3 Things to Do Before Confirming an Auto Shipment

3 Things to Do Before Confirming an Auto Shipment

Selecting an auto broker to use for your vehicle shipping needs is not a quick decision, and we’re thrilled that you’re considering Metti International for your vehicle shipping needs. To help make your shipping process as smooth as possible, we’ve put together 3 quick reminders that you should do before confirming an auto shipment.

Review Your Shipping Broker on Common Review Sites

It’s no secret that customer reviews can make a big impact on your decision to ship with a broker. We encourage you to review both Metti International and any other brokers you may be considering on common review sites, such as the BBB, Yelp, Google and any customer testimonials before confirming an auto shipment.

Hint: We’d recommend seeking out BBB-accredited auto brokers, as this accreditation helps identify auto brokers who are committed to customer satisfaction. Metti International is A+ rated and a BBB-accredited business!

Conduct Your Own Pre-Pickup Inspection

Metti International recommends that you conduct your own pre-pickup inspection, in addition to the one that the auto carrier will do when they pick up your vehicle. Here are some quick tips for your pre-inspection:

  • Wash your vehicle before inspecting
  • Conduct your vehicle pre and post trip inspect in daylight
  • Confirm that all windows are intact prior to trip & upon arrival
  • Review body of the car for any major scratches or dents
  • Take photos of the left side, right side, front view and back view of the vehicle
  • Confirm that your tires do not have any holes in them
  • Ensure your tires are not flat
  • Take photos upon arrival of your car and compare them against your pre-trip photos

Keep Your Auto Insurance Active

When shipping your vehicle through an open carrier, it becomes exposed to highway debris, wind, weather and unpredictable circumstances for an extended period of time. Metti International encourages you to keep your auto insurance active during your shipping process. In the off-chance that something is damaged during the shipping process, your insurance company would help you communicate with the auto carrier’s insurance and settle the claim. For more information on what to do if your vehicle incurs damage, click here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.