Most payments related to car shipping are handled on a partial basis: a percentage when you turn the car in and the rest upon delivery. How much the initial deposit is depends on a lot of factors, including the total cost, the destination and the insurance or taxes to be paid. As an average, you will be expected to pay around 20 percent of the total cost when you drop off the car. If there are any additional costs, such as taxes or pick-up charges (especially during international shipping), these are usually not included in the bill and will be your responsibility at the time of delivery. Terminal pick-up usually means you will be able to pay with a credit card, which is not the case if your car is delivered right to your door. In that case, drivers will most likely only take cash or a cashier’s check. Money orders may be ok depending on the situation, but you need to check this in advance.

One of the most important things to keep in mind regarding payments is whether the price you are given is an estimate or a final bill. In the first case, it makes sense to keep additional money handy in case of extra charges, or make sure you are given a firm invoice at the time you sign the contract.

The bill of lading is a contract between you and the car shipping company that shows you both agree on the sending and receiving condition of the vehicle as well as the price rates and other terms and conditions. Watch the video for more information.

Whether you are shipping a motorcycle, boat, truck or a car, on average, it normally takes up to 24 hours for you to receive a quote. See, this is what will happen after you fill out a form for a vehicle shipping quote, a representative will contact you via email or telephone. Depending on how busy the company is will determine how long it will take for someone to get back to you with a quote. That’s why its so important to contact at least 3 to 4 companies rather than waiting for each company to contact you before contacting the next company for a quote. If you need an immediate quote, simply contact the car shipping company directly during their regular business hours. Some companies even offer online chat where you can speak with a representative instantly from your computer.

Important Tip: Make sure that you have all information such as the size, make and model of your vehicle. Remember to tell the representative if your vehicle is inoperable. And don’t forget that the rep will be giving an estimate - not the final cost of your car shipping order.

So, you’re finally ready for your car to be picked up and delivered to your requested destination. One of the most important things that you will want to do is be on time to meet the car transport driver. As mentioned in my previous articles about truck maneuvering restrictions, if you live in a residential area that restricts trucks from entering, your car will have to be picked up in another location. Hopefully, you live close to a shopping center or vacant parking lot where trucks can easily load up your vehicle. But, if your car is inoperable, this could present a problem for you. You will have to make arrangements to have your car towed to a location that will allow large commercial vehicles to enter.

And lastly, make sure the car transport company gives you all the paperwork that you need such as an original inspection report. This type of report contains vital information such as your car’s current mileage and info about the condition of your car at the time the driver picked up your car. Remember to keep this document because you will need to use it when your car is delivered. If someone else will be picking up your car, simply fax or mail them a copy of the report prior to the day of arrival.

An enclosed shipping carrier may cost a little bit more money …but it’s worth it. Why choose an enclosed car transport carrier? If you take pride in the beauty of your vehicle, motorcycle or boat, you will want to invest in this service. You’ve already invested money and time in keeping your pride and joy in tip-top shape, so why would you transport it any other way. Not only will your pride and joy be protected from damages - so will your finances. A friend of mine who owns a 1968 Ford Mustang thought it would be more affordable if he shipped his car from New York to Georgia through an open auto transport carrier. He didn’t expect there to be any hazardous elements such as an ice storm to damage his car. He spent more money than what it would have cost him to invest in an enclosed carrier to get his car repaired. So, when a auto shipping company up-sells you for an enclosed carrier -take it!