How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?
We recommend that you schedule your move as soon as possible to insure that your car is moved within the time frame which best meets your schedule. Traditionally, we are able to have a truck assigned and on its way to pick-up your vehicle 1 to 7 days from the date the vehicle is first available for pick-up.

If your vehicle is available for pick-up immediately, we will work with you on getting your vehicle scheduled as close to the preferred date as possible. In many areas a terminal may be available to pick up your car on a specific date. Please check with your booking agent to determine if any extra fees would apply. Seasonal residents moving between New England and Florida should make every attempt to book their order at least 21 days in advance to avoid extra charges.

How much will it cost to ship my vehicle?
Our Transport Specialists are trained to ask the right questions which pertain to your move. They will review your quote request so we can accurately price your transport.

Pricing your transport is determined by a few factors. The origin, destination, vehicle size, and the level of service desired. These all play a part in how your vehicle is quoted. Quoting a competitive price can be complicated. We need to make sure we have factored enough money in the move so the truck can be paid competitively. If two or more vehicles are in the same route the dispatchers will generally load the vehicle that pays the most first. So not paying enough for the move can be a factor in the length of time it takes to transport your vehicle.

In addition to making sure we quote enough for your move we don't want to charge you more than necessary to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. Generally, we run around 89 to 90% of our vehicles being assigned in 1 to 7 days. Of the 10 or 11% remaining many are assigned shortly after the 7day mark with some extra effort from the dispatch department. There are a small amount of orders, despite our best efforts, that will not dispatch for the initial quoted price. Your Customer Service Representative will work closely with you to discuss what may be needed if your vehicle has not been assigned to a truck in our standard time frames

How long does it take to transport a vehicle?
There are two major factors in determining how long your vehicle transport will take for delivery. First is the distance between pick-up and delivery. Typically the longer the distance for the trans- port the longer it will take the driver to deliver the vehicle. In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will have to make will also play a factor in the delivery time. Unexpected delays can be caused by traffic conditions, weather conditions, and roadway conditions; rare mechanical problems can also add time to the delivery. There are many State and Federal regulations that our drivers must comply with. These regulations include restrictions on the amount of daily and weekly time the drivers can log as on duty and driving. Additionally the drivers are required to conduct daily truck safety inspections and do routine maintenance as needed.

On average, a delivery of up to 500 miles will take 1 to 3 days - 1,000 miles will take 2 to 5 days - 2,000 miles will take 4 to 8 days, and coast to coast will range from 7 to 14 days with 10 days being close to the average. Please remember these are just estimated times for delivery. Our Dispatch Department will try to provide an accurate estimate of delivery as the truck assignment is made.

Pick-up dates and delivery times are not guaranteed. Guaranteed and immediate pick-ups are available at an additional cost.

What is the difference between an Open and an Enclosed Carrier?
Generally, an Open Carrier is similar to those you see transporting cars to and from dealerships. These carriers range in size and capacity. Vehicles that are moved via an open carrier are exposed to inclement weather and road conditions. Enclosed Carriers also range in size and capacity. Since these carriers are covered, the vehicles in transit are not subjected to inclement weather or road conditions. Enclosed carriers are recommended for custom, exotic or autos that have been specially cared for.

Is Boston Auto Transport Licensed and Bonded?
YES. The Interstate Commerce Commission of the United States Government licenses Boston Auto Transport. We hold Motor Carrier authority under Certificate No. ICCMC-245738. We are also licensed and bonded to operate as a Property Broker under Certificate No. ICCMC- 492813

Is Boston Auto Transport insured?
Yes. Our insurance covers $1,000,000 trucking liability, a $1,000,000 general liability, and cargo insurance that will protect your vehicle up to a $15,000 limit, after which the car is coinsured with the owner up to its value. Standard insurance practices determine the value of your vehicle - just as if it were damaged in a traffic accident.

If your vehicle is of unique value it is recommended that a reputable company appraise the vehicle prior to shipping it and additional insurance is purchased.

In the event we use an agent to assist with your transport, we verify that all agents have an active insurance policy with acceptable coverage. In addition to verification, it is our policy to have agents name Boston Auto Inc. to their trucking policy as a certificate holder. This ensures advance notice in the event an agent's insurance policy changes status. This certificate comes from the insurance agent's office, not from the independent contractor.

Can I pack things in my car?
Federal and State Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit the transport of household items in vehicles being transported by auto carriers.

Several common sense reasons also suggest why packing items in your vehicle is not a good idea. Personal goods may shift around (forcefully at times) in the trunk or interior of the trans- ported vehicle and become damaged or damage the vehicle. It is also possible that the stored items may cause a weight problem with your vehicle and add unnecessary difficulties with loading and unloading, and possible undercarriage damage to your vehicle that is not covered in the event of a claim. Any items left in the vehicle are totally at the owner's personal risk.

We prefer not to ship personal belongings inside a vehicle. Personal belongings that are inside the car at the time of transport are not insured. If you need to put personal items (Not Household Items) you must limit your items to less than100lbs. These items should be confined to the trunk area. We do not recommend packing electronics, breakable items or items of great monetary or sentimental value. If you do decide to place objects inside the vehicle, please keep them "light and out of sight." Remember, since these items are not insured, we ask that they be securely positioned in an area that is not visible. Under NO circumstances can the car contain firearms, hazardous materials, illegal substances, or contraband.

How do I place my order?
We Have 3 Easy Ways to Place Your Order:

What steps are involved in shipping my vehicle?
Once your order is placed and all paperwork submitted, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the available date you provide. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive an email with the estimated pickup date and time. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will perform a detailed inspection of your vehicle on a Bill of Lading. Both the person releasing the vehicle and the driver will sign this Bill of Lading and one copy is left at the vehicle point of origin. The same Bill of Lading will be present on delivery so that the vehicle can be re-inspected before released.

Where will my vehicle be picked up and delivered?
Door-to-Door Service
The vehicle will be picked up as close to your home as possible. In some cases we ask that you meet our truck at a mutually appealing location such as a supermarket or some other large parking lot. This is due to the typically large size of the trucks and the inability to maneuver through many streets, and under low bridges, wires, and branches. Customers in some areas can be scheduled for pickup or delivery on smaller trucks that are able to come directly to your residence. Please ask your customer service representative to specify which manner of contact applies in your shipment.

What happens if I'm not available when the truck comes to pick up or deliver the vehicle?
Our Terminals in many locations are able to accommodate storage for your vehicle for up to 7 days free of charge when advance arrangements have been made at the time of booking. We try to keep each customer well informed during the entire shipping process. We instruct the drivers to call the customer 12 to 24 hours in advance of pick up or delivery to establish a more accurate estimated time of arrival and to work out specific directions. We ask that you make yourself as available as possible. Please do not take off work or hang around your home until you speak with the driver.

In the event you are not able to release or take possession of your vehicle, you may appoint anyone to do this task. We ask that you supply us with the proper information for contact in this situation. If a pickup or delivery appointment is scheduled with you and you are not at the predetermined location at the specified time you will incur extra charges. These “dry run fees” consist of charges for redelivery to or from your home and the local terminal. In some cases it may be necessary to relocate your car to one of our company approved holding facilities where you will be responsible for pickup and any costs incurred. While this is rare and every attempt is made to avoid such complications , communication is key. Please be sure to make yourself available for your appointment.