subject: Relocation - How Do I Get My Cars There? [print this page] You have finally found your dream job, a great neighborhood and the ideal school for the kidsthe catch? You will be moving 3 states away, you have multiple vehicles to transport and only you and your spouse are able to drive. Rather than make multiple trips between to the locations, you will want to hire a vehicle relocation service. Of course, its not just relocating that can require a vehicle to be transported. Today, people are buying vehicles online, making it necessary to collect their vehicle from several states away. And while some choose to fly to where the vehicle is located and then drive back, this adds significantly to the cost of the vehicle. Ironically, it is generally cheaper to pay for an auto transportation service, than it would be to pay for the cost of gas, as well as the wear and tear on the vehicle, for the move.
Companies who specialize in vehicle transportation are usually listed as Interstate Auto Shipping Carriers, Auto Transport Carriers or Transport Brokers. Carriers are the people who actually take your vehicle from one place to another; brokers typically resell the job. They will charge you a fee to ship your vehicle and then find a company to do the actual transport. You are generally expected to pay a non-refundable deposit, and should anticipate the move taking a bit longer than going directly to the auto shipping company.
Before signing a contract, take the time to do your homework. Like with any service, it is always wise to get suggestions from anyone you know who is experienced your same needs. A look at the BBB website, can also help your determine who not to call, while sites like Angie's List will give both positive and negative experiences that can help you decide.
Once you have a list of auto transportation carriers, you will want to take some time to contact the companies and learn more about what they can do. Here are some things to keep in mind as part of your selection:
Dont be alarmed if the carrier cannot give you a specific arrival date for your vehicle. It is rare to get an exact date from the auto carrier company; rather, standard delivery time is 3 days to two weeks-depending on the length of the trip.
The best auto carrier companies will only ask you to drop your car off a week in advance. Be wary of those who ask for it 2 weeks or more in advance! Many experts recommend that you know the mileage on your car when you drop it off- the mileage should be nearly the same at arrival as the only time the vehicle should be driven is to load and unload it onto the transporting vehicle.
In some case, the transporting vehicle cannot enter the neighborhood where you live due to neighborhood or vehicular restrictions; make sure you know where to meet them and that this is stated in the contract.
Hiring an auto carrier company is a great way to make your move easier. Take the time to make a few calls, and then get ready for the new adventures ahead.
