Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take?
2. What kind of truck will it be transported on?
3. What does door-to-door delivery mean?
4. Will my car go to a terminal?
5. How does the entire process work?
6. Can I put anything in my trunk?
7. How much notice is needed?
8. What forms of payment are accepted?

1. How long does it take?
   Typical transit time is 7 to 14 days, assuming that we receive at least a 1 to 2 week notice. We would like to have at least a 2 to 3 business day window to schedule the pickup of your vehicle. As it gets closer to the first date you make your vehicle available it will be possible to narrow it down and be more specific about pickup scheduling. The above transit time frame is an estimation of how long it could take. In some cases the transit time is shorter, but you should not build your plan on a shorter delivery time frame. We do offer an expedited service with guaranteed delivery dates. There is an extra charge for this service.

2. What kind of truck will it be transported on?
   In most cases, your vehicle will be transported on a 10 or 11 car Auto Transporter, like the ones you see transporting new cars. These trucks are 80 feet long (that is 20 feet longer than a conventional freight truck or moving van) weigh close to 80,000 lbs fully loaded and are almost 14 feet high. They are therefore very hard to maneuver and are restricted to main roads that do not have any overhanging trees or low clearance bridges. Please bear this in mind when directing the truck to your home!

3. What does door-to-door delivery mean?
   It means the driver will get as close to your door as physically possible while considering the drivers safety and the safety of the vehicles on the auto transporter. If you live on a main road (at least 2 lanes wide) with no overhanging trees and no low bridges and the access to your road allows for the weight and size constraints of the auto transport, the driver will pick up or deliver your vehicle right at your door. If it is determined that he cannot safely load at your door, please direct the driver to the nearest safe loading zone. (i.e. a grocery store parking lot or any other location that is large enough and accessible).

4. Will my car go to a terminal?
   In some cases it is necessary to use a local terminal to pick up or deliver your vehicle. This makes the loading and unloading process more efficient. In most cases you will get a 12 to 24 hour advance notice from the terminal to schedule pick up. They should identify themselves and for whom they are picking the vehicle up.

5. How does the entire process work?
   Once you place your order and submit paperwork, the transport of your vehicle will be scheduled according to the dates on your shipping order. After a truck has been assigned, you will receive a call from the driver or the terminal to schedule the pick up time and date. When the driver picks up your vehicle he will do a detailed inspection of your vehicle on the bill of lading. You both will sign it and you will receive and copy. The same bill of lading will be present on delivery so you can re-inspect the car. The driver should again call you 12 to 24 hours in advance to schedule an approximate time for delivery. It’s very unlikely that your car will be damaged–if damage should occur, please be sure to note it on the bill of lading and have the driver sign it. Claims cannot be processed by our insurance company if damage is not noted at time of delivery.

6. Can I put anything in my trunk?
   No, you are not allowed to have any personal belongings in your vehicle. It would not be covered by our insurance and is therefore not allowed.

7. How much notice is needed?
   Preferably, we would like to have paperwork in the office 2 to 3 weeks prior to the first available date of your shipment. If you do require an immediate pick up, in most cases we can accommodate this, since we have terminals in most major cities. Using a terminal, in most we can accommodate a pick up within 24 to 48 hours. You may also drop the vehicle at the terminal if the time frame for pick up is not convenient for you. With your vehicle being at the terminal, there is a good chance that it may be able to be worked into an existing load if something changed on that load, if this were the case delivery could still be less than 14 days even without sufficient notice.

8. What forms of payment are accepted?
   We are able to collect COD or certified funds either as a prepay or payable at the time of delivery. No deposit is required. Payment in full is required prior to unloading your vehicle. All certified checks shall be payable to NorthStar Auto Transport.

For a quick price quote, click here or contact North Star for more information.