Tips for Vehicle Transport - Florida Car Transport Company / Carrier
Scheduling Your Car Transport - The most difficult part of having your vehicle shipped is scheduling. There are many uncontrollable variables that may affect your pick-up and delivery dates. Normally your vehicle can be picked up within 3 - 5 days of placing your order and will be delivered within 1 - 3 weeks. However, as with anything else, it is best that you place your order as far in advance as possible, but no less than 10 days prior to your desired pick-up date. NOTE: If a Carrier or Broker promises exact pick-up and delivery dates you should get this guarantee in writing including what will be done for you if the dates are not met.

Preparing Your Vehicle For Transport - There are several important steps you should take to minimize the potential for vehicle damage or problems to occur while it is being transported. Road Trip Transport strongly recommends that you follow these steps to prepare your vehicle for shipment.

  1. Remove or retract all items that stick out from the vehicles natural bodylines. Examples include storage racks, mirrors, antennas, spoilers, body effects, exhaust system attachments, lights, bug shields, etc. Ensure all other accessories are securely bolted down. Remove any nonpermanent covers such as a spare tire or grill cover.
  2. Service the vehicle mechanically to ensure it is fully operational, there are no fluid leaks (leaking fluid can damage your vehicle and other vehicles in the transporter), the fluid levels are normal, and there is adequate antifreeze in the radiator for the weather conditions expected. Inflate tires to the recommended tire pressure. Ensure the battery is fully charged. Leave the fuel tank level at no more than ¼ full.
  3. Remove all uninstalled or after-market electronic equipment from inside the vehicle such as garage door openers, cell phones, and E-Z Pass. Remove all personal items from all compartments in the vehicle including the trunk. Absolutely no personal belongings are to be transported in or on the vehicle with exception of auto parts directly associated with the vehicle. Federal regulations prohibit any Carrier to transport personal property items and neither Road Trip Transport nor the Carrier is licensed or insured to transport household goods or personal belongings.
  4. Thoroughly wash the entire vehicle so you can closely inspect and document dings, chips, scratches, or other damage.
  5. It is recommended that you take dated photographs of the vehicle and provide a copy to the Carrier upon pick-up and that you contact your personal vehicle insurance representative and find out what coverage your vehicle has during transport.
Getting Your Vehicle Picked Up - You need to be at the designated pick-up location on time with a full set of keys and inspection photos, if you took them. Turn off or positively disable all alarm systems. Perform a thorough inspection with the Carrier representative, document details on existing damage (dents, scratches, glass, paint, etc.), note the mileage, and then both you and the Carrier representative must sign and date the report. Obtain a signed copy of the Inspection Report and Bill of Lading prior to departure. This inspection is the first step in protecting yourself should damage occur during transport.

Picking Up Your Vehicle - You need to be at the designated delivery location on time with any payment required (cashiers check or cash), your copies of the original Inspection Report and Bill of Lading, and inspection photos, if you took them.The most important step in protecting yourself is to perform a thorough inspection with the Carrier representative before accepting your vehicle. If you do not document vehicle damage on the Bill of Lading before signing to accept the vehicle you will not receive insurance coverage from the Carrier. This inspection should be performed during daylight hours; you need to slowly and carefully inspect all surfaces of the vehicle including the undercarriage, compare the mileage reading, and ensure the vehicle operates properly.

If Your Vehicle Has Been Damaged - Make sure you have an exact description of the damage in writing on the Bill of Lading then call Road Trip Transport (800-848-9445) and we will assist you with filing an insurance claim.

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