F.A.Q.
Why should I use an auto transport broker?
Due to the high volume of automobiles being transported every day, it is very difficult for consumers to locate a carrier on their own. Auto transport brokers know exactly where the auto carriers are and what routes they cover and what their schedules look like. An auto transport broker has access to thousands of car carriers nationwide, and will make sure they get you the best possible deal. They will also verify that the vehicle carrier has the proper authority and insurance prior to your vehicle being shipped. Moreover, the auto shipping broker maintains communication with the carrier during the transport of the vehicle, which allows you, the customer, to relax during the process.
WHAT IS YOUR AUTO TRANSPORTATION SERVICE AREA?
Bumble Bee Auto Transport, LLC services the entire continental United States, which includes Alaska! If a truck can reach your area, no matter how remote, it is included.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I SCHEDULE THE TRANSPORT OF MY VEHICLE?
If possible, and in order to offer you the largest amount of options regarding the pickup and delivery dates, open or closed-car carriers, etc., it would be best to schedule your auto transport as early as possible; ideally a minimum of two to three weeks in advance .
But we also know that in life things happen and don’t always work out that way. Not to worry. We will still work with you to meet your needs. If it’s less than 2 weeks in advance, or even if it is just a few days in advance, give us a call at 360-970-7332 immediately, and we will do our best to get your vehicle transported to its destination in time.
Just keep in mind that under those circumstances you may have less flexibility when it comes to choosing the pickup and delivery dates. Cars can sometimes be picked up very quickly (even same day) – please be prepared!
Ready to schedule your shipment now?
Have you already received your quote? Ready to move on to the next step? Fill out our Schedule a Shipment form at your earliest convenience and we’ll be in touch shortly!
DO I NEED TO BE PRESENT WHEN THE CAR IS PICKED UP OR DELIVERED?
Yes, you or somebody you have designated will need to be present at pick-up and delivery.
HOW TO PREPARE VEHICLE FOR TRANSPORT?
1) Please lower antennas. Temporary antennas for cell phones, CB radios, ham radios should also be removed.
2) Please remove and store highway bypass transponders in a protective sleeve. If you cannot remove them, put them in a secure sleeve as these transponders may still detect your remote and send out signals to your device. We are not responsible for charges on the transponder while in transit.
3) Please remove any car covers (spare tire, grill covers)
4) Alarms should be turned off for transport. The drivers are not responsible for drained batteries resulting from an alarm that has not been turned off.
5) Please remove any racks that are not permanently attached to the car.
6)If the vehicle has any signs of fluid leaks, please notify us.
7) The battery must be secure in place.
8) The gas tank should have a minimum of 1/8 tank of fuel, but no more than 1/4 tank of fuel.
9) Please check your antifreeze levels if your car is going up north, to make sure they are not on empty.
WHO WILL DRIVE THE CAR ON AND OFF THE TRANSPORT VEHICLE?
Insurance rules require that the car be placed on the transport equipment by the transport driver.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN THE DRIVER KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR TO PICK UP YOUR CAR?
Usually, 24 hours in advance of the scheduled pickup day, you will be notified at what time the driver will get to your car pickup location. They will narrow down the time frame as close as they can. Allow a two-hour window.
You and the driver will walk around the car together and he will make notes on any existing damage on the vehicle. He will write down the odometer reading, the VIN number and license plate number and the state. This form is called a “Bill of Lading”. He will ask for your signature. This also allows the driver to move your vehicle across state line.
The driver will have that same Bill of Lading at the drop off destination, as well. This is for the person on the other side of the transport to review and disclose damage (if any), and to sign for the delivery.
After the Bill of Lading has been completed and you are satisfied, the driver will load your vehicle onto the trailer. Then he will secure your vehicle carefully to the trailer with straps.
Depending on the location of the drop off, the driver will notify the recipient of your car usually 24 hours in advance of the proposed drop off date, so they can meet him on arrival. Allow a two hour window for drop offs.
WHAT PERSONAL ITEMS MAY BE LEFT IN MY VEHICLE?
Please do not leave anything valuable in your vehicle. (Cell phones, radar detectors, garage door openers, E-Z Pass, removable radios, sunglasses).
The US D.O.T. prohibits the carrying of personal items on a truck licensed only for carrying automobiles. Stored personal items can increase the overall weight of your vehicle and could cause damage during transport.
If you are shipping within the U.S. the following applies: The Federal and State DOT regulations prohibit the transport of household items in vehicles being transported by auto carriers. Any items left are subject to removal by the DOT at inspection stations and may result in the driver being fined and delayed.
We prefer not to ship personal belongings inside a vehicle. Personal belongings that are inside the car at the time of transport are not insured. If you must put personal items (not household items) you must limit your items to less than 100 lbs. These items should be confined to the trunk. We do not recommend packing electronics, breakable items, cash or cash equivalents, jewelry, identifications, or items of great monetary or sentimental value.
If you do decide to place objects inside the vehicle, please keep them light and out of sight. Please remember these items are not insured, and we accept no liability for them.
IMPORTANT NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN THE VEHICLE CONTAIN: FIREARMS, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES OR CONTRABAND.
IS MY VEHICLE INSURED DURING THE TRANSPORTATION?
Yes, your vehicle will be insured during transport, and any damage caused by the carrier’s negligence or equipment failure will be covered by the auto shipping or car transport truck.
Auto shipping and car transport trucks by Federal law, carry a minimum of $1,000,000 public liability insurance.
In addition, Bumble Bee Auto Transport LLC., requires that each independent contractor’s insurance agency supplies us with a certificate of insurance naming Bumble Bee Auto Transport, LLC as an additional insured or certificate holder.
This certificate comes from the insurance agent’s office not from an independent contractor. The amount of cargo insurance depends on the size and type of their equipment. Any insurance deductible is paid by the independent contractor.
IS BUMBLE BEE AUTO TRANSPORT, LLC, LICENSED?
Bumble Bee Auto Transport LLC is authorized & licensed to operate as an Auto Transport Broker. The authority is granted by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Our MC # is 01008378 and our USDOT # is 3221670.
WHERE WILL MY VEHICLE BE PICKED UP?
Bumble Bee Auto Transport, LLC offers door-to-door service, which means the transport carrier will come to your house and put your vehicle on the truck in front of you. However, there are some circumstances that may prevent this.
Some major cities have tiny roads and trucks can’t drive on those small roads. Auto transport trucks can be as long as 72 feet. If the truck can’t get to your house, generally, the driver will contact you and ask to meet you in a nearby parking lot or a public place that the truck can fit in.
Many cities also prohibit large trucks from going down minor roads (such as suburban roads). This is generally the reason why you may need to meet the carrier’s driver in a parking lot or someplace else that the truck can fit in.
If your pick-up location is a military installation, you will need to meet your driver off site. Commercial vehicles have restricted entrance into these installations. Also, please keep in mind that the visitor area may be too small for a large carry to get into.
WILL MY VEHICLE BE DRIVEN?
Your vehicle will be driven by the transport driver to get it on and off the transport truck. The odometer readings should be noted at pickup and delivery of the vehicle. Any discrepancies will be noted and signed off by the driver on the condition report/Bill of Lading.
WILL MY VEHICLE STAY ON ONE TRUCK THE ENTIRE WAY?
Yes. Your vehicle will stay on one truck with the same driver for the duration of the trip unless something unforeseen happens to the original truck or driver (i.e.-a mechanical break- down, or illness)
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OPEN-CAR AND ENCLOSED-CAR CARRIER TRANSPORT?
Open-Car Carrier: Open-carrier transport means that your vehicle will be outdoors, on an open trailer, during transport and will be exposed to the elements. This is the most common and least expensive way to ship your vehicle. Other types of Open-Car carriers include: Flat Bed Trucks and Roll Back Trucks.
Enclosed-Car Carrier: These carriers store your vehicle inside the Car Carrier with the most protection available, away from outside forces and weather.
There is a great advantage in transporting a vehicle in an enclosed carrier versus an open carrier, especially for luxury and high-end vehicles, as it keeps the vehicle more protected.
Sports cars are also transported in enclosed trucks, because of the low clearance level they have from the ground.
When transported in enclosed carriers, the vehicles are protected against heat, snow, heavy rain, hail and other acts of Mother Nature. They are also protected against any flying objects, such as small rocks or debris, on the highways.
WILL ENCLOSED-CAR CARRIER TRANSPORT COST MORE THAN OPEN-CAR?
Yes, it will.
WHAT DOCUMENTS SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT BE INSIDE MY VEHICLE?
Any important documents should NOT be left inside the vehicle. No original title and vehicle registration should be left inside your car.
Check your glove compartment, center console, and door pockets to remove anything that is important to you or the car, before the driver comes to pick up your car.
HOW LONG WILL MY TRANSPORT TAKE?*
0-500 MILES 1-2 DAYS
501-1,000 MILES 2-3 DAYS
1,001-1,500 MILES 3-5 DAYS
1,501-2,000 MILES 4-7 DAYS
2,000-2,500 MILES 7-10 DAYS >
2,500 MILES 10-16 DAYS
The above listed durations of transportation are not guaranteed, due to the possibility of unforeseen circumstances related to weather, events or anything else that could impact the duration of the transport.
There are two major factors in determining how long your vehicle transport will take for delivery. First is the distance between pick-up and delivery. Typically, the longer the distance for the transport the longer it will take the driver to deliver the vehicle. In addition to the distance, the number of stops the driver will need to make along the way, will also play a factor in the delivery time.
There are State and Federal regulations that drivers must comply with. These regulations include restrictions on the daily drive time (a maximum of 11 hours) and weekly drive time the drivers can log as on-duty driving. Additionally, the drivers are required to conduct daily truck safety inspections and perform routine maintenance as needed.
WHAT FACTORS COULD DELAY THE PICKUP / DELIVERY OF MY VEHICLE?
Weather, holidays, pickup/delivery location, accessibility by road, and traffic conditions all factor into potential delays.
How and When do I pay for my vehicle transport?
Ask your representative about our different payment options. You can choose which option works best for you.
Door to Door service?
Yes, we offer door to door service. However, auto transport carriers can only deliver where it is legally possible and safe. Many residential areas have road restrictions as to the type of trucks that can deliver directly to your door. Further, car transport carriers are very careful in selecting which streets to drive on, to avoid hitting low hanging trees and other objects that could damage the cars they are hauling. This protects your vehicle and other loaded autos. Car transport carriers often look for a nearby parking lot, large enough for them to safely upload and unload autos.
What are the payment terms to transport my auto?
Bumble Bee Auto Transport accepts all major credit cards to secure a carrier to ship your auto. Deposits will only be charged once a carrier is dispatched to pick-up your auto; usually 24 hours prior to pickup. If there is a remaining balance due at delivery, you will pay the carrier directly via cash or certified check.
Does someone have to be there to receive my car?
Yes, the carrier will pick-up and deliver to whomever you designate, whether it is you, a friend, or a dealer. There is no “power of attorney” necessary. Someone 18 and over needs to be present at pickup and delivery, origin and destination, to sign the bill of inspection.
Is my car insured during transit?
Yes, your auto will be insured by the carrier assigned to your vehicle while in transit to its destination. All carriers carry both automobile and cargo insurance liability, which covers you in the event of an accident that causes damage to your car.
What happens if my car gets damaged?
If damage occurs, first it must be noted on the bill of inspection at delivery, and signed by you and the carrier. Take pictures. Having a camera on hand at delivery is important for proper documentation. Report all car damage issues to us within 24 hours after delivery.
Bumble Bee Auto Transport will provide the carrier’s insurance policy details to file a claim against their policy. We will assist you however we can to get the issue resolved.
How full should my gas tank be for shipment?
Your fuel tank needs to be approximately 1/8 full when you release it to the carrier. Slightly less than 1/4 full tank is fine. Carriers will charge extra if your car runs out of gas, so make sure there is enough gas to start and maneuver your auto.
Can I pack personal items in my auto for shipment?
We recommend you clean out the interior of your auto of unnecessary items prior to your car shipment. It protects both you and the carrier. There are some businesses that offer to load up 100 pounds of personal items, however we recommend you not load any personal items. The carrier will not be responsible for any damage or theft to personal items loaded in your vehicle while in transit.
IF WE FAILED TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION…
… or if you want to enquire about the cost and availability, please contact us through the form below or give us a call to speak with Keli – she will be glad to answer all your questions.