Top 15 things you should know about auto transport services

Harish Makam

02 Dec 2022 1 year ago


Are you planning to move to a new state? Do you need to transport your car? If so, you may be wondering how you’re going to get your vehicle from point A to point B. The good news is that there are a number of auto transport services available that can help you move your car. Auto transport is a massive industry in the USA that moves over 17 million vehicles annually. That’s because transporting a car is often the best way to move from one state to another. Not only is it cheaper and easier than driving your car yourself, but it also helps to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. There are a number of different auto transport services available, including open and enclosed car shipping , as well as rail and water transport. Which option is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including the size and weight of your vehicle, the distance you’re traveling, and the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable auto transport service, be sure to read this blog till the end.  In this blog, we will walk you through some of the most crucial information about auto transport services. So let’s begin.  

Type of vehicles you can ship

There are a variety of vehicles that you can ship using an auto transport company in the USA. Cars, vans, SUVs, and motorcycles are the most common types of vehicles that are transported. Besides, you can transport vehicles such as RVs, boats, and trailers. Suppose you are transporting a large or heavy vehicle. In that case, you will need to select an auto transport company with the appropriate equipment and experience transporting vehicles of that size and weight. When transporting a smaller or lighter vehicle, you may have more options when selecting an auto transport company.  

Expedited car shipping

 It is a service that promises faster delivery times than standard shipping. Expedited shipping is usually more expensive than the standard one, but the increased cost is often worth it for customers who need their vehicle (s) delivered quickly. Expedited shipping is available through most shipping carriers, including SAKAEM Logistics. Customers can usually choose to upgrade to expedited shipping during the checkout process. Know that expedited shipping speeds vary depending on the carrier and the destination but generally range from 2-3 business days for domestic and 3-5 business days for international shipments.

Guaranteed vehicle pickup service

This service promises to pick up your car within a specific timeframe, so you can rest assured knowing it will arrive on time. How does this service work? You will need to contact a transportation company to provide all the necessary information about your car. They will then give you a quote for the transport cost and let you know when they can pick up your vehicle. If you agree to the terms, the company will send someone to pick up your car and transport it to its new destination. One thing to keep in mind is that not all companies offer guaranteed vehicle pickup service. So if this is important to you, be sure to do your research before choosing a transporter. You can get timely and hassle-free car delivery by taking advantage of this service.

Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal vehicle transport 

There are two main ways to transport a vehicle: door-to-door delivery and terminal-to-terminal. Door-to-door transport is when the vehicle is picked up and dropped off at the customer’s home or business. Terminal-to-terminal transport is when the vehicle is picked up and dropped off at a transportation terminal, such as a shipping port. There are pros and cons to both methods of transport. Door-to-door transport is more expensive than terminal transport, but it is more convenient for the customer. The price of door-to-door transport usually includes the cost of picking up and dropping off the vehicle, as well as the cost of ship a car. Terminal-to-terminal transport usually costs less because the customer is responsible for taking the vehicle to the transportation terminal.  

Open vs. enclosed carrier shipping

Open shipping is the most common type of service. This is where your car is shipped on an open trailer, exposed to the elements. This is a less expensive option, but it also has some downsides. It will leave your car exposed to bad weather or road debris. Enclosed shipping is a more expensive option, but it’s also much safer. Experts will transport your car in a climate-controlled trailer, which means that it won’t be exposed to the elements and is safe. There’s also the almost negligible risk of theft or vandalism since your car is hidden from view. Open car shipping is your best bet if you’re looking for the cheapest option. But if you want the safest possible transport for your car, enclosed shipping is the way to go.

Booking process is the same

You need to find an auto transport company to help you transport your car. The process is straightforward. You enter your information into a form on the company’s website. The company will ask you for information such as the make, model, and year of your car, as well as the pickup and delivery locations. They will also ask for your contact information. Once you have entered your information, the company will give you a quote. The quote will include the cost of transport and any extras you may need, such as insurance. Once you have agreed to the quote, the company will book your car for transport. They will also provide you with necessary documents, such as a bill of lading. The transport process usually takes a few days. Once your car has been delivered, the company will send you a final invoice.

The handling of delays or cancellations

Delays can happen for many reasons, including bad weather, accidents, or mechanical problems. If your car is being transported by truck, a delay could mean that your car spends an extra night on the side of the road. Cancellations can also occur for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is that customers change their minds about shipping their cars. Other reasons include problems with the paperwork or unexpected delays in pickup or delivery. When choosing an auto transport company, ask about their policies for delays and cancellations. Some companies will refund your money if there’s a delay, while others will only offer a credit towards future shipments. Ensure you know what to expect in case of a delay or cancellation.

Always do your research before hiring the company

Choosing an auto transport company can be daunting, but if you take your time and research, you’ll find one that’s right for you. Start by reading online reviews and checking out the company’s website. Look for information on the types of services they offer and their rates. Be sure to ask questions about any additional fees or charges that may apply. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, it’s time to dig more. Ask the companies for references and contact those references to get their feedback. Find out if the company was easy to work with and if their car arrived in good condition. Finally, compare prices between the companies that are still in contention. Make sure you’re getting a fair price for the services being offered.

Asking questions can be the key

Asking questions will help ensure that your car is in good hands and that you understand the process. Here are some questions to get you started:

  • What is the process for transporting my car?
  • How long will it take to transport my car?
  • How much does it cost to transport a car?
  • What kind of insurance coverage do you have?
  • What happens if my car is damaged during transport?
  • Can I track my car’s progress online?
  • Are there any restrictions on where you can transport my car?

Documents you need to transport your vehicle

You’ll need to provide a few critical documents if you’re looking to transport your vehicle through an auto transport company. Here’s what you need:

• The title of the car or the registration

• A bill of sale or the purchase agreement

• Proof of insurance for the car being transported

• A driver’s license or any other form of identification

If you are the legal owner of the car, you will need to provide the car’s title or registration. If you are not the legal owner, you must provide a bill of sale or purchase agreement. In addition, you will need to provide proof of insurance for the car being transported. This can be in the form of a declaration page from your insurance policy or a letter from your insurance company stating that your vehicle is being transported.  

Send your belongings along for the ride

When sending belongings with your car, it’s essential to be aware of the size and weight restrictions that the transport company has. Most providers will only allow a certain number of items to be transported, and those items cannot exceed a certain weight, i.e., 100 lbs. If you have a lot of belongings to send, consult with the transport company ahead of time to figure out the best way to pack and ship your items. This will help to ensure that everything arrives safely and on time. Another thing to remember is that the items may be subject to inspection by the transport company. They do it to avoid the transportation of any dangerous or prohibited items. Contact the auto transport company for more information if you have any questions about sending belongings with your car.

Prepare your vehicle before shipping

Here are a few things you can do to prepare your vehicle for the journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car arrives at its destination safely and without any damage:

•       Clean your car inside and out. This will help ensure that there is no dirt or debris inside the vehicle that could damage it during transport.

•       Remove all personal belongings from the car. This includes items like CDs, DVDs, GPS systems, and anything else that may be loose in the car.

•       Disable your alarm system. If your alarm system is active, it could go off during transport and cause unnecessary noise and confusion.

•       Check fluid levels and tire pressure. Ensure the fluids and tires are at their proper levels before shipping your car. Low tire pressure can cause damage to the tires during transport, while low fluid levels can lead to engine problems.

Reasons to hire an auto transport company

Instead of driving your car to its destination, the company can pick it up and deliver it for you. This will save gas money and wear and tear on your vehicle. Auto transport companies have experience transporting cars safely and securely, which means that your car is far less likely to get damaged in transit than if you were to try to move it yourself. The professionals at these companies have years of experience transporting cars safely and securely, so you can rest assured that your car will arrive at its destination in one piece. Auto transport companies are insured, so you don’t have to worry about your car being damaged in transit. 

Inspection of your car

Auto Transport Company will thoroughly inspect your car before loading it onto the truck. This is to ensure that there are no damages to the car and that it is in good condition for transport. The inspection process usually starts with a visual check of the car. The auto transport company will look for any damage to the vehicle’s exterior, including scratches, dents, and rust. They will also check the tires to ensure they are in good condition and inflated correctly. Next, the professionals will inspect the interior of the car. They will ensure no damage to the seats, dashboard, or other interior features. They will also check under the hood to make sure there is no damage to the engine or other components.  If everything looks good, the auto transport company will load your car onto their truck and begin transporting it to its destination. If they find any damage during their inspection, they will let you know so that you can have it repaired before delivery.

Last-minute car shipping

We all know that sinking feeling. You need to get your car to a new city or state, but the only transport option available is a pricey, last-minute deal. You take the plunge and end up regretting it when you get the bill. At SAKAEM Logistics, you should not have to pay through the nose for a rushed car shipment. That’s why we offer our customers various payment options, so you can pay for your car transport when it’s convenient for you. We understand that only some have the cash flow to pay for a car shipment upfront. That’s why we offer several payment plans so that you can spread the cost of your car transport over time. We also offer various discounts so that you can save on car transport.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is auto transport? 

Auto transport is a service that moves vehicles from one place to another. You can use the service for personal or commercial reasons.

How much does auto transport cost?

The cost of auto transport varies depending on the move’s distance, the vehicle’s size, and the type of transport service used. You can generally expect to pay between $500 and $5000 for auto transport. 

What is included in the price of my auto transport?

Most auto transport services include the cost of transport, insurance, and delivery. However, asking your auto transport company about any additional fees that may apply is essential. These could include fees for fuel, tolls, or extra-large vehicles. 

 How long does it take to transport a vehicle? 

The time it will take to transport your car will vary depending on the distance and the route your car is taking. However, most car transport services strive to deliver your car as quickly as possible. The average time is seven to fourteen days.

How will I know when my car has been delivered? 

You will be notified when your car has been delivered. In most cases, you will receive a tracking number that will allow you to track the progress of your car online.

Will my car be safe during the transport? 

Your car will be safe during transport. All our auto transport services are licensed and insured, so chill!

Can I ship my car overseas? 

It is possible to ship a car overseas, but the process is much more complicated and expensive than shipping within the US. You will likely need to hire a specialist car transport company like SAKAEM Logistics to handle the shipment. 

What should I do when I am ready to ship my car? 

When you are ready to ship your car, you need to contact an auto transport company and provide them with your shipping details. The company will then provide you with a quote and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the shipment.


Harish Makam