Auto Transport FAQ's.
Answer to your auto transport questions!
The questions and answers on this page offer a quick guide to the some of the most asked questions people have about shipping their vehicle and will help you make an informed auto transport choice!
1. Get an instant quote
What is the first step in having J&S Transportation ship my car?
Get an instant quote from our online quote calculator.
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Car transport cost is determined by distance and size of vehicle. The farther the transport, the more it will cost. The larger the vehicle, the more it costs to ship a car.
What is included in the quoted price?
Our quote is all inclusive. There are no hidden fees or charges. Insurance is included.
How does the cost compare to a broker's?
When you get an auto transport quote from your average broker, they try to find a car carrier who will transport your car for the least amount of money. Many Brokers may not be familiar with lanes or routes and base the quote solely on mileage.
What is door-to-door service?
We will try to deliver your vehicle as close to your address as possible. Some residential neighborhoods have local ordinances and weight restrictions which donít allow large commercial vehicles in the area. In that case, we will coordinate with you to pick a nearby convenient location that is well lit and safe for you and our driver.
What is an oversized vehicle?
Oversized vehicles are cargo vans and XL trucks like 450s, 4500s etc. It is very important to include any vehicle that has dual rear wheels, grill guards, ladder racks, utility boxes, shells, tonneau covers, lift kits (body or altered suspension) and oversized tires.
What if my vehicle is not operable?
We can still transport your vehicle as long as it has keys, functional brakes and properly-inflated tires. Additional charges will occur for non-running vehicles as a tow truck may be needed to load and unload your vehicle.
Can I lookup a quote I generated earlier?
Yes. All you need to do is head to our Quotes page, enter your quote ID and pickup city or postal zip code. Your quote will be shown with all your details.
2. Book your order
What payment arrangements do I need to make for automobile shipment?
All transactions are done electronically so no money changes hands. J&S Transportation accepts all major credit cards including; Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. When you book your order you pay a 10% deposit that is refundable up to when we confirm pickup of your vehicle. The remainder of the quote is charged to your car at pickup.
During auto shipment is my vehicle covered by insurance?
Yes, all carriers must be fully insured to meet all State and Federal requirements. As an auto hauler we are required by law to carry liability and cargo insurance to cover your vehicle while it is being shipped.
How long will it take to pick up and deliver my car?
Most of our vehicles are picked up within 7 days from the time we receive your deposit. The dispatcher will discuss transit times and estimated pickup schedule when the order is confirmed.
What is your damage claim policy?
Click on this link for our Damage Claim Policy: http://www.jandstransport.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ClaimPolicy.pdf
3. Prepare vehicle and pickup
Can a vehicle be transported without keys?
No. You should give a copy of your keys to the transport driver. Many new cars now have chips in the ignition key. If we donít have the ignition key, we need to have the ìmechanicalî key so we can unlock the ignition and steering wheel so the vehicle can be put in gear and steered onto the auto transport trailer.
How to prepare for an auto transport?
The best thing to do is wash your car to make it easier to do the vehicle condition report. Your vehicle cannot have any obvious fluid leaks; it must have functional brakes, properly-inflated tires, and keys. We also recommend that you leave a quarter tank of fuel in the vehicle. For a more complete guide, go to this link: Click here.
Get your vehicle ready for shipment
Remove all personal items from your vehicle as we are not liable for anything left in the vehicle during transport.
4. Tracking and shipment updates
Can I track my vehicle during transit?
J&S Transportation has satellite tracking systems on all of our trucks, we can pin point their exact location during normal business hours. If we use an outside carrier to help transport your vehicle, we can contact them and get the specific location of their driver at your request.
How will I be updated during shipment?
We can call and/or email you as much or as little as you like. Also, our drivers will call you periodically to let you know their ETA if you want.
5. Delivery and inspection
Advanced notice for delivery time and date
Our drivers will call you when they are a day out to let you know their approximate ETA. They will also call you a couple hours prior to their arrival to make arrangements.
Vehicle Inspection upon delivery
You and our driver will do a vehicle inspection to verify the condition of the vehicle at pickup and delivery. You or your representative must be present at time of pickup and delivery and are responsible for signing the condition report at both ends.
What is the process if there is damage to my vehicle upon delivery?
If damage has occurred during transit, you will need to call the damage claims manager immediately to ensure your claim is processed promptly: 406-259-1528. Once you have contacted the office, our claims manager will begin the process for repair. It is very important that you do not begin any repairs yourself! Keep in mind that in most cases you only have three days to file the claim.
