4 Questions to Ask Before Scheduling Cross Country Auto Shipping

4 Questions to Ask Before Scheduling Cross Country Auto Shipping

When you’re preparing to schedule cross country auto shipping, chances are you have some questions about the process. Today we’re answering four of the most common questions related to shipping a vehicle cross country. 

What Type of Transport is Best?

The most popular and affordable cross country auto transport is an open carrier. It’s also the most economical method of auto transport, which can be beneficial if you’re looking to keep costs low. Your car will be loaded onto an open carrier with seven to nine other vehicles, depending on their size of your car.

What Determines the Cost of Cross Country Auto Transport? 

There are a few key factors that help to determine how much you’ll pay to ship your vehicle.

  • Vehicle make and model
  • Type of Preferred Shipping
  • Distance Traveled
  • Scheduled Shipping Date

Can I Store Personal Items in The Car?

No, it’s recommended that you don’t leave any personal items in your vehicle during the transport process. Any belongings that are left in the car are not insured, and the carrier will not be held for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. 

How Do I Prepare My Car For Cross Country Auto Transport?

There are a few ways to prepare to ship your car before the carrier arrives to ensure a smooth transition. 

  1. Complete a self-inspection before your ships and do another one when your vehicle arrives at its final destination. This will ensure that it’s in the same condition. Make sure to take before and after pictures, so you’re able to document any damage that occurs during the shipping process.
  2. Leave a ¼ tank of gas inside your car so the auto carrier can easily load and unload your car. 
  3. Give one set of keys to the driver and keep a spare for yourself. Do not give both sets of keys to the carrier.

Metti International Is Your Trusted Auto Transport Broker 

We use our experience and expertise to provide exceptional service to help make it easy to ship a car cross country. As a two-time finalist for the “Torch Award Finalist” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB), we have proved that we go above and beyond to provide our customers with exceptional service.

Call Metti International for a free quote today at 866.620.1776!

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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.