Article  Ask the Right Questions before Using an Auto Transport Service Moving across country with a car can be difficult, but an auto transport service can save you a lot of stress. You can fly to your new home and have your car delivered in days, freeing you from an arduous cross-country drive and ensuring your car arrives without a lot of added mileage on it. There are lots of auto transport services available, so be sure you’re using a reliable company; after all, your car is probably the single most important thing you own. First, ask the transport company if they are bonded and licensed. States require that auto transport services be licensed and bonded. This protects you as a customer in the event there is a problem or your vehicle is damaged during transport. Don’t let someone tell you that bonding isn’t necessary or that they can give you a lower rate because they aren’t bonded. They are misleading you, and you don’t want to trust your car to a company that’s dishonest. Ask what areas of the country they routinely cover. Some transport services are only regional. It’s preferable to work with a company that covers all of the United States and Canada. They will have more experience and will be aware of the various state and locals laws regarding moving cars from one location to another. Does the company subcontract? You don’t want to use an auto transport service that subcontracts the moving to other companies or drivers who aren’t their own employees. While you many get a slightly cheaper price this way, you’re also getting what you pay for. No transport service can guarantee your car’s safety if they subcontract, because they have no control over the vehicle once the subcontractor takes over. Your car may be low on the subcontractor’s priority list, and he may not have insurance that protects your vehicle. Subcontractors also change their schedules frequently because of last-minute job offers. The best car transport services are fully staffed with their own team of drivers. Ask about the pick-up and drop-off windows. In most cases, pick up should be available within a few days of your calling the company for a quote. If you have to wait a week or two before they can pick up your car, be cautious; they may be struggling to get full loads, and you don’t want your vehicle waiting around somewhere halfway between your current location and your new home. The drop-off window is even more crucial. If they can’t give you a firm arrival time at the destination, walk away. The best auto transport companies can tell you within a two-day window in most cases. Ask them how they keep track of your car while it’s on its way to you. They should be able to tell you exactly where your car is at any given time. With today’s satellite tracking systems, auto transporters can pinpoint where the truck with your car is. If they can’t provide you with this type of information, they are operating with outdated equipment. Outdated equipment means they are trying to save money by compromising service. There’s also a trick question you can throw into your initial consultation. Ask if you can transport some of your personal items or household goods in your car. A few companies will tell you it’s fine because they want your business, but you should never be allowed to do this. In fact, it is against the law. If they are willing to bend the rules for you on this, there is no telling what other laws they may be breaking while they have your vehicle. Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few good companies, get a quote and ask questions about the price. The right auto transport company can make your cross country move a pleasant one. Category Automotive Marketing Author Admin Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On 2009-10-13