Jumbo Auto & Truck Plaza

How long should does shipping usually take?
Shipping time depends on the schedule and capacity of the carrier that you choose, but for a basic idea, note the following:

East Coast to West Coast - usually takes 7 to 14 days.
East Coast to Midwest - usually takes 5 to 8 days.
South to the North - usually takes 5 to 8 days.

How does auto transport work?
Auto transport is simple. Once you choose a transporter/carrier, an estimated "pick-up date" and a "pick-up window" will be assigned. Sometime during the "pick-up window" you'll receive a phone call from the transporter, announcing the actual "pick-up date." The driver will arrive at your requested location, "walk around" the vehicle with you, and load it on the truck. The reverse happens at the delivery point - the driver calls in advance, you'll "walk-around" the vehicle to make sure that there is no damage and you'll take delivery.

Here's an example, if your transporter estimates your "pick-up date" to be 1/7/04 with a "14-day pick-up window," your vehicle may actually be picked-up anywhere between 1/1/04 and 1/14/04 - i.e., 7 days before or 7 days after your "pick-up date."

Can you ship personal items or household goods in a vehicle?
Usually Yes, but this is a judgement call. Most carriers will charge an additional fee for the extra weight, not to mention the insurance ramifications. (See Question #3)

What is the best size truck to transport a vehicle on?
The actual truck/trailer size doesn't really matter - sometimes you will get faster service with the smaller carrier becasue they have less stops along the way. However, that is not always the case. This is a judgement call...if you feel confident with the transporter you selected then the size of the truck shouldn't matter.

Why does a truck/SUV shipment cost more than a regular sedan?
Shipping fees are based on the weight that a truck can legally carry - and because trucks and SUVs usually weigh more than a car, the price to ship them is a little higher (usually between $50.00 and $100.00).

What should a consumer do if their vehicle arrives with damage?
The first thing a consumer should do is make sure the driver understands that the damage is new and was not noted on the original shipping receipt or "bill of lading." The damage should be clearly marked and noted, then signed for by the driver. Upon completion of delivery, a call should placed to your carrier or broker's office, to inform them of the damage. In most cases the carrier will ask for an estimate and send you payment in a couple weeks. If the carrier is not responsive or is unwilling to work with you, you should contact their insurance company and make a claim. Be sure that you have all the documentation to back up your claim - false claims can result in legal action by the carrier or broker.



*DISCLAIMER: The information provided above is for informational purposes only as it may be outdated or inaccurate. You should not rely on the information in making any decisions. Please note that we do not have an "in-house" shipping service and are not affiliated with any carrier or broker..