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So You Have
QUESTIONS? Well...
We Have ANSWERS!
Frequently Asked
Questions
How do I determine the cubic feet (cft) of my
vehicle?
The cubic feet of your vehicle is determined by multiplying the length,
width and height of your vehicle.
How much fuel can be in my vehicle?
Due to safety regulations your vehicle’s fuel tank must be less than
one-quarter of a tank but should contain enough fuel for delivery, loading
and discharge, and reaching a gas station after pick-up at the destination
port.
What is door-to-door transport?
With door-to-door transport, you don't
have to go to a terminal to ship your vehicle or accept delivery. We pick
vehicles up at residences, offices or any other place you designate.
(Pickup and delivery is subject to accessibility and local laws.)
What forms of payment does Trotter Auto Transport accept?
You may pay by submitting your MasterCard, Visa, Discover or Debit card
number before pickup, or you may pay at delivery via C.O.D., with a $75 to
$100 deposit depending on size of vehicle.
How do I get an auto shipping quote?
To get a free quote, please submit your information using our simple online
quote form, or call us Monday to Friday, 9AM to 4PM MST.
How do I book a shipment?
Fill out our free quote form, and leave a note in the comment box
regarding availability of shipment.
Can I specify a pickup and delivery date?
Generally, we require a 1-7 day window for pickups, and for an additional
fee, we can expedite a pickup in as little as 72-hours (3 days).
How long will delivery take?
Dispatch times vary depending on origin and destination locations. For an
accurate transit time quote, fill out our free quote form. It is
important to remember, drivers are limited by law to a specific number of
miles and hours per day. Other variables that may affect transit times
include deliveries along the way, severe weather and road conditions, and
occasional break-downs.
How much does it cost for auto transport?
There are several factors that affect car shipping rates. Here are some
factors that are considered in coming up with a final quote. We have to
determine if you would like to ship door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal.
Once this is figured out, then you have to decide if you would like to
enclose the vehicle or ship it in an open carrier. Open transport is
generally about 1/3rd less expensive. Open transport is used about 90% of
the time. Contact us for the best solution to your transport needs.
Does the size of a vehicle matter when moving?
Yes. Because shipping is based upon the size and weight of a vehicle, the
size of your car that is being transported is very important. A good rule
of thumb is small trucks are about $50 more than a sedan going the same
place, and SUV's are about $100 to $125 more.
Does Trotter Auto Transport ship inoperable or unusual vehicles,
motorcycles and extra parts?
Yes. We regularly ship motorcycles and inoperable vehicles and specialize
in shipping unusual vehicles, including antique, specialty and classic
automobiles. Inoperable vehicles must roll and steer and can be shipped
for an additional $100 to $200 fee. Extra parts are accepted on a case-by-case
basis, and an additional fee may apply.
What areas of the United States can my vehicle be
shipped to?
We ship to all lower 48 states. Please see our
Coverage Map page.
How should I prepare my vehicle for shipment?
Please refer to our Preparing Your Vehicle page when preparing your
vehicle for shipment.
How can I track my shipment or get a shipment update?
To track your vehicle or get an update on your vehicle's status, call or
email us.
Is Trotter Auto Transport licensed and bonded?
Yes! We are licensed and bonded as required by the U.S. Transportation
Department. Our US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Broker license number is MC-643752.
Does Trotter Auto Transport ship overseas?
Although we do not primarily ship overseas, we can make special
arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
How far in advance should I schedule my vehicle pick up?
The more notice we have the better. Trucks pick up and deliver vehicles
all over the country. With advance notice we can better schedule your
vehicle's pick up. If you are leaving the area, you must plan enough time
for us to pick up the vehicle before you go. If, for some reason, this
cannot be done, you must have an alternate party (friend, relative,
neighbor) who will be able to release the vehicle to the trucker for you.
They will have to sign for you as well.
How long will it take to pick up and deliver my vehicle?
A coast-to-coast trip usually takes 5-7 days. Shorter trips can take
from 2-5 days, depending on the distance. Traffic, weather, law
limitations on truckers in regard to time and distance traveled, and truck
breakdowns are other factors that can delay a trip.
If I cannot be reached at delivery time, what happens to my vehicle?
We will make every effort to contact you during the 24-hour period
prior to delivery time. If you are not available for delivery we will keep
your vehicle on the truck to deliver at a later date or we will leave it
at a local storage lot. Both options will cost you more. Let us know as
soon as possible if you will not be available for delivery.
How do I pay for services?
A deposit or prepayment must be received in our office, before your
vehicle is scheduled for transport. All deposits or prepayments must be in
the form of Credit Card, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Cash. For your
convenience, we accept these major credit cards: MasterCard, Visa,
Discover and Debit. The balance is due to the
driver in the form of (C.O.D.) Cash only. Our truckers are not able to handle credit card payments.
What is a "Bill of Lading"?
A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by the carrier, that confirms
the receipt of a vehicle for transport, and specifies the terms and
conditions of delivery. The document will be used at the time of pick-up
and must be signed by the client and the carrier. It is also will be
signed when the vehicle is delivered. Consider the Bill of Lading as a
receipt, a contract and a document that ensures the security of your
possession. Before signing the Bill of Lading, make sure you have
carefully inspected both your vehicle and the document, and that the
description of your vehicle is accurate. The possible damages must be
recorded at the time of delivery. The Bill of Lading will be your proof
supporting any further discussions and claims related to these damages.
Will you pick up and deliver my vehicle door-to-door?
We will make every effort to give you door-to-door service. Due to the
size of the carrier vehicles we use, 9-10 car haulers, we might not be
able to get to your door. In addition, local laws may prohibit certain
truck sizes to travel on their streets. If we cannot get to your door, we
ask that you help us by meeting our truck at a convenient location such as
a parking lot close to you.
What if my vehicle does not run?
Please let us know before a truck is sent to pick up your vehicle, so
that we can send the proper carrier truck for the specific vehicle to be
transported. We will add an additional charge of $100 per inoperable vehicle in
our quote (if you inform us up front of the vehicle's condition). We will
add $200 plus loading and unloading charges to your quote if we are not
informed of the vehicle's true condition.
If I cancel my order will I receive a refund?
If you cancel your order before dispatch, there is NO cancellation fee.
After dispatch, you will be assessed an administration fee of $50. Any additional monies paid will be refunded.
Can I ship personal items in my vehicle?
We prefer that you do not place any personal items in your vehicle.
Whereas the vehicle that is being transported by us for you is insured,
the contents are not. Additional items may shift during transit, damaging
the vehicle's interior. Trotter Auto Transport is neither liable, nor responsible for your personal items or
the damage they may cause to your vehicle. The Department of
Transportation does not legally allow for the transport of household goods
(meaning personal items) in vehicles being transported by auto carriers.
In addition, trucks are weighed at highway weigh stations. If found over
their allowed licensed weight, they may be fined as high as $10,000 per
occurrence. Legally, this fine may be passed
onto you, the customer, who caused the overweight infraction. If you
insist on placing personal items in the vehicle, make sure the items are
not too heavy, are placed in the trunk, if possible, and are not higher
than the bottom of the windows. If the driver's view will be blocked when
trying to load and unload the vehicle, there may be an additional fee. In
addition, make sure you do not leave any item in the vehicle that you cannot
do without. This includes, any needed medication, any needed keys,
explosives, guns, ammunition, flammable products, negotiable
instruments, legal papers, alcoholic beverages, jewelry, furs, live pets,
plants, contraband and any articles of unusual value that could be
impounded. Please remember
these rules when shipping with any carrier. For more information on
preparing your vehicle for transport, visit our
Prepare Your Vehicle page. If you have additional questions,
please contact one of our dispatchers for the legal technicalities and
liabilities of transporting personal items.
Is my vehicle insured?
Your vehicle is fully insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is
on the truck upon which your vehicle is shipped. All of our affiliated
"certified" carriers are fully insured to meet all State and Federal
requirements. Each truck that hauls for us must carry a minimum of
$100,000 cargo insurance for a single car hauler and up to $500,000 for a
10-car hauler. Occurrences not covered are
clearly listed on your Transport Order and on the Bill of
Lading. A
condition report is done on pick up. You or your agent, and the truck
driver both sign this report and a copy is given to the person at the pick
up of the vehicle. The same report is presented upon delivery of the vehicle.
You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at
that time. If for some reason, you feel that some damage has occurred, you
must note it on the report before you sign it and before the driver
leaves. Any claims made after this time will not be honored.
What type of paperwork do I need to ship my
vehicle? (Insurance, title, registration, etc.)
Unless your vehicle is leaving the country, all that is required for your
shipment is a signature and walk around with the driver at pick up. This
walk around will allow you and the driver to verify if any damage exists
at pick up.
What should I do if my vehicle arrives with
damage?
First thing you should do is make sure the driver understands that the
damage is new and was not on the original bill of lading. The damage
should clearly be marked and noted, then signed for by the driver. Upon
completion of delivery, a call should be placed to driver's insurance
company or Trotter Auto Transport to inform us of the damage. In most
cases the car carrier will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a
couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive and unwilling to work with
you to resolve the issue, make sure you contact their insurance company
and make a claim. Be sure you have all the documentation to back up your
claim.
What is the actual process of getting my vehicle
shipped and delivered?
1) You contact our office via phone or
email;
2) We ask you to complete our online
quote request form or request it to be sent to you and returned via fax or
email;
3) Upon receiving your online quote
request, a friendly dispatcher will contact you with a quote; quotes are
guaranteed for 7 days provided no changes are made following the quote. We
ask you to pay an upfront deposit towards the total amount you are quoted,
to ensure our agreement is in place. We accept all major credit cards.
Please contact our dispatcher with the credit card details before
proceeding to the next step. Credit card charges will be posted the same
day as the order and may be refunded if you decide to cancel no less than
24-hours in advance by communicating to our office:. Please
do not cancel an order via email as this may result in not receiving your
refund. The remaining balance will be paid to the driver as COD or 10-day
Net Billing (must be approved first) upon delivery of your vehicle(s).
4) We then select one of our Certified
carriers/drivers that satisfies the safe pick-up and delivery of your
vehicle(s);
5) The driver and/or dispatcher will
communicate with you in advance via phone and email the estimated time for
pickup;
6) Upon meeting our driver to begin
the preparation in transporting your vehicle(s), a detailed Damage Report
(part of our Bill of
Lading) will be used to document the condition of the vehicle(s). Both
you and the driver will sign and agree to the notations made on the Damage
Report. You will receive a copy from the driver before you leave;
The same Damage Report / Bill of
Lading will be present upon delivery so you may re-inspect the
vehicle(s);
7) Once all paperwork is complete and
satisfied by a signature;
8) The driver will proceed with
loading your vehicle(s) safely and securely and while on the road may
contact us if any conditions serve to extend the date and time promised.
If that occurs, you will receive communication from one of our
professional dispatchers or the driver handling your vehicle(s).
9) Our office and/or driver will stay
in direct contact with you via phone and/or email until your vehicle(s)
have reached their destination.
Keep in Mind:
If you do not sign the Damage Report / Bill of
Lading at time of delivery, our insurance company can not process any
claims unless damage(s) are noted before driver leaves.
Depending on several factors such as travel conditions, weather, and
unforeseen events which may delay the transport of your vehicle(s),
estimated pick-up and delivery times may vary between 1 to 3 days. Smaller
loads can be processed within 24-hours where as larger loads and longer
distances may take as long as 3 to 12 days.
PLEASE PLAN AHEAD
As with most transport companies who cannot provide a guaranteed delivery
date, Trotter Auto Transport will work diligently to provide exceptional
service while providing the closest time and date for your transport
needs.
We have attempted to answer some of the questions people most often ask.
If there is something that we missed, please feel free to give us a call
and one of our professional dispatchers will be happy to assist you.
Thank you for your time and interest in Trotter Auto Transport, LLC
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