What To Expect When Shipping A Car The First Time 

What To Expect When You Ship Your Car The First Time

If you’re reading this, you likely have an upcoming move, and you’re ready to schedule an automotive transport for your vehicle. You might be wondering what to expect when you actually start the process to ship your car, so let’s find out! 

How Do I Choose The Right Type of Carrier?

If you’re moving your car within the United States, you have two options for transporting your car: an open or enclosed carrier. An open carrier is the most cost-effective option and involves your car being shipped on a double-decker, open trailer. The enclosed carrier is best for classic cars, luxury or high value cars that may need added protection from the elements. 

What Determines the Cost of Shipping a Car?

There are a few common factors that will go into determining how much it will cost to ship your car. 

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

Call Metti International today for a free quote at 866.620.1776.

How Do I Prepare to Ship My Car?

Once you’ve scheduled your auto transport, there are a few things you need to do to prepare to ship your car before the auto carrier arrives. 

  1. Remove all personal items from the vehicle.
  2. Leave a ¼ tank of gas inside your car so the auto carrier can easily load and unload your car. 
  3. Take photos and record any previous damage to your car.
  4. Once your vehicle arrives at it’s final destination do a final inspection to make sure it’s in the same condition as when it was picked up. 

Call Metti International To Schedule Your Transport 

At Metti International, we are here to help and make your upcoming auto transport experience as easy as possible. 

As a finalist for the “Torch Award Finalist” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB), we’re here to provide you with exceptional service. Request a free quote or give us a call at 866.620.1776 to ask any questions that you may have when shipping your car for the first time.

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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.