FAQ and Terms & Conditions
- Q1. How much advance notice do I need to give when requesting my car hauling quote?
- Q2. How long will it take to ship my vehicle?
- Q3. What information do I need to provide in order to ship my vehicle?
- Q4. How do I need to prepare my vehicle for auto hauling transport?
- Q5. Is my vehicle insured by the transporter, and do I need to have my own personal insurance on it as well?
- Q6. How will I know that my vehicle is delivered in the same condition it was in, when it was loaded?
- Q7. What if there is damage done to my vehicle?
A1. It always helps to have a week notice if possible, but our car hauling companies will work with all of our clients to meet their needs.
A2. It typically takes 3-5 days to schedule the vehicle with its driver. However, it really depends on the location of the vehicle. Some areas in the US move more quickly than others. We will keep you posted throughout the entire automobile hauling process. Once the vehicle is loaded, it will take 7-10 days on a long transport, and 3-5 days on a short one. Hauling within the state normally has a next day delivery schedule.
A3. We need the vehicle description (Year, Make, Model, Color, VIN, Condition - Running/Non-running), origination information (Contact Name, address, phone#), destination information (Contact Name, address, phone), and the payment type.
A4. Please remove all personal items from the vehicle. (especially valuables) We suggest that you remove anything that is not permanently affixed to the vehicle. There should not be more than ¼ tank of fuel in the vehicle. Please have the exterior of the vehicle clean so that a proper inspection can be done. The key for the ignition and doors must be with the vehicle. If there are additional items that need to be shipped with the vehicle, you will need to contact Hat Creek first.
A5. Each driver is required to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. Hat Creek requires their drivers to carry a minimum of $100,000 in cargo insurance. Not to mention we are also bonded for additional insurance of $10,000. We do recommend that you carry your personal insurance on your vehicle for additional protection.
A6. The car hauling business transporter will do an origin inspection at the time of loading and you will need to review it, sign it, and date it. (ALWAYS TURN THE FORM OVER AND READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS ON THE BACK) The driver will give you a copy for your records. When the driver comes to deliver the vehicle, he will do another inspection (same as before), and you will need to look over the car again, review the inspection, sign and date it. MAKE SURE YOU MARK ANY DAMAGES YOU FIND ON THE BILL OF LADING AT DELIVERY BEFORE YOU SIGN OFF ON IT.
A7. You will need to note it on the bill of lading before you sign and date it. You will then have a Bill of Lading with the Origination customer (showing no damage), and one at the Destination customer (showing the noted damage). You will also need to take pictures of the damage. Please contact Hat Creek Carriers immediately. We will request both the origination bill of lading, destination bill of lading, and the photos taken. We will contact the driver and help you file a claim.
Terms & Conditions
The transport will not be responsible for any damages not resulting from negligence in car hauling.
1. The customer verifies this vehicle is free of contents.
2. No auto car hauling delivery time is guaranteed. All delivery dates and times are only estimates of normal deliveries (delays may occur). Transporter does not agree to haul shipment in time for any particular market or event and will not be responsible for loss, or damage occasioned by unavoidable delay. There are absolutely no guarantees made, expressed or implied, regarding times or dates.
3. No auto rental will be honored (for delays, damage or accidents).
4. The transporter will not be responsible for damage caused by leaking fluids (battery acids, brake systems, coolings systems, antifreeze solutions) industrial fallout and acts of God.
5. The transporter will not be responsible for damages caused by freezing of engine, cooling systems, and/or batteries.
6. The transporter will not be responsible for damage that results to the vehicle from tie downs breaking or tearing.
7. The customer is responsible for preparing the vehicle for hauling. All loose parts, fragile or protruding accessories, low hanging spoilers, etc., must be removed and properly secured. Any part of the vehicle that falls off during transport is the customers responsibility including damages caused by said part to any and all other vehicles involved.
8. The customer is responsible for completely disarming any alarm system installed in the vehicle. The customer must provide keys to any alarm system. In the event the car alarm sounds the transporter is required to silence the alarm by any means the transporter or driver deems reasonable and effective.
9. The transporter will not be responsible for any mechanical function damage to include engine, transmission, rear end, motor mounts, drive trains, wiring systems, cooling systems, window motors, radios, stereo systems, power steering, air bag, brake cable, or brake system, clutch cable or clutch engine tuning, vehicle computerized system, alarm systems, any switch alignment or suspension, etc. (anything that is mechanical or electrical).
10. The transporter will not be responsible for any exhaust system, mufflers, or tail pipes. No Exceptions.
11. The transporter will not be responsible for convertible tops that are loose, torn, or have visible wear. Due to the damage that an open trailer, wind, and weather can cause a convertible top, as a transporter, we highly recommend enclosed transportation. The transporter will not be responsible for vehicle boot cap, masks, bras, or any other type of canvas or material covering. Not responsible for damage to any broken glass such as rock chips, cracks, or broken windshields. No Exceptions.
12. The vehicle owner or the customer shall, in their absence, designate a person to act as their agent at the point of pick up and/or delivery, if for any reason they are unavailable.
13. The transporter will inform the customer at least 5 hours prior to delivery. It is the customer's responsibility to have the full payment when the transporter's driver arrives, if payment arrangements were made for the driver to collect on delivery. If the vehicle is located in a residence or place of business that is not accessible to a Tractor Trailer (75 feet in length) the customer agrees to meet the driver for pick up and/or delivery. No Exceptions.
14. All payments for transport must be in the form of a cashier's check, Money Order, Credit Card, or Cash. The customer agrees that if the payment cannot be made by such noted forms, the vehicle will be stored at the customer's expense. Should the customer be unable to accept delivery for any reason the vehicle will be placed in storage. Any and all storage and/or delivery charges will be the responsibility of the customer.
15. The customer agrees that should the vehicle become inoperative for any reason during the transport, whatever charges are incurred necessary to render the vehicle operative to either remove from or place it into the trailer will be added to the transportation charges. However, whenever possible the owner of the vehicle shall be notified of this situation prior to the expense being incurred to get authorization for said charges. When this is not possible the charge for getting the vehicle operative will be added to the transportation charges and must be paid by Cashier's Check, Money Order, Cash, or Credit Card. No Exceptions.
16. The customer agrees that their vehicle is insured and their insurance has primary responsibility.
17. All claims will be settled at actual costs.
18. The customer agrees that this is the only contract between the parties governing this transport and no other agreement or contract is in effect. No claims or legal action of any kind may be initiated against transporter's agents or the transport broker (if any). Claims for damage must be made to transporter.
19. Exceptions for damages must be noted on the Bill of Lading at time of delivery, a claim for damage not documented on Bill of Lading will not be honored. All claims must be made in writing within 15 (fifteen) days of delivery with a statement of specific damages claimed. All claims, subrogation, litigation, or legal action must have right of venue in the State of Texas, County of Taylor, in the Municipal Court. If any provision or part of this agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable , all other parts of this agreement remain in effect.