Most Common Types of Auto Transport Services

Most Common Types of Auto Transport Services

If you have an upcoming move scheduled, whether to another state or country, you may be on the search for a reliable way to transport your car. Luckily auto transport services can help make your car shipping a simple process

There are four main types of car shipping services, and once reviewing them all, you’ll be able to determine which one suits your needs for your upcoming move. 

Domestic Car Shipping 

If you’re preparing for an upcoming move to another state or city and need to find a car shipping service, there are two main shipping options that you’ll want to consider.

Open Carrier Auto Shipping

Open carrier auto shipping is the most common type of domestic auto transport and is easy to coordinate.

At the time of pick up, your car will be loaded onto a two-level trailer pulled by a semi-tractor. Because transport is shared with multiple vehicles, it’s often the cheapest option for vehicle shipping. When the driver arrives to pickup your vehicle, he will conduct a vehicle inspection and note the existing condition of the car on a Bill of Lading. When the vehicle arrives at its destination, it will go through the same inspection to guarantee that it’s in the same condition as when it left.

Keep in mind that with an open carrier, your car will be exposed to wind, weather conditions, and debris on the highway.  

Enclosed Carrier Auto Shipping

If you have a high value, luxury, or classic vehicle that you need to transport, enclosed carrier auto shipping is one of the best auto transport services for your needs. This will ensure that your car is safe from dust, dirt, and debris, and you can rest assured that it will arrive in the same condition as when it was picked up.

International Auto Transport 

If you have an international move in the near future, it can be a stressful time. Luckily it’s easier now more than ever to schedule international auto transport without any problems. 

Roll-On, Roll-Off (RORO) Auto Shipping

If you need to ship cars internationally, roll-on, roll-off auto shipping is the most affordable and convenient option. 

Your car will be driven onto the ship, and when it gets to the designated port, you can simply pick it up and drive home from there. You’ll need to be sure to remove all personal items from the vehicle, including your spare tire for safety reasons. 

Although not all ports have the option for RORO, Metti International will help you find the best pick up location and shipping times that fit your needs. 

Overseas Container Auto Shipping 

If you have a high value, luxury, or classic car that you need to ship internationally, an overseas container will keep your car safe and protected during transport. You’ll have the option to choose a 20ft container that will only have your car inside or a 40ft container that will be shared with another vehicle. 

An overseas container is a more expensive option, but it will give you peace of mind if you need to ensure your car arrives in mint condition. 

Keep in mind that once the overseas container arrives at your requested port, final shipping arrangements will need to be made to have your vehicle transported to its final destination. 

Metti International Makes Auto Transport Easy

No matter where your next move takes you or the type of automobile transport services you consider we are here to help. As a licensed and bonded broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, we only work with carriers who have a 95% safety and reliability rating giving you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will be shipped by one of the best auto carriers in the industry. 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.