Changes in Car Shipping for 2018

Posted on 06/15/2018

With the increase of car shipping demand and popularity, there have been some changes in the car shipping industry. Prior to the high demands, drivers logged their route and hours by paper. If they took a rest break, no one would know or be notified. What did this mean for you the customer? You were left in the dark about where your car was, when it would be arriving, and if there were any delays. However, legislation has made it so car shipping companies and drivers must digitally log their information. This change in car shipping is known as Electronic Logging Device Mandate or ELD. What does this mean for you the customer? You can now get an up to date tracking on your car shipment.

Prior to mandating ELDs in cars, car shipping companies had the choice on whether or not they wanted to use this device and technology. Many did not install this system, which left room for errors and inaccurate information for when recording information, times, and locations because information was put in manually. It also didn’t provide car shipping companies and consumers with “in the know” information and left room for many questions and “the unknown”. The requirement to now install ELDs have greatly changed the car shipping experience as we know it. ELD is more effective on car shipping because you can access first- hand knowledge and data on your car. The ELD will track your car’s movement which will provide you with accurate information on your car’s whereabouts.

How does it work? The ELD is installed in the car that is being shipped. From there, the ELD is registered and can transmit data and information. The driver and car shipping company can even make “edit” notes (annotations) if any information is incorrect. Since every moment of the driver’s journey is logged and monitored, it will ensure that your car is on the right track and in transit to you. If drivers want to take a rest period, they would simply use the edit section to log a rest period. Mandating ELDs have made your car shipping experience easy and non- stressful.

So, contact us today and get started on your car shipping experience.

For more information on ELD, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/electronic-logging-devices

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Posted on 06/15/2018

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RoadRunner Auto Transport Reviews

“RoadRunner Auto Transport did an excellent job shipping a car that I bought online. I spoke with multiple car shipping companies, but the folks at RoadRunner were the most helpful.”

Henry DNew Orleans, LA

“RoadRunner is the best auto transport company that we've used so far. The agent that we spoke with was very friendly and helpful. Our car was delivered on time and in perfect condition.”

Bruce YKansas City, KS

“When I needed to ship my car, I wanted to find the most reliable auto transport company possible. After calling around, I chose RoadRunner and couldn't be happier with the service they provided.”

Daniel AWhittier, CA

“I'm very happy with the service I received from RoadRunner Auto Transport. They picked up my car right from my home and I was able to track my automobile transport online very easily.”

Luis CSyracuse, NY

“I was looking for cheap car shipping quotes and RoadRunner provided me with a very fair price. The driver was friendly and my car delivery was on time with no issues. 5 star auto shipping service!”

Tara KPhiladelphia, PA

"Save time looking and just call Roadrunner Auto Transport - they truly helped make my move easier!"

Trish A.

Miami, FL

"Very easy to book and great with answering my questions. The shipping agent I spoke with was very friendly and helpful."

Susan K.

Dallas, TX

"Out of all the car shipping companies we spoke with, RoadRunner was the most professional and knowledgable."

Corey L.

Boston, MA

"I couldn't have been happier with the service provided by RoadRunner to transport my car from CA to NY"

Deborah B.

Long Beach, CA

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the vehicle transportation process.

How much does it cost to ship a car?

When determining your car shipping cost, there are a few factors that we take into account in order to provide you with an accurate price quote. The mileage between the origin and destination is the biggest factor that contributes to your total rate. In addition to the distance of your relocation, another factor is the type and condition of the vehicle being shipped. The final factor is the date that your vehicle will be ready for transport. There are also additional options, such as enclosed carrier and top-load service that can be added to your shipment at the time of booking for a higher level of service. Read more about how much it costs to ship a car.

How do I get a quote for car moving?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. To calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

When will my vehicle be delivered?

The transit time for your shipment is based mostly on the mileage between the pickup and delivery location. Generally, every five hundred miles will add one day to the transit time - so for a 1,000 mile transport, the transit time would be 2-3 days. Check out our estimated transit times for a detailed view of approximate delivery times.

Can I track the progress of my shipment online?

Yes, online tracking is available to you 24 hours a day and is updated in real time. Upon scheduling your shipment, you will receive a unique booking number that will allow you to track the status of your shipment online. Your tracking portal will also give you the ability to live chat with a shipping agent that can answer any questions you may have regarding the status of your shipment.

Is my vehicle insured during transport?

All shipments include basic liability coverage during transit. Comprehensive insurance options are available for an elevated level of shipment coverage during transit. You will be able to select a level of coverage during the booking process. If you have further questions regarding insurance options give us a call.

How do I pay for my auto shipping?

We accept all major credit cards, electronic transfer, postal money order, and bank/certified check for the deposit or full pre-payment of your shipment. If a balance is due upon delivery, it can be paid directly to the driver and can be paid in either cash, bank/certified check, or postal money order.

Does someone have to be present for pick up and delivery?

Yes, there must be someone present to release and accept the vehicle, provide keys to the driver and sign the initial and final inspection reports. This person can be anyone over the age of 18 that you trust with releasing or accepting your vehicle.

Can I put personal items in my vehicle?

You may transport personal belongings in your car, as long as their total weight does not exceed 100 pounds and they are stored in the trunk or back seat (below the window line). Please keep in mind that personal belongings are not covered by insurance if they are reported as damaged or missing.

How do I get a quote for shipping my vehicle?

To get a quote for shipping your vehicle, you can either use our instant online car shipping quote calculator above or you can call (888) 422-7584 to receive a quote from one of our car transport pricing specialists. In order for us to calculate your quote we will need to know the location you are shipping from and to, the type of vehicle you would like to ship, and the date your vehicle will be ready.

How far in advance should I schedule my transport?

The further in advance you schedule your shipment, the more likely we will be able to meet the time requirements you desire. For best results, we suggest scheduling your transport at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Expedited shipping options are available to accomodate shipments that require . You can always give us a call and ask one of our car shipping experts what your options are in terms of the schedule for your car transport.

Where will my car be picked up and delivered?

The driver will get the car transporter as close to your door as he can legally and safely get. In most cases, the driver will be able to pickup and deliver directly to your door. Some cities may have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into residential areas. Auto transport trucks are large and need lots of room to maneuver and turn around, so if access to the pickup or delivery location is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees or tight turns, the driver may ask that you meet at a location nearby with a large parking lot, such as a grocery store.

What is the difference between open and enclosed transport?

Open transport is the most common car shipping method. There are two types of open-air transporters. The Majority of shipments are be made with 8-10 car carriers. Smaller carriers which hold 2-3 cars are used for shorter, local car moving. There is a broader network of carrier availability for open-air carriers since they are used more often. We suggest choosing enclosed car shipping methods when shipping classic, luxury or exotic vehicles. Enclosed vehicle transportation guarantees maximum protection from exposure to any open-air elements on the road. We suggest booking your enclosed transport in advance since carrier availability is limited. Read more about the difference between open and enclosed transport

What types of vehicles do you ship?

RoadRunner Auto Transport specializes in shipping all types of vehicles including sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans, oversized vehicles, antiques, classic cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles, inoperable cars and boats. If you are not sure whether or not we can ship your vehicle, you can give us a call to find out what we can do for you.

How much gas should I have in my car during transport?

You should have about a quarter of a tank of gas in your car at the time of shipment. This leaves enough for the car to be loaded and unloaded but doesn't add much additional weight.

What is the Bill of Lading and what exactly does it have to do with my shipment?

The Bill of Lading is a very important document used by car shipping companies that documents any pre-existing damage on the vehicle during the time of pickup. It also serves as a record of your contact info and the official agreement for transport. If you want to file any insurance claim regarding your shipment you will need the Bill of Lading.

What is top load service?

Top load service is when your car is placed on the higher deck or level of an open auto transport trailer. This is considered to be preferable to the bottom load because the cars on the lower deck are at risk of possibly having fluid from the cars above leak on them.

How do I get my car ready for shipment?

Make sure your car has been completely cleaned, both inside and outside. This is particularly important because this will help the driver conduct their inspection in order to assess any pre-existing damage on your vehicle. You will also want to make there are no additional personal items in the vehicle unless you intend to ship those with the vehicle (remember those items must total less than 100 pounds combined and be kept below the window-line of the vehicle). Be sure to inform the driver of any special circumstances concerning the vehicle. Finally, make sure there is a quarter tank of gas in the car at the time it is picked up for shipment. Visit our car shipping checklist to make sure you are prepared for your vehicle shipment.

Can I ship my vehicle if it isn't running?

Yes, we can ship vehicles that are in non-running/inoperable condition. When inoperable cars are shipped, a special auto carrier is required that makes use of a winch which is connected to your car and slowly and safely pulls your vehicle onto the carrier. There is an additional fee for inoperable vehicles because of the special equipment and extra work involved with securing the vehicle onto the transporter. You can select the inoperable option on the online booking form or inform your shipping agent if you make your reservation by phone so that the proper arrangements can be made to accommodate a non-running vehicle.

What methods of car shipping services do you offer?

We offer open car shipping and enclosed transport services services. Open car shipping is used much more frequently and is the type of auto transport that you see on the highway where carriers are hauling vehicles on two decks that are exposed. Enclosed transport services are when your vehicle is shipped in a trailer which has walls and a roof, they look like a larger version of a regular eighteen-wheeler. This method is recommended for luxury, exotic or classic cars.

What is Door-to-Door transport?

Door-to-door car transport is the full-service delivery of your vehicle directly from the door at the pickup location to the door at the delivery location. Our drivers do their best to get as close as physically and legally possible to the pickup and delivery locations, but in certain instances there may be restrictions preventing them from being able to reach your door safely. Our transporters need ample space to maneuver and load/unload your vehicle. If your street is too narrow, or if there are hazards such as low-lining trees or power lines, drivers may ask that you meet them at a location nearby where they can safely load or unload your vehicle, such as a large parking lot or shopping center nearby.

View all frequently asked questions

View all frequently asked questions.