When you’re looking to relocate, or if you’ve just purchased a new vehicle in another city, but you don’t want to drive it back home, then auto transport companies give you a time and money-saving alternative to towing it back yourself. Furthermore, you can trust the experts who have long-time experience in planning a route and transporting your vehicle safely. Nevertheless, you should ask a few questions of the customer service rep before hiring an auto transport service. Plus, representatives and managers should be well-prepared to not only give you the answers you need but also some guarantees of quality service. Here are a few questions that might come up.
1-Does the Car Shipping Price Includes Taxes and Extra Fees?
When you receive your bill, you shouldn’t be taken off guard by the price. Before signing on the dotted line to hire the auto transport service, you can inquire about their formula for calculating the price, including tax and any other fees. Also, it helps to be aware of the factors that go into calculating the price such as:
- The distance between the pickup and delivery locations
- The price of fuel (which fluctuates on an almost weekly basis)
- The size and type of vehicle that we’re hauling
- The type of trailer that you’d prefer (covered or flatbed)
Thus, a reputable company, like Webster, believes in giving as much information upfront as possible makes for a smoother delivery and transaction.
2- Is the Auto Transport Company Licensed and Registered?
Inquiring about the licensure and registration of any business is imperative. To gain such credentials, auto transport companies have to undergo certain procedures and inspections to ensure that they can ship your vehicle safely while abiding by the law. This is especially important when transporting cars across state lines. Therefore, one aspect to look for is whether the auto transport service is licensed and bonded by the FMCSA. Here at Webster, we closely adhere to all FMCSA requirements.
3-Can You Transport Cars That No Longer Run?
If you’re looking at transporting a clunker that requires a new motor or a chassis that requires everything, then you’ll need to check ahead of time as to the availability of this service. While it’s not uncommon for car enthusiasts and mechanics to order a vehicle just for its parts, not all auto transport companies offer that specific service. So, asking the question would be well worth your time in case you have to choose a different company.
4-How Do You Calculate Your Rates?
Considering all the factors that were previously mentioned, you might wonder how auto transport service personnel come up with their rates. Aside from paying the driver per diem (in the case of a long-distance) and by the mile, weather conditions might affect the rate. Hazardous conditions, like snow and hail, are going to drive up a rate as opposed to shipping during calm, warm weather seasons. Aside from that, you’ll probably want to know about how fuel costs and distance would factor into the cost.
5-What Documentation do I need to Supply to Ship My Car?
Naturally, you might also want to know what legal documents are needed before your car can be shipped. Additionally, you can also request to examine the inspection form that an auto transport service uses. This form is quite important for both insurance and tax purposes, so you should ask to see which details are included. Also, an excellent auto transport company will line out exactly what you need. For an example of a detailed inspection form, feel free to check out Webster’s.
6-How Will My Car be Transported?
Aside from documentation, rates, and insurance, you’ll naturally want to know (if not actually see) the type of truck and trailer that’ll be hauling your car. And a service rep would point out the difference between the two trailer options (covered or open) available, the difference in cost, as well as any pros and cons between the two.
7-Will the Vehicle be Insured?
Yet another key factor to ask about is whether your vehicle will be insured during the trip. Many auto transport services, like Webster Hauling, carry a cargo insurance policy. In fact, federal regulations require that auto transport companies maintain these policies. Plus, knowing that your car is insured up to its full replacement value might give you some peace of mind.
8-What Payment Options Are Available?
Although you’re saving time, money, and a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle by shipping it, you still need to plan ahead for the financial aspect. Can you place a down payment and then take care of the balance upon delivery? Or do you have to pay the entire cost upfront or at the time of delivery? And you’ll need to inquire about accepted methods of payment.
9-Do You Have Customer Support?
Right away, you might want to assume that all auto transport companies have customer support. And without a doubt, they have personnel designated for answering calls or handling mishaps. However, you might need to know if customer support is available 24/7 or during certain hours. Plus, you might ask what customer support provides in regard to just answering questions or problem solving when necessary.
10- Do I need to be Present for Pickup and Delivery?
Finally, because work schedules and life can’t always accommodate, consider asking if you have to be present for delivery or pickup of your vehicle. Most auto transport services are accommodating, but a few companies might have a limit on wait time and location of drop-off if the owner is not there to go over the inspection forms.
At Webster Hauling, we’re ready and able to answer all your questions and address any concerns. Please feel free to give us a call or visit us online for a free quote and to discuss the logistics of your vehicle’s shipping process.
