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Express Auto Transport FAQ |
Questions about our Insured Auto Transport Company |
We understand that you may have a lot of questions concerning Express Auto Transport, and how our service works. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions and find out about our auto transport service, our insured auto transport policy, tips on packing a car and more. |
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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 car is moved within the time frame which best meets your schedule.
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.
If your vehicle is available for pick-up immediately, we will work with you on getting your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when orders are submitted 5 to10 days in advance of the available date. About 75% of our customers place orders with a first available date for pick-up of today. Scheduling your order in advance is helpful however not necessary for a successful relocation.
Pick-up dates and delivery times are not guaranteed. Guaranteed and immediate pick-ups are available at an additional cost.
How does the Immediate Pick-up work?
An Immediate Pick-up should be thought of as a pick-up that is scheduled to be where and when you want it. A local tow company who will then become our terminal does the Immediate Pick-up. They will use a flatbed tow truck to pick-up the vehicle. The vehicle will be stored at the local terminal until the long distance truck can be scheduled to take it to its destination. This is a very good service for certain situations - some are as follows.
- People who want to keep their car until it's time for them to leave town.
- Customers who want to have the vehicle pick-up at a specific time for convenience reasons.
- Customers who have made a vehicle purchase and do not want the previous owner to have possession of the vehicle any longer.
This service will not get the vehicle to its destination any quicker. If faster service to the destination is desired please talk to a Transport Specialist for options on a faster delivery.
How does the Expedited Service work?
Express Auto Transport offers a 10 Day Expedited Service. We will provide a transport service which will pick-up and
deliver your vehicle within 10 days. If the order is placed after 5:00pm EST the first of the
10 days will start the next business day. This service will cost approximately $500 to $600
extra depending on your vehicle type. If your vehicle is not delivered in 10 days we will
refund $50 per day up to $200. This is intended to cover the cost of car rental. Although we
will do our best to meet the 10-day delivery schedule, delays can happen. Ask
our Transport Specialists for more information to see if this service is right for you. This service is not guaranteed and should not be used for critical delivery schedules.
We can provide guaranteed service by using a truck that will be dedicated to your move.
This service can be quite expensive, however DEDICATED SERVICE IS THE ONLY WAY TO GUARANTEE A
DELIVER SCHEDULE. Dedicated Service is guaranteed. However, Express Auto Transport will only
be responsible for refunds related to the transportation cost. We will not be responsible for
any other damages or losses suffered by the customer. Please see our Terms & Conditions for more
information. Shipping Agreement
How much will it cost to ship my vehicle?
Our Transport Specialists are trained to ask the right questions which pertain to your move. They will review your quote request so we can accurately price your transport.
Pricing your transport is determined by a few factors. The origin, destination, vehicle size, and the level of service desired. These all play a part in how your vehicle is quoted. Quoting a competitive price can be complicated. We need to make sure we have factored enough money in the move so the truck can be paid competitively. If two or more vehicles are in the same route the dispatchers will generally load the vehicle that pays the most first. So not paying enough for the move can be a factor in the length of time it takes to transport your vehicle.
In addition to making sure we quote enough for your move we don't want to charge you more than
necessary to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Generally, we run around 89 to 90%
of our vehicles being assigned in 1 to 7 days. Of the 10 or 11% remaining many are assigned
shortly after the 7day mark with some extra effort from the dispatch department. There are a
small amount of orders, despite our best efforts, that will not dispatch for the initial quoted
price. Your Customer Service Representative will work closely with you to discuss what may be needed if your vehicle has not been assigned to a truck in our standard time frames.
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 7 to 14 days with 10
days being close to the average. Please remember these are just estimated times for delivery.
Our Dispatch Department will try to provide an accurate estimate of delivery as the truck assignment is made.
Pick-up dates and delivery times are not guaranteed. Guaranteed and immediate pick-ups are available at an additional cost.
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.
Is Express Auto Transport Licensed and Bonded?
YES. The Interstate Commerce Commission of the United States Government licenses Express Auto Transport. We hold Motor Carrier authority under Certificate No. ICCMC-367548. We are also bonded under Certificate No. ICCMC- 459071.
Are you an insured Auto Transport Company?
Yes. Our insurance covers $1,000,000 trucking liability, a $1,000,000 general liability, and cargo insurance that will protect your vehicle up to the limit equal to the value of the vehicle. Standard insurance practices determine the value of your vehicle - just as if it were damaged in a traffic accident.
If your vehicle is of unique value it is recommended that a reputable company appraise the vehicle prior to shipping it.
In the event we use an agent to assist with your transport, we verify that all agents have an active insurance policy with acceptable coverage. In addition to verification, it is our policy to have agents name Express Auto Transport to their trucking policy as a certificate holder. This ensures advance notice in the event an agent's insurance policy changes status. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor.
The amount of cargo insurance needed depends on the size and type of the equipment. The contractor pays any policy deductibles. Our customers will never have any deductible charges in the unlikely event of vehicle damage; assuming the claim has been validated. If vehicle damage is sustained, Express Auto Transport will protect the customer and their property. We will act as liaison during the settlement of any valid claim.
How do I place my order?
We Have 3 Easy Ways to Place Your Order:
- If you have received an email quote, look for the online order link. "Click here to place your order ONLINE NOW."
- Call 1-800-405-0914 TODAY and give the customer service representative your customer ID number or ask for a transport specialist.
- Fill out an Order Form and fax it to 1-513-870-6674 TODAY.
How do I pay for services?
We only need a deposit to start your shipment. For your convenience we accept all major credit cards, check by phone, paypal, and money orders. The balance should be paid to the driver as they make the delivery. The 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). You may make payment in full, with a credit card; at the time the order is placed if necessary.
What happens after I place the order?
Once your Transport Specialist enters the order, your transport is
immediately assigned to a Customer Service Representative. You will
be emailed after this assignment telling you who your CSR is and their work hours. Your
Customer Service Representative will also contact you by phone to
make an introduction and review your needs of transport. The CSR will work closely with the
Dispatch Department ensuring your vehicle is picked up timely
and delivered safely. Email notifications will keep you informed as to the status of your move.
Your Customer Service Representative will be available to you for status, updates, or for any questions that may arise.
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available date you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. 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 steps are involved in shipping my vehicle?
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available date you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. 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?
We try to keep each customer well informed during the entire shipping process. 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. We ask that you make yourself as available as possible. Please do not take off work or hang around your home until you speak with the driver.
In the event you are not able to release or take possession of your vehicle, you may appoint anyone to do this task. We ask that you supply us with the proper information for contact in this situation.
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 appealing location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. This is due to the typically large size of the trucks and the inability to maneuver through many streets, and under low bridges, wires, and branches.
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We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please call or email us. If you have questions about the transport of your vehicle please call us at (800) 405-0914. We are able to take your call Monday thru Friday 8am to 10pm, 9am to 5pm Saturday, and 9am to 3pm Sunday EST. |
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