FAQ
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – READ BEFORE SHIPPING YOUR VEHICLE
The information below answers the most common FAQ’s about transporting your vehicle.
Federal Auto Shipping encourages you to review this information before shipping your car.
Click Any of the FAQ’s Below:
At Federal Auto Shipping we ask the customer to consider fuel cost, time, food, lodging, planning time and actual driving time, and compare this cost with our rate. With our Flat Rate price it will cost you less to transport your vehicle than driving it and will be much easier for you.
By contacting Federal Auto Shipping just once, we can start the process, and a pickup and delivery will be scheduled according to your needs. We will email you a link with your entire order for you to verify. You can be confident, knowing we will work seamlessly with the transporter to finalize the logistics. It will be much easier than driving it yourself. Let Federal Auto Shipping help you move your vehicle.
Federal Auto Shipping highly recommends that you book your transport services at least 14 days in advance of your planned pick-up date. We encourage you to book as early as possible. The earlier we receive your request, the better the chance to schedule a pickup closest to your requested date.
Federal Auto Shipping will do everything possible to accommodate your schedule when arranging pickup and delivery of your vehicle. We will notify you immediately when your vehicle(s) is dispatched.
You will be provided the contact of the carrier, as well as remain in touch with us throughout the transportation process, leading up to the point of delivery.
The dispatcher and/or driver will contact you within 24 hours of pick-up and delivery to coordinate.
Remember, that it is challenging in the transportation industry to precisely determine exact times due to common variables such as weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Please keep this in mind when placing your order and throughout your transportation process.
Yes. You or your designated representative has to be present at the pickup and delivery locations. The transporter will not accept or load your vehicle without an authorized signature, and they will not deliver the vehicle without an authorized signature on the Bill of Lading (Paperwork / Condition Report).
Yes. Federal Auto Shipping can arrange the transport of inoperable vehicles at an additional cost, payable to the transporter.
Please note that it is your whole responsibility to notify Federal Auto Shipping at the time you schedule your transport, of the condition and operability/inoperability of your vehicle.
Personal items should be kept to a minimum. Auto transport companies must abide by Federal laws and aren’t licensed to transport household goods. Be sure it is not more than 80 pounds and must be packed only in the trunk or cargo area of the vehicle. Items should not be stored inside the vehicle as they may block the driver’s view when loading or unloading the vehicle, shift during transit or damage the vehicle’s interior. If your vehicle is being transported by ship, restrictions on personal items are very strict; no items may be left in the vehicle, not even in the trunk. The Carrier’s insurance does not cover loss of your personal property and will not be responsible for any loss or damage. Under no circumstances may a vehicle carry firearms, illegal substances, contraband, or hazardous materials. The vehicle may be subject to impoundment, and in such an event, all fines and expenses will be passed on to; and will be the sole responsibility of the vehicle’s owner. We at Federal Auto Shipping strongly discourage shipping any personal items in the trunk or inside the vehicle, it will be at your own risk and you may be subject to additional carrier fees.
Payment for the services is an easy 2 steps. First is a deposit, which is payable upon scheduling and booking your order. Credit or Debit card can be used to pay the deposit (payable to Federal Auto Shipping). Second is the balance due, which is payable to the Carrier. The balance due is payable by Cash, Cashier’s Check or any other form of certified funds to the Carrier at delivery.
If for any reason Federal Auto Shipping cannot arrange for the shipment of your vehicle within 10 business days of your requested date, Federal Auto Shipping will respectfully refund your deposit in full. Please note that most shippers will keep your deposit, but our refund policy is superior to others.
Most urban areas in the US are often accessible for pickup and delivery service to and from your residence; however some rural areas can be difficult to access, making it impossible for large trucks to get close to your home. Transport trucks must avoid roads that have overhanging trees or low power lines, as these hazards may damage the other vehicles being transported. Also, transport trucks are usually about 80 ft. long, may weigh up to 80,000 lbs, and are low to the ground which limits their ability to maneuver in tight situations. In such cases, for the safety of all involved, the transport driver will choose a parking lot, wide shoulder, or other large paved location that is close to your residence. This will allow the driver to safely load, or unload your vehicle. It is always up to the transport driver’s discretion where the loading/unloading will take place, since the driver is responsible for the safety of the transport truck and the vehicles on it.
At Federal Auto Shipping, door-to-door delivery is a standard procedure, unless you specifically request otherwise. Door-to-Door means the transporter will get as close to your door as legally and safely possible. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. In such cases, specific arrangements will be made to make your transportation as convenient as possible.
Your vehicle will only be driven on and off the Carrier for loading and unloading purposes. The mileage at pickup and delivery points will be annotated on your Bill of Lading by the transporter.
All alarm or anti-theft devices must be disarmed. Additionally, you must notify the Carrier of any other installed systems on your vehicle and provide the keys or remote that operates those systems. If any of the systems malfunction during transit, the transporter is authorized to use any means deemed necessary to silence the system.
In most cases, your vehicle will be transported on a 6 to 10 car hauler, the same type used by auto manufacturers or local dealerships to transport new or used cars.
The delivery time will be dependent on your route and mileage. Most cross-country transports take approximately 7 to 10 days. This time frame is only an average; it is difficult to be more specific, due to changes based upon weather, road conditions, traffic delays, etc. Federal Auto Shipping recommends that you call and speak with our agents or the driver for the most current updates.
Yes! Our network of carriers, insure your vehicle(s) to full market value during transport.
Federal Auto Shipping uses transporters that strive to do the best possible job and while most transports are hassle free, accidents rarely do happen, but damage can occur. If you believe damage occurred during the transport of your vehicle, you must ensure that your claim is annotated promptly. The Bill of Lading (your initial pickup inspection report), will be compared to the inspection report at delivery to verify the condition of the vehicle before and after transit. Both signatures (yours and that of your transport driver) represent the acknowledgment of the actual condition. If you notice any damage at the delivery of the vehicle, make sure to document it on the Bill of Lading. It is extremely important that any damage to your vehicle is clearly noted on both your copy and the driver’s copy. Federal Auto Shipping strongly recommends taking pictures of your vehicle before the loading of the vehicle on the transporter, and immediately after it is unloaded from the transporter, and to ensure the driver signs your copy of the Bill of Lading.
The transporter will call you within 24 hours prior to delivery and make every effort to arrange a schedule that is convenient for you. You or your designated representative must be present during delivery to receive and inspect the vehicle and pay the balance due to the driver.
The choice is up to the customer. Open carriers are those that transport cars to and from car dealerships. These carriers vary in size and capacity. Vehicles that are transported on an open carrier are exposed to the same conditions as the vehicle is driving on the road. Enclosed carriers also vary in size and capacity. These carriers are completely covered and the vehicles are not exposed to the road or the elements. (Prices vary and are higher for enclosed transport).
If possible, we encourage our customers to leave only about ¼ tank of gas in the vehicle. A full tank of gas adds weight to the transporter. Remove or secure loose parts, fog lights, ground effects, spoilers, wide mirrors or any other items that may become loose during transport and pose a hazard. Pickup truck bed liners that are not bolted down or secured properly may be lifted by the wind and become airborne during transport. Lower or remove any antennas if possible. The battery should be secure and have no leaks. Repair tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent air/wind from causing more damage. Remove all personal items and any electronic tolling devices from your vehicle to avoid getting charged for unnecessary tolls. Finally, ensure the vehicle is clean to allow an accurate pick up inspection.
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