Car Shipping FAQ

  1. How long does it take?
    There are two elements to the duration of the entire process:

    1. Pick up time is the amount of time needed to locate and assign a specific transport truck once your order is received.
    2. Transport time is the duration from the time the vehicle is loaded on to the transport truck at origin until it is delivered at the destination.

    Pick up time is normally between 2 and 10 days. It may be longer in remote locations away from Interstate shipping lanes, during in climate weather and during the busy moving season (mid April to mid September).

    Transit time is normally 7-10 days depending upon route and location. Remember that the truck usually carries 9-10 cars at a time. The driver loads and unloads as he travels across country. There are also federally mandated restrictions on the number of hours the driver may be on the road in a given time period and sometimes delays due to security checks at weigh stations.

    The best way to ensure a smooth move is to plan ahead. CarOnATruck offers three types of service to cover nearly all needs. If you need to schedule a specific day for pick up because you’re flying out, you should consider the “Must Pick Up” service. If your needs are such that you need to ensure arrival of the vehicle at it’s destination by a specific date, ask about our “Guaranteed Delivery” service. These are premium services and have additional costs associated. Call one of our shipping consultants at (800) 383-0044 for additional information.

  2. kind of truck will it be transported on?
    In most cases, your vehicle will be transported on a 9, 10 or 11 car Auto Transporter, like the ones you see transporting new cars. These trucks are 80 feet long (that is 20 feet longer than a conventional freight truck or moving van) and weigh close to 80,000 lbs fully loaded and are almost 14 feet high. They are therefore very hard to maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind when directing the truck to your home!
  3. What does door-to-door delivery mean?
    It means the driver will get as close to your door as possible while considering the local traffic laws, driver safety and the safety of the vehicles on the auto transport truck. If you live on a main road (at least 2 lanes wide) with no overhanging trees and no low bridges and the access to your road allows for the weight and size constraints of the auto transport, the driver will pick up or deliver your vehicle right at your door. If it is determined that he cannot safely load at your door, please direct the driver to the nearest safe loading zone. (i.e. a grocery store, school or church parking lot or any other location that is large enough and accessible).
  4. Will my car go to a terminal?
    In some cases it is necessary to use a local terminal to pick up or deliver your vehicle. This makes the loading and unloading process more efficient.
  5. How does the entire process work?
    Once you place your order and submit paperwork, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled as near as possible to the dates on your shipping order. Phone support is not available for status inquiries. Please submit inquiries at www.CarOnaTruck.com/contact.html. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive a call from the driver or the terminal to schedule the pick up time and date. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will do a visual inspection of your vehicle on the bill of lading. You both will sign it and you will receive and copy. The same bill of lading will be present on delivery so you can re-inspect the car. The driver will call in advance to schedule an approximate time/day for delivery. It’s very unlikely that your car will be damaged-if damage should occur, please be sure to note it on the bill of lading and have the driver sign it. Claims cannot be processed by the drivers insurance company if damage is not noted at time of delivery.
  6. Can I put anything in my trunk?
    Yes, customers transporting inside the Continental US are allowed to put up to 100lbs. of personal belongings in their vehicle. Nothing is allowed in your vehicle if you are transporting to/from Hawaii. It must be confined in the trunk and/or back seat below window level and must be well secured. All personal items in the vehicle are placed there at the owners risk; they are not covered by the trucks insurance. We do not recommend packing electronics, breakable items or valuable items.
  7. How much notice is needed?
    The more advance notice you can give, the more likely your shipment is to move through the system efficiently. Two weeks is normally sufficient.
  8. What forms of payment are accepted?
    Visa and MasterCard can be processed in real time using our online order form by clicking here. Once you enter the contact information, you will be directed to a secure server to process payment. A minimum deposit of $200.00 is needed to initiate your order. If you pay a deposit, the balance is due COD (upon delivery in cash or certified funds). No other form of payment can be accepted on delivery. If you wish to make payment in full on your credit card, it should be paid in advance when you submit your order. Payment in full is required prior to unloading your vehicle.

For additional information please fill out the Quote Form or see the Contact Us page.