4 Misconceptions About Auto Transport

4 Misconceptions About Auto Shipping

When you think about shipping a vehicle, you might think that it’s too expensive, takes too long, or isn’t a reliable way to move a car. Despite what you may think, shipping a car is actually a simple process, and today we’re debunking some of the most common misconceptions associated with auto transport carriers. We hope you’ll get a few of your questions answered and find some peace of mind knowing that shipping a vehicle is a safe and reliable option. 

It’s More Expensive to Ship Your Car Than to Drive It

This is a common misconception about auto transport carriers. In fact, shipping a vehicle within the United States might actually be cheaper than moving your car to a new home yourself. A cross-country road trip can quickly add up with hotels, food, gas, and unforeseen wear and tear on your vehicle. Plus, you’ll have to take time off from your job to spend the time driving. 

If you choose to ship your car, you only have to pay for the cost to ship your car directly to your destination, with no other added fees involved. You’ll schedule a pickup and drop off time and be there when it arrives to make sure your car is in the same condition as when it was picked up. It’s as simple as that.

Shipping a Vehicle Takes Too Long

You might think that it takes weeks or even months to schedule auto transport for your car. In fact, it could be much sooner, depending on where you live. It’s easy to schedule a date for your car to be picked up, and you can request a specific pickup window so you have an idea of when the auto transport will arrive. The best part? You can schedule your car to be dropped off directly at your new home so you aren’t driving to a warehouse or pickup point. 

All Auto Transport Carriers Are The Same

As with any industry, there are some fantastic transport companies and some that are just so-so. Metti International is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and we only work with auto transport carriers that have a 95% safety and reliability rating so you can rest easy knowing that your car is in the best care possible. 

Preparing Your Car to Ship Is Hard

It may come as a surprise, but it’s actually really easy to get your car ready to ship. A few simple tips to help you prepare your vehicle include: 

  • Remove all your personal belongings from the car prior to shipping.
  • Leave a quarter tank of gas in your vehicle to make it easy for the auto carrier to load and unload the vehicle 
  • Take photos of the interior and exterior prior to pick up for your records 
  • Give a set of keys to the driver and keep a spare set for yourself
  • Remove aftermarket items like roof racks and antennas to avoid them breaking

Call Metti International For a Free Quote 

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to move your car across the country, domestic auto transport is the way to go. It’s affordable, hassle-free, and will save you time in the long-run. Call Metti International today at 866.620.1776 for a free quote. 

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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.