Many problems can occur when transporting a vehicle from the customer not preparing the car adequately, leading to the driver refusing the auto, sometimes the company making an error, and many times delays in transit occur entirely out of anyone’s control based on weather or other challenges.
Trusted, reputable auto transport companies in San Francisco make every effort to ensure shipments go as smoothly as possible but also inform clients of the potential for difficulties to be transparent so customers can be ideally prepared.
We’ll look at each scenario, whether related to discrepancies with the shipping business, the car not being ready to go, or circumstances beyond anyone’s control, and what can lead to these situations.
What Issue Can Occur with Car Shipment
Car shipping companies in San Francisco make every effort to ensure auto transport services are as seamless as possible. Still, occasionally, issues can crop up, whether delays in transit, lack of communication, poorly represented vehicles, and many other problems.
Effective communication and transparency between the company and the client are critical for the best outcome. Let’s look at issues resulting from customer and company errors and some that are out of everyone’s control.
Customer-created transport problems
When a customer fails to follow car shipping guidelines, it can lead to the carrier rejecting the auto for transport. The best way to avoid this is to be transparent with the shipping company for a smooth process.
1. Auto misrepresented
The carrier could reject the vehicle for transport when a car or truck is misrepresented. While some instances can be unintentional, signing on for shipment of a Mini Cooper and showing up with a GMC minivan is an issue.
That’s primarily because autos are loaded compactly in the trailers, with the driver making a distinct guideline on loading for safety and security. If the customer shows up with an entirely different-sized car, there could be no room for it with the transport with the potential for it to be refused.
2. Attempting to transport personal items
Many transport companies aren’t permitted to ship cars or trucks with personal items in the vehicle. When a car arrives with containers and suitcases, inspection stations where trucks must be weighed can fine the carrier and confiscate the personal effects.
When autos arrive loaded with stuff, shipping companies could refuse the vehicle for transport until the car is unpacked. Open for mistakes to avoid when shipping a vehicle.
Company-related shipping issues
1. Damages
The possibility of damage is a primary concern for clients when considering transporting a vehicle; even a slight paint chip or scratch will devalue the auto. It’s unusual for damage to occur with shipments when using a high-quality transport business.
These companies have minimal problems due to using well-trained driving staff, maintaining tools and equipment, and offering superior customer support. Some damage relates to issues out of the shipper’s control, including extreme weather conditions like hail or the possibility of excessive road debris.
2. Insufficient insurance or lack of licensing
A car shipper must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – FMSCA and carry a number from the United States Department of Transportation – USDOT. The business also must have insurance coverage. Car shipping services are not legitimate unless they carry these credentials.
If you don’t confirm these details before signing on with an auto transport, you could experience many issues with your auto transport.
3. Delays in delivery
A common concern with clients is delays with delivery. This is often out of the car shipping company’s control or that of the driver. Many factors contributing to delays in transport include extreme weather, mechanical issues, and accidents.
Many trusted carriers will provide a “three-day window for delivery” to cover the potential for unavoidable delays, anything beyond the driver’s control.
4. Lack of communication
Poor communication can happen between the shipping company and the customer. The customer’s priority is knowing where the auto is on the journey to the final destination. Clients can grow concerned when there are no updates or customer support has no information on delivery.
Reliable shipping companies supply customers with continued communication throughout the transport relating to the progress, location, and any potential for delays and the reason for these.
Final Thought
When transporting a vehicle, potential issues can arise on the part of both the client and the company, many times unintentional or unavoidable and sometimes based on a lack of communication.
In any event, the priority for the customer is to do due diligence in researching to find the most reputable, trusted, and reliable auto transport companies. These shippers make every effort to ensure a smooth transport process.
When the client follows the necessary guidelines and works with a diligent company, the possibility of problems is minimal.