How To Avoid Issues With Your Auto Transport Broker

When you work with ShipLux, we will act as your transport broker, sorting out all the details so you can sit back, relax and feel zero stress! Besides getting your vehicle from A to B, we are also focused on customer service to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Read on to understand how to avoid issues with your vehicle transport broker!

What Is a Transport Broker? 

First things first, let’s break down what our role as a transport broker is. 

As brokers, we play a crucial role as intermediaries, connecting the top and most reliable carriers with our clients. We offer a professional and talented matchmaking service that saves everyone a ton of time and money, making it an essential step in the logistics chain for shipping vehicles of all types. ShipLux ships a huge range of vehicles, from boats to RVs, motorcycles, golf carts, and more. This means we work with a huge range of carriers and drivers who are experts in working with all sorts of different vehicles and sizes. 

In the United States, there are specific rules and regulations that we at ShipLux must comply with. Truth be told, the regulations imposed on vehicle transporters can sometimes be quite burdensome. Adhering to these standards can be time-consuming, but they are put in place to ensure the safety and security of all parties involved. This is why we do what we do, taking care of all regulations and managing them. We strive to simplify the process by helping drivers and customers so that ultimately, customers benefit from faster and more efficient transportation of their vehicles. 

To make the process incredibly smooth, we have compiled advice for avoiding issues with your vehicle transport broker. 

1. Collaborate for a Smooth Experience

One of the most crucial aspects of vehicle transportation is effectively working together. We are professionals in the field and possess copious amounts of knowledge and expertise to ensure the safe delivery of your vehicle. But what does it mean to “coordinate” with us?

First and foremost, when your vehicle is dispatched, it means that your vehicle has been assigned to a specific carrier. At this stage of the delivery, we will provide you with approximate pickup and delivery date(s), the name of your driver, and their contact information. This allows you to plan accordingly around these details to open a direct line of communication with your assigned driver.

We recommend maintaining contact with your driver, as they travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to transport your vehicle, it’s important to stay on top of their messages as they will keep you informed about their progress, their location, and other necessary information. By staying in touch and coordinating with your driver, the entire experience becomes faster and more convenient for all! 

This means being prepared to answer your phone as your driver will contact you via a phone call or text to coordinate the pickup time and date. If your pickup location poses challenges due to restricted access, we ask that you kindly collaborate to find a suitable alternative for un/loading your vehicle.

Naturally, everyone has a busy schedule that they must adhere to, and we understand that, so you will never be bombarded with unnecessary messages. However, in coordinating with your driver, you not only save them time but also save yourself valuable time and resources. Ultimately, this leads to a more satisfactory outcome for all parties involved.

2. Prepare Your Vehicle In Advance of Shipment 

When it comes to shipping a vehicle, one crucial aspect that sometimes gets overlooked is ensuring that your vehicle is ready to go! Remember, it’s not just the exterior —having a little dirt on the vehicle’s exterior is no problem. The main focus is on the interior of the vehicle. We ask that all our customers prepare their vehicles according to their needs and manufacturer booklet, as every vehicle will have different requirements.

For almost every vehicle, it’s important to remove all personal items from the interior, from large expensive items to any garbage and loose change. If applicable, it is recommended to also remove any removable pieces from the outside too, such as roof racks or mirrors. 

There are several reasons to properly prepare your vehicle, namely, we are not authorized to transport household items and if it is there, it can create significant problems.  Our auto transporters have very strict weight limits that they must adhere to, and when you factor in the weight of their truck plus the other vehicles they are carrying, they often come close to the maximum weight limit before accounting for any items inside the vehicles. If they exceed the weight limit, there are a number of issues that can occur. 

If you need to transport items within your vehicle, it is essential to inform us in advance so we can figure it out. By informing us in advance, it helps avoid weight-related issues, ensuring a smooth and seamless shipment process from start to finish.

3. Ask Questions! 

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your shipment. We are a friendly team and are keen to answer questions to the best of our ability. It’s our responsibility to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth vehicle transport experience.

We want clients to ask questions to avoid obstacles or misunderstandings. Whether you are unable to be present for pickup or you require information about the estimated duration of the transportation, don’t hesitate to ask. No matter the nature of your question, we are here to assist you and provide the answers you need. Our goal is to ensure your concerns are addressed and that you have a clear understanding of the process. 

4. Understand Payment and Payment Plans 

Understanding how payment works is an essential aspect of the shipping process.  

You start with a quote, which after you input your vehicle details, will tell you the price and it will be very detailed and without any hidden fees. 

When you book your vehicle shipment with ShipLux, we require an initial down payment as a deposit. This down payment represents a percentage of your total cost. The final charge happens when the Network Carrier pickup is scheduled. If there is a remaining balance that remains on delivery day, this needs to be paid in full by certified check, cashier’s check, or cash. 

“Payment on Delivery,” “Cash on Delivery,” or “Collect on Delivery” (POD/COD) refers to a payment arrangement where a good or service is ordered ahead of time, with payment taken only at the time of product or service receipt. After payment of a deposit, ShipLux may allow payment on delivery, whereby you pay the remaining balance upon delivery of the vehicle after the transport is received.

By understanding and familiarizing yourself with the payment terms and timelines, you can ensure a smooth and well-coordinated transaction throughout your vehicle shipment process without stress. 

Conclusion 

While we possess industry knowledge and expertise to ensure a successful vehicle transport experience, it is equally important for you to actively participate with a strong understanding of the process. 

To initiate the process of shipping your vehicle with us, start by obtaining a free quote from us online! Remember, we are here to assist you every step of the way. Whether you prefer to obtain a quick quote online or speak directly to our knowledgeable team, our primary goal is to provide you with the support and guidance needed to embark on a successful shipping journey.