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20 Questions To Ask An Auto Transport Company

Detail of Classic Auto

Hiring an auto transport company is a great way to make a move less stressful. However, before shipping your car, you want to be sure that you hire the right company for the job. You do not want just anyone handling your vehicle. You want a reputable auto transport company that understands the importance of providing exceptional customer service.

How can you go about finding the right auto transport company? Research is key to helping you determine how reputable a company truly is. Specifically, asking questions is the perfect way to find a company that is in line with your values and budget. After all, you don’t know unless you ask. Here are some of the most important questions to ask to have the best car shipping experience, possible.

  1. Is your company licensed and registered?

    To ensure that you are dealing with a company that you can trust to get your car from Point A to Point B, you need to check to see that the company has all the necessary licenses. Any company that transports vehicles is required to register through the U.S. Department of Transportation.

    You can ask a representative for the U.S. DOT# for verification purposes. By obtaining this information, not only can you ensure that the company is licensed, but you can use it to view safety reports and such.

  2. What are your rates?

    You work hard to earn your money. Therefore, you want to ensure that you aren’t just throwing it away on a company that makes false promises. A reputable auto shipper should be upfront about how much it costs to use their services. Car transport rates vary depending on the situation, so you need to contact the auto transport company directly for a quote.

    While everyone prefers affordable services, it is important to keep in mind that price is not everything. If you choose to go with the cheapest option you can find, you may come to realize that you get what you pay for. Instead, choose a company that offers highly quality services.

  3. Do you offer a free no-obligation quote?

    Most auto transport companies offer free car shipping quotes on their website. If they don’t, this could be a big red flag and a sign to look elsewhere. Why wouldn’t a company want to offer a future customer a complimentary quote?

    Here, at National Dispatch, we offer both a free and instant car shipping quote. Plus, our online quote form requires absolutely no personal information. Therefore, our car shipping quotes our 100% no obligation, and it only takes a few seconds to get one.

  4. Do your quotes include everything?

    This is very important. There is nothing worse than unexpected costs and charges. This can easily be avoided by asking the auto transport company for a list of everything that the quote covers. Ask the company, ahead of time, if there will be any additional costs to avoid the headache.

    Before you sign the contract, make sure you read everything over and understand everything clearly. Make sure that the charges are what you agreed upon. If there are any additional costs or penalties, make sure that you inquire about them right away.

  5. Why are you the best company to go with?

    National Dispatch TruckThere are thousands of auto transport companies to choose from. Although they may all serve the same industry, not all of them are alike. Every auto transport company should be able to tell you what makes them special. What sets them apart from the competition?

    You should aim to ship with a company that has an impressive track record of getting cars to their destination in a safe and timely manner. If you want to find out what past customers are saying about their experiences, read reviews from a trustworthy source.

  6. Will the vehicle be insured?

    Insurance is important when it comes to transporting a car. Before hiring an auto transport company, you should ask what is and is not covered and included in the cost of your car shipping quote. You want to be sure that you are covered during the transport of your vehicle.

    If an auto transporter does not offer the coverage you are looking for, this could be a major deal breaker. You will likely not want to take the risks of being responsible for any damages, if any were to occur.

  7. Do you have references that I can speak to?

    You do some research on your own to read online reviews and testimonials. However, ratings can be manipulated. Ask the auto transporter if there are any past customers that you can contact. This is one way to ensure that you are getting an honest review.

  8. How can I pay?

    Credit card on laptopIt is not uncommon for an auto transport company to require some payment, in the form of a deposit, prior to pickup. In fact, this is the policy for most companies. If they require that you pay all the money up-front, then this may be a sign for alarm.

    When it comes to payment methods, companies may differ. At National Dispatch, we accept a variety of payment methods, including all major credit cards.

  9. What are my shipping timeframe options?

    You are probably wondering about your delivery options. Most auto transport companies offer several different options, depending on your schedule and budget. In general, you want to book car shipping services in advance to ensure that you get what you need and give the company enough heads up.

    At National Dispatch, we offer 3 shipping options, ranging in price from least expensive to a little pricier. We have economy shipping, priority shipping, and guaranteed shipping. Priority shipping is the standard method of shipping, while guaranteed is recommended for those in more of a hurry.

  10. How are your rates calculated?

    You will likely want to know how much it costs to ship your car from one part of the country to another and what goes into determining that price. Auto transport costs are determined by a variety of factors, including the type of vehicle, distance from the pickup to the delivery location, and the specific shipping options you choose.

    To learn more about how rates are calculated, read Car Transport Rates: Explaining It All.

  11. How do I need to prepare my car for shipping?

    Car on asphalt road in summerBefore shipping, you will likely need to complete some steps to prepare your car for transport. What does this entail? You will need to give your car a thorough cleaning, remove all personal items from the car, and ensure that the tank is 1/4 full.

    Check with the auto shipping company for any additional recommendations that they may have. Also, read our Preparing Your Car For Shipping In 10 Easy Steps.

  12. When will my car be delivered?

    Another common question you might have is regarding the length of time delivery takes. As we mentioned before, there are several different shipping methods to choose from. Therefore, delivery time will vary depending on which method you choose and how far away the driver must travel to deliver the vehicle.

  13. What documentation do I need to supply in order to ship my car?

    It is crucial that you are prepared for auto shipping with the appropriate documents. This will ensure that the auto transport process goes smoothly from start to finish. This can also help to prevent any delays.

    Ask the auto transporter, in advance, what type of paperwork is needed. Typically, you will be need to provide the auto shipper with the registration and title, along with proof of insurance and photo identification.

  14. Do I have to be available for pickup and delivery?

    New American HomeMost auto transport companies require that someone (over the age of 18) be present at the time of pickup and delivery. This is because keys must be collected, important paperwork must be signed, and an inspection report must be completed.

    It is important to be respectful of the auto transporter’s time. If you cannot be present for the pickup or delivery of your vehicle, make sure you stress to your friend, neighbor, or family member the importance of being there on time.

  15. How will my car be transported?

    When it comes to shipping a car, there are two primary methods that you can choose from: open or enclosed carrier shipping. Each auto transport method has their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is up to you to decide which option offers the best investment.

    While open auto transport is more economical and is the standard in the industry, it does not protect your car from an array of external elements. Enclosed auto transport is the better option if this is a concern. However, it is more costly in comparison to open auto shipping.

  16. Can you move my personal belongings?

    Although it would be much more convenient to have your auto shipper transport your household goods along with your vehicle, most companies do not allow this. It is recommended that you remove all personal items from the vehicle. However, you can leave your car’s spare tire and jack.

    Failure to remove these items could result in added fees or delays, and nobody wants that. There is also the possibility that these items could become damaged or could cause damage to the interior of your vehicle. To avoid this, empty your car before auto transport.

  17. Can you transport non-running cars?

    Old truck restorationIt is important to know what the car shipping company you are looking at hiring specializes in. What can and can’t they do? Most auto transport companies can ship the typical cars, trucks, and SUVs. What about cars that do not run?

    Inoperable cars present more of a challenge, because these vehicles require special equipment for loading and unloading purposes. National Dispatch has the means necessary to transport your car, regardless if it runs or not. Just be sure that you provide this information to the auto transporter when you place your order, so all the appropriate preparations can be made.

  18. Where are you located?

    This question may not seem to hold much significance, but by asking it, you gain some insight into whether or not the company has a physical address or not. You might even come to learn that the company is located not too far from where you are located.

    National Dispatch’s headquarters is in Cocoa Beach, Florida. However, we are a nationwide car shipping company. This means that we can ship your car anywhere you need it to go within the United States.

  19. Is door to door shipping available?

    Blue house door One of the primary reasons why people choose to ship their car is because it is easier and more convenient than the alternative — driving. If you are looking for an auto transport service that makes your life simpler, ask your auto shipper about door to door shipping.

    Door to door shipping is a hassle-free auto shipping service that can save you a lot of time. Instead of dropping your car off at a terminal, the driver will come directly to your home for pickup and delivery.

  20. What goes into the auto transport process?

    If this is your first time shipping a car, then one of the most important things to know is how exactly the process will go. Ask the auto transport representative what you can expect the auto transport process to be like, from start to finish.

    With National Dispatch, our team of trained professionals are always happy to assist you by answering any questions you may have. Call us or use the chat feature on our website.

National Dispatch

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto transport company with a company-owned fleet. If you choose to ship with us, you can expect excellent customer service and competitive prices. We make the safety of your vehicle our top priority. Therefore, you can have peace of mind knowing that your car is in the best hands.

Request a free, instant car shipping quote using our online quote calculator. No personal information is required to get a quote in seconds. If you prefer to speak with an auto transport representative, call us at 800-321-2051. We look forward to hearing from you!

Can I Ship a Non-Running Car?

Old truck restoration

The short answer is yes, you can! Many auto transport companies can ship any kind of vehicle, ranging in make, model, and size. Therefore, big or small, truck or compact, it can be shipped for you. When it comes to shipping a non-running car, not all companies have the proper equipment and manpower to do so. However, National Dispatch is well-equipped to handle the shipment of your inoperable car.

Before booking auto transport services, you must take into consideration the factors that may affect your car transport rate. Car transport rates vary depending on the services you select in addition to other specifics about your shipment. Non-running vehicles require special care and attention. For this reason, it is good to have a general understanding of the auto shipping process, beforehand.

What Is a Non-Running Car?

A non-running car is just as it sounds. It is a car that does not run or is not safe to drive. Therefore, auto shipping services are required to transport the car. Many cars get in this condition from collision damage, which ultimately leads to mechanical failure. However, there are other cases in which the inoperable car happens to be a classic car that is being worked on to restore it to its former glory.

Damaged red car

Shipping a Non-Running Car

Requesting car shipping services for a non-running car is not that different than for a car that runs. However, there are some extra steps and details that you want to be sure are taken care of prior to shipping. Here are the steps that you will want to go through.

  • Do your Research. When shipping any car, regardless of if it runs or not, you will want to make sure you are getting the best deal. To do this, you will need to do your homework to find the right auto transport company. The company should offer affordable rates, have the services you need, and be friendly in providing customer service. Read more on How to Find an Auto Transport Company.
  • Contact Company. After finding an auto transport company to ship your vehicle, you want to contact a representative with the company to be sure that they offer non-running car shipping services. Not all companies have the required equipment or are willing to handle these types of vehicles.
  • Compare Pricing. Most auto shipping companies offer an online quote form. This gives you the opportunity to fill in a little information about your car to receive a free quote. Many quote forms allow you to choose if you will be shipping a non-running or running vehicle. You could also ask about the cost of shipping, while you speak to the auto transport representative.

How to Ship a Non-Running Car

Non-running cars cannot be driven onto the car carrier. Therefore, the auto shipper must use other means to load the vehicle. These will vary depending on the type of carrier that you will be using to ship your non-running vehicle. There are two primary car carrier options, which include:

  • Open Auto Transport: The car will be loaded on to an open carrier using a winch. There are different types of winches, which may be manual or hand cranked. The car is pulled up on the carrier by the chain, which is attached. It is important to keep in mind that because this is an open carrier, the car will not be protected from natural road elements and weather conditions. Read more on Open Auto Transport.
  • Enclosed Auto Transport: If you want to use this method of shipping, then your car will be loaded on to an enclosed carrier, usually using a liftgate. These liftgates limit movement when loading. They are especially useful for low clearance vehicles, as they prevent damage to the car. Unlike open auto shipping, enclosed auto transport protects the vehicle from a variety of road elements and weather conditions. Read more on Enclosed Auto Transport.

Dollar signs with question mark

Determining the Cost of Shipping

Cost is the factor that most people are concerned about when shipping any car. This includes inoperable cars. You may be wondering how the company came up with the car transport rate you were given. In general, the cost to ship a non-running car is more expensive than that of a running one, because of the extra time and effort required to safely transport the vehicle. The cost of shipping varies depending upon many factors, including the typo of car, distance, route, shipping method, and type of carrier.

How does type of car affect your rate?

You will be transporting a non-running car. This service is more expensive than if you were to ship a car that operates properly. Why is that? This is because of the equipment that the trucks must have to safely load and unload your vehicle. In addition, the drivers must be trained to transport these types of vehicles. You wouldn’t want to hire someone who has no idea what they are doing. In addition to the condition, the make and model of the car will have an affect on your rate. This is mainly due to size. If you own a larger car, then it will take up more space with more weight on the transport carrier, usually contributing to a higher cost.

How does distance affect your rate?

Distance is one of the most important factors when determining a car transport rate. In general, the farther you need your car shipped, the more expensive it will be. This is because the truck will require more fuel to transport the car a longer distance. In addition, it requires more drive time. Therefore, shipping a car coast to coast, say New York to California, is going to cost more than just a few states away.

How does route affect your rate?

You must consider where you need the car shipped to and from. This can affect the cost of shipping. Transport carriers often go through major cities, across the nation, picking up cars for various customers. Large cities are easy for transport carriers because of their proximity to major highways. If you need your car shipped to or from a rural location, your car transport rate may be more expensive. This is because transport carriers do not pass through these areas as frequently.

How does shipping method affect your rate?

Pricing also varies depending on how soon you need your vehicle. The more flexible you are on your shipment time, the lower the cost of shipping will be. However, accommodations can be made for those who need their car shipped, as soon as possible. Many customers offer a rush shipping option. At National Dispatch, we offer a guaranteed shipping option. It is more expensive than our other standard shipping options. However, you will get your car within a shorter time window.

How does carrier type affect your rate?

You can choose between the transport carriers we previously discussed, an open carrier or enclosed carrier. This will be based upon personal preference and needs. It depends upon exactly what type of vehicle you are transporting. If you are transporting a non-running classic car, you may want to opt for an enclosed carrier. It is more expensive, but it will protect the car from the open air, weather, and outside elements.

Tips for Shipping a Non-Running Car

The transport of a non-running car requires proper planning, as well as special equipment. To ensure that the transport of your vehicle goes smoothly, we have assembled a few tips. Check them out below:

  • Hire the right company. We mentioned this before, but it cannot be overstated. To safely load and unload your inoperable vehicle, the auto transport company needs to know what they are doing. Hire a company with a driver who is equipped and qualified to handle the task at hand. At National Dispatch, we hire nothing but the best. We understand that it takes time, effort, and expertise to transport your car safely to its destination.
  • Inform the company about the car’s condition. The auto shipping company cannot properly assist you in transporting your vehicle if they do not know that it does not run. You must tell the company when booking that is inoperable. This way they have all the necessary equipment and manpower before showing up at your door. This will also prevent any added fees or time delays.
  • Know what is wrong with the car. A major part of telling your auto shipper that it does not run is knowing why it does not run. Maybe, the problem is an easy fix. It might cost you less to fix the car and ship as a running vehicle than to ship as a non-running car. This would be the case if a dead battery or flat tires were the problem. If it is wrecked car, then you should understand what does and doesn’t work to inform the auto transporter. Does the car roll? Does it brake? Can you steer it? These are all great questions to ask yourself.
  • Book ahead of time. Car shipping takes proper planning. Not only must the auto shipper make the appropriate preparations, but you must, as well. There may be some preparation tasks that you need to take care of prior to shipping. In addition, booking ahead of time ensures that you get the best car transport rate, as well as the pick-up and drop-off time that you prefer. Be aware of the busy times in the auto transport industry, typically in the summer.
  • Prepare your car for shipping. As we mentioned, there are some preparation steps that you must take to ensure that your car is ready to be loaded and transported. The most important one is to secure all loose parts on the vehicle. In addition, you should remove all personal belongings from inside the car. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items.

National Dispatch logo

Why National Dispatch

National Dispatch is a nationwide auto shipping company with a company-owned fleet. We have years of experience in the auto transport industry, shipping cars for individuals undergoing a residential move, vacation, corporate relocation, and more. This is just one of the many reasons why our customers rely on us to safely transport their vehicles across the nation. If you book with us, here is what you can expect:

  • On-time delivery. Businesses and individuals rely on scheduled delivery dates. They need their cars picked up and delivered when they say they are going to be. Otherwise, they may be forced to miss a day of work waiting around. By booking with National Dispatch, you can count on a timely delivery.
  • Reliable services. It can be hard giving your car keys over to a stranger. However, we make it a little more easy. You will have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in the best hands. We will treat your car as if it was our very own.
  • Convenient pick-up and delivery. At National Dispatch, we offer door-to-door auto transport. This is a service in which the driver will come directly to your home or place of business to pickup and deliver the car. This is much more convenient than the alternative method of terminal-to-terminal auto shipping.
  • Fast delivery. We also offer a guaranteed delivery service. This acts as a kind of rush delivery service for those individuals or businesses who need their car within a short time window.

Are you in need of car shipping services? Whether it is a running or non-running vehicle, National Dispatch can assist you! We can ship your car anywhere in the United States. Our representatives are standing by ready to answer all your questions and help you book auto transport services today. You can call us at 800-321-2051 to get a free quote. If you prefer an alternative method, you can fill out a quote using our online quote calculator. Requesting a free, instant quote is easy. Only four simple fields are required: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. No personal information is needed. We look forward to hearing from you!

7 Issues You May Encounter After A Collision

Woman stressed about auto accident

You’re driving down the road after a long day of work, listening to your favorite song. Your car’s music player stops working, so you look down to fix the issue and BOOM!!! …you rear-end the car in front of you.

Issues After a Collision

After getting into an accident, vehicles experience several common adverse side effects. As a responsible car owner, it is essential to pay careful attention to these issues after a crash to keep yourself safe and ensure no preventable damage to your vehicle occurs.

1. Your Inertia Switch Trips, Causing Your Car Not to Start

After a car gets into an accident, even a minor one, it is common for the engine not to start. Most car owners think it is the result of damage to the transmission. The most likely reason a car will fail to start after a minor accident is a tripped switch that cuts power to the vehicle’s fuel pump.

Many cars include an inertial switch that will stop feeding electricity to its fuel pump after an accident. The inertial switch protects the vehicle from lighting on fire. This prevents it from pumping gas just in case of damage to the car’s fuel pump.

If your car doesn’t start after a minor accident, check the vehicle owner’s manual. Here, you’ll figure out whether your vehicle has an inertial switch trip that cuts power to its fuel pump after a collision.

If the vehicle does have the inertial switch trip, then you will likely be able to press a button that will allow you to start the car normally and continue driving.

2. Your New Battery May Soon Fail

Accidents can jar a vehicle’s battery causing it to become inoperable prematurely. Keep the potentially reduced life cycle of your car’s battery in mind after a collision.

3. Your Car Has Been Thrown Out of Alignment

If a car gets into a minor collision, misalignment is unlikely. However, if you are in a more serious accident, pay close attention to your car’s drivability and tire wear, as these are telltale signs of a misaligned vehicle.

When a car is out of alignment, it is wise to take it to a repair shop both to improve safety conditions and prevent further frame damage.

4. Your Headlight or Taillight May Need Replacement

A collision often will damage a vehicle headlight or taillight. Damage to lighting primarily comes in three forms:

  • Broken lights
  • Disconnected wiring
  • Lens damage

While a broken light requires replacement, disconnected wiring and lens damage is a quick repair that needs no assistance.  If a wire has come loose, you should be able to reattach it to get the lighting system to reactivate. If lens damage occurs, you should be able to use a car light lens repair kit to fix the damage.

5. Your Door May Not Be Able to Open/Close the Car Door

Damage to a vehicle’s door commonly results from car accidents. Make sure each one of the doors to your vehicle is operable after a crash.

6. Your Car Needs Cosmetic Work

Cosmetic damage to your vehicle is an obvious side effect of a crash. The magnitude of cosmetic repairs is determined by the extent of the damage and how much labor the repair requires.

7. Your Car May Not Roll or Steer

After an accident, you may be unable to steer your car or even get it to roll. If you can’t get your vehicle to steer or roll, then you should consider it inoperable.

While some auto accidents leave a vehicle drivable others do not. If the damage to your vehicle is severe, do not feel the need to drive your car away.

In cases of serious damage, call for a tow truck or auto transport service.

This Guest Post was provided by New Look Collision Center, the premier auto body collision repair center, serving both Las Vegas and Henderson since 2004.