How it works
A step by step guide to having your car transported
Have you ever noticed those big car carriers on the highway, piggybacking 7-8-9 cars down the road? Every day, thousands of car carriers around the country collect and deliver cars to customers just like you. If you're curious about how to have your car shipped on a carrier, read our step-by-step guide below, and find helpful tips on how to save money along the way.
1. Get a quote
Competition's auto transport quote provides for your specific needs. Your rate includes up to $250,000 in cargo insurance for open transport and $1,000,000 for enclosed transport. Our auto transport services are door-to-door. The driver will get as close to your requested pick up and drop-off addresses as possible.
2. Schedule pickup
These tips will guarantee your absolute satisfaction with your auto transport:
- Designate a 3-day window for vehicle release and delivery.
- Be upfront with your scheduling restrictions for pickup and delivery.
- Notify us of any changes to your personal schedule. If necessary, we'll rearrange your pickup date at no additional charge.
2. Prepare your car
Follow these simple tips to ensure a quality and safe car transport:
- Remove and store radio antennas.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated.
- Leave a quarter tank of fuel.
- Have your vehicle clean for inspection.
4. Release and accept
You may designate friends or family to release and accept your car. Be sure to accompany the driver for vehicle inspection. For your protection and ours, the driver will take a detailed inventory of pre-existing vehicle damage. Consider taking photos of your vehicle for good measure.
Helpful car shipping tips
Personal items
It is best you notify us if you're planning on shipping personal items inside your vehicle. Since the DOT frowns upon the transport of personal items inside your vehicle, it is best that you refrain from doing so. Additionally, the added weight may result in you incurring additional charges on top of your car transport rate.
We'll make an exception
If it's absolutely necessary that you transport items, we do make an allowance for up to 100 pounds in the trunk of the vehicle. Keep in mind that fragile items should never be placed in the vehicle, such as glassware or electronics. From a glance, the vehicle should look entirely empty of any items.
Inform us beforehand
It's absolutely pertinent that we're aware if personal items inside the vehicle during booking. Should the driver discover any additional items that he was unaware of, your transport rate may substantially increase, or the driver may refuse to transport the vehicle, entirely. But, if we're aware of items, there may be no additional charges, as we will not be caught by surprise, and may choose to allow the items.
Learn from other peoples mistakes
Over the years, we've had customers surprise us with their vehicles being packed to the brim with personal items. Unfortunately, they either emptied their vehicle in a rush or paid additional funds for the transport. This could have all been avoided if we were told of the matter. Don't wait until last minute to resolve this aspect of your car shipment. We want your transport to go as smoothly as possible, so let us know of all your concerns, and we'll work with you to make sure you get the best possible car shipping experience.
The bill of lading
Noting vehicle condition
When our driver arrives, he will already be aware of the vehicle type and route of your shipment. The important detail he will go over upon arrival is the condition of your car, such as scratches, dents, and other damages. It is important that you follow the driver around the vehicle as he takes inventory of damages.
The importance of the bill of lading
The bill of lading is beneficial to both yourself and our driver. This document ensures that once your vehicle arrives at its destination, you can compare to the original drawing of the car stated on the bill of lading to the cars current condition. Should you see any damage on the vehicle which is suspicious, you can then compare to the drawing and notes on the bill of lading, and ensure whether the damage is new or pre-existing.
Extreme circumstances
Considering that vehicle damage is very rare during transport, we still make sure to do our due diligence. Should there be any damages to your vehicle, call us immediately for notification. You will have access to our driver's insurance policy and can notify the insurance company. However, if all is well, sign the bill of lading and bid our driver farewell, your shipment is complete!
Meeting your driver
Life can be hectic at times and schedules can get out of hand. Thus, you may be pleased to know that you're allowed to have friends or family release and accept delivery of your vehicle. Your chosen individual must be above 18 years of age and must have the key to your vehicle. We will require their name, last name, address, and telephone number before our truck is dispatched for pickup. Inform them beforehand to be vigilant during vehicle inspection, and to expect a 2-hour notice prior to our driver's arrival. Some important details concerning them and your auto transport are noted below:
Prior to arrival
We are generally quite good at giving our customers notice prior to our arrival. Therefore, expect an approximate notification 24 hours prior to arrival, in addition to a 2 hour and half hour ETA. If your friend or family member lives on a cul-de-sac or on a narrow street, we will ask him to drive the vehicle to a location with more room so our carrier may be able to load the vehicle.
Vehicle inspection
It is important that your designated individual pays careful attention when the driver is taking inventory of vehicle damage. The form in question is called a bill of lading, and your friend or family member will sign off on this form during loading and unloading. Make sure that your vehicle is free of any personal items inside unless you've mentioned to us prior to arrival that you'll be packing personal goods. Altogether, an inspection takes about 15-20 minutes and is relatively painless. Once the bill of lading is signed, the driver will proceed to load your vehicle unto the trailer. Upon arrival, give attention to the bill of lading, ensuring there are no new damages to your vehicle.
Planning ahead
We cannot stress enough the importance of planning ahead for your car shipment. The most important ingredient for a successful car transport concerns your personal schedule. In order for us to give you the best possible service, please be ready to answer questions concerning travel plans, work hours, etc. Additionally, it is good practice to have a friend or family member on standby should you not be available to meet our driver. Keep in mind that if you're shipping a vehicle to another state, our driver has other vehicles he must pick-up and delivery, and sometimes schedules get hectic. Although we are very punctual keeping our promised pickup and delivery dates, life does happen, and at times there are delays of one or two days. Reserving a 1-3 day window will not only bring you peace of mind but will also ensure a low-cost auto transport rate.
Travel Plans
One of our initial questions prior to providing you with your car shipping rate is whether you have travel plans. If so, we will make certain that your vehicle is picked up and/or delivered by a certain date. The professionals at Competition Auto Transport pay careful attention to your scheduling needs so you can safely and without worry carry on your plans while we do the heavy lifting!
Works hours
We all work to earn a . living, that's a fact. To ensure you don't miss any days off work, inform us of your work hours, and we'll do our best to arrange pickup and delivery times to best fit around your work schedule. Also, you may designate a trusted friend or family member to accept and release your vehicle should you be unavailable.
Evenings
Sometimes people get too busy and are only free during evenings to release or accept delivery of their vehicle. If this sounds like you, feel free to inform us and we'll arrange an evening service for your car shipment.
Frequently asked questions
What's door to door auto transport?
Car shipping with Competition is a door-to-door service. Our trucks will get as close to your desired pickup and delivery address as possible. Furthermore, we have storage facilities throughout the country and will store your vehicle at your request. Keep in mind that your friend or family member may release and accept delivery of your vehicle. Most importantly, we ask you to be upfront with any scheduling restrictions. In return, we'll provide you with the best solution for your auto transport needs.
Is there a cancelation fee?
Unless you cancel your booking within 12 hours of pickup, we won't charge a cancellation fee. A $95 cancellation fee will be charged for last minute cancellations.
Is my vehicle insured during transport?
Your car is insured up to $250,000 in cargo insurance for open transport and $1,000,000 for enclosed transport.
Do you plan on moving household goods? We recommend you visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move for crucial information regarding the transport of your household goods.
Are there hidden fees?
Competition has no hidden fees, for anything, ever! We can also reschedule your shipment at your request at no additional charge.