LA Auto Transport Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?

You can schedule as far in advance as you want. Drivers will simply make a mental note that in the future (i.e. the week and month specified by you) you would like your car transported. So, the best answer is to book your car transport as soon as you know your desired pickup date. Keep in mind that should your plans change you can easily change your future desired pickup date without a penalty. Penalties, usually $200 which your contract specifies may be billed to your credit card, will only occur when both of the following occur. 1) A driver has accepted your offer to transport your car which confirmation we have sent to the email or fax supplied on your profile (i.e. this is a legally binding contract. 2) It’s within 10 days of the pickup date.

Of course life is messy and sometimes you won’t know until the last minute that you need your car shipped. You can of course at any time list your car for pickup, even the very week you would like it transported. However be prepared to offer more money and keep your fingers crossed. Traditionally, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 7 days from the date the vehicle is first available for pick-up. This assumes of course that our network of affiliated licensed carriers in your area are not able to fill their trucks by higher offers from customers around you.

Pick-up dates and delivery times are not guaranteed.

 How much will it cost to ship my vehicle?

Pricing your transport is determined by several factors, among which are the origin, destination, vehicle size, how quickly you need your vehicle picked up and the size of the pickup window. For example you may not care if your car is picked up anytime during a specified month. On the other hand you may want your vehicle picked up on a day or weekend. These all play a role in determining what price you pay to have your vehicle pickup within your time parameters. Estimating a competitive price can be complicated.

Shipping prices vary by vehicle supply and demand, season, day of the month, fluctuating gas prices, availability of transporters, and of course destination. Our transportation network normally provides door to door service.

 How long does it take to transport a vehicle?

There are two major factors in determining how long your vehicle transport will take for delivery. First is the distance between pick-up and delivery. Typically the longer the distance for the transport the longer it will take the driver to deliver the vehicle. In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will have to make will also play a factor in the delivery time. Unexpected delays can be caused by traffic conditions, weather conditions, and roadway conditions; rare mechanical problems can also add time to the delivery. There are many State and Federal regulations that our drivers must comply with. These regulations include restrictions on the amount of daily and weekly time the drivers can log as on duty and driving. Additionally the drivers are required to conduct daily truck safety inspections and do routine maintenance as needed.

On average, a delivery of up to 500 miles will take 1 to 3 days - 1,000 miles will take 2 to 5 days - 2,000 miles will take 4 to 8 days, and coast to coast will range from 5 to 12 days with 8 days being close to the average. Please remember these are just estimated times for delivery.

 What is the difference between an Open and an Enclosed Carrier?

Generally, an Open Carrier is similar to those you see transporting cars to and from dealerships. These carriers range in size and capacity. Vehicles that are moved via an open carrier are exposed to inclement weather and road conditions. Enclosed Carriers also range in size and capacity. Since these carriers are covered, the vehicles in transit are not subjected to inclement weather or road conditions. Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom, exotic or autos that have been especially cared for. All motorcycles are shipped on enclosed carriers.

 How do I pay for services?

We only need a deposit to start your shipment. For your convenience we accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards as well as American Express. If you would like to save the credit card processing fees a 10 % discount is given for deposits paid by personal check, bank check or money order. To get started immediately, simply click on the paying by check box, and enter your credit card information as backup. A $75 authorization will be made to verify the card but no charge will be made on your credit card. If your check is not received in our office within 4 days you authorize us to charge your credit card for the deposit plus 10%. The balance should be paid to the driver when they make the delivery. This remaining balance must be paid via Cash, Certified Check or Money Order (No Credit Card, Personal or Business checks, or any other form of payment will be accepted upon delivery).

 What happens after I place the order?

Once you enter the order, your vehicle information is pushed out to our network of Licensed Auto Transporters. Once it is accepted by a Transport Carrier, you will be emailed by us with the information of the Transport Carrier so that you can set up a specific date and confirm the time table.

We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. However it is the customer’s responsibility to keep in contact with the auto transport driver and make yourself available when the driver pulls into town since this driver will have 8 to 10 other customer cars that he must deliver on a very tight timeline. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released.

 What steps are involved in shipping my vehicle?

Once your order is placed and your payment information is processed, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available timeframe you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. And the Transporter’s telephone contact information. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released.

 What happens if I'm not available when the truck comes to pick up or deliver the vehicle?

You will probably be subject to an automatic $200 fee and be rescheduled. So stay in contact with your diver. If needed give your car to your family or friends and inform the driver of the new phone number of your family, neighbors, or friends. If absolutely necessary maybe you can sign a release letter and leave your keys and letter in some predetermined location, e.g. under the passenger seat. But you do this last option at your own risk. But it goes both ways, so please do not take off work or hang around your home until you speak with the driver as acts of god happen.

 Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?

Door-to-Door Service

The vehicle will be picked up as close to your home as possible. In some cases we ask that you meet our truck at a mutually agreed location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. This is due to the typically large size of our auto transport trucks and the inability to maneuver through many streets, and under low bridges, wires, and branches.

 Can I pack items in the trunk of my car?

We and the carrier truck drivers cannot assume responsibility for these items and they are not covered by the transporter's insurance. So while most items left in your vehicle are safe and arrive at your destination safely, we take no responsibility for anything left in your vehicle.

 Does The Auto Transporter Need the Keys To My Car?

Yes. The Auto Transporter needs to start your vehicle and drive it up his ramp and into a position on his rig according to the size and make of your vehicle. As the driver unloads customer’s vehicles and takes on new vehicles as he travels across the country he will be again be starting and shifting vehicle locations.

 Is there anything I need to do to my car to prepare for transport?

There are a few things that you should do before transporting your car. We recommend you check your tire pressure. This will help the transporter in loading and unloading your car. Do not fill the tank to full. About ¼ of a tank is enough for the carrier to load and unload the car. He may have to do this 3-4 times in a move. Check and fill antifreeze. If the car is going from a warm climate to a cold one. Make sure the antifreeze levels are within factory specifications. This will protect your car from cold weather. Disable the alarm system. Car alarms should be turned off before transport \. If you cannot turn them off make sure you show the carrier how to work the alarm system. All alarms are different and this will help the carrier in the future.