How to ship a motor vehicle

Years ago (before the birth of the Internet and eBay Motors), a new salesman asked “Why would anyone want to ship something that was meant to be driven?"

When some folks first contemplate a domestic or international relocation, they don’t give much thought to how they’re going to move the family vehicle(s); or motorized ‘toys’ like motorcycles, ATVs, motor boats, or old, inoperable ‘classic’ cars in the never-ending process of being refurbished. They’re not in the house so the thought eludes them.

Once these wary homeowners realize that it’s property that also has to be moved, the idea of arranging transportation through a third party gains appeal. Unfortunately, the unplanned expense of transporting these types of motorized vehicles can easily decimate a relocation budget.

Initially many frugal young shoppers decide to pack all of their worldly belongings into the family buggy and then go online to search for the cheapest car carrier service they can find. Caveat emptor!

First, most reputable carriers will refuse to accept vehicles which have any loose contents that are not part of the original manufactured equipment. Since their DOT license only allows them to transport motorized property, they can't legally transport anything that falls under the commodity description of household goods. They can lose their operating license if you decide to pack your clothing, DVD collection; grandma’s china and IKEA end tables inside your automobile or boat and the items are not included on their bill of lading.

Second, the DOT requires that the company transporting your motorized property be provided with keys to all of the locks on the vehicle. This is to allow easy entry for state and federal motor carrier and traffic safety inspectors at ports of entry throughout the country. These unplanned and often sporadic inspections are conducted to prevent smuggling of drugs, weapons and stolen goods that a driver might unknowingly be hauling across country. Inspectors are authorized to seize anything that is not included on the carrier’s bill of lading for transportation. Leave something of value in the car or boat and there is a very good chance it won't be there when the vehicle arrives.

Third, many companies found online that operate vehicle transportation services are property brokers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines a “Broker” as “a company that arranges for the truck transportation of cargo belonging to others, utilizing for-hire carriers to provide the actual truck transportation. However, the Broker does not assume responsibility for the cargo and usually does not take possession of the cargo.”

Essentially this means that the brokerage company has no dispatch control over any drivers or equipment used to transport your property. Some auction your business to the lowest bidder at virtual “load boards”. While this practice increases the profitability of your order for the transportation broker, it offers you absolutely no guarantee of the quality of the carrier selected to move your vehicles. When you buy cheap, you get what you pay for.

There are some very good brokers that provide excellent service to each of their customers. If you decide to use a broker, choose wisely. Several online ‘rating and review’ vehicle transport sites that reportedly show hundreds of favorable comments from satisfied customers are really nothing more than sponsored lead generation venues for groups of primarily transportation brokers. Unlike household goods carriers, the FMCSA doesn't include vehicle tranporters in their carrier complaint database.

Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS) is a licensed motor carrier (USDOT #: 517538), property broker (MC #: 491106), and freight forwarder (FF #: 5108) that has been providing domestic and international vehicle transportation services to the public since 1954.

The Texas based company operates their own nationwide fleet of over 160 open and enclosed car carriers. They offer the convenience of both door-to-door pick-up and delivery, or drop off service at one of their terminal locations across the country. They also maintain brokerage agreements with several hundred smaller licensed independent property motor carriers through DAS Specialized Logistics.

In this short, four-minute video, DAS offers some great professional tips to show you how to get a car, truck, SUV, motorcycle, or any other motorized vehicle ready for transport when relocating.

Dependable Auto Shippers Tips: Getting Your Car, Truck or Vehicle Ready for Transport

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