International Transport

 Alaska
 Hawaii
 Puerto Rico
 Europe, Asia, Middle East
 

       Interstate Auto Movers Frequently Asked Questions & Answers   



1.  Are you licensed bonded and insured ?

2. What is the normal transit time ?

3. What type of truck will my vehicle travel on ?

4. Do you really deliver door-to-door ?

5. Will my car go to a terminal ?

6. How does it work, what is the process ?

7. Can I put things in the trunk ?

8. How much notice is needed prior to setting up my transport ?

9. What forms of payment are accepted ?

10. There's been a change in plans... What do I do ?

             1.  Are you licensed bonded and insured ?

                    YES, it is required by the federal government to maintain these certifications.  We could not nor would we operate if we were not.

              
                2.  What is the normal transit time?

                    The time it takes to get from the pick-up to the drop-off can vary, depending on the amount of miles there are to travel.  The normal transit time
                    is usually somewhere between 8 and 10 business days. This is considering the optimal circumstances where we have been given two weeks notice
                    of your shipment dates.  8 to 10 days is an average, but it could be a little less or a little more, depending on what order your vehicle(s) was loaded
                    in.  For example, if your vehicle was the last one loaded, and the first one delivered, then it wouldn't take quite as long. However, if your vehicle(s)
                    was the first one loaded, and the last one delivered, the transit time may be closer to two weeks.  Please try to plan your transport around this
                    information.  For more information on transit times, click here.

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                3. What type of truck will my vehicle travel on?

                    Most of the time, your vehicle will be transported on an car hauler with room for 8 to 10 cars.  These are the types of trailers used to transport
                    new cars to automotive dealerships.  The trucks are quite a bit longer than a conventional moving van or a normal semi trailer.  Urban areas
                    are most often accessible for pick up and delivery service to your door step.  Keep in mind that because of the height of these trucks, and the lack
                    of maneuverability, they sometimes can not always travel onto rural streets, especially areas off the main roads that have low hanging trees or low
                    clearance bridges.  It may be possible for you to use a local service with a smaller truck, if we encounter any restrictions in reaching the exact
                    location for your pick-up or drop-off.

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                4. Do you really deliver door-to-door?

                   In almost all cases, your vehicle(s) are picked up from the desired location, usually your home, and dropped off in the delivery spot of your choice.  We say in most
                   cases because we cannot travel into a neighborhood that is not suited for a truck of this size, as it could compromise the truck and possibly your vehicle.  The best
                   rule of thumb we can provide is this: If you live on a main road that is at least two lanes wide, with no low bridges or low hanging trees, and the streets leading to
                   that area are also as accommodating, then we can pick-up and deliver your vehicle(s) right to and from your door.  When the driver gets close by, he or she will
                   call to confirm your exact location and then will be able to assess your accessibility.  For the safety of your vehicle, the driver may suggest to meet in a nearby
                   parking lot to load or unload your vehicle.  We allow the driver to make the decision as to where they will drive the truck, since the driver is responsible for both the 
                   safety of the transport truck, and the transported vehicles.

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                5. Will my car go to a terminal?

                    We do not use terminals unless the customer specifically request terminal services or unless the vehicle cannot be delivered.  The use of a local flatbed service
                    can depend on your pick-up and drop-off locations.  If your area is not accessible, we may use a local service to accommodate the needs of your area.  A terminal
                    service is only used in rare cases when access to your location is limited, or where scheduling conflicts occur.  Any and all terminal services that we do use are
                    also insured according to federal law.

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                6.  How does it work, what is the process?

                    Once your order has been placed, your shipment will be scheduled according to the dates on your order form.  After a truck has been assigned, you will get a call
                    either from the driver in order to schedule a pick up or delivery time.  A vehicle condition report is done at the pick up and a second upon delivery.  The person
                    turning the car over and the truck driver both sign this report and a copy is given to the party taking delivery of the vehicle.  This same bill of lading is presented upon
                    delivery of the vehicle at its destination and you should compare the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time.  If, for some reason, you feel that some damage
                    has occurred, you must note it on the report before you sign it and before the driver leaves.  Claims will not be honored if the damage is not noted at the time of
                    delivery and acknowledged by the driver.  We will assist you with your claim if needed.

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                 7. Can I put things in the trunk?

                    NO, the Department of Transportation does not allow for the transportation of “personal items or cargo” in a vehicle that is being hauled by an “Motor  Carrier”. 
                    The fine for violating this law is up to $10,000 per occurrence and the customer is fully responsible for this fine.  The second reason is that any personal items in
                    the vehicle are not covered by motor carrier’s insurance.  Also, all trucks have weight  limitations that they must comply with.  The excess weight of a customer's
                    personal items placed within the car being transported can put the carriers transport truck over its weight limitation, and cause additional, and sometimes, costly
                    delays.

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                8  How much notice is needed prior to setting up my transport?

                    We realize that everyone's schedule is different.  We need at least 5 days in order to properly schedule your transport.  It is also possible that we may be able to
                    assist you with a transport need at a moment's notice.  For instance, if you need a vehicle moved immediately, it is possible we can arrange this however additional
                    charges will apply.  It is also possible for you to drop off your vehicle at a friend or neighbors home if for some reason you cannot wait.  The rule of thumb is generally
                    that the more time you give us, the better our chances of securing your spot on a truck to meet your required time frame.

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                9.  What forms of payment are accepted?

                     We accept cashiers checks, money orders, cash and most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express).  You can also pre-pay your transport in
                     full via credit card, money order or cashiers check, if done so before your schedule date. Usually a deposit of $100.00 to 200.00 is enough to reserve your place on
                     the carrier (certain situations could require more).  If you use a credit card for the deposit, the balance will be due C.O.D. with cash, money order, or a cashiers
                     check at the time the vehicle(s) is delivered.  No credit cards will be accepted upon delivery.  Ultimately you will need to pay the freight charges in full before your
                     vehicle(s) is delivered.  It is not lawfully possible to withhold a portion of the money due upon drop-off due to subsequent damage to your vehicle.  All claims are
                     handled separately once the auto transporter has received the signed bill of lading describing the damage.

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                10.  There's been a change in plans... What do I do?

                      Changes are not a problem.  Dates and addresses can be changed just by giving us a quick call.  There will usually be no charge for an address change if it is in
                      the same city or adjacent town.  Dates can be changed at no cost for up to one month after the original booking date so long as the change is made in advance of
                      the driver coming to pick up your vehicle. 

 

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