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Frequently Asked Questions |
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Why should I
use a Broker? Can't I arrange transport directly with
a trucking company? 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, we deal with a large
network of carriers who service many different routes.
We deal only with reputable carriers who are properly
licensed and insured, and we act as the liason between
the carrier and you, the customer.
Can I put items in
the car?
In
the past a small amount of personal goods were usually
ignored, but with the increase in security since 2001
the industry now requires that your car be free of
contents. Not only are auto carriers not
insured for household goods, it is against the law for
them to transport anything except your vehicle. The
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
insured? Your car will be insured against
intransit damage by the transport truck that we
assign. These trucks carry $750,000 to $1,000,000 in
liability insurance and $100,000 to $250,000 in cargo
insurance, depending on the size and type of their
equipment. Any insurance deductible is paid by the
truck.
What is Door-to-Door
Service? Door-to-Door means the 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.
Will my vehicle be
driven? The transport driver will drive your car
on and off the transport, and may have to unload and
re-load your car several times during transport to
optimize space on the trailer. 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.
What if my vehicle
is inoperable? The vehicle must be able to drive
on and off the transport under its own power and have
good brakes and parking gear. If mechanical problems
or body damage prohibit the car from being easily
loaded or unloaded, the car is considered Inoperable
and additional fees apply. Inoperable vehicles require
the truck to have special equipment and are labor
intensive for the transport driver.
How should I prepare
my vehicle for transport? 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 transport.
And finally, make sure that your vehicle is clean
enough to ensure an accurate pickup inspection.
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