Auto Transport

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will it take to pick up and deliver my vehicle?
Over 90% of our orders ship inside of one week - anywhere from one to seven days. That's mostly because about 90% of the U.S. population lives in a major metropolitan area and is shipping to another well populated area. Get outside those parameters and all bets are off as it becomes harder to predict when a driver might be doing that run. Usually though, orders ship in a very regular manner. That said, we cannot guarantee pickup or delivery dates. Once assigned, the vehicle usually gets picked up within a day or two (sometimes same day) of the assignment. We automatically email the customer when it gets assigned and then our driver calls your pickup contact. Typically, a coast to coast vehicle transport trip takes from 7 to 10 days. Shorter auto shipping trips can take from 1 to 7 days depending on the distance. The driver usually calls the destination contact within 24 hours of estimated delivery. Traffic, inclement weather, truck breakdowns, seasonal fluctuations and other unforeseen events may delay the auto shipping of your vehicle. Pickup and delivery dates are estimated but are not guaranteed. If either of your origination or destination locations are away from population centers, in other words in a remote area, then you might consider meeting a driver in a nearby big city or town to increase your chances of shipping in a more timely fashion. Remember, anyone you choose can serve as your point of contact or representative, which takes the stress out of shipping your vehicle.

How does the entire auto transport process work?
Once you submit your order either online (very secure) or over the phone with one of our Direct Express Auto Transport representatives, the shipping of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the first date available on your shipping order. Ninety percent of our orders get assigned within one week of that date. Once assigned, the vehicle usually gets picked up within a day or two (sometimes same day) of the assignment. We automatically email the customer when it gets assigned and then our driver calls your pickup contact. When the driver picks up your vehicle, he will do a detailed inspection of your vehicle on the Bill of Lading. You will both sign this form and you should receive a copy. The driver should call again your destination contact from the road as he gets near to schedule an approximate time for delivery. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so you can both re-inspect the car. The transporter will take every precaution to deliver you vehicle without incident; however, if damage should occur, you must report this damage upon delivery on the Bill of Lading and never-the-less pay the carrier the balance owed. It is important that you and the transport driver sign this document. Claims cannot be processed by our insurance company if damage is not noted at time of delivery. We also recommend digital photos of before and after. But damages are rare events and normally your vehicle arrives dirty but in the same condition it left.

Is my vehicle insured?
Yes, all carriers are fully insured to meet all State and Federal requirements. The transport driver will thoroughly inspect the vehicle at pick up and delivery. When your vehicle is delivered, it is your responsibility to inspect for any damage that may have occurred during transport. Document any damage on the Bill of Lading and obtain the driver's signature. The insurance company will not process claims if damages are not documented at the time of delivery.

What is a condition report?
The Condition Report is a part of the Bill of Lading. The Condition Report documents the condition of your vehicle at the time the Driver takes custody of it. Before the Driver loads your vehicle, he will fill out a Condition Report that will note the condition of the vehicle at the time he receives it. The Shipper or authorized agent will need to verify the notations made and sign that you are in agreement with them. The Shipper should receive a copy of this Condition Report before the vehicle leaves the point of origin. Claims of damage at destination will be based on the condition of your vehicle, as reported, before it was transported.

What kind of auto transporter will move my vehicle?
Vehicles will be transported via multiple car carriers, the same type used to transport new vehicles to dealerships.

What is the difference between an open and an enclosed carrier?
Open Carrier is similar to those you see transporting cars to and from dealerships. These carriers range in size and capacity. Vehicles that are moved via an open carrier are exposed to inclement weather and road conditions. Enclosed Carriers also range in size and capacity. Since these carriers are covered, the vehicles in transit are not exposed to weather or road conditions. Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom and antique/classic cars. This mode of transport is more costly than the open carrier.

Do I have to be present when my vehicle is picked up and delivered?
Yes. You must be present at both the pickup and delivery of the vehicle or you may designate a person to act as your agent in your absence to complete the auto transporting process.

Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?
The vehicle will be picked up/delivered as close to your home as possible. Occasionally, the maneuverability of these large transport carriers or local government regulations will not allow the transporter truck to come directly to your home. In these cases, an alternate site will be selected that contains a large parking lot, such as a shopping mall.