FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Cheap Auto Trans?
We work with professional agents to guarantee a timely shipping service. Plus, you can count on our team to support you 24/7 during the whole process. We are ready to help in case an issue occur. Cheap Auto Trans work with professional drivers who have proved themselves to be reliable and experienced to complete even the most complex job. We will never omit details regarding price rates, dates, and other important. And we have long lasting relationships with our carriers who have 5-star review ratings. Lastly, we are 100% committed to our customers and partners. Whenever you need professional shipping services, Cheap Auto Trans is here to help. We offer 24/7 phone, e-mail, live chat and message assistance.
What is the cost of shipping a vehicle?
Our rates are based on several different factors – size of vehicle, distance of transport, the working condition of the vehicle, time of year transport is required and the general market price for the particular route requested. By filling out a quote form, we can better estimate the exact costs.
How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?
We recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your vehicle is moved within the time frame which best meets you schedule. Usually, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 5 days from the date the vehicle is first available for pick-up. If your vehicle is available for immediate pick-up, we will work with you on getting your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when transportation orders are submitted approximately 5 days in advance of the available date. Scheduling your vehicle transportation in advance is helpful but it isn't always necessary.
What do I need for reservation? Do I have to pay everything when I make a reservation?
For reservation you would need to share exact pick up and delivery address and names and phone numbers of people who is going to be on pick up and delivery and first available pick up date. Reservation is free of charge, we don’t charge anything upfront. Once we secure the spot on the trailer, you will be obliged to pay deposit. Balance is due on pick up or delivery and you can pay it with cash, cashier’s check or money order to a driver directly.
Is there any additional cost?
No, the quote is all inclusive. It covers door to door service, full bumper to bumper insurance, all tax and tolls paid, and personal belongings up to 100 lbs. free of charge.
How does Cheap Auto Trans calculate my shipping cost?
There are a few factors that affect the auto transport cost: route distance, vehicle size and condition (running or non-operable), the type of trailer that would be used (open or enclosed) and the season. For example if you want to ship your vehicle down to Florida, in fall, the cost will be higher due to the tremendous amount of traffic caused by snowbirds moving south to Florida.
What different payment options that Cheap Auto Trans offers?
We offer different methods of payment. The most common way to pay includes credit or debit card. Once when we find you a carrier, clients pay a partial fee that varies from 10% to 20% of the whole bill. The due balance is paid in full upon delivery. You can also pay the remaining balance (carrier pay) once your vehicle has been picked up. That way you won’t have to worry about the payment on delivery. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. You can also pay via PayPal.
What payment methods are available on delivery?
Drivers are not allowed to accept credit cards or person checks on delivery. If you have an outstanding balance that is due on delivery, please make sure that you have cash, cashier’s check, or money order
How long does it take for my vehicle to be picked up?
The main factor affecting pick-up time is location. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a big metropolitan area, your auto will usually be picked up on the exact date you need it to be picked up. Keep in mind that sometimes delays might occur due to weather, traffic, and road conditions. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a more rural area, it might take 2 or more days to be picked up.
How long does it take for my vehicle to be delivered?
Once we have confirmed your dates with your driver, you can expect your vehicle to arrive on time. Sometimes, there might be delays that are caused by unfortunate weather conditions, unexpected truck break downs, or other force majeure that the driver might encounter en route. Coast-to-coast shipping usually takes between 7 and 10 days. Shipping a vehicle from north to south and vice versa take from 5 to 7 days. Auto transport under 500 miles should take less than 2 or 3 days, once the vehicle has been picked up.
Are there different types of vehicle transport to choose from?
Sure. We offer open trailer transport and enclosed transport services.
What does door to door means?
Door to door service means we would come and pick up your vehicle at any address and deliver it at any address as long as the drive-in is accessible for 18wheeler (many of the trucks are over 75 ft). If not, you can make a deal with the driver to meet him some place around the corner with the big parking lot.
Will my vehicle be loaded onto other trucks while in transit?
Absolutely not. Cheap Auto Trans makes sure that your vehicle is delivered on the same truck that it has been loaded on. The only time your vehicle might be delivered by another truck is if the truck that had picked up your vehicle has broken down on a route and Cheap Auto Trans finds a replacement to complete your job on time.
Can I choose a particular spot on the trailer?
Most drivers will load your vehicle wherever they think it is safe. Truckers have to deal with multiple factors when it comes down to loading your vehicle. They have to make sure that they fit all cars properly, so that they don’t exceed the permitted length of the truck, and they also need to make sure that they follow all federal laws, and there is no overweight on any of the axles.
What is difference between open transport and enclosed transport?
Open auto transport is the most common method used to transport a vehicle. Nearly 90% of the vehicles are transported via an open transport. As there is $250.000 insurance coverage on the open transport, there is no need to worry that something might happen to your vehicle. Open transport usually costs about $300 or $400 less than the enclosed transportation. Most clients that are using enclosed transport have exotic vehicles that need the extra level of protection. As the insurance coverage for enclosed transport is higher than for open transport, it is recommended for more expensive super cars.
Can I ship my personal belongings?
You can have personal belongings up to 100 lbs free of charge, and it has to be placed in the trunk or back compartment of your vehicle. If you want to place more than 100 lbs, it would be additional, and it has to be in front or back seat of the car below window level, it can not be nothing heavy and driver seat always must be empty. Personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.
How much stuff can I put inside my vehicle?
The Department Of Transportation prohibits the transport of household items with a vehicle while the vehicle is in transit. Personal belongings left in the vehicle are shipped strictly at the owner's risk. If the driver arrives at the pick-up location and sees that your vehicle is slammed to the ground because of the extra weight, he might ask you to remove your belongings, or charge you additionally. Truck drivers will take no responsibility for damages that arise from household items being kept inside your vehicle.
Is my vehicle going to be insured?
Yes, we provide full bumper to bumper insurance which means that your vehicle is insured for at least $100.000 damage of any kind for open trailer transport, and $250.000 for enclosed trailer. That includes tiny little scratch, total damage, theft, fire. Your vehicle is fully insured as long as it's on our trailer, but your personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.
Cheap Auto Trans promises that my car will be fully insured. What do I need to know?
Your vehicle is fully insured during transit, as carriers have cargo insurance of $250K - $1 million. However, please keep in mind that damages caused by Acts of God (hail, floods, hurricanes, avalanches, etc), along with damages by road debris are not covered. However, if this is of a great concern to you, we are can arrange for your vehicle to be transported in an enclosed car carrier for an additional fee.
What if my vehicle is damaged while in transit?
If you receive your vehicle and notice that there is a damage, you must immediately note it on the bill of lading. Next, call Cheap Auto Trans to report the damage. It will be very helpful for us to be aware of this new damage right away, so that we could resolve the issues as fast as possible. Make sure that driver does not leave without you reporting the damage on the bill of lading and the driver signing it.
After a damage claim has been submitted, What do I do?
We will ask you to submit both, bills of lading along with three estimates from an authorized repair shop. We will facilitate the arbitration with our carrier.
Do I need to be present for pickup or delivery?
We do require someone to be present for the pickup and delivery process. Either you or anyone you authorize can be present to sign the Bill of Landing and observe our driver’s vehicle inspection. Once the inspection is complete and the Bill of Landing is signed, you may leave.
I will not be available at pickup and/or delivery, What do I do?
You can arrange to have a family member, a friend or a co-worker to be present on pick-up or delivery date. However, it is crucial that they are well informed about the inspection that is performed upon loading/unloading. The person who is shipping the vehicle must sign the bill of lading, where the condition of your vehicle is noted. If another person is receiving your vehicle, then they must be informed that they need to do a thorough inspection on delivery and confirm that vehicle has been delivered at same condition as it has been loaded. If there are any damages, the person receiving the car must note them on the same bill of landing.
What paper work do I need to sign upon pickup?
You only need to provide the keys to the driver. Your title and insurance are not needed. You only need to sign off your vehicle that it has been picked up on the bill of lading, and then your vehicle will be on the way to its drop-off destination.
My car should be picked up from the auction, what should I know?
If your car should be picked up from the auction, we will require info about the company name and address, VIN, Lot and Buyer’s number prior the pick up date.
