How It Works - American Haul

How is it Done Everything You Need to Know About Shipping Your Car

Here are the 3 basic and straightforward procedures to shipping your automobile.

There could be various circumstances that might make you ponder on how to move a car from one place to another. For instance, you may have recently purchased your dream vehicle online and are now contemplating how to transport it overseas to your doorstep. Alternatively, you may relocate due to a job promotion or change and need to transport your car from one state to another. Some people may also want to transport their vehicles cross-country while heading south for the winter.

Whether you need to move your car within the United States or across borders, we have got you covered. In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to ship a car.

The process of shipping a car can be broken down into three simple steps:

You must request a quote from an auto transport company and book your shipment.
The company will collect your car from the designated location.
Your vehicle will be transported to the desired destination and delivered to you.

Knowing how to transport your vehicle can be a reassuring thought, regardless of the reason behind it. This is why we have created this auto transport guide to share all the relevant details with you. We are confident that this information will help you appreciate the seamless, hassle-free process of shipping your car.

Step 1: How to Ship Your Car Across the Country or Anywhere Else

If you’re wondering how to ship a car across the country or beyond, the first step is to get a quote and book your order. Contact us today to receive your free instant quote. Our instant online quote calculator takes just a couple of minutes to use. Alternatively, you can speak directly with our shipping advisors at (844) 200-4805

When you reach out to us, we’ll need some basic information about your car shipping needs. You’ll need to provide us with the pickup and delivery locations, make, model, and year of your vehicle, whether it’s running or not, how you’d like to ship it, and when it will be ready for pickup. This is known as the First Available Pickup Date in the auto transport industry.

When it comes to shipping your car to another state or beyond, you have two options: open car transport and enclosed auto transport.

Open car transport is the most common and economical option, where your car is transported on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. Rest assured that this is a safe and secure method used by 80% of our customers.

Enclosed auto transport, on the other hand, offers maximum protection for your vehicle, transporting it in a covered trailer that shields it from dirt, debris, moisture, salt, and weather conditions. This extra protection comes at a higher price, averaging between 30% and 40% more than open car transport. Owners of luxury, antique, custom, classic, and vintage cars often choose enclosed auto transport.

Getting a quote is an essential part of the car shipping process. The quote you receive from us is all-inclusive, covering all taxes, fees, and full insurance coverage. We’re a transparent company, and you’re under no obligation to take the process any further. You make no upfront payment, and all our services are door-to-door, providing ultimate convenience. We also offer a price match promise. If the price you receive from one of our direct competitors is better, we’ll do our best to match it. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Once you’re satisfied with the price, it’s time to make a booking. You can do this by clicking on the link in the email we send you, scheduling your booking directly by calling 844 200 4805 , using our Live Chat service, or emailing us. Regarding paying for the auto transport service, we offer two options. Option #1 is a discounted price where we take a small partial payment from your credit or debit card when we confirm your booking. You pay the outstanding balance upon delivery of your car. Final payments can be made to the driver in cash, with a money order, or cashier’s check. Option #2 is the regular price, where we take the total amount when we confirm your booking. You can pay with cash, credit or debit card, or via PayPal. This payment secures your place on the auto transport trailer, and there is nothing left to pay upon delivery of your car. With your booking confirmed, we’ll find the best possible auto transport carrier for your needs. We have an extensive network of trustworthy, reliable, and thoroughly vetted carriers to choose from. We’ll soon find one that meets your requirements, and we’ll contact you to confirm the details, provide more information on how to ship your car and confirm your pickup date. You’ll also receive an email with the carrier’s contact details. • What is the validity of the quote that I receive? When you contact us to get a quote for shipping your car, it will be valid for seven calendar days. If you need to update or request a new quote, you can do so anytime. • Can you guarantee a specific pick-up date? Yes, we can guarantee a pick-up date for your vehicle. This is particularly helpful if you need to transport your car at short notice. • What does the term “First Available Pick-Up Date” mean? The First Available Pick-Up Date refers to the date on which your vehicle will be ready for pick-up and transportation. • Can I still get a quote if I don’t have the exact address for pick-up or delivery? Yes, we can provide you with a quote even if you don’t have the exact address. However, we will need to know the correct city/ZIP codes for pick-up and delivery. • Is my vehicle fully insured during transportation? Yes, all vehicles are covered by the motor carrier’s cargo insurance. However, there may be some limitations to this coverage, which you should be aware of. For example, when it comes to shipping a car to Hawaii, there may be limitations imposed by the ocean freight liners’ insurance policies. We can provide you with more information about this when you contact us.

Step 2: We Come Get Your Car

How to Get Your Car Shipped The second phase involves having your car picked up. The shipping company that has been tasked with delivering your package will give you a heads up that they’re on the way a few hours before they actually arrive. It is your responsibility to ensure that large trucks can reach the designated pickup area. Make sure the carrier’s vehicle and trailer can get over any obstacles, such as low-hanging branches or power lines, before they try to get in touch with you.

If there is a difficulty, don’t worry too much since a new venue may be quickly arranged. Perhaps you know of a broader street in the area where you two might arrange to meet. It might be more convenient to pick you up at your place of employment or a nearby parking lot.

You and the carrier should inspect your automobile for preexisting damage, such as dents, scratches, and dings, when they arrive. When you’re satisfied with the details, record them on the Bill of Lading and sign it. A copy of this important record will be sent to you. You’ll need it to make a comparison of the vehicle’s condition when it arrives.

We have finalized the paperwork and are ready to go! You’re nearly at the end of the second stage of shipping an automobile. Before that occurs, however, you’ll get to witness as your automobile is loaded onto a trailer. They will soon be leaving.

You’ll be able to track your car’s location and status at any moment. You may contact the driver directly or check in by email, Live Chat, or the phone for frequent updates.

Step 3: You Get Your Car

The procedure of figuring out how to send a vehicle is neither difficult nor time-consuming, and the carrier will contact you as soon as they are within a few hours of the delivery address; A simple appeal of politeness. On the other hand, they’re letting you know so you may arrange your schedule accordingly. If you know that you will be too busy, don’t fret; you can always rearrange things. You may appoint someone else to handle matters on your behalf. The only requirement is that they be above the age of 18. A third party might be anybody from a business associate to a neighbor, family member, or acquaintance.

The driver will ask you to verify the vehicle’s condition against the Bill of Lading once it has been unloaded. Present the driver with the total due if you choose to pay the discounted rate. Cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks are all acceptable methods of payment.