Car shipping guide

Click on the for a FREE online CAR SHIPPING quote

A helpful guide to ship your vehicle

1. Call us for an immediate quote, or fill in a Free online Quote and submit it to AmeriFreight.

2. After the quotation process, you can respond by email or go online to confirm your order. You can complete the necessary form online entering the quotation reference number that you received in your email quote. You will be expected to confirm that you are aware of the legal issues, the payment procedure, and the pick up/delivery scheduling methods when completing the online confirmation process; it also gives AmeriFreight your correct address and all phone numbers for both the pick up and delivery locations. We want you to be fully informed. Please see auto transport FAQ's. Your auto transport reservation cannot be placed until we have your order completed online. Once you have placed your first shipping order with us, you will be able to use the same information for future shipments, and you will be able to track your shipment and rate how happy you are with our service.

3. Auto transport payment

PRICE - The first question you'll want answered is "what is the total cost?" Obtain quotes from several companies and be prepared to provide the following information to ensure an accurate quote:

• origination/destination locations
• departure date window for pick-up
• type of vehicle(s) to be shipped
• type of service desired (e.g., shipping vs. driveaway)
• special requests (e.g., drop off at a terminal vs. at your home)

Once you have received a quote and would like to ship with us, a minimum deposit will be required. Upon delivery of your vehicle the balance will be paid in cash or cashiers check. If you are unable to place your order online, you can do so by phoning us so that we can arrange a manual order confirmation.

4. To protect your valuable vehicle, please prepare it for auto shipping. See our TIPS page: this is a very important page. The driver will call you within 12 to 24 hours before he will be at the pick up point to schedule the actual meeting. Be sure we have all phone numbers and cell phone numbers; he will be trying to reach you and can only call when the cell phone in the truck has service.

5. At pick up, the truck driver will inspect your vehicle, noting its condition and the mileage on the odometer. Before you and he sign the Bill of Lading inspection, please look it over to see that it is completely filled out and is accurate. Be sure you get a copy of this inspection and check it against your car at the auto relocation destination point.

6. Your vehicle will be transported on an open or closed car transporter. The car transporter will be anywhere from a three to ten car carrier, just like the ones that the factory uses to deliver new cars to the dealerships. Except for loading and unloading, your car is never driven without your knowledge.

7. You or your agent will receive a call for the car transport delivery 12 to 24 hours before the actual meeting to discuss the area, directions and estimated meeting time. Please be sure that you have your COD payment, if any, ready for the driver.

8. It is your responsibility to inspect your vehicle for damage when it is delivered.

9. AmeriFreight can only help you file a claim for damage against the auto transport truck if it is noted on the delivery Bill of Lading.

10. Once your vehicle has been delivered and you have paid for the services we would like you to go to our website and rate our services. We appreciate all the feedback we can get to make sure that your car shipping experience is as worry free as possible.

Important General Car Shipping Information

Costs:

Full size cars, trucks, SUV's and oversized vehicles may cost more. Also if the vehicle is not running due to mechanical problems, make sure you clear this up with the transporter or broker before you sign a contract.

Car and vehicle shipping & transport Brokers:

AmeriFreight is a car shipping broker. We do not ship the cars themselves, but would rather refer your request to an auto transport company. We normally charge a broker fee of between $100 to $200 per vehicle.

Insurance:

Insurance should always be covered in full by the auto, car or vehicle shipping & transportation company. Brokers do not insure your car or vehicle but they normally require all companies they use to prove that they are fully insured.

Direct shipping:

By using the auto transport company direct instead of a broker, you may have more flexibility in price negotiation, but most car shipping companies will charge the broker fee anyway. You may have less leverage when complaining about poor car shipping services. You are left to your own devices to determine if the car or vehicle shipping & transportation company you want to use is legal and reputable. Click here to verify that the shipping company you want to use is registered with the Department Of Transportation. Each auto, car or vehicle shipping company should have a DOT number. You will be able to look it up using this number.

Open Shipping:

Open car shipping is up to 60% cheaper than enclosed shipping. Autos, cars or vehicles are normally not worse off being transported on an open carrier. This can be compared with traveling on the open road with the same road hazards. The only autos, cars or vehicles that should be considered exclusively for enclosed shipping would be vintage or specialty vehicles.

Enclosed shipping:

Enclosed carriers offer special Auto, car and vehicle shipping & transportation care and service. Although it may cost more as twice as much than conventional car shipping, your car or vehicle will arrive at its destination in exactly the same condition and state of cleanliness as when it was picked up. This service is especially good for delicate and specialty vehicles such as exotics, antiques and sports cars.

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