If you’re thinking of shipping your car, there’s a lot to think about from the time it’s loaded on the carrier until it’s delivered and safely back into your hands. You may be worried that it could be damaged during transport, that you could be overcharged, or the transport truck could be delayed and you’ll be without your wheels. The bottom line is that you want your car shipped safely, efficiently, and without problems.
But car shipping problems can pop up on both sides of the equation. Sometimes the auto transport company is at fault, sometimes the fault is caused by the customer, and at times problems occur that simply are out of anyone’s control. Although you’ll rarely have any problems if you ship with a reputable transport company, check out some of the things that can go wrong. Once you understand the potential problems or pitfalls, you’ll be well-armed to take steps to avoid them!
Problems That Can Be Caused by the Auto Transport Company
Damage
Potential damage is one of the most common concerns of customers who are thinking of shipping their car. Even light scratches and paint chips can affect the value of your vehicle. Although damage can happen, it’s very rare among the top-rated auto shippers. After all, they’re highly rated because they’re able to provide excellent customer service, well-maintained equipment, highly trained drivers – and few problems. However, some of the most common types of damage include:
- Fluid that drips out of cars loaded on the top ramps to the roof of cars below. This is why car shippers ask that customers have their car checked for leaks prior to shipping.
- Extreme weather conditions like hail, hurricanes, tornadoes, and even big hunks of road debris can potentially damage cars in transit. Cars shipped in enclosed carriers don’t face these problems but they can happen if your car is shipped on an open carrier.
- Scratches and chipped paint can happen, especially when a transport driver isn’t careful when loading or unloading a vehicle.
Vandalism
Vandalism can happen when a transport driver isn’t conscientious about keeping an eye on the carrier, especially during stops. If a driver is inattentive, it’s easier for vandals to do their dirty work.
Insufficient Pre or Post Inspection
If a transport driver doesn’t carry out or properly report a complete vehicle inspection, problems can arise over insurance coverage.
Insufficient Licensing or Insurance Coverage
A vehicle transporter is required to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carry specified insurance coverage. They should also have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Car transporters who operate without these credentials aren’t legitimate and can cause an array of problems while transporting your vehicle.
Delayed Delivery
Delayed delivery is one of the most common customer complaints.
- Some factors, such as extreme weather, accidents, or mechanical problems can’t be controlled.
- Most reputable shippers will provide a three-day delivery window because some delays simply can’t be prevented or are out of the driver’s control.
Incorrect Estimate or Hidden Fees
- Car transporters base their shipping estimates on the model, weight, and distance of the vehicle for transport. Avoid estimate problems by checking to make sure the carrier has correctly specified the model of your car and the correct pick-up and delivery locations.
- Some unreliable car transport companies offer fraudulent estimates. They may offer the customer a low quote, then when you expect delivery of your car, the company charges hidden fees and won’t release your car until the fees are paid.
Pick-up or Delivery Misunderstandings
- Open carriers typically travel established routes and expect cars to be loaded and unloaded at their specified terminals.
- If the transport company isn’t clear about the location of its loading and unloading terminals, there can be a misunderstanding about where pick-up or delivery is located.
Poor Communication
- Although most car shipping companies have a communication method in place so customers can stay up-to-date on the shipping process, some companies don’t follow through with the level of communication promised. Customers become frustrated and worried when they can’t locate their car.
- A reputable car transport company will provide frequent and regular communication as to location, progress, or possible delays due to weather, accidents, traffic, etc.
Problems That Can Be Caused by the Customer
Misrepresented Vehicle
If a customer doesn’t represent a vehicle correctly, the carrier may have to reject loading and shipping. Usually, it’s an unintentional mistake, but it’s a problem if a customer books a Nissan Versa for shipping but shows up at the transport terminal with a Chevy Suburban. Cars are loaded into tight spaces on the carriers and the driver carefully pre-plans how the cars will be loaded. If the car size and weight are misinterpreted by the customer, the car may be refused for shipment.
Try to Also Ship Personal Belongings
Most car shippers are not allowed to transport vehicles filled with personal belongings. If a customer fills their car with suitcases or boxes, the carrier can be fined and belongings can be confiscated at mandatory inspection stations.
Inoperable Vehicle
If a customer doesn’t specify that the vehicle they are shipping is inoperable, it will be assumed that the car can be driven onto the transport carrier. When a car can’t be driven onto the carrier under its own steam, either the car will be rejected or there will be additional fees for winching and time delays.
Delays
From a customer who doesn’t show up on time for loading their vehicle on the carrier to those customers who don’t have the required documents for shipping, customer-caused delays can slow down the entire shipping schedule.
Insufficient or Unclear Documents
Transport companies require proof of insurance, vehicle ownership, and other specific documents prior to shipping. If those documents aren’t presented before shipping, transport can be delayed or the car can be rejected for shipping. Also, it’s imperative that all shipping documents are filled out completely and correctly. Errors in pick-up or delivery location, contact information, or type of vehicle can cause problems with shipping.
Now that you’re savvy about car transport problems, you’ll know which you can avoid, those you can manage, and which are out of your control. You also know that the majority of problems can be avoided when you choose a reputable and trustworthy auto transporter that provides:
- Insurance coverage to protect against damage caused by the shipper
- Appropriate state and federal licensing
- Well-trained, conscientious drivers who care about your car
- Well-maintained equipment
- A binding price quote that avoids hidden charges
- A clear policy regarding any significant delays
It takes time to properly research which auto transport companies you can trust. But if searching for honest, transparent, licensed, and insured shippers just seems too time-consuming and stressful, you can count on Caravan Auto Transport. At Caravan, we thoroughly vet every auto transport company in our network so you don’t have to. We provide this extra step because we want to make sure you’re connected only with the most professional and most reputable auto transporters in the industry. At Caravan, our goal is to provide you with outstanding customer service.
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The easiest way to streamline your research process and avoid problems when shipping your car is to let Caravan Auto Transport connect you with top-rated shippers. Get a free quote now – it’s fast and easy!