How To Ship a Car or Motorcycle

How To Ship A Car or Motorcycle

With nearly 5,000 small to medium size auto transporters competing for your business it is important to choose the right one. Whether you are shipping a new car, used car or motorcycle the same rules apply. There are two types of transporters open and enclosed. Open transporters ship cars on an open trailer and enclosed transporters ship cars completely covered. Transporters can hold anywhere from 1 to 12 vehicles depending on their trailer size. In general the cost to ship a vehicle is less on an open trailer than an enclosed.

Transporters most have authority from the Interstate Commerce Commission and be adequately insured. You should request to see their current operating authority number which is a ICC or MC number. In addition you should request their insurance information which includes liability limit, damage limit, and deductible. Normally the liability limit is between $750,000 and $1,000,000, the amage limit is between $100,000 and 300,000 and the deductible is between $1,000 and $2,500.

Request a list of previous customers who can offer a referal for their service. Get complete contact information so that you can reach them if necessary. This includes cell, office and home phone numbers. Once consigned you should expect your vehicle to be picked up within 3 to 7 days and be delivered within 7 to 14 days. It is important to have the transporter specify both the pick up and delivery date. Also request that your car stay with the transporter the whole time. Some transporters place vehicles in a storage yard when they are busy. This increases the chance of damage to your vehicle and delays in transport.

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If you have additional concerns we recommend you check the following:

Check the transporter by searching online for any outstanding complaints

Check their current equipment to make sure it is up to industry safety standards

Make sure you are dealing directly with the transporter and not a broker

Get complete contact information for the transporter