Frequently Asked Questions
Auto Transport and Shipping Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here you will find answers to the most asked questions about car transport services.
What types of vehicles do you ship?
DX2 Logistics ships all standard types of vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, and regular cargo and passenger vans.
Can you ship inoperable vehicles?
Yes! The main thing to remember about shipping an inoperable vehicle is that it must be winched onto the truck which is $150 or more.
How long does it take to ship a vehicle?
This is route and distance dependent. Some routes can take as little as three days, while many cross-country trips can take as long as 14 days to be completed. A good rule of thumb is to figure 325 miles per day so, if your total transport mileage is 3100 miles, it’ll take roughly 10 days to get there. Trucks have a lot of interruptions to deal with, they have to stop at all weigh stations, can only drive a certain number of hours, etc. But don’t worry, when a car is picked up, it will be delivered as quickly as practical. Your assigned agent or the truck driver will contact you if anything changes regarding your delivery time or date.
How much does it cost to ship my car?
The total cost depends on a few components:
- Type of vehicle: size and weight
- Condition: running or not running. Running means the engine starts and the car moves on its own power. Not running means the car does not start.
- Type of trailer: open or enclosed
- Distance/mileage: amount of miles between your ‘to’ and ‘from’ locations
- Location: metro or rural area
- Modifications: lowered, lifted, larger tires, racks on top, etc.
- Seasonal fluctuations: seasonal supply and demands change on certain routes
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes, someone must be present when the vehicle is picked up and delivered. Upon pickup, you and the driver will sign a “bill of lading,” which is essentially a contract stating that you’re releasing the car to the truck for the purposes of transport. You will also go through a pre-pickup inspection of the vehicle with the driver, noting any pre-existing damages the car may have as well as the overall condition of the vehicle.
If you can’t be there, then you must find someone else to sign the bill of lading and inspect the vehicle for you. Please let us know if someone else will be there when the truck comes to pickup the vehicle, so we all know who will be signing. If no one is present, or we don’t know who the signer will be your vehicle may not be picked up.
How far in advance should i book my transport?
Generally, auto transport companies require 1-7 days notice so they can schedule you on the next available truck. Because this industry is route-based, it is often difficult to find a truck to transport your car on short-notice. Some brokerages offer “express service,” or “expedite service” but unless they a) own their own trucks and b) live where you do, express service generally takes more time than if you just scheduled a week or so ahead.
Is there a guarantee pickup date?
When you book with DX2 Logistics, we will do our very best to accommodate the dates that you have provided for us. Generally, instead of giving you an exact pickup date, we’ll give you a 2-3 day pickup window. This allows some extra time for the truck to get to your house. Most of the time the truck will be there on the date provided, but things can change. If that’s the case, either DX2 Logistics or the truck driver will contact you to notify you of any changes.
Does DX2 Logistics guarantee delivery dates?
ARRIVAL TIMES ARE NEVER GUARANTEED. Most of the time we are able to provide you expected arrival dates. However, sometimes due to customer delays, cancellations, or in the event of lack of enough freight available for consolidated shipments, delays might occur.
Are you Insured?
Answer: Yes. We are fully insured. Copies of documents available upon request. An inspection is done on pick-up and delivery with the person responsible for the car and the truck driver. They both sign this report and a copy is given to each party. The two reports should be compared upon delivery. If, for some reason, you feel that some damage has occurred, you must contact us immediately.
What happens if we damage your vehicle?
DX2 Logistics can provide any documentation you might require. In the unfortunate event of a damaged vehicle, all carriers are fully insured with a zero deductible for the customer. Insurance covers any damage caused by the drivers and/or their equipment. Natural elements such as hail damage, dust, and rock chips would be considered an “act of God,” and must be covered by the customers insurance. Those concerned with minor damage from natural elements should ship their vehicles enclosed.
Do I have to pay deductible?
No, you do not.
Do I need my own insurance for transport?
No, your personal insurance is not required during transport. Federal law mandates that all trucks carry a minimum $100,000 insurance policy in case of damages to the vehicles they are transporting. As long as your vehicle is up on the truck, it is fully insured through the truck’s insurance. If you do have insurance on the vehicle, it doesn’t matter; your personal insurance will become “secondary” to the truck’s insurance. Alternative/additional insurance is available through DX2 Logistics, LLC., ask your agent for details.
What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?
- Open transport is the most common car shipping method. A car on this is exposed to outside elements such as rain, sun, dust, etc. It is a safe and secure way of transporting your vehicle. New cars are delivered to dealers by open trailer. With open car shipping you have the option to request top load for extra protection.
- Enclosed transport is often desired for owners of collector cars and used for classic, luxury, vintage, custom and sports cars. The vehicle is not exposed to weather elements and flying objects and prevents possible rock chips.
How can I get my vehicle ready for transport?
Do not put valuables in your car like laptops or GPS devices. Shells and bed liners in pickup trucks must be bolted down, or else they may fly off. All CB and radio antennas must be retracted/removed, or else they may be damaged during transport. Make sure that you have less than a quarter tank of gas in the vehicle; this makes the vehicle lighter and safer for the trucks. If you’re shipping to an international location this is equally important, else you could be assessed a de-fueling costs.
What is Enclosed Auto Transport?
Our enclosed trailers are fully protected on all sides. You can sleep soundly knowing that your vehicle will be delivered in the same pristine condition that it was, stored safely in your garage at home. Our equipment is clean, and well-maintained at all times. DX2 Logistics outstanding reputation for enclosed vehicle shipping is unmatched in the industry. Our team of professionals understand your passion, and we share the same enthusiasm when it comes to cars. Enclosed transport is not for everyone, but if you care for your car as much as we do, you should ship your vehicle enclosed.
What is Door to Door Transport?
Door-to-door transport is where the truck will come as close to your house as possible within the local road restrictions in your location to pickup the vehicle. This is in contrast to terminal-to-terminal shipping, where you are required to drop your car off at a terminal and wait for a truck to come pick it up there. Door-to-door is much safer and more reliable, as the car doesn’t leave your sight until it’s on the truck. Also, you are present to note any damages that the car may have prior to pickup, as well as sign the bill of lading (as stated in this document). Terminal-to-terminal is cheaper, but puts your car at risk as most terminals are actually just open fields where you drop your car off and hope it’s insured and secured.
Can I have personal belongings in my vehicle?
Carriers are not licensed to carry household goods, their insurance is for your vehicle, not any contents you place in the car. It is illegal for you to fill your car with personal property. Trucks have a lot of restrictions put on them, and one is weight. If you have boxes of personal belongings sitting in your car, it could push the weight of the truck over its maximum, causing considerable delays.
How do I pay?
You can choose to pay in full online as we accept all major credit cards and PayPal. You can also pay in cash at the time of delivery. If you choose to pay in cash, there is a small partial payment of $199 or less (depending on the distance of your shipment) when you place your order to secure your car’s spot on a truck.
Is there a contract to sign or obligations?
No. We don’t need to see any paperwork, and you are not required to sign a contract or pay a deposit. There is a condition report (Bill of Lading) that is reviewed with the person responsible for the vehicle, and both parties sign the BOL upon pick up and again on delivery. If there are any discrepancies, the customer must contact us immediately.
What is the difference between a trucking company and a Broker?
A carrier operates trucks and often times is an owner-operator who only schedules shipments through a broker and serves only a few routes. A broker has a huge network of car carriers serving the whole country. In most cases, a broker can give you a lower rate since they have multiple carriers competing to transport your vehicle. Brokers also verify the USDOT authority, federal licenses and cargo insurance of the carrier company transporting your vehicle. A broker is an expert in the industry and will guarantee that your car is shipped by a legitimate carrier. It can be difficult to verify these things on your own. DX2 Logistics is both a licensed carrier and a licensed broker.
