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Auto Transport Glossary

Selecting a trusted auto transport company to provide dependable, affordable and timely car shipping services is an important decision for both companies and individual consumers. At United Road, we want to our customers to be well-informed and familiar with the terms of the vehicle logistics industry. We have created this glossary of common auto transport terms to help you make an intelligent and educated decision regarding your car shipping needs.

ATA - American Trucking Association; a cooperative organization of trucking professionals and auto transport companies working to advance the public image, commercial interests, and legislative agendas of the trucking industry.

Auto Delivery - The process of shipping an automobile as freight from origin to a specific destination.

Auto Logistics - The cohesive organization, management, and service implementation of automobile transport services. Auto logistics applies to all methods of transporting, including rail, freight, and maritime.

Auto Mover - An organization or entity that, in a general context, provides car shipping and auto transport services.

Auto Moving - The term used to describe the process of shipping or transporting a vehicle.

Auto Shipping - The transport of an automobile, typically from the seller of a vehicle to a buyer.

Auto Transport - The process of physically moving or shipping an automobile as freight.

Auto Transport Company - A business that specializes in providing comprehensive auto moving and car shipping services. Professional auto transport companies are fully-insured and typically have the capacity to ship a car anywhere in the United States.

Auto Transporting - The term used to define the process of shipping or delivering a vehicle to a set destination.

Bill of Lading - A document or receipt used by some car delivery companies to ensure that the company received an automobile or fleet of vehicles for shipment.

Car Delivery - The process of shipping an automobile as freight from origin to a specific destination.

Car Haulers - A term used to define companies that provide auto transport services.

Car Marshalling - The term used to define the receipt, inspection and assignment of both new and/or used vehicles. Marshalling service requirements vary with respect to whether the automobiles are new or used.

Car Movers - A term defining companies that offer car shipping and auto transport services. In some cases, the term "car movers" is applied to the trucks or freight systems that are responsible for transporting vehicles.

Car Moving - The general term used to describe the process of shipping or transporting a vehicle from one destination to another.

Car Shipper - An organization or entity that provides auto shipping services. In some instances a "car shipper" may define system or method that is used to ship a car.

Car Shipping - The transport or delivery of a vehicle, typically from the seller of an auto to its buyer.

Car Transport - The term used to describe the process of physically moving or shipping a vehicle as freight.

Car Carrier - A specialized semi-trailer or truck that is capable of transporting several vehicles at one time.

Coloading - The process of loading more than one vehicles on a single transporter. This enables car carriers to reduce their auto shipping costs and helps to reach maximum efficiency of the load.

Cut-off Time - The term defining the latest possible time a shipment may be delivered to its designated location, such as a shipping port or terminal.

Dealership Auto Transport - A term describing unique auto transport services specially tailored for dealerships. Usually these auto transport services include multiple vehicle shipments and time sensitive delivery dates.

Delivery Network - An automobile transporting system consisting of trucks and carriers, ships, and/or railroads.

Diversion - The term used in the auto transport industry meaning a change has been made in the route of a shipment in transit.

Door-To-Door Car Shipping - A term describing automobile pick-up and delivery from the customer's current location (or front door) to the receiver's final destination.

D.O.T. - The U.S. Department of Transportation; the agency responsible for overseeing federal highway, air, railroad, and maritime operations.

Enclosed Car Hauler - A form of freight using a fully enclosed semi-trailer, truck or rail car. Enclosed car haulers are used for highly sensitive or expensive shipments that demand increased protection from the elements.

En Route - A term that classifies a vehicle or shipment is "on the way" or in the process of being shipped to its destination.

FMCSA - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; the organization that offers a public database of information regarding licensing and insurance information for vehicle logistics providers.

Freight - Inventory or goods transported.

New/Finished Vehicle Logistics - A term used to describe the planning and management of automobile transport services specifically for car manufacturers as well as other entities in the car making industry.

Proof of Delivery (POD) - A document or receipt that acknowledges the delivery of a shipment.

Remarketing Auto Transport - Specialized car shipping services designated for entities responsible for the disposal of fleet and leasing vehicles that have reached the end of their fixed lease term.

Single Vehicle Shipping - The term used to define the transport or delivery of a sole automobile from origin to destination.

Tracking - The ability to follow an automobile shipment throughout its delivery cycle. United Road and Vehicle Transport USA offer advanced OVISS technology that provides order visibility, tracking, invoicing, and real-time event reporting and delivery confirmation.

United Road - The #1 auto transport company in the U.S. with the largest car shipping capacity in the industry.

Vehicle Delivery - The process of shipping or transporting an automobile as freight to a from origin to a specific destination.

Vehicle Logistics - The term used to describe the planning, management, and transport of automobiles, encompassing all methods of shipment, including rail, freight, and maritime.

Vehicle Logistics Company - A specialized service provider with the capacity to plan, organize, and manage comprehensive car transport services.

Vehicle Shipping - The transport or delivery of a vehicle, typically from the seller of an auto to its buyer.

Vehicle Transport - The ship a car process of physically moving a vehicle as freight.

Vehicle Transport USA - An affiliate of United Road, specializing in a wide range of comprehensive car shipping and vehicle transport services.

At United Road, we build strong relationships with our customers because they consistently see the value we have to offer. Much of the strength of United Road is through our people, our exceptional service and technology, and the fact that we're always adding true value to customer business. Let United Road's national auto transport network service you.

Receive A Free Car Shipping Quote Or For More Information Call: 866.470.0036

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Why do certain vehicle logistics providers have such low rates?

Most often these vehicle logistics providers are unreliable and do not have a quality reputation for vehicle logistics services. Some vehicle logistics providers often require a non-refundable deposit in return for their vehicle logistics services. If you see that a non-refundable vehicle logistics deposit is required, this should automatically warn you of the risks of doing business with this vehicle logistics provider. A non-refundable deposit guarantees you nothing, and the vehicle logistics provider could take your money with no intention of transporting your vehicle.

When should I schedule my vehicle logistics services?

The sooner you schedule your vehicle logistics services pickup, the more likely we will be able to deliver in the time frame you've requested. Auto and vehicle logistics providers will do their best to ensure your logistics is made on time.

How long does the vehicle logistics take?

The initial vehicle logistics process can take approximately 2 to 10 days for vehicle transporter to pick up a vehicle. The timing of our vehicle logistics services depends upon several variables including the area of the country, the vehicle that is to be picked-up, and the distance that it may need to travel. Longer distance moves may take longer to coordinate. Once the vehicle is picked up for vehicle logistics, it can take up to 21 days to deliver the vehicle. This is based largely on where the vehicle is destined and the distance it must travel.

These are general guidelines and movement of your vehicle will vary. It is always best to plan your vehicle logistics needs ahead and order vehicle logistics services in advance. This way proper planning can take place to minimize the overall vehicle logistics time.

Where do I drop off my vehicle for car shipping, and where will I get it?

We are a vehicle logistics provider that offers door-to-door vehicle logistics services. In many cases we can offer vehicle logistics services directly to and from your door. If you live in an area that is not safely accessible by the trucks, an auto transporter may require you to meet at a nearby parking lot that can handle the truck. Keep in mind major cities also have terminals that can provide vehicle logistics pickup and logistics services of your vehicle.

Must I be present to pick up my vehicle?

Yes, you must be present, or a designated person must be present to receive your vehicle. If you are unable to attend the pre-determined date and time of pickup, you may contact the vehicle logistics provider ahead of time with the name of the designated person to pick up your vehicle. If there are changes in the address of pickup or logistics, there may be additional vehicle logistics charges added.

Do online vehicle logistics providers require a non-refundable deposit?

No, most online vehicle logistics providers do not require a non-refundable deposit. There is however, according to the car transport services industry's standard, a $125.00 cancellation fee.

Is it less-expensive to deliver or pickup my vehicle at one of the terminals?

Typically, yes. Often up to $50.

How will I know when my vehicle will be picked up or delivered?

Your vehicle logistics driver will contact you 12-24 hours in advance to arrange a convenient pickup or logistics time. If the auto delivery driver's schedule changes, United Road vehicle logistics provider will also contact you with an updated time for pickup or logistics.

What is door-to-door vehicle logistics services?

Some vehicle logistics providers offer door-to-door vehicle logistics services. Door-to-door vehicle logistics services includes pickup or delivery of your vehicle at your home. Some rural areas, however, provide roads and turns that will be too small to maneuver our trucks into. In this case, we require vehicle logistics and drop off at a nearby parking lot, which trucks can easily maneuver into. The vehicle delivery driver has full discretion of whether an area is safe for door-to-door vehicle logistics services.

How should I prepare my vehicle for vehicle logistics?

There are some auto moving preparations that we ask our vehicle logistics customers to address. In addition to removal of personal items and having a quarter tank of gas, our drivers require you take other precautions. Remove any loose parts that are not securely bolted to the vehicle, and could be blown off during travel. Also before the car moving process, remove any parts that may be at risk to damage in the loading process. This includes phone, radio, and CB antennas that do not retract, or they may be broken. In the event you are delivering a vehicle to Alaska or Hawaii, you will likely be charged an additional degassing vehicle logistics service fee if you have more than a quarter tank of gas.

Are United Road vehicle logistics drivers insured?

Yes, United Road vehicle logistics drivers typically have an auto insurance policy for full replacement value of your vehicle, while it is in our possession. See their Contract Terms & Conditions for any exceptions.

Is a vehicle logistics pickup or delivery date guaranteed?

All pre-specified dates are estimates, as travel conditions and weather may affect delivery. Therefore the 2-3 day automobile delivery time frame is given. If you need a specific pickup date or drop off date, there are additional vehicle logistics service fee's. Contact a vehicle logistics services support team for these charges.

Can I check the progress of my vehicle logistics solutions shipment?

Today it is possible to check the progress of a vehicle logistics solutions shipment using the web. Your vehicle logistics services provider should equip you with a log in to access this information.

Do you offer online vehicle logistics quotes?

Yes. Any individuals or providers can receive online vehicle logistics quotes by calling 866-470-0036. Or simply fill out the vehicle logistics web form. All online vehicle logistics quotes are provided for free.

United Road: The Leading Nationwide Vehicle Logistics Provider
Complete Vehicle Logistics Services - Call: 866-470-0036
Email: sales@unitedroad.com

United Road has a reputation as the largest nationwide vehicle logistics provider for proven vehicle logistics solutions. Trust a vehicle logistics provider delivering over two million vehicles from coast to coast.