Edocs for for dealerships that do not have an account with us:

After you submit your order form, we will carefully review and process it. Once it's processed, we will send you a sales agreement document (Edocs) via email. This agreement will allow us to bill your dealership NET 30 days.

Accurate Ready Date:

It is crucial to have an accurate ready date since reserving a spot on a transport truck is similar to booking an airplane seat. Once the spot is reserved, it belongs to you and is paid for. Hence, it is essential to ensure that all the paperwork is checked, and the vehicle is in perfect condition ready to roll out the door before the given date.

We will search for a carrier:

Once all the necessary paperwork is completed (including Edocs if needed) and we receive confirmation of a ready date, we will begin the search for a qualified carrier who can transport your vehicle. We will ensure that the carrier has an available spot on their truck and is on the appropriate route.

Vette and assign a carrier:

After we have identified a qualified carrier, we will review their credentials, including their insurance, and assign them to transport your vehicle. It typically takes between 1 to 4 days from the date your vehicle is ready to get it assigned and picked up. However, there are many factors that can influence this timeline, such as the length of the trip and the commonness of the route. More obscure routes may take longer, and the weather can also have a significant impact on pick-up dates.

Preload Inspection with carrier:

Once a carrier arrives to the origin location they will conduct a preload inspection with the origin contact this is an important part of the process because the carrier will document any pre-existing blemishes or damages the vehicle has and notate them on the bill of lading (BOL) and/or take pictures.

It is not the driver's responsibility to report any pre-existing damage, but simply to document it on the BOL and/or in pictures.

Arrange delivery directly with the carrier:

Once the transport is in transit, the carrier should get in touch with you within 24 hours of the delivery. This will allow them to arrange the delivery with them directly.

Receive and inspect your vehicle

When you receive your vehicle after transportation, it's crucial to inspect it thoroughly for any damage that may have occurred while in transit. Although damages are rare, it's important to notate any damage on the bill of lading and/or take a video of the vehicle while the carrier is still present.

You must report any damages to Team Alex within 24 hours of receiving the vehicle.

Failing to report the damage within that time period will negate your ability to file a damage claim with the carrier's insurance.

No Night Drop Box Deliveries

The reason we cannot allow carriers to drop off vehicles after hours is that any damage caused during the delivery cannot be claimed unless it is inspected and noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) at the time of delivery. Therefore, we strongly advise carriers not to deliver vehicles after hours and leave the keys in a night Dropbox.

⚠️ Under no circumstances should you allow carriers, no matter their excuse, to leave a vehicle in the after-hours section. Doing so will forfeit your ability to file a damage claim should the vehicle become damaged in transit.

What is the Best Way to Reach Team Alex?

The transportation industry moves at lightning speed, and responding to customer requests for quotes and orders while coordinating shipments all over the US requires fast communication. That's why Team Alex has a dedicated texting platform for our customers, which allows them to reach one of our transport professionals.

Our customers love this texting feature because it enables them to ask questions, inquire about specific shipments, or request that we call them for more detailed discussions. This chat line is open during Business Hours

You can usually expect a reply within a minute for a question or a call within five minutes of requesting one. Give our live chat a try today and experience for yourself why our customers say we have some of the best response times in the vehicle shipping industry.

Dedicated Texting Number 954-933-8329

No Night Drop Box Deliveries

Carriers are instructed not to deliver vehicles after hours or leave the keys in the “Night Drop Box” when a dealership representative is unavailable to inspect and sign the Bill of Lading (BOL).

This guideline is essential for ensuring a clear chain of custody. Any potential damage during delivery can only be addressed if it is inspected and documented on the BOL at the time of delivery.

It is imperative that you do not agree with the carrier, regardless of the situation, to drop off the vehicle without it being inspected. Agreeing to this will waive your right to file a damage claim. The insurance company or the carrier may claim that no damage was present when the vehicle was delivered. Without an inspection conducted by a dealership representative at the time of delivery, there will be no evidence to prove that the damage did not occur after the vehicle was delivered.

What is and what is not covered by a carrier's insurance?

We want to ensure that you have complete peace of mind when it comes to shipping your vehicle with us. That's why we've made sure that all vehicles shipped through our service are covered by insurance. We have a stringent policy of requiring carriers to provide proof of cargo insurance, which is carefully verified by a 3rd party before assigning every vehicle to a transport truck.

It's important to note that the carrier's cargo insurance covers any damage that may occur due to the carrier's fault, such as driver negligence, accidents, mechanical failure, etc. However, it does not cover anything that insurance companies consider an "Act of God" like weather, flying debris, etc. In such cases, no other compensation can be offered other than the repair and/or replacement of the damaged vehicle.

In the unfortunate event of any damage, we have a dedicated team at ShipYourCarNow who will work closely with all parties involved to get the matter resolved as quickly as possible. We are committed to ensuring that your vehicle is transported safely and securely to its destination.

It is important to report any damages to Team Alex within 24 hours of delivery. Failure to report damages within 24-48 hours and to notate them on the BOL that is signed by both parties or documented by video while the carrier is still there will result in insurance companies not accepting a claim and damages not being paid.

What to do if there is damage

Avoid "NO LOAD FEES" by giving us a "First Available Ready Date.

Knowing when a vehicle is ready is crucial information when shipping a car. It often helps speed up pick-up if we see a day or so ahead, but we must be sure a vehicle is ready to go by the estimated date by ensuring:

• Financing &/or funds are clear

• Paperwork is correct

• Inspection is done and repairs made, if any

• All shipping info sent to Team-Alex

• Any last-minute detailing is complete

Finding a transport truck traveling along your specific route with an available spot for your vehicle can be challenging. This can take days, especially for more challenging routes. Therefore, your vehicle must be 100% ready when we get the green light to pick it up.

Services like Uber may spoil us, but it is unrealistic to believe that a transport truck on every street corner is heading in your exact direction. In fact, there are typically 15-20 cars waiting for rides for every available spot on a truck.

If a truck is dispatched to pick up your vehicle but is canceled en route or unavailable when it arrives, a no-load fee of 20% to 100% of the tariff may be charged. Like an airline ticket, you have bought your 'seat' on that truck once it is dispatched.

To avoid paying twice for transports, ensure your vehicle is 100% ready to ship on your ready-to-ship date before giving Team Alex the green light to pick it up.

Please note that when we ask, "Is it ready?" we mean, "Is it ready to roll onto a transport truck right now?" Anything less than an emphatic "YES!" means it's not yet ready.

What to Do if there is Damage

Damage is rare, and we take many steps to prevent it, but damage can happen during vehicle transport. For Team Alex, it happens only in about 2-3% of all transports, well below industry averages. Still, we understand it’s never easy to be part of that 2-3%.

If your vehicle experienced damage, it must be noted on the Bill of Lading (BOL) that is signed by a dealer representative and the carrier–regardless of weather conditions or time of day.

The BOL is a legally-binding document. Signing the BOL and inspection report without noting any damage verifies that you received the vehicle in satisfactory condition.

If there is damage, please do the following:

• Note damage on the BOL – be very specific on what and where damage is.

• Take pictures and/or videos while the carrier is still on site.

• Fill out the damage claim form that was provided to you in the "Transport Status Link and upload pics/videos.

• Submit the form and we will review your form and take the appropriate actions.

A Team Alex representative will review your submission and will follow up with you by the end of the following business day.

It is very important to to note any damages on the Bill of Lading (BOL), take photos or videos of the damages, and report them within 24 hours of delivery. Failure to do so will make it impossible to receive compensation for the damages. Please be sure to clearly label any damage and ensure that the BOL is signed by all involved parties. This is why unattended night drops are not permitted for vehicle deliveries.

If the carrier uses electronic BOLs, verify your BOL is in your email inbox before the driver leaves. Drivers may skim past the damage page, hoping you won’t mark it–insist they go back to the area to mark damage. If not possible, document the damage in pictures–with the driver present. A photo of the damage with the driver in it is almost as good as noting it on the BOL.

You must report any damages to Team Alex (NOT THE DEALERSHIP) within 24 hours of receiving the vehicle.

Failing to report the damage within that time period will negate your ability to file a damage claim with the carrier's insurance, and you will not be compensated for any damages.

Rest assured Team Alex and ShipYourCarNow’s internal damage team will work to get the damage resolved as quickly as possible for you by following a set of protocols required for insurance claims.

Possible delays once in route due to mechanical issues

98% of Team Alex's transports arrive safely and on time. However, mechanical breakdowns are an inherent risk and can cause delays for any transport company.

When you consider that transport trucks typically operate seven days a week and cover up to 400,000 miles per year, which makes mechanical failures inevitable, even for well-maintained trucks, sometimes, drivers must cancel transport due to an issue that is found during their pre-transport inspection, requiring immediate maintenance. Other times, breakdowns occur during transport.

The best-case scenario is to have a breakdown before picking up your vehicle, as breakdowns after your car is on the transport truck can cause longer delays. If your transport is canceled before loading, Team Alex can usually find another carrier quickly, and delays are relatively minor, but some routes take longer to find replacements.

Depending on the issue, a breakdown in transit may not be possible to assign to another carrier because they may not be able to remove vehicles, such as electrical or hydraulic issues. In these cases, we are at the mercy of the repair facility.

The good news is that carriers want to be up and running again quickly because their livelihood depends on it. Unless the repair is significant, trucks usually return on the road in a day or so.

No matter what happens, we will keep you informed of any changes, and you can always check the latest status of your order through the "Order Status Link".

Why does it take so long to get vehicles picked up?

For every available opening on a transport truck, there are 15-20 cars waiting for a ride. We’re all spoiled by Uber but believing there’s a transport truck waiting on every street corner is not only unrealistic, but the opposite is actually true. Demand for openings far exceeds supply, which is why it often takes a few days to find an opening.

As stated in our quotes, standard pickup is normally within 3-4 days from the ready-to-ship date and we always try for the fastest we can find. During that time, Team Alex uses all available means to find an opening for your vehicle heading in the exact direction you need.

Keep in mind, the more remote or difficult the route, the harder it can be to find an opening. The same goes for “special” transports (lifted, lowered, enclosed, add-ons, etc.). The more “special” the transport truck needed, the more time it usually takes to find a carrier that fits your specific needs.

Much as you would not expect to pay standard freight prices for an overnighted package, you also cannot expect expedited transport services at the standard rate.

We do the best we can for the fastest possible pickup and Team Alex will notify you when we assign your vehicle, so there is no need to check in every day for updates. Watch your email for a notice with estimated shipping dates and the carrier’s information.

Why can't we have a more precise time for pick-up or delivery?

Carriers often struggle to provide a precise time for pickup or delivery, as they must make multiple stops in a day, each with its own set of challenges. Even a small issue, such as losing keys at a dealership, can cause a delay of several hours. Moreover, factors like traffic, weather, road conditions, and vehicle maintenance can cause unanticipated delays. Due to these variables, it is nearly impossible for a carrier to give an accurate arrival time at a specific location.

Therefore, it is important to be empathetic and understanding if a carrier gives you a specific time but then needs to call back and inform you of a schedule change. The challenges carriers face can make it difficult to meet a specific timeline, and it is vital to recognize this.

At Team Alex, we believe that your time and your customer's time are valuable and should not be wasted by constantly checking for order status updates through phone calls, emails, and texts. Therefore, we have implemented a new system to simplify things for both dealerships and their customers. We have created unique links for each order: one for the dealership and another for the customer. These links contain tailored information for each viewer.

These links will provide you with the latest information on the order's status, including whether the vehicle has been assigned and the estimated pickup and delivery dates. You will also have access to the carrier's contact information. Once the vehicle is assigned to a truck, you will also receive the carrier's and driver's information.

Even though damage is rare in the unlikely event that damage occurs during the shipment of your order, we have included a hyperlink to our damage claims form.

Additionally, you can access the Team Alex Transport Portal (TOMS) to check the status of your order and other orders you've made. If you are a manager, you will have the ability to view all orders and quotes for your dealership, not just your own.

Shortly after we have processed your order, you and your customer will receive a "Transport Status Link". This link will provide you with the latest information about your transport, including status updates, estimated lead times, and contact details of the assigned carrier. Additionally, you will find links to FAQs relevant to your transport's current stage.

This tool is incredibly helpful as it saves you time and eliminates the need to make phone calls or send emails to get updates.

Can I Track my Vehicle During Transit?

The short answer is no. When you work with one of our 20,000 carriers to ship your vehicle, we do not have access to real-time GPS tracking for your vehicle, nor do we want it. Real-time tracking can cause delays for everyone's shipment because the driver will have to answer multiple calls daily from customers who micro-manage the shipment's progress, even when they are eating, sleeping, refueling, loading, or unloading other vehicles.

However, Team Alex tracks your vehicle during transit. We do this by reaching out to the carriers periodically to ensure that the shipment is still on track for the expected delivery date. We also provide you with the carrier's information, so you can get updates directly from them and make final delivery arrangements when the time comes.

We kindly ask that you be reasonable about contacting the carrier. The driver's primary function is to drive the truck, and multiple contacts a day from several people can distract them. Keep in mind that most carriers (and states) have policies against talking and/or texting while driving. If your driver or dispatcher does not answer, leave them a message and follow that up with a short text to reach you when they are able. Please include your name, Order ID, and your vehicle details in your message.

Team Alex provides you with a status link where you can get updates about your transport as we receive them. Please understand that not every transport will be updated every day. The longer the trip, the longer the time between check-ins usually. Any delays will be relayed to you as soon as we receive them. In the transport business, no news is usually good news.

Why do carriers frequently cancel before picking up a vehicle?

Cancellations, which sometimes result in re-assignments to a different carrier, occur in approximately 15-20% of transports and occasionally happen multiple times for a single transport. Please do not be alarmed if such a situation arises with your transport. This commonly occurs due to breakdowns, driver emergencies, or when the pre-trip inspection calls for maintenance to prevent a future breakdown.

In the case of a cancellation due to a breakdown, the best thing to hope for is that it happens before your vehicle is picked up. This is because breakdowns that occur after pickup usually create much longer delays.

Given that there are typically 15-20 vehicles waiting for rides for every available slot on a transporter, finding another opening can take some time, especially on difficult routes. However, in most cases, a replacement carrier is assigned quickly and has little to no impact on you.

We use the word “estimated” when describing pickup or delivery times because numerous factors can affect shipments. However, when changes occur, we work to keep the new dates as close to the original ones as possible and ensure that you are informed of any changes as soon as we learn of them. You can rest assured that we always work diligently to make your transport as smooth as possible for you.

Why aren't the pickup and delivery dates guaranteed?

Although the majority of transports arrive on schedule without a hitch, it is impossible to guarantee the transport dates due to many potential challenges that may arise between the pickup and delivery sites. A flat tire or breakdown could cause hours of delay for service or towing, while bad traffic, storms, weather, and construction can also lead to common delays. To protect your vehicle, smart drivers won't take unnecessary risks. Therefore, we recommend that you maintain as much flexibility as possible to account for potential delays.

Understanding False Positives in Vehicle Crash Detectors

These devices are crucial in alerting emergency services and providing valuable data in the event of a collision.

Vehicle crash detectors are sophisticated electronic systems designed to monitor the dynamics of a vehicle and detect sudden changes that indicate a crash. They rely on a combination of sensors, algorithms, and data analysis to accurately identify a collision. The most common sensors used in crash detectors include accelerometers, gyroscopes, and GPS receivers.

When a vehicle experiences a collision, these sensors detect the abrupt changes in acceleration, rotation, and position. The data collected by the sensors is then processed by the onboard computer, which analyzes the patterns and determines if a crash has occurred. If a crash is detected, the detector triggers a series of actions, such as deploying airbags, activating emergency lights, and notifying emergency services.

False positives in vehicle crash detectors - what are they?

False positives occur when a crash detector incorrectly identifies a non-crash event as a collision. This can happen for various reasons, such as sudden braking, driving over a speed bump, hitting a pothole, or even a minor collision with a stationary object. False positives can also be triggered by external factors, like extreme weather conditions or electromagnetic interference.

Common causes of false positives

It is not uncommon for vehicle crash detectors to give false positives due to various factors, with sensor sensitivity being one of the most common reasons. Overly sensitive sensors can recognize minor occurrences as accidents, while sensors that are not sensitive enough may fail to detect genuine collisions.

For instance, when a vehicle is being transported on a trailer and the sensor detects movement, even though the wheels are not turning, it can trigger a false positive. Similarly, when vehicles are on the ramp of a trailer at a steep incline and bouncing, it can also cause a false positive in the crash detector.

In recent years, we have received numerous reports of crashes involving vehicles in transport trailers, but upon investigation, we found that no such incidents had occurred. In many cases, it was simply a matter of a car bouncing around on a trailer without the wheels moving.

Another cause of false positives is the complexity of the algorithms used to analyze the sensor data. The algorithms need to strike a delicate balance between sensitivity and specificity to accurately identify crashes while minimizing false positives. Designing and fine-tuning these algorithms is a challenging task, as they need to account for a wide range of driving scenarios and environmental conditions.

External factors, such as road conditions, weather conditions, and electromagnetic interference, can also contribute to false positives. For example, a sudden jolt caused by driving over a bump or hitting a pothole can generate acceleration spikes that mimic a crash. Similarly, strong electromagnetic fields near power lines or radio towers can interfere with the sensors and trigger false positives.

Why do carriers frequently cancel before picking up a vehicle?

Cancellations, which sometimes result in re-assignments to a different carrier, occur in approximately 15-20% of transports and occasionally happen multiple times for a single transport. Please do not be alarmed if such a situation arises with your transport. This commonly occurs due to breakdowns, driver emergencies, or when the pre-trip inspection calls for maintenance to prevent a future breakdown.

In the case of a cancellation due to a breakdown, the best thing to hope for is that it happens before your vehicle is picked up. This is because breakdowns that occur after pickup usually create much longer delays.

Given that there are typically 15-20 vehicles waiting for rides for every available slot on a transporter, finding another opening can take some time, especially on difficult routes. However, in most cases, a replacement carrier is assigned quickly and has little to no impact on you.

We use the word “estimated” when describing pickup or delivery times because numerous factors can affect shipments. However, when changes occur, we work to keep the new dates as close to the original ones as possible and ensure that you are informed of any changes as soon as we learn of them. You can rest assured that we always work diligently to make your transport as smooth as possible for you.

Shipping Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles (EVs) are commonly 1,000 pounds heavier than traditional combustion engine vehicles. This means that shipping EVs requires higher rates due to their added weight. For vehicle transporters, an additional half-ton of weight per electric vehicle means lower gas mileage and possibly fewer vehicles on their trailer to avoid exceeding DOT weight limits.

To ensure a smooth shipping process, make sure to list all loose contents, including chargers, extra keys, or any specialty items that are not part of the vehicle itself, on the Bill of Lading or BOL.

When shipping an EV overseas, it's essential to note that the vehicle charge must be between 45% and 55%. If the charge level is outside this range, the port will refuse to accept the vehicle. Maritime regulations regarding fuel and charge levels are very strict, so it's crucial to ensure that your EV is within the specified range.

Team Alex is committed to keeping customers informed about the latest trends in the vehicle shipping industry and helping them understand the ins and outs of shipping EVs.

When do I need Enclosed vs. Open Shipping?

Team Alex recommends using enclosed carriers to transport vehicles according to transportation industry standards. It is best to opt for enclosed carriers if the vehicle has an insurable value over $100,000 or a ground clearance under 4.5". This is especially important for soft-top convertibles on long trips.

Vehicles valued over $100,000 would be severely under-insured if shipped on open carriers. The average reputable 9-car open hauler carries $250,000 to $350,000 in cargo insurance while Level II enclosed carriers typically carry $500,000 to $1 million.

For vehicles with ground clearance under 4.5", the risk of undercarriage damage is too great during loading and unloading on an open carrier. If the ground clearance is under 4", very few open carriers are equipped to handle such vehicles.

A transport company that ships a vehicle with less than 4" clearance or over $100,000 without recommending an enclosed carrier is not acting in the best interests of their customer.

At Team Alex, we understand that choosing the right carrier is critical to minimizing risks during shipping. You can always count on Team Alex as your shipping professionals.

What is a BOL (Bill of Lading)?

The bill of lading (BOL) is an essential document in the auto shipping industry. It serves as a receipt of shipment, an inspection report, a terms and conditions sheet, and a dispatch report. Let's break it down.

Firstly, the auto transport bill of lading records that your vehicle has been shipped. It contains the name of the shipping company, their relevant information and the amount you paid for shipment.

Secondly, it acts as an inspection report. Both you and the driver should inspect the vehicle at pickup and delivery. During pickup, any damage should be noted, and during delivery, any new damage should be noted as well. These inspections will help you file a damage claim if necessary. Without them, you won't be able to file a claim.

Thirdly, it lists the carrier's terms and conditions that must be followed for your vehicle to be picked up. Although most terms and conditions are standard, you should read them carefully, as the wording may vary depending on the company.

Lastly, it acts as a dispatch report by providing the pickup and delivery addresses, vehicle type, and any additional information about your shipment.

Electronic BOL

It's common for carriers to use an electronic Bill of Lading (BOL) when picking up or delivering a vehicle. If your carrier uses an online BOL, make sure that you receive a copy of it in your email inbox before the driver loads or unloads the vehicle. Some BOL apps may not send a copy of the BOL to the pickup or delivery contact, despite indicating that it was done.

If you notice any damage during a delivery walk-around, ensure that the driver notes it in the damage section of the BOL. Sometimes, drivers may skip past the damage page, hoping that you won't mark it. If that's not possible, take pictures of the damage with the driver present. A photo of the damage with the driver in it is almost as good as noting it on the BOL and can make a difference when filing a damage claim. Don't forget to contact Team Alex immediately if you find any damage.