Introduction to a Safe Auto Transport
As you embark on the journey of shipping your car, the plethora of choices and the looming threat of scams can be overwhelming. It’s a landscape where the excitement of getting a new car can quickly turn into anxiety over ensuring its safe delivery. Recognizing this, we’ve curated a list of top ten tips for 2024, aiming to safeguard your vehicle’s transport process. These guidelines are not just about avoiding pitfalls; they’re about empowering you with the knowledge to make informed decisions, ensuring that your car’s shipment is as smooth as the drive on an open highway.
10 Tips to Ensure a Safe Auto Transport
No Surprises – 2024 Edition.
Tip 1: Never pay upfront deposits, especially not via ACH, Venmo, Zelle, or Cash App.
- If someone asks for any of those upfront, that’s a big red flag.
- Unfortunately, 90% of the quotes you’re receiving are coming from overseas call centers, most of which are scams.
- Major credit cards are your armor. They come with dispute powers, so if a company rejects them, raise your shield!
Tip 2: No company knows if a carrier is in the area before you book.
- Beware if they tell you “we just happen to have a truck in your area.”
- Until they have an order and start calling trucks, they have no idea where the trucks are.
- They are telling you what you want to hear just to get your order!
Tip 3: Beware if they say your deposit guarantees a spot on the truck.
They have no idea if a truck will take your order.
- Don’t pay a deposit until they have a carrier confirmed and give you the driver’s name and number.
- There is no way of ever telling what trucks will be in your area, at your specific time frame, with space and going where you need.
- This is why there is a national auto transport board for both licensed carriers and licensed logistics brokers.
Tip 4: Do not pay a deposit before your shipment is assigned to a truck.
- If they claim they have a truck, ask for the name and phone number of the trucking company.
- If they won’t provide that info, cancel your order — they likely don’t have a truck.
- In many cases, they’ll charge your card just to buy more time.
Tip 5: Be skeptical of gas card offers.
- Don’t waste your time. These are not real Visa gas cards — they require receipt submissions and rarely pay out.
- Google “Free Gas Card Scam” to see what you’re really signing up for.
Tip 6: Some quotes are from companies that are both brokers and carriers.
- They may imply they’ll use their own trucks but will actually broker it to another company.
- While brokering is common, misleading first-time customers is unethical.
- Even with their own truck, it’s unlikely it will be near your pickup location with space available at your desired time.
Tip 7: Low quotes often hide hidden broker fees.
- Some companies bury additional broker fees in their terms.
- Without a guaranteed final price, you could end up paying hundreds more than expected.
- We guarantee the final price when you approve your carrier — no surprises with Mercury.
Tip 8: They say the quote is the total price, but reserve the right to raise it.
- Some terms allow them to add to the carrier’s pay in $50 increments until a driver accepts.
- They often do this without requiring you to sign a new contract or amendment.
Tip 9: They charge you a fee if you dispute a charge.
- This violates Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, or Discover merchant agreements.
- If they do this, report them — they can be fined heavily.
Tip 10: Read the fine print at the bottom of their contracts and quotes.
- If you have strict pickup/delivery date needs and they guarantee it, read their terms — they usually have an out.
- Car haulers rarely guarantee specific dates for many valid reasons.
- If drivers can’t guarantee, neither can your broker.
- We’ll work with you to meet your date needs and make sure expectations are aligned.
Empowering Your Auto Transport Choice
Equipped with these tips, you’re now ready to navigate the auto transport process with confidence. The industry’s nature, fraught with potential pitfalls and misinformation, requires a vigilant and informed approach. Use these insights as a foundation for your decision-making, ensuring that your vehicle’s journey is secure, transparent, and stress-free.
As we look forward to a year of increased mobility and automotive enthusiasm, let these tips guide you in choosing a reliable auto transport service. Knowledge is the key to a smooth experience, and we’re here to provide the tools you need to make the best decision for your vehicle.
While shipping your car may seem daunting amidst so many options, having the right information makes all the difference. These tips are designed to both protect and empower you. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, a safe auto transport depends on being informed and choosing wisely.
Conclusion
As we conclude this essential guide, we want you to feel fully supported. If you have questions or want to discuss your transport needs, reach out to us at (800) 553-1828 or email info@mercuryautotransport.com.
For first-timers, we highly recommend watching our video: How Auto Transport Works. It breaks down the process so you can feel confident and prepared. We’re just a call or click away from helping you safely ship your vehicle.
