FAQ

01.
Why should I choose aCarShip?

We work with professional agents to guarantee a timely shipping service. Plus, you can count on our team to support you 24/7 during the whole process. We are ready to help in case an issue occurs. aCarShip works with professional drivers who have proved themselves to be reliable and experienced in completing even the most complex jobs. We will never omit details regarding price rates, dates, and other important things. And we have long-lasting relationships with our carriers who have 5-star review ratings. Lastly, we are 100% committed to our customers and partners. Whenever you need professional shipping services, aCarShip is here to help. We offer 24/7 phone, e-mail, live chat, and message assistance.

02.
What is the cost of shipping a vehicle?

Our rates are based on several different factors: the size of the vehicle, the distance of transport, the working condition of the vehicle, the time of year transport is required, and the general market price for the particular route requested. By filling out the quote form on our home page, we can better estimate the exact cost.

03.
How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?

We recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to ensure that your vehicle is moved within the time frame that best meets your schedule. Usually, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 5 days from the date it is first available for pick-up.
If your vehicle is available for immediate pick-up, we will work with you to get your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. It is helpful when transportation orders are submitted approximately 5 days in advance of the available date. Scheduling your vehicle transportation in advance is helpful, but it isn't always necessary.

04.
What do I need for a reservation? Do I have to pay for everything when I make a reservation?

For reservations, you would need to share the exact pick-up and delivery addresses and names and phone numbers of the people who are going to be present at pick-up and delivery and the first available pick-up date. Reservations are free of charge; we don’t charge anything upfront. Once we secure the spot on the trailer, you will be obliged to pay a deposit. The balance is due on pick-up or delivery and you can pay it with cash, cashier’s check, or money order to the driver directly.

05.
Is there any additional costs?

No, the quote is all inclusive. It covers door-to-door service, full bumper-to-bumper insurance, all tax and tolls paid, and personal belongings up to 100 lbs. free of charge.

06.
How does aCarShip calculate my shipping cost?

There are a few factors that affect the auto transport cost: route distance, vehicle size and condition (running or non-operable), the type of trailer that would be used (open or enclosed) and the season. For example, if you want to ship your vehicle down to Florida in the fall, the cost will be higher due to the tremendous amount of traffic caused by snowbirds moving south to Florida.

07.
What different payment options does aCarShip offer?

We offer different methods of payment. The most common way to pay is with a credit or debit card. When we find you a carrier, clients pay a partial fee that varies from 10% to 20% of the whole bill. The due balance is paid in full upon delivery. You can also pay the remaining balance (carrier pay) once your vehicle has been picked up. That way, you won’t have to worry about the payment on delivery. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. You can also pay via PayPal.

08.
What payment methods are available for delivery?

Drivers are not allowed to accept credit cards or personal checks for delivery. If you have an outstanding balance that is due on delivery, please make sure that you have cash, a cashier’s check, or a money order.

09.
How long does it take for my vehicle to be picked up?

The main factor affecting pick-up time is location. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a big metropolitan area, it will usually be picked up on the exact date you need it to be picked up. Keep in mind that sometimes delays might occur due to weather, traffic, or road conditions. If your vehicle has to be picked up from a more rural area, it might take 2 or more days to be picked up.

10.
How long does it take for my vehicle to be delivered?

Once we have confirmed your dates with your driver, you can expect your vehicle to arrive on time. Sometimes, there might be delays that are caused by unfortunate weather conditions, unexpected truck breakdowns, or other force majeure that the driver might encounter en route. Coast-to-coast shipping usually takes between 7 and 10 days. Shipping a vehicle from north to south and vice versa takes 5 to 7 days. Auto transport under 500 miles should take less than 2 or 3 days once the vehicle has been picked up.

11.
Are there different types of vehicle transport to choose from?

Sure, We offer open-trailer transport and enclosed transport services.

12.
What does door to door means?

Door-to-door service means we would come and pick up your vehicle at any address and deliver it to any address as long as the drive-in is accessible for 18-wheelers (many of the trucks are over 75 ft). If not, you can make a deal with the driver to meet him someplace around the corner from the big parking lot.

13.
Will my vehicle be loaded onto other trucks while in transit?

Absolutely not. aCarShip makes sure that your vehicle is delivered on the same truck that it has been loaded on. The only time your vehicle might be delivered by another truck is if the truck that picked up your vehicle breaks down on a route and aCarShip finds a replacement to complete your job on time.

14.
Can I choose a particular spot on the trailer?

Most drivers will load your vehicle wherever they think it is safe. Truckers have to deal with multiple factors when it comes to loading their vehicles. They have to make sure that they fit all cars properly, so that they don’t exceed the permitted length of the truck, and they also need to make sure that they follow all federal laws, and there is no overweight on any of the axles.

15.
What is the difference between Open Transport and Enclosed Transport?

Open auto transport is the most common method used to transport a vehicle. Nearly 90% of the vehicles are transported via open transport. As there is $250.000 insurance coverage on public transport, there is no need to worry that something might happen to your vehicle. Open transport usually costs about $300 or $400 less than enclosed transportation. Most clients that are using enclosed transport have exotic vehicles that need the extra level of protection. As the insurance coverage for enclosed transport is higher than for open transport, it is recommended for more expensive super cars.

16.
Can I ship my personal belongings?

You can have personal belongings up to 100 lbs. free of charge, and they have to be placed in the trunk or back compartment of your vehicle. If you want to place more than 100 lbs, it would be additional and it has to be in the front or back seat of the car below window level. It cannot be anything heavy, and the driver's seat always has to be empty. Personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.

17.
How much stuff can I put in my vehicle?

The Department of Transportation prohibits the transport of household items by a vehicle while the vehicle is in transit. Personal belongings left in the vehicle are shipped strictly at the owner's risk. If the driver arrives at the pick-up location and sees that your vehicle is slammed to the ground because of the extra weight, he might ask you to remove your belongings, or charge you additional.

Truck drivers will take no responsibility for damages that arise from household items being kept inside your vehicle.

18.
Is my vehicle going to be insured?

Yes, we provide full bumper to bumper insurance, which means that your vehicle is insured for at least $100.000 damage of any kind for open trailer transport, and $250.000 for enclosed trailer transport. That includes tiny little scratches, total damage, theft, fire. Your vehicle is fully insured as long as it's on our trailer, but your personal belongings inside your vehicle will not be insured.

19.
aCarShip promises that my car will be fully insured while in transit. What do I need to know?

Your vehicle is fully insured during transit, as carriers have cargo insurance of $250K-$1 million. However, please keep in mind that damages caused by acts of God (hail, floods, hurricanes, avalanches, etc.), along with damage caused by road debris, are not covered. However, if this is of great concern to you, we can arrange for your vehicle to be transported in an enclosed car carrier for an additional fee.

20.
What if my vehicle is damaged while in transit?

If you receive your vehicle and notice that there is damage, you must immediately note it on the bill of lading. Next, call aCarShip to report the damage. It would be very helpful for us to be aware of this new damage right away, so that we could resolve the issues as quickly as possible. Make sure that the driver does not leave without you reporting the damage on the bill of lading and the driver signing it.

21.
What do I do after a damage claim has been submitted?

We will ask you to submit both, bills of lading along with three estimates from an authorised repair shop. We will facilitate the arbitration with our carrier.

22.
Do I need to be present for pickup or delivery?

We do require someone to be present for the pickup and delivery process. Either you or anyone you authorise can be present to sign the Bill of Laden and observe our driver’s vehicle inspection. Once the inspection is complete and the Bill of Laden is signed, you may leave.

23.
I will not be available for the pickup and/or delivery. What do I do?

You can arrange for a family member, a friend, or a co-worker to be present on the pick-up or delivery date. However, it is crucial that they are well informed about the inspection that is performed upon loading and unloading. The person who is shipping the vehicle must sign the bill of lading where the condition of the vehicle is noted.

If another person is receiving your vehicle, then they must be informed that they need to do a thorough inspection on delivery and confirm that the vehicle has been delivered in the same condition as it was loaded. If there are any damages, the person receiving the car must note them on the same bill of lading.

24.
What paperwork do I need to sign upon pick-up?

You only need to provide the keys to the driver. Your title and insurance are not needed. You only need to sign off on your vehicle that it has been picked up on the bill of lading, and then your vehicle will be on the way to its drop-off destination.

25.
My car should be picked up from the auction. What should I know?

If your car should be picked up from the auction, we will require info about the company name and address, VIN, lot and buyer’s number prior to the pick-up date.

26.
Once a driver has been assigned to my car, what can I expect next?

aCarShip will provide you with the name and phone number of the driver as soon as one has been assigned. The driver will contact you 24 hours prior to the pickup, and again one hour before the pick-up on the move day. Once the driver arrives at your location, he will do an inspection on your vehicle, and you will need to sign the bill of lading. Finally, the driver loads your vehicle and then leaves your place.

27.
Can you still ship my car if it is inoperable?

Yes, but the exact condition must be noted at the time you place your order. If your vehicle is not operable, an inoperable fee of approximately $200 will be added to the transport cost. Please make sure that you inform us ahead of time if your vehicle is inoperable so that we can assign the right driver to ship it.

28.
How do I track my vehicle while in transit?

We will provide you with information, including estimated pickup and delivery times. Also, we will provide you with the driver's name and phone number so you can give him a call directly. If he is busy and he is not able to answer, please give aCarShip a call at (888)348-8166 and we will be able to assist you as well.

29.
Is aCarShip a licenced and bonded company?

aCarShip is licenced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Our MC# is 01091115 and our DOT# is 3393655.

30.
aCarShip is a broker. How does that affect me?

aCarShip is a licenced broker, so we can provide the best auto transport service. We have a network of hundreds of professional car carriers. Our network has been growing and evolving over the years, so we can promise you a safe and timely pick-up and prompt and transparent communication at all times. In the unlikely event of damage, aCarShip takes responsibility for making sure that the driver’s insurance covers the damage in a timely manner.

31.
Can I choose specific times for my vehicle's pickup and delivery?

Our carriers provide a window of time during which your car will be picked up or delivered. This can range from 2–4 hours. They will be in touch approximately one week prior to pickup or delivery to confirm time and place.

32.
What should I do before pickup day?

Before pickup day you should:
1. Give your vehicle a quick checkup.
There are a few things our professional carriers need from you before they take possession of your vehicle:
Gather keys to the vehicle, including the gas cap and trunk if required.
Inform us of any aftermarket modifications.
Gas tank ¼ to ½ full
Good tire pressure
Working driver’s door and window
Working brakes
Charged battery
No leaks

2. Remove your personal belongings.
We cannot transport personal effects inside the vehicle. Please remove personal items from the interior of your vehicle.

3. Remove accessories and aftermarket parts.
It’s worth taking the time to remove or disconnect exterior appendages and interior accessories that could be damaged during loading or transit.
Turn off all alarm systems
Non-retractable antennae should be removed.
Remove all dash-mounted and interior aftermarket accessories.
Take down luggage, ski and bike racks
Don’t forget to grab your garage door opener, music collection, and other personal items. Yes, even your toll transponder (e.g., EZ Pass). On pickup day.

4. Confirm delivery-day contact information.
You’ll review paperwork when the carrier picks up your car, confirm the delivery address, and provide the name and contact information for the person who will receive the car at its destination. It’s a good idea to supply more than one phone number.

5. Take note of your vehicle’s condition.
The hand-chosen carrier will walk around your vehicle with you to note all existing damage to your car’s exterior. It’s always a good idea to take photos or video of the vehicle on pickup day to have an additional record of its condition at hand-off. Be sure to ask the driver for a copy of the bill of lading.

6. Sit back and relax!
Your vehicle is in the hands of experienced professionals who will transport it with meticulous care, safely and in a timely manner. On delivery day,

7. Perform a careful inspection.
We are confident that we offer the highest level of service in the auto transport industry, and you should carefully inspect your vehicle upon its arrival. Review the Bill of Lading and compare notes with the pictures you snapped on pickup day. We trust you will find that your car has been shipped with impeccable care and attention to detail. Take time to assure yourself that your vehicle has arrived undamaged. In the unlikely event that your vehicle has been damaged, be sure it is clearly noted on the bill of lading.

8. Sign off and enjoy your ride!
When you are fully satisfied with your vehicle’s condition at arrival, your professional auto transporter will ask you to sign the Bill of Lading and pay the remaining balance, confirming successful delivery.

9. Treat yourself to a car wash on us.
With our aCarShip Wash Program, you can get your car washed for free. Get your car cleaned within seven days of arrival and we’ll reimburse you (up to $20) for the expense. Learn more about our aCarShip Wash Program here.

33.
How does the aCarShip Wash Program work?

1. Book your auto transport with us.

You can book your transport calling (888)348-8166 number or filling out online quote request
2. Collect your bill of lading.
Once your vehicle has arrived at its destination, collect your Bill of Lading from the carrier. Hold on to this document as you’ll need to submit a copy of it to be reimbursed.

3. Get your car washed.
Choose your favourite car wash and get your car cleaned within seven days of it being delivered. We will reimburse you up to a maximum of $20 for the car wash. Be sure to keep your car wash receipt as we’ll need a copy to secure your refund.

4. Mail us your Bill of Lading and receipt.
Collect your bill of lading and car wash receipt and send copies to us at the address below within 30 days of your car being delivered. Once we receive these documents, we’ll issue a refund of up to $20 to the card we have on file from your transport. It takes five to ten days for the refund to be applied to your card.

34.
What should I do with my E-Z Pass or automatic collection pass?

Please remove your E-ZPass or any other electronic toll collection mechanism from your vehicle entirely and mail it to your destination or bring it with you. Due to the nature of the automated toll road systems, if your device is left in your car as it is transported, you will incur toll fees as if you were driving the vehicle. aCarShip will not take responsibility for this avoidable expense.

35.
Are you a broker, a carrier, or an auto transport management company?

Here’s a quick breakdown of what those terms mean and why they matter. Brokers find carriers and schedule shipments, prioritising customers. Carriers own the trucks and ship and deliver the cars, prioritising the shipment. An auto transport management company, such as aCarShip, serves customers from end to end, serving as a single point of contact from quote to delivery. When problems arise, an auto transport management company will solve them faster than most because these companies don’t just care for cars. They care for customers, too. 

36.
What services do you offer?

At first, this seems like a silly question. An auto transport company will transport cars and trucks, right? But here’s the thing: there are lots of auto transport options customers can choose from. Some companies ship via open-air trailer exclusively, while others offer enclosed trailer shipping as well. There are multi-vehicle and single-vehicle shipping options. Do you need to ship a car that has been in an accident? Some companies are equipped to ship non-working cars, while others only work with operational vehicles. Then there are shippers that can coordinate long-distance shipments by boat, train, or even plane. 

37.
Are there any restrictions on what types of vehicles you can ship?

Most customers shipping a car, van, SUV, or light truck won’t have any problems finding an auto transport company. But if the vehicle you want to ship is exceptionally valuable (like a race car or an antique car), oversized, heavily modified, or totaled after an accident, special equipment may be necessary to ship it. Not all car shipping companies have specialised towing and loading equipment, so if there’s anything unusual about the vehicle you want to ship, make sure to ask if the company can handle it safely before you book. 

38.
Can you give me a free quote?

Getting a quote from an auto transport company should never mean that you’re under an obligation to use that company. Most shippers know that you’ll be getting quotes from other companies and are okay with that. A deposit should not be required to get a quote, so if a car shipping company will only give you a quote if you make some kind of commitment, move on. As we mentioned above, many companies now have online calculators that will give you a free estimate, but you’ll often get a more accurate quote by talking directly with a representative.

39.
How much will my shipment cost?

When you speak to an auto transport company representative directly, your quote will be more accurate because you’ll be able to explain any special needs or requests you have. Make sure you have as much information about your vehicle and your shipment available when you call so the rep can give you an accurate quote.

40.
Does this price include everything or will there be additional costs?

Make sure you double check before you book that the quote you receive is what you’ll pay. You can ask for an itemized list of what the quoted price covers and make it clear that you’d like to know now about any charges, fees, or additional costs that might not be included in the quote. That way, in the unlikely event that you are charged more, you can check your invoice against the itemized service agreement you received before you booked.

41.
How do you calculate your rates?

The quote you receive will not be arbitrary. The cost to ship a car is calculated using a number of factors, including the make and model of the vehicle, the distance it will be shipped, your drop-off and pickup locations, the shipping method you’ve selected, any special handling requests, whether the vehicle runs, demand, seasonal price fluctuations, and the price of gasoline. Generally, shipping a car in an enclosed trailer will cost more than shipping a car on an open carrier. If you’re shipping a vehicle between states, you may pay more than if you’re shipping it within state boundaries. International car shipping will always be more expensive due to tariffs and fees. And it typically costs more to ship larger vehicles like vans or trucks.

42.
What payment options are available?

Ask what payment methods they accept, but don’t stop there. Many auto transport companies ask customers to pay a deposit or partial payment when a shipment is scheduled or before they drop off their vehicle. It’s less usual for a reputable car shipping company to ask for payment in full before a vehicle is shipped. Be sure you know how the company you’re talking to operates when it comes to payment, so you’re not surprised by a bill that comes due before you have received your shipment.

43.
Is the auto transport company registered and licenced?

It’s not that hard to find out whether auto transport companies are registered and licensed, but it’s nice to hear it directly from a representative. Auto transport companies that move cars and trucks across state lines are required to have a USDOT number by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. International car shippers additionally have to have a licence issued by the Federal Maritime Commission. Once you have a company’s USDOT number, you can look up the company’s operating status, safety record, and other registration numbers here.

44.
Is your company fully insured? What does your policy cover? Can I see proof of insurance?

All reputable car shipping companies will be fully insured—it’s the law! The best companies have enough coverage to respond to any issues or emergencies that may arise. You can and should ask specific questions. What are the company’s standard shipping insurance options? Can I buy additional insurance? Should the worst happen, will your entire car be covered or just certain parts? Will there be a deductible you have to pay?

45.
Why are you the best company to book with?

It’s a tough question, but the representative’s answer (and the speed of their answer) will give you a good idea of what the company's culture looks like. Ideally, you’re looking for an auto transport company that values customers and has a solid track record of getting cars and trucks where they need to go in a safe and timely fashion. Are you getting the sense that you’re asking too many questions or that your rep is frustrated by your questions? That’s often a huge red flag.

46.
How will my car actually be transported?

You’ve already chosen your shipping method, but it’s nice to know what your car or truck’s journey will look like. What is the loading procedure? Will you need help? Will the truck make stops along the way? Will your car be left alone for a long period? What happens at delivery?

47.
What are my options when it comes to the timing of my shipment?

First, if you need your car to ship on or around a certain date and/or to arrive on or around a certain date, make sure the person you are talking to knows that. Expedited car shipping, or guaranteed pickup, is possible, though it’s more expensive. An auto transport company may be able to offer you several time frame options at different costs.

48.
Do you have customer support?

Chances are that once your vehicle is on the road, you won’t need frequent updates. Unless, that is, you’re shipping an especially valuable vehicle or you’re shipping your car or truck on a tight schedule. Small brokers and carriers are usually unavailable after hours, which can be inconvenient or even stress-inducing. One of the reasons many people choose larger, nationwide auto transport management companies is that they enjoy the peace of mind of knowing they can get updates while vehicles are en route.

49.
What are my choices for drop-off and pickup locations?

You shouldn’t have to take a road trip just to pick up your car at its destination. Larger auto transport companies will usually have the most drop-off and pickup locations available, but you should always double check that these hubs are convenient for you. Door-to-door service is often available, though it tends to cost more. When you opt for door-to-door service, the driver will deliver your vehicle directly to your home (or office) instead of dropping it off at a terminal.

50.
How do I prepare my vehicle for shipping?

The answer you’ll receive on the phone will probably be: empty it, clean it, and have another set of keys made if you only have one. However, there are more steps that need to be taken. Check out this post for more information about what "empty" and "clean" mean in this context, and what else you’ll need to do to prepare your vehicle for its journey.

51.
Can you transport non-running vehicles?

Since the bulk of car shipping involves vehicles riding on or in trucks, you might think this question is irrelevant. Problems arise, however, when customers trying to ship non-running cars and trucks don’t mention that the vehicle doesn’t run, and so drivers show up without the equipment necessary to load those vehicles onto trailers. If you need to ship a non-running vehicle, make sure you clarify whether it can roll, brake, and steer. Many auto transport companies can handle non-working vehicles as long as they can do these things. Fewer are equipped to transport cars that can’t move at all or be moved safely without a forklift or other specialised equipment.

52.
What documents will I need to ship my car?

Most of the time, you’ll only need to provide your registration and insurance documentation, plus a photo ID. Some auto transport companies will also require you to show the title. That’s for domestic shipments only. If you’re shipping a car internationally, there will be other requirements set by the country that will receive your vehicle. If you don’t understand what the requirements are, you risk having a situation where your car can’t be released from the port at its destination.

53.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?

Most auto transport companies will require that an adult be present at both pickup and delivery because someone will need to hand over and then accept the keys and sign off on the paperwork (most often the inspection report and the bill of lading). However, that someone doesn’t have to be you. Typically, you can choose a friend, colleague, neighbor, or relative to be your designated agent at pickup and delivery if you’re unable to be there yourself. Make sure that the company you’re talking to allows this.

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Contact Information

(888)234-2989
office@acarship.com

Licensed and Bonded
USDOT# 3393655
MC-1091115

© 2020 aCarShip.com is owned and operated by Trust CP LLC.

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