common, there are instances where a pickup or delivery may be slightly delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. There are many factors beyond the control of the driver that may cause schedule changes such as weather events, mechanical issues, road conditions, schedule conflicts with other clients/auctions etc. 

 

For these reasons, it would not be 100% truthful for anyone to guarantee shipment pickup or delivery dates. We will always do our best to provide accurate information and communicate if there are changes to the schedule as soon as we become aware of them.

 

 

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

 

You may transport non valuable items in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or hatch (below the window line). 

 

Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing. We do not recommend putting items inside the cabin as generally items above 100 lbs will incur additional charges based on the drivers’ assessment.

 

 

 

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

 

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make sure there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds, confined to the trunk and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle if stored in the hatch). 

 

Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle such as special starting procedures or modifications etc.

 

 

 

Can I ship a modified or oversized vehicle?

 

Yes, through our advanced network of specialized carriers nationwide, we can ship vehicles of any size. However, you will need to call for a specialized rate quote based on the dimensions of the oversized vehicle you would like to ship. 

 

 

 

Can I ship a vehicle with low ground clearance?

 

Yes, however any vehicle with clearance lower than 4 inches will likely need to be shipped on an enclosed car carrier trailer with a lift gate. Low-clearance vehicles simply cannot be driven onto an open trailer because the car would risk bottoming out while being loaded onto the carrier.

 

 

 

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

 

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition as long as they have 4 inflated tires, the vehicle can roll in neutral, and rolls/steers as needed. 

 

When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter.

 

You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

 

 

 

 

Do I need license plates on a vehicle to ship it?

 

                                                                    No, we just need the vehicle and keys. 

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What type of truck will transport my car?

 

That depends on the car shipping service you choose. It will be either an open or enclosed car carrier trailer hauling multiple vehicles. Either way, the truck will be quite large. You can call us anytime if you have questions about a carrier's ability to bring their truck onto your street.

 

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

 

We offer Open Trailer and Enclosed Trailer services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on 1 or 2 decks that are exposed. 

 

Enclosed car shipping is when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler.

 

 This method is recommended for luxury, exotic, classic and race cars, or for clients who prefer the highest level of security/service for their transport

 

Can I ship a car from an auto auction?

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Yes, we ship cars from wholesale, salvage auctions and other types of auto auctions. Each auction will have different requirements to release a vehicle and we'll get all the necessary details from you at the time of booking.

 

 Please make sure the vehicle is fully paid and ready for release from the auction. Also be aware that if a vehicle is booked as operable but it turns out that the vehicle is inoperable, there will be an additional cost and the original car carrier trailer may not be able to accommodate an inoperable vehicle.

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Is my vehicle insured during transport?

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All shipments include basic cargo coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit.