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 tell you “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 they give you the name and phone number of the driver.
• 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

If they are asking for a deposit before they have an assigned carrier.

Do not pay until they have assigned your shipment to a truck.

• If they tell you they have a truck, get the name and phone number of the trucking company.
• If they will not give you the name and phone number, cancel your order because they do not have a truck.
• Now, they’ll charge your credit card to buy more time.

Tip 5

If they tell you, they will give you a gas card worth $200 when your order is complete.

• Don’t waste your time. THESE ARE NOT Visa Gas Cards. They require you to save your receipts and then send them in.
• Google “Free Gas Card Scam” and see what you aren’t getting.

Tip 6

Some quotes will be from companies that are both brokers and carriers

• They lead you to believe that they will transport your order on their truck when, in fact, they will broker it to a different company.
• While there is nothing wrong with them brokering it, the issue is that they mislead first-time auto shippers in their sales pitch.
• The reality is, even with a single truck, the likelihood of it being near your location with available space on the trailer and heading towards your destination around your pickup date is incredibly slim.

Tip 7

If you are quoted a low price and they tell you it is the full price to ship.

• They do not tell you that, buried in their terms, it states that they will charge you a broker fee in addition to the price quoted.
• Since they do not guarantee the final price, you end up paying hundreds more than expected.
• We guarantee the final price when you approve your carrier. There are never any surprises with Mercury.

Tip 8

They tell you that the quote is the total price, but once again, their terms allow them to raise the price without you agreeing to the increase.

• Some companies have terms that let them add funds to the carrier’s pay in $50.00 increments until a driver accepts the vehicle.
• Now, they do not need to have you sign a new contract or an amendment saying that you agree to the increase.

Tip 9

While every company has in their terms that you agree not to chargeback on your credit card, some say they will charge you a fee if you do.

• It Is a violation of the Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Merchant Agreement for them to charge you.
• If they do charge you, turn them in and they will be fined a substantial amount.

Tip 10

Look for disclaimers at the very bottom of their terms, contracts and quotes. 

• If you have strict parameters for pick-up or delivery dates, and they tell you that they guarantee it. Read their terms, they always have an out.
• Specific days should never be guaranteed. Vehicle trucking companies never guarantee them for many reasons.
• If drivers don’t guarantee days, how could your broker?
• However, if you have strict date requirements, we will review all those details together, work out a solution for every concern, and ensure we get it done the way you need.

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. We encourage you to use these insights as a foundation for your decision-making, ensuring that your vehicle’s journey from point A to B is secure, transparent, and devoid of unpleasant surprises.

As we look forward to a year of increased mobility and automotive enthusiasm, let these tips serve as your guide in choosing a reliable auto transport service. Remember, knowledge is the key to a stress-free auto transport experience, and we are here to provide you with the tools you need to make the best decision for your vehicle.

While the prospect of shipping your car can seem daunting amidst a sea of options and potential scams, being armed with the right information can make all the difference. These ten tips are designed not just to protect you but to enhance your auto transport experience in 2024. We’re committed to ensuring your peace of mind, whether you’re shipping a car for the first time or are a seasoned auto transport customer. Keep in mind, a safe auto transport is a collaborative effort; by staying informed and choosing wisely, you ensure that your vehicle arrives safely, just as you envisioned.

Conclusion

As we conclude this essential guide to safe auto transport, we want to ensure you feel fully supported in your journey. If you have any questions, require further clarification, or simply wish to discuss your auto transport needs, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at (800) 553-1828 or email us at info@mercuryautotransport.com — our team of experts is ready to provide you with personalized advice and solutions. Moreover, for those who are navigating the auto transport process for the first time, we highly recommend checking out our informative video on How Auto Transport Works. It’s designed to demystify the process, making it accessible and understandable, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a smooth and secure auto transport experience. Remember, we’re just a call or click away from assisting you in safely shipping your vehicle.