
Frequently Asked Questions
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 American Auto Club Shipping requires the trucking companies insurance agency
supplies us with a certificate of insurance naming American Auto Club Shipping as
an additional insured or certificate holder. Any insurance
deductible is paid by the trucking company. If damage is incurred we will
act as liaison during 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 American Auto Club Transport 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 also have consultants specializing 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 1 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 7 to 10
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?
American Auto Club Transport 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.
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-680604), 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.
Support@AmericanAutoClubShipping.com
