Definition of terms is always very helpful. If you are shipping your vehicle for the first time, the idea of hiring an auto transport company may seem intimidating, but knowing the basics in this industry can offer a ton of confidence. Below are some basic terms related to this industry.
Auto transport is the process of shipping a motorized vehicle, e.g., automobile, van, SUV, RV, truck or boat, to a specific place of destination. An auto transport company is also referred to as car shipping company, car shipper, or automobile transporter. A transporter may involve a single professional driver or an entire company.
A car shipping broker is not a shipper and does not do any actual moving. A broker or agent helps in car shipping negotiations, setting up schedules, and closing deals. Hiring one is optional but may be very necessary and helpful in many cases.
A quotation is an estimate shipping cost. It may differ from the actual shipping rate to be determined later on upon closing a shipping deal, but it is very helpful in giving a car owner an initial idea on how much money to prepare. Car shipping quotations are quick and free online, since most car shipping company websites have an online quotation calculator.
Car shipping insurance covers all forms of damage or theft during the actual shipment. An ideal insurance should cover a car from bumper to bumper. Car shipping insurance is the best tool in giving a customer complete peace of mind knowing that he or she won’t need to pay any damages incurred during the transport.
Bill of Lading is a piece of paper signed by both customer and shipper to signify agreement. The first half is signed prior to shipment and the other half after delivery. Normally, payments are made along with the signing.
Open shipping is the most common method of transporting automobiles. A number of cars are stacked on top of a huge automobile carrier truck or rolled onto the deck of a barge or RoRo vessel when transporting overseas. “RoRo” stands for “roll-on, roll-off”.
Closed shipping is when cars are kept safely inside a closed and locked metal freight container. This is most necessary with transporting really expensive luxury cars such as a Porsche, Rolls Royce or Formula One models. Vehicles travel perfectly covered from any possible outside harm such as bad weather, road debris, and theft.
Door-to-door shipping, a special car shipping service, is when the auto transporter comes to pick up the car from the owner’s driveway and drives it all the way to the shipping port. In like manner, the shipment is driven off from the destination port all the way to the final point of destination. In most cases, it is most practical for the car owner to simply drive his or her own car at the car transportation port.
Military auto transport service is special service given to military personnel. This is paid using taxpayer’s money, and so car shippers normally give necessary discounts and favors. Not all car shipping companies are allowed to enter military bases.