Auto Transport FAQ

IS MY VEHICLE INSURED?

Your vehicle(s) will be insured against in-transit damage caused by carrier negligence or equipment failure by the auto shipping or car transport truck that we assign. These auto shipping and car transport trucks, by law, carry a minimum of $750,000 public liability insurance. In addition Able Auto Shipping and Car Transport requires that each independent contractor's insurance agency supplies us with a certificate of insurance naming Able Auto Transport, Inc. as an additional insured or certificate holder. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor. The amount of cargo insurance depends on the size and type of their equipment. Any insurance deductible is paid by the independent contractor. If damage is incurred we will act as liaison during the settlement of your claim.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN TO TAKE OFF WORK?

Please don't take time off work unless the driver requests. Most times we can arrange pickup around your schedule.

WHAT DO I DO IF MY VEHICLE GETS DAMAGED?

Our car transport and auto shipping transporters strive to do the best job possible, however, sometimes damage does occur. If damage is found on your vehicle, notify Able Auto Transport, Inc. as soon as it is noticed. We will help in every effort to solve this issue.

WHAT IS DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE?

Door-to-Door means the auto shipping or car transport driver will get as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Transport trucks are enormous and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to your home is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet the truck at a large parking lot nearby such as a grocery store.

WHEN CAN YOU PICKUP MY VEHICLE?

We specialize in ASAP (As Soon As Possible) moves. An auto shipping or car transport carrier will be assigned to pickup your vehicle in most cases, within a 2 to 3 day window of your requested ship date.  In most cases we can arrange pick up on your desired date.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Transit time depends on where your vehicle is shipping from and to. For instance, transit time from Chicago to Los Angeles is approximately 5 to 10 days, where as Los Angeles to New York City can take approximately 10 to 14 days. All pickup times, transport times, and dates quoted are simply averages. Each load is different depending on the individual auto shipping and car transport truck's schedule.

DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT WHEN YOU PICKUP OR DELIVER MY VEHICLE?

Yes, you or your designated individual must be present at both the pickup and delivery for when the auto shipping or car transport company arrives.

CAN I LEAVE MY VEHICLE SOMEPLACE?

Yes, providing we have a terminal in your area. There is an additional fee for this service.

CAN I PUT ITEMS IN THE CAR?

Able does not authorize personal belongings in the vehicle. Please understand that the items that you put in your vehicle will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. Please do not put items such as medicine, presents, or any other item that is needed by a specific time. If the truck is delayed, the items will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. No more than 100 pounds of soft goods such as pillows or blankets. Not only are auto shipping and car transport companies not insured for household goods, it is against the law for them to transport anything except your vehicle. The auto shipping and car transport truck is subject to inspection by the DOT and the Police at every state line and can be fined up to $10,000 if found to be carrying household goods. The car is subject to being impounded and all fines and expenses will be passed along to the owner of the car. Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband.

WILL MY VEHICLE BE DRIVEN?

The auto shipping driver will drive your car on and off the car transport, and may have to unload and re-load your car occasionally during transport to optimize space on the trailer. This unloading / reloading is kept to a minimum. Your car should not be driven otherwise, and odometer readings should be noted at pickup and delivery. Discrepancies should be noted on the delivery receipt and signed off by the driver.

WILL MY VEHICLE STAY ON ONE TRUCK?

Your vehicle will stay on one truck with the same driver for the duration of the trip unless something unforeseen happens to the original truck or driver (i.e. – a mechanical break down or illness).

HOW DO I PREPARE MY VEHICLE?

Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items such as ground effects, spoilers, fog lights, or wide mirrors, and lower or remove the antenna if possible. Repair or seal any tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent fast-moving air from causing further damage. Make sure the radiator has adequate levels of fresh antifreeze. Be sure that the battery is secure, has no leaks, and that the fluid levels are low enough to accommodate expansion. Leave only about ¼ tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank of gasoline adds a lot of costly weight to the transport. Deactivate or disconnect anti-theft devices. There can be serious problems and unnecessary expenses if the driver is locked out or if the alarm goes off during the auto shipping process or the car transport. And finally, make sure that your vehicle is clean enough to ensure an accurate pickup inspection.

*** Please very slightly open one window to relieve pressure due to temperature and elevation changes. This will allow for your vehicle(s) to breath and protect window(s) from blowing out because of the temperature and pressure changes during transport.

HOW DO I PAY?

VISA, Master Card, American Express, Discover, electronic transfer, personal checks, money orders, or company checks will be accepted for deposit or full prepayment. As for balance due, the auto shipping and car transport company's carrier will accept cash, cashiers check, postal money order, or official bank check ONLY. If you need to use a credit card upon delivery, call us and we will try to help anyway we can (this will incur an additional fee). This fee is normally only $25.00-$75.00, Hawaii, $50.00. Please give us advanced notice so this may be done while accounting is available between 6:30 AM and 10:00 PM Central Standard Time.

HOW DO I CHECK ON THE STATUS OF MY ORDER?

Call our dispatcher at the toll free number we provide to you once your order is processed. We will track your order and give you an update as soon as possible.

WHY SHOULD I USE A BROKER?

A common questions is, "Can't I arrange transport directly with an auto shipping or car transport trucking company directly?" There is usually no difference between the rates quoted by a Broker and those of a carrier. Most carriers travel very specific routes and may not be able to accommodate your pickup point, destination, or schedule. Many people aren't aware that if the carrier they choose is unable to service their requirements, that carrier may broker the transportation to a different transport company anyway. As a Bonded Broker (ICC/MC-195242), we deal with a large network of auto shipping and car transport companies who service many different routes. We deal only with reputable carriers who are properly licensed and insured, and we act as the liaison between the carrier and you, the customer. We have a well established base of trucks providing quality service to assure you a worry free move.