Mr. Flatbed offers you professional help with the most demanding requirements of your move. From buying or selling a car, to relocation, our team is here to provide you with a customer-oriented experience. We have both enclosed and open carriers to service your needs. We treat your vehicle like your our own, and we go to great lengths to ensure it arrives safely and quickly. Request a quote today.
Auto Transport FAQ's
- Q: How long does it take Mr. Flatbed to ship my car?
- The normal time for transport and delivery of your vehicle is approximately anywhere from the same day to 14 days. During this time, all cars are being loaded on a car carrier or a truck with other cars. Below, are some basic ideas to help you along the way. These times are estimated and should not be considered as guarantees.
East Coast to West Coast - approx. 7-14 days
Midwest to East Coast - approx. 5-8 days
South to North - approx. 5-8 days
- Q: How does door-to-door service work?
- Door-to-door service in the Vehicles Movers industry means the truck driver will get as close to your door as he can legally and safely. Many cities have restrictions on large trucks that prohibit them from driving into some residential areas. Auto Transport trucks are massive and need lots of space to maneuver and turn around. If your home is restricted by narrow streets, low-hanging trees, speed bumps or tight turns, the driver may ask you to meet the truck at a different destination.
- Q: What's the difference between open and enclosed carrier?
- Open Carrier
This type of vehicle transport does not protect your vehicle from the elements. Your vehicle is exposed to the weather, but Mr. Flatbed can fit more vehicles on our truck and this lowers the cost of Ship. Damages from the elements are rare, but can occur. Most people are willing to take the small risk to save a considerable amount of money.
Enclosed Carrier
This type of vehicle transport protects your vehicle from the elements. Going enclosed can protect your vehicle from weather, rocks and theft. In most cases enclosed transport will cost double of what it would cost to ship on an open carrier. These are usually recommended for high end luxury vehicles.
- Q: Do I need insurance coverage for Mr. Flatbed?
- Mr. Flatbed will provide you with insurance. This insurance covers all damages caused by accidents while the vehicle is being loaded, major changes in the vehicle’s condition, and unforeseeable damage that is a result of mishandling by the carrier.
- Q: What forms of payment are accepted by Mr. Flatbed?
- Cash, cahier check, money orders, visa and master cards will be accepted. No personal checks and no business checks will be accepted. Payment must be arranged prior to pick up.
- Q: Can I leave personal items in the vehicle during the transport?
- The US Department of Transportation prohibits the carrying of personal items on a truck licensed only for carrying automobiles. By violating this federal law, Mr. Flatbed can be fined up to $10,000. All personal belongings that are left inside the vehicle will not be insured and no company is responsible for missing or damaged items.
- Q: Do I need to be present during pickup and delivery?
- Yes, we require you, or a designated person, to be present upon pick up of your vehicle. During pick up a contract “bill of landing” will need to be signed by you at the origination point. If unable to be there, please contact Mr. Flatbed prior to the pick up date to confirm an alternate designated person. If you schedule a day for pick up and don’t show up, your vehicle could be turned over to a towing company.
- Q: How far in advance should I schedule the transport of my vehicle?
- Next–day shipping is available but we recommend that you schedule your vehicle transport as far out as you can.
- Q: Will my car go to a terminal?
- It depends on what day your vehicle is scheduled for pickup and delivery. If the carrier cannot pickup/deliver your vehicle(s) due to scheduling conflicts, inaccessible areas or both. All terminals used are secured, licensed, and fully insured. If Mr. Flatbed must drop your vehicle off at a terminal, you will be contacted before hand.
- Q: Why does a truck (SUV) cost more than a regular vehicle?
- All vehicle shipments are based on weight that a truck can legally carry. This is why there may be a small price difference.
- Q: Who can I contact during my move?
- Mr. Flatbed will provide you with a number that you can call and receive your information.
- Q: What should I do if the vehicle is damaged?
- Make sure that you let the driver know that the damage is new and was not on original bill of lading. All damages should be marked and noted clearly. The driver should sign off on them. The next step is to contact Mr. Flatbed about your vehicle as soon as possible. Mr. Flatbed has a day limit, so make sure you do it right away.
Preparing your vehicle for transport
When it comes to the transporter of your vehicle there are some simple things that you can do to make your experience easier. The biggest and most important thing is to have your car prepared correctly before having Mr. Flatbed pick it up. This will save you time and money in the long run. It will also cut down on the amount of time that the car will have to be inspected and will insure that your experience is a success. We at Mr. Flatbed care about our customers and we want you to have the best experience possible. Here are some quick and painless tips.
- Tip #1
- Your vehicle will need to be inspected before the haul. To make the vehicle easier to inspect, please insure that the vehicle is clean. The exterior should have little to no dirt while all upholstery should be visible inside the car. The inspection of the vehicle is for your benefit. If something was to happen to the vehicle during the haul, and it was not a damage noted before transport, Mr. Flatbed would take full responsibility. Another inspection will be performed at the destination.
- Tip #2
- Before the haul, make sure that you only have at least a quarter tank of gas. No more, no less. This is to ensure that the car has enough gas for loading and unloading.
- Tip #3
- Please make sure that you have two complete sets of keys. One for you and one for Mr. Flatbed. This way we will have access to load and unload your vehicle. Please make sure that the keys both unlock the doors and unlock the ignition.
- Tip #4
- Please make sure that you disable your car alarm so that it does not get triggered during the haul.
- Tip #5
- Provide a number where you can be reached at all times. This will enable Mr. Flatbed to easily contact you in case of an emergency.
- Tip #6
- If the vehicle is being transported to a colder climate, make sure to check all antifreeze and fluid levels in your vehicle before the haul. This will ensure that no part of the engine will be harmed during cold starts in frigid temperatures.
- Tip #7
- Relax, and take a deep breath. We transport hundreds of vehicles every month all over the nation. If you have taken the time to complete these simple steps before the haul, your vehicle will be 100% ready to transport.