Expert Tips for Hassle-Free Car Transportation

How to Avoid Car Shipping Scams: The Bait and Switch

The "bait and switch" scam is a well-known trick in the car transport industry. Here's how it usually works:

• Low Initial Quote: You get a very low quote and are asked to pay a booking fee, usually between $150 and $200.
• Price Hike: As the pickup date gets closer, the company gives various excuses to increase the price significantly, such as rising fuel costs, unpopular routes, or high demand.
• Customer Pressure: This price increase often happens when you're on a tight schedule, making you feel forced to accept the higher fee.
• Company's Focus: These companies take advantage of your urgent need, prioritizing quick profit over long-term customer satisfaction.

Fear-based Scam

• Fake Insurance Sales: Some brokers try to sell you extra insurance, but all legitimate carriers already include it. Offering additional insurance is essentially a scam because it's a nonexistent product. Your cars will be protected by trucking company`s insurance not brokers insurance!

• Top Load Charge: Brokers might charge an extra $100-150 for a "top load" spot or claim it's included for free. This is misleading because vehicles are often moved around during transit, making these promises dishonest and unnecessary. Do not fall for it!

Understanding Car Shipping Options

When shipping your cars, you generally have two main options: open transportation and enclosed transportation. Below we will describe what you need to know about each option

Open Transportation

• Cost-Effective: This is the most budget-friendly option for shipping your car.
• Exposure to Elements: Your vehicle will be transported on an open trailer, meaning it will be exposed to weather conditions like rain, snow, and sun.
• Road Debris: There is a higher chance of your car getting dirty or being hit by road debris during transport.
• Dirty Arrival: Expect your vehicle to arrive dusty or dirty after the journey.
• Insurance Coverage: Standard insurance covers up to $75,000 per car, but it often comes with a high deductible. Make sure to check the specifics of the insurance policy provided by the transporter.

Enclosed Transportation

• Ideal for High-Value or Delicate Vehicles: If you have a luxury car, a classic vehicle, or any other type of high-value or delicate car, enclosed transportation is the best option. It offers the highest level of protection for your precious automobile.
• Protection from Weather and Road Damage: Unlike open transportation, enclosed transportation shields your vehicle from the elements. This means your car will be safe from rain, snow, hail, and other weather conditions, as well as potential damage from road debris.
• Higher Cost but Worth the Investment: Although enclosed transportation is more expensive than open transportation, the additional cost is an investment in the safety of your vehicle. By choosing enclosed transport, you can avoid potential repair costs down the line, ensuring your vehicle arrives in pristine condition.

Door-to-Door Service: Marketing vs. Reality

• Promoted Service: Door-to-door service is often heavily marketed by brokers as a highly convenient option for car shipping. They emphasize the ease and simplicity of having your vehicle picked up and delivered right at your doorstep.
• Real-world Restrictions: In reality, this service can be quite impractical. Local regulations, narrow streets, and physical limitations like low-hanging trees or power lines often make it difficult for large transport trucks to navigate residential areas. As a result, true door-to-door service is rarely feasible.
• Better Alternative: Instead of struggling with these challenges, it's usually more effective to coordinate pickup and delivery at more accessible locations. Large retail parking lots, for example, provide ample space for transport trucks to maneuver and load or unload vehicles safely and efficiently. This approach ensures a smoother and more reliable car shipping experience.

Choosing a Trustworthy Transport Broker

• Do Your Research: Choose brokers who are known for offering fair, realistic pricing and have positive customer reviews. Reading reviews can help you understand the experiences of other customers.
• Value Transparency: Pick brokers who communicate clearly and don't hide any fees. It's important to know exactly what you're paying for without any surprises.
• Look for Experience: Opt for brokers with a proven track record and a solid reputation in the industry. Experience and a good reputation can give you confidence that your vehicle is in good hands.
• Chameleon Trucking Companies: Be careful of brokers who use unlicensed and low safety score carrier to cut costs, they might even steal your vehicle run to Mexico and you can not do anything about it

Vehicle Preparation Tips

• Disclose Modifications: Make sure to tell your transporter about any modifications to your vehicle, like aftermarket lifts or custom tires.
• Take Clear Photos: Take detailed pictures of your car on pickup and make sure driver is taking pictures too. This will help prevent any disputes about the vehicle's condition later on.
• Personal Items: Talk to your broker about putting personal items in your car to avoid surprise fees. Your personal items will never be covered, try not to leave valuable items inside the vehicle. No insurance will cover personal items related claims.
• Thorough Inspections: Carefully check your vehicle for any damage at both pickup and delivery, and make sure to document everything accurately.