Key Red Flags to Avoid When Car Shipping

 

Key-Red-Flags-to-Avoid-When-Car-Shipping

There has been a surge in the price of cars recently, most especially used cars and truck prices. With the current inflation, the car shipping industry is affected, leading to an increase in the cost of car shipping. Despite this, consumers fall victim to fraudulent practices, getting duped after purchasing vehicles and during the car shipment. Commercial fraud is the most common problem in today’s marketplace. It is also regarded as quite a major red flag in the car shipping industry. You can avoid theft, loss, damage and unnecessary expense associated with scams by keeping in mind the following red flags  when auto shipping:

  1. Extremely Low Price

Online shopping has been on the rise since the covid-19 pandemic, and most people have turned to the internet for car purchases and car shipping. Due to this, some fraudsters take advantage of unsuspecting victims using enticing prices on several online platforms. Car dealers or car shipping brokers who quote unbelievably low prices for cars and car shipments are major red flags. The reality is that most car carriers won’t move cars that are priced too low.

It does not mean you should ignore the lowest quote. You can request quotes from auto transport companies but keep in mind that the lowest price may not be the best service. It is essential to find a car shipping company that provides competitive pricing and a detailed quote like Metti International. At Metti International, our price quote process ensures that all factors and car shipping details are adequately considered for smooth car shipment.

  1. No Business Address Or Identity

The easiest way to spot a red flag from any potential car shipping company is the lack of business identity. If you want to ship your car, you need to employ the service of a reputable, reliable and well-experienced auto transport company. At Metti International, we understand that cars are high-value assets. Our focus is to ensure the safety of the vehicles from pickup to drop-off. Ensure you do thorough research of the car shipping company handling your shipment process. Pay attention to previous client reviews and check out for the accreditation of the car shipping company.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is concerned with advancing marketplace trust. To this effect, Metti International has been evaluated on the integrity and ethics of business dealings. The BBB has assed Mettti International based on customer reviews and financial track-record, among many other criteria. Each time, we have been verified and recognized for our consistent, uncompromising pursuit of exceptional service to our clients.

  1. Guaranteed Pickup And Delivery Dates

While most car carriers do their best to meet pickup and delivery expectations, they also face unexpected road delays. The delay could be due to harsh weather conditions, truck breakdown, traffic, or late customer vehicle pickups. A car carrier that gives an exact, guaranteed pick up date and time is a red flag. Upfront payment before the provision of service is also a red flag. As a car shipper, it is advisable to schedule your vehicle for shipping ahead. It will ensure your car transport broker has adequate time to plan your car shipment with your car carrier.

The carrier usually calls the day before to verify your location and if you’re home. To coordinate the drop-off and delivery, the car carrier will call you a few hours ahead. Feel free to call them after a day or two to reconfirm that they are on schedule while you go about your daily activities. You can ask the driver for the anticipated time of delivery. Verify the address and ensure that the contact information is correct and communicated. You can also communicate with the driver throughout the shipment process. Most carriers prefer secured funds. So, payment for the shipment is to be given in cash, certified check or money order upon delivery of the vehicle.

  1. No Inspection Or Bill of Lading

Another red flag is if the driver does not carry out any inspection of your vehicle. When the carrier arrives for pickup, it is essential to initiate a vehicle inspection and fill out the bill of lading report. Ensure both you and the car carrier take note of any existing damage to the vehicle before shipment. It is vital to verify your car has adequate insurance coverage before car shipping.

 

If you’re searching for the right car shipping broker, Metti International is here to help. We work with carriers with a 95% or higher service rating, so your car will arrive safely and timely. At Metti International, we offer valuable car shipping services and a smooth transport experience. We are a licensed and bonded car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As a three-time finalist with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Metti International works hard to earn clients’ trust while providing excellent service.

Call Metti International today to schedule your auto transport at (866) 620-1776 to speak to our staff, and you will get an instant quote. For more information, you can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com/

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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.