Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is the most important thing to know about shipping my vehicle?

A. There are three things that are essential to know when shipping your vehicle: 1) Always beware of hidden fees and non-refundable deposits in dealing with any broker, 2) ALWAYS get a signed bill of lading at pick-up and delivery of your vehicle (you cannot get compensated for damage to your vehicle without one, it is your proof), and 3) the lowest price is rarely the best price  (see below).

Q. How is my vehicle transported?

A. Our process is simple. When you sign up with us we locate a carrier that will carry your vehicle to its destination. When a carrier is located your account representative will contact you of the estimated date of your pickup. The carrier will contact you within 24 hours of the pick up date to make arrangements for collecting your vehicle. On the scheduled date and time the carrier will carefully load your vehicle onto their carrier. He will give you a detailed report indicating all damage to the vehicle. At the destination, your vehicle will be carefully offloaded and you will be responsible for inspecting the vehicle for any damage not listed on the original report. If there is no damage, you simply sign the bill of lading, pay the driver, and enjoy your car.

Q. Why shouldn't I always go with the lowest quote?

A. Some brokers will deliberately give you a very low quote to get you to sign up with them. Then when your car doesn't move they come back and ask you for more money. If you have signed up with a broker that asks for a non-refundable deposit, you have no choice except to pay the additional amount or lose your deposit. We try to get you the most accurate quote possible. If it is higher than some other brokers that is because our research has shown that that is the price that truckers need in order to move your car. We make no more money on a higher quote than on a lower quote, the quote we give you is designed solely to move your car.

Q. Where do you ship vehicles to?

A. We arrange to ship vehicles to the continental United States & Canada through our truck partners, or by rail to certain locations.  We can also arrange shipment to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, Guam, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia via International Ship Lines.

Q. How long will it take for my vehicle to be shipped?

A. On average it takes three to fourteen days for you vehicle to reach its destination within the US based on such things as distance, weather, traffic, and construction.  Naturally, overseas transports can take much longer.

Q. How long in advance should I book my transport?

A. It is highly recommended that you book at least two weeks in advance. You should never set an available date until the car is ready to go as often carriers will want to pickup on that date. One of the keys to a successful move is to be flexible.

Q. Will my vehicle be insured during my transport?

A. Yes. We only use trucking firms that carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance. It is important to remember however, that carrier insurance does not cover personal property that you leave in the car.  Additionally, it does not cover road hazards, such as rock chips, or hail, so it is a good idea to get a small comprehensive policy to cover this type of possible damage for the duration of the trip.

Q. Will my vehicle carrier be licensed?

A. Yes. All carriers that we use are licensed and bonded by the Federal Department of Transportation. Additionally we are licensed by the Department of transportation and carry a $100,000 bond. License and bonding information can be checked through www.safersys.com.

Q. What are the different levels and types of service?

A. We offer three levels of service, Standard, Premium, and Express and two types of transport - Open & Enclosed. While we want to move all of the vehicles listed with us Premium level customers receive first consideration and more attention. Premium level service is designed primarily for those who need to have their vehicle move more quickly.  Express service,  the most expensive option,  is  designed for those needing their vehicle moved immediately.  Of the two types of transport, Open is the most common.  With open transport your vehicle is carried on an open car carrier and as such is exposed to weather and road hazards (such as rocks, hail, etc).  Enclosed transport is more expensive and is the best choice for extremely expensive or rare or show vehicles.

Q. How should I prepare my vehicle for shipping?

A. In most cases ensuring that the vehicle’s normal maintenance is up-to-date is sufficient. Vehicles that are being transported by ship must be clean. If the vehicle is being transported to a cold climate, make sure that anti-freeze is up to date. Disconnect any auto alarms and anti-theft systems.

Q. Can I store any personal items in the vehicle?

A. Many carriers will not move a vehicle being transported with more than 100 pounds of personal items in the vehicle Any items stored in a vehicle are not covered by insurance and the owner will have no legal recourse if items are lost, stolen, or damaged.  Additionally, personal items left in the car must not interfere with driver's ability to safely load and unload the vehicle.

Q. Why is it more expensive to ship my SUV or truck than for my car?

A. Shipping costs are based on both size and weight. Not only can you only fit so many cars on a carrier, but a car carrier can only carry so much weight. A heavier or larger vehicle restricts the number of other vehicles that a carrier can move.

Q. Will I need to have my vehicle delivered to a terminal?

A. Normally we do not use terminals. There are only four instances which will result in your car being taken to a terminal: 1) You pre-plan delivery to a terminal because no one will be available to receive the car on delivery, 2) You fail to pay our deposit, 3) You fail to pay the truck fee on delivery, or 4) No arrangements have been made and no one is available to accept delivery.

Q. How do I pay for my shipment?

A. You may pay your deposit to Phoenix Auto Transport by check-by-phone or credit card, while the trucker is paid on delivery either in cash or with a postal money order.

Q. Can I transport a vehicle that does not run?

A. The vehicle can be transported by truck within the continental United States even if it does not run, but there will be an additional fee because of the additional equipment and labor needed to transport it. Vehicles cannot be transported by train or ship if inoperable.

Q. What should I do if my vehicle arrives with damage?

A. The first thing that you should do is to make sure that the driver understands that the damage is new and is not on the original bill of lading. The damage should be clearly marked and noted on the delivery bill of lading and should be signed by the driver. DO NOT sign the bill of lading without noting the damage on it. If you do, you could be giving up your right to any insurance claim. Upon completion a call should be made to your carrier & broker informing them of the damage. We will assist you in filing a claim for damage if we are notified within 24 hours of you accepting the car.  In most cases the carrier will ask for a repair estimate and will send you payment in a couple of weeks. If the carrier is not responsive or is unwilling to work with you make sure you contact the insurance company and make a claim. Be sure to keep and have available all documentation to back up your claim.