Moving Guide - Things To Know
Scheduling
Schedule your auto shipping at least 2 weeks before you move, this will give us enough time to route a transport driver to you. Basically, the more advance time the better. If you are not available, please arrange an alternate authorized party such as a neighbor, friend or relative that you can trust to release the vehicle to the transport driver. We offer door-to-door service. However, in many residential neighborhoods it may be difficult to drive in a large truck carrying your vehicle. Because of potential difficulty in getting the truck into your neighborhood, the transport driver may ask you to meet them at a nearby local shopping center or garage for pick up of your vehicle. The same applies for the delivery.
Insurance
Make sure your car is adequately insured by the car mover for relocation. Upon pick-up, the driver will do a condition report (bill of lading) for any scratches or damages on the vehicle which should be signed by both parties. The same will occur upon delivery; make sure you check your vehicle before signing. Reporting any damages or claims at a later time is not advisable and may be difficult to prove.
Allowable Items
Do not leave personal possessions of any kind in your car. Allowed items are as follows:
NOTE: If your vehicle is equipped with one or more of the said items, please be sure to include this information when placing your order. This will help in routing the correct transport for your move as well as proper pricing.
Cost
When working with 123Accel, we will explain what the total cost of the shipping will be as well as how we arrived at that figure. Our competent sales staff, with close to 15 years of combined experience in the trucking industry will do their absolute best in answering all of your questions regarding your transportation needs.
Questions that you will need to be prepared to answer are:
Paying For Shipping Your Vehicle
We require that you provide a verifiable credit card of your choice be used for your deposit. The balance is due at the time of delivery in the form of cashiers check, or money order unless cleared otherwise by a member of management.
NOTE: Credit Cards will only be processed once your vehicle is physically in route to the destination. An additional fee of 3% will apply to all customers that choose to pay the full amount with a credit card.
Making Sure You Are Properly Insured
Your vehicle will be insured against damage and theft by the contracted transport company. We will fax you a copy of the transport company's insurance coverage at your request. During the time of transport your vehicle will be insured by the contracted transport company's cargo insurance provider. Your own car insurance policy may cover your vehicle in transit; make sure to contact your insurance company to find out. Once again, DO NOT leave any personal items in your car when it is shipped. Items left in the car may not be covered.
Get Dates - Pick Up and Delivery
We will provide you with the estimated date that your move will take place. The transport driver will call you a day ahead to schedule a time to meet. Once pick-up is made, your transport driver will be able to provide you with a specific delivery date. We will check with the driver periodically to ensure that they are running on schedule. If you require a specific date for pick-up, or will be unable to take delivery of your vehicle, we can accommodate you and store your car at a local terminal in your area for an additional charge.
Prepare Your Car For Shipping
Inspect Your Car Before Shipping
We recommend that prior to shipment, you take pictures of your vehicle. The transport driver will do a condition report and provide you with a copy prior to departure detailing any pre-existing damage to your vehicle. The condition report used by the transport driver should include: current mileage, pre-existing damage of any type including: glass, scratches, paint, dents, and so on. This report is important in case any disputes arise. Keep this copy. You will need it at the time of delivery.
Inspecting your vehicle at delivery
When your car is delivered, make sure to methodically inspect your car. Use the condition report given to you at pick up and go over all of the details. Look for damage not on the original report. Check for changes in mileage and check every part of your car carefully including the roof, lights, windows, and under your car. Look for obvious damage or changes to the car's condition that may have occurred during the shipping. If there are any discrepancies, make sure to note them on the condition report you received on pick-up of the car, and have the driver sign the document. Please avoid accepting your vehicle at night or at a location that does not permit you easy access to inspecting all parts of your car. It is absolutely necessary that you perform a thorough examination of your car as described above. Remember that once you have accepted your car, your signed documentation is what protects you. If problems arise, contact our office immediately.
Check References
It is important to verify the good standing and valid licensing of any car moving company or auto shipping service. We encourage you to verify that the our license is valid and active with the appropriate transportation agency (such as the state or federal Department Of Transportation).
Disputes
Always try to work out your dispute with the car mover or auto shipping company first. They often work on a referral basis and are motivated to working out problems. However, if you feel you have reached a dead end or that you have not been treated reasonably, you have the option of filing complaints with multiple agencies (State and or Federal Department Of Transportation, Interstate Commerce Commission) as well as seeking legal counsel.