Myths About Auto Transportation

Truth

Providing a credit or debit card when placing an order does not necessarily mean your card is being charged. ASAP Auto Shipping does not charge your deposit/broker fee when you place your order. When your order is placed, a temporary authorization may be processed to verify that the payment method is valid — this is not the transportation deposit/broker fee. Your payment information is maintained through a third-party payment processing system. ASAP does not have access to your full card number after it has been entered. The deposit/broker fee is not charged until a Motor Carrier has been assigned to your vehicle. The process is simple: Order Placed = Payment Method Authorization Only. Carrier Assigned = Deposit/Broker Fee Charged. Remaining Balance = Paid According to the Payment Terms on Your Order.

Truth

A promotional giveaway doesn't tell you anything about the quality of the transportation service. When comparing auto transport companies, concentrate on what actually matters: Is the company properly authorized? Is the quoted price realistic? How will the Motor Carrier be selected? Is Carrier insurance verified? What happens if the assigned Carrier cancels? What is the cancellation and refund policy? Who will help you if something goes wrong? A gift card or promotion shouldn't be the reason you trust someone with your vehicle. Compare the transportation service — not the giveaway.

Truth

Not necessarily. There is an important difference between an auto transport broker and a Motor Carrier. A Motor Carrier physically transports vehicles using trucks operating under its own authority. A transportation broker arranges transportation with authorized Motor Carriers. Some companies may have both types of authority, but consumers should never assume that the company taking the order will also be the company physically transporting the vehicle. ASAP Auto Shipping operates as a transportation broker. Consumers can verify a company's registration and operating authority through the FMCSA's Motus: USDOT Registration System. ASAP Auto Shipping, Inc. — USDOT #2232642 — MC #494247.

Truth

Booking directly with a Motor Carrier can work, but it isn't automatically safer or easier. Individual Motor Carriers generally operate particular routes at particular times. The Carrier that is perfect for one shipment may not be available for another. A professional auto transport broker works across a network of Carriers to locate equipment serving your particular route and schedule. ASAP's role includes: locating an appropriate Motor Carrier, verifying operating authority, verifying insurance, reviewing Carrier information before dispatch, coordinating transportation details, providing you with the identity of the assigned Carrier, assisting with communication when circumstances change, and helping obtain Carrier and insurance information when a legitimate damage issue arises. We do the Carrier search and verification so you don't have to.

Truth

Be careful with broad claims about "extra insurance." ASAP requires the Motor Carriers we contract with to maintain required insurance limits, including at least $1,000,000 Commercial Automobile Liability and $250,000 Motor Truck Cargo coverage applicable to automobiles being transported. Higher cargo limits may be required for certain high-value vehicles. Insurance policies contain terms, conditions, exclusions, limitations, and deductibles. Whether a particular loss is covered depends upon the circumstances and the actual insurance policy. ASAP verifies Carrier insurance as part of our Carrier-vetting process. Customers should also review their own automobile insurance policy. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to carefully inspect your vehicle, document its condition, take photographs, and retain your Bill of Lading.

Truth

Reviews can be useful, but they should be only one part of your decision. Consumers should consider the substance and consistency of reviews rather than simply looking at the number of stars. Fake and deceptive reviews have become a significant consumer issue, and the Federal Trade Commission has rules addressing fake reviews and testimonials. When evaluating an auto transport company, also consider: how long the company has been operating, its FMCSA authority, whether it clearly identifies itself as a broker or Motor Carrier, its cancellation policy, its payment procedures, and whether you can reach a real person when you need assistance. A five-star graphic cannot transport your vehicle. Experience, proper authority, and a qualified Motor Carrier can.

Truth

Absolutely not. This is one of the most important things an auto transport customer should understand. When ASAP assigns your shipment, we will identify the Motor Carrier authorized to pick up your vehicle. When the truck arrives, verify that the transportation company matches the Carrier information provided by ASAP. Do not release your vehicle to a different Motor Carrier, transport company, tow company, or other third party unless ASAP has confirmed the change directly with you. A driver should not be able to simply say "the original Carrier sent us" and expect you to release your vehicle. ASAP does not authorize an assigned Motor Carrier to re-broker, subcontract, transfer, or tender your vehicle to another transporter. If something doesn't match: do not release the vehicle — call ASAP first.

Truth

Not without authorization from ASAP. Your transportation price and payment terms are established through ASAP. For COD-Customer shipments, authorized payment methods are: Cash, Money Order, Cashier's Check, or Zelle. When Zelle is used, ASAP requires the Carrier to provide the telephone number or email address associated with its company Zelle account before accepting the load. Do not send your transportation payment to a driver's personal Zelle account. If a driver asks you to send money to a different person, telephone number, email address, or Zelle account than the information provided by ASAP, stop and contact us. If a driver demands additional transportation charges that ASAP did not authorize, contact us before paying. If the Carrier, price, or payment information doesn't match what ASAP gave you — call ASAP first.