American Auto Express, LLC

 
Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of truck will it be transported on?
In most cases, your vehicle(s) will be transported on an 8 or 10-car open transport hauler; the same type of trucks used to deliver new cars to local dealerships. These trucks are 75 to 80 feet long (that's nearly twice as long as a conventional freight truck or moving van) and are almost 14 feet high. Therefore, they are 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 or pickup location

What does door-to-door delivery mean?
Door-to-door delivery means the car carrier will get as close as physically possible to your front door as long as it does not compromise the cargo and/or your vehicle(s). If you live on a main road (at least 2 lanes wide) with no overhanging trees or low bridges, and the streets leading to your house can accommodate trucks of 75 to 80 feet long, then the carrier will pickup your vehicle(s) from your door and deliver it to your door, if the same conditions apply to your destination. As the driver approaches your pickup/delivery location, he or she will call you to confirm your address and discuss accessibility. If accessibility is limited, the driver may suggest meeting at a local supermarket or mall with ample space to load/unload your vehicle(s).Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Transport trucks are enormous and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around .

How long does it take to have my vehicle transported?
Normal transit time varies depending on where your vehicle is shipped. For example, a Coast-to-Coast move is usually delivered within 8 to 14 days once the car is on the truck. A move up or down the East Coast or West Coast could be 4-7 days. A move from the Midwest to either the East Coast or West Coast is approximately 5-7 days. The actual time for your delivery may vary due to the actual route taken by the trucker caused by bad weather conditions, road conditions and even driver illness and fatigue or mechanical breakdown. The transit time referenced above is just an estimate. In many cases transit times may actually take less time.  Please keep this time frame in mind when planning your vehicle transport.  Your patience is appreciated with regard to your delivery date.

What steps are involved in shipping my vehicle?
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the dates on your Shipping Order. You will receive a call from the driver  to schedule a pickup date and time. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released. The driver should again call 12-24 hours in advance to schedule the delivery of the vehicle.


Do I have to be present when we pick-up or deliver your vehicle?
Yes, we require you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. A contract "bill of lading" will be signed with you at the origination point. If you are not able to be there, please call our office prior to the pick up date, to confirm an alternate "in care of" person. However, if there any changes to the pick up, or delivery address after you have placed your order, you must call the office.


Is my vehicle insured? 
Your vehicle(s) will be insured against in-transit damage caused by carrier negligence or equipment failure by the auto shipping or car transport truck that we assign. These auto shipping and car transport trucks, by law, carry a minimum of $750,000 public liability insurance.


How do I prepare my vehicle? 
Secure or remove any loose parts or specialty items such as ground effects, spoilers, fog lights, or wide mirrors, and lower or remove the antenna if possible. Repair or seal any tears or open seams on convertible tops to prevent fast-moving air from causing further damage. Make sure the radiator has adequate levels of fresh antifreeze. Be sure that the battery is secure, has no leaks, and that the fluid levels are low enough to accommodate expansion. Leave only about ¼ tank of gas in the vehicle, as a full tank of gasoline adds a lot of costly weight to the transport. Deactivate or disconnect anti-theft devices. There can be serious problems and unnecessary expenses if the driver is locked out or if the alarm goes off during the auto shipping process or the car transport. And finally, make sure that your vehicle is clean enough to ensure an accurate pickup inspection. 


*** Please very slightly open one window to relieve pressure due to temperature and elevation changes. This will allow for your vehicle(s) to breath and protect window(s) from blowing out because of the temperature and pressure changes during transport. 


Can I put items in the car? 
We do not authorize personal belongings in the vehicle. Please understand that the items that you put in your vehicle will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. Please do not put items such as medicine, presents, or any other item that is needed by a specific time. If the truck is delayed, the items will not be available to you until the vehicle is delivered. Not only are auto shipping and car transport companies not insured for household goods, it is against the law for them to transport anything except your vehicle. The auto shipping and car transport truck is subject to inspection by the DOT and the Police at every state line and can be fined up to $10,000 if found to be carrying household goods. The car is subject to being impounded and all fines and expenses will be passed along to the owner of the car.
Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband
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