PROCEDURE & PRICING
We begin by recommending to every potential customer that you check our credentials before considering us as your transport partner.
We require only your written permission to begin scheduling a reliable carrier on your behalf.
Capitol does NOT require any credit card in advance. We will never ask you to sign a one-sided contract in our favor.
We will provide you options with carriers that we are happy to work with. The carrier will have full and current insurance, an active license and be industry rated 90% or higher. All of the carriers information and insurance will be e-mailed to you BEFORE the vehicle is picked up.
When we agree on a carrier ,Capitol will ask for a credit/debit card to authorize for the deposit. The authorization verifies the funds are available on the card and is our way of guaranteeing to our carrier that we will not be wasting their time or sending them on a wild goose chase.
The deposit is collected from the card ONLY when we have confirmation the vehicle has been loaded onto the carrier.
The carrier is paid in cash or with a cashiers check on delivery.
If you require an alternative method you can discuss this with Cat in accounting on 954 762 7919.
OPTION 1:
You can choose the quote we provide. This is based on years of experience, we price realistically to get your vehicle moved. We like to offer carriers a fair price that they will accept to move your vehicle for. Our quote should fall somewhere in the middle of all the prices you will receive. The low quotes are designed to relieve you of your credit card number asap. They have nothing to do with shipping your vehicle.
OPTION 2:
You can name your own price! We will offer a carrier your bid.Capitol will tell you how many vehicles available on your route and what prices you will be competing against. If no carrier on the route accepts your offer then you can choose to wait until a carrier is available for your price, or you can elect to offer a few more dollars to the carrier to see if that speeds up the dispatch process. The higher the bid to the carrier, the sooner the vehicle gets picked up. Alternatively, if time is on your side, you can offer a lower bid and see if you can save!
FAQ'S Click a question for an answer
1. How long does it take?
Page 1 We ask for a minimum of 3 to 4 days to source a reliable carrier. Unpoplular routes to and from remote locations will take longer to find a suitable carrier.
Typically, coast to coast takes 8-10 days from pickup i.e. CA to NY. North to South routes 4-6 days, i.e. MN to FL.
When we schedule a carrier , they will give us a more accurate estimate on your transit time .
Page 2 Carriers typically book close to the date when the vehicle is available for pick up. They usually don't book more than a week in advance of your ready date.
There are occasions when carriers with multiple trucks will commit to a booking several weeks in advance, but this is not the norm.
You really don't need to book your broker more than a couple of weeks of being ready.
Page 3 The carriers we work with are all fully licensed insured and carry about a million dollars of liability coverage and a minimum of $100,000 of cargo insurance per vehicle.
Capitol Auto Transport sends all of its clients the carrier's information, certificate of insurance, and proof of license by email before the vehicle is picked up.
Page 4 Open carrier transport does not protect your vehicle from the elements. This type of carrier can hold more vehicles on their truck and this lowers the cost of shipping. Most vehicles are transported this way .
Enclosed carrier transport protects your vehicle from the elements. In most cases enclosed transport will cost about $400 more than an open carrier. These companies have more experience with high-end vehicles. Vehicles with low clearance are generally transported this way as the trailers have lift gates, which eliminates any risk of damage.
Page 5 The carrier is responsible for all scheduling. You will be provided with the driver's dispatchers number and most times with the driver's cell phone.
If you have any problems contacting the carrier directly, we will be happy to assist you with any updates.
Page 6 Once your vehicle has been loaded onto the carrier, we will capture our fee on any credit or debit card you place on file with us.
The balance is then due the carrier directly in cash or a cashier's check on delivery of the vehicle.
If you need an alternate form of payment to this plan, please call Cat in accounting 954-762-7919 to discuss other options.
Page 7 The carrier will complete a vehicle inspection report on pick up and delivery. Any discrepancies in the condition of your vehicle should be noted on the Bill of Lading on delivery.
Standard industry procedure is to notify the carriers office immediately. Present the carrier with at least two estimates for repair and the carrier will determine if they will pay out of pocket for the damage or if you should file a claim with the carrier's insurance company.
As your broker we are happy to facilitate this process if necessary.
Page 8 Let us know in advance if you plan to transport any personal items in the vehicle. Usually, if it is less than 100 lbs in the trunk where it isn't visible it isn't a problem , but we need to tell the driver first. If you plan on more than that the driver will charge a fee of $100 - $250 and the items can not be in the front seat at all and must be below window level. (note: It is harder to find a driver to transport personal items because of weight restrictions, risk of fines, and they are not covered by their insurance to carry these items. ) It is at your own risk if you plan to transport your personal items in your vehicle.
Page 9 The carriers determine the rates in the transport industry.
As a broker, we offer a bid out to the carriers to transport your vehicle. If we offer too little to a carrier, they will not accept our vehicle.
Carriers choose the vehicles that pay the best and there is no shortage of vehicles to choose from.
Capitol Auto Transport only gets paid after your vehicle is picked up. We have nothing to gain by giving you an unrealistic cheap price just to earn your business.
Page 10 Any person over 18 years of age that you assign can meet the driver at pick up or delivery.
The carrier may have to be met at the nearest large parking area, so please consider that when assigning someone else to meet the driver on your behalf.
Please make sure it is someone you trust as they will have to sign the Bill of Lading ( Vehicle Inspection Report).
Page 11 This industry is unregulated and usually the best prices are given by the worst companies.
The cheap quote is quickly followed by a request for your credit card and possibly for you to sign a contract which locks you into 30 days with that broker and guarantees them their fee for just posting you on the national dispatch board.
Carriers choose the vehicles offering the most money and your vehicle will sit there until the money being offered to transport it is raised.
The broker already got paid and you now have a problem!
Page 12 Door to door service means as long as the truck can fit safely to the addresses provided for pickup and delivery, the driver can deliver there.
The driver makes the final decision on this.
If he can't go right to your door, he will arrange with the contact to meet at the nearest large parking lot, like a Walmart or shopping center.
2. How far in advance do I need to book?
3. Is my vehicle insured ?
4. Should I go open or enclosed transport?
5. Who do I contact for updates after pickup?
6. How and when do I pay?
7. What if my vehicle is damaged?
8. Can I transport my personal items in my vehicle?
9. How are prices determined?
10. Who needs to meet the driver at pickup and delivery?
11. Why shouldn't I go with the cheapest quote?
12. What is door to door service?
SERVICES
Door to Door Transport
Open and Enclosed Transport
Transport to and from Hawaii
Transport to and from Alaska
Military Discounts
International Shipping
Inoperable vehicles
Dealers, Corporate and Auctions
Motorcycle Transport
ZERO Up Front Fees
Reputable Carriers
Communication
Page 1 Door to door means, as long as the driver can safely and legally fit his truck into either the pick up or delivery location they will do so.
HGV restrictions, residential restrictions, narrow streets, overhanging trees that might damage vehicles, are all factors that determine if the carrier can meet you at the required location.
In cases where the carrier cannot get right to the desired location, the driver will coordinate meeting at a local car lot, WalMart etc.
Page 2 Open transport is the most common choice for people transporting their vehicles. This is how dealerships transport their new vehicles from the factory. It is a significantly more affordable option.
Enclosed transport is typically used for high-end vehicles. Enclosed transport offers extended ramps, lift gates and protection from the elements for low clearance vehicles that cannot be driven up the steeper ramps of a regular carrier. Enclosed transport is often with smaller trucks that offer a quicker service.
Page 3 Matsons navigation is our shipping partner when transporting vehicles to and from Hawaii. Due to our large volume of clients, we receive a $200 discount off the regular boat fee.
Capitol can organize the transport of your vehicle from anywhere in the country to the ports of Long Beach, CA, Oakland, CA, or Seattle, WA, to then be shipped onward to the port in Honolulu, HI. We can ship from several ports in the HI Islands to the same ports in the U.S.
Capitol can also have a carrier pick up the vehicle at the port stateside and bring it to your chosen destination.
Please contact Dakota or Cat for more information on shipping in and out of Hawaii.
Page 4 Capitol Auto Transport can assist with the transport of your vehicle to and from Alaska. All vehicles are transported between Seattle, WA and Anchorage, AK. We offer additional services to Eagle River,Palmer, Wasilla, Kenai, Soldotna, Fairbanks, Homer and Valdez.
Please contact Dakota or Cat for all your Alaskan transport needs.
Page 5 Capitol Auto Transport is proud to offer our military personnel, both past and present, a $25 discount off of our fee.
We will never take the discount off the fee the carrier makes. This can adversely affect them accepting the job.
Page 6 Capitol Auto Transport can assist you in shipping a vehicle from the USA to most major ports around the world. We offer both container and Ro-Ro services.
Please contact Andy or Cat for additional information. He will be more than happy to provide as much information as possible and answer all your questions.
Page 7 Inoperable vehicles require specialized carriers with a winch to be able to safely load and unload the vehicle on and off the trailer.
This service typically costs an extra $100-$150 in addition to the regular transport cost.
Please let us know if your vehicle does not roll, brake and steer.
Vehicles that neither roll or steer will require a flat bed or low-boy truck as well as the means to load and unload at pickup and delivery. Normally, cranes and forklift trucks are used.
Page 8 Capitol Auto Transport offers our dealers, collectors, auctions and corporate relocators a considerable discount off of our fee.
Establishing long term relationships based on trust is one of our goals here at Capitol.
We are more than happy to provide business references from some of the dealers and auctions we work with on a regular basis.
Why not give us a try?
Page 9 Capitol chooses to transport it's client's motorcycles using ENCLOSED transport only.
Regular open carriers have no designated spaces for bikes and they are generally chained to the steel frame of the trailer. This causes damage to the bike and, no doubt, unhappy customers.
By shipping enclosed, the bike is put on a lift gate, rolled into the trailer and safely strapped, not chained, to the inside the trailer.
Our bikes our delivered in a timely manner and in the same condition they departed in.
Please contact Ed from C.A.T for additional information.
Page 10 Capitol Auto Transport is only paid for it's services after your vehicle is picked up.
A credit/debit card is authorized the day before your vehicle is picked up to verify the funds are available.
The card is charged when we have confirmation your vehicle is safely loaded onto the carrier.
Beware brokers that ask for your credit card the second you book them. Charging the card immediately or charging your card when the vehicle is assigned to a carrier for pick up does NOT guarantee you that a truck will ever show up. It does, however, guarantee the phone sales rep earns his commission no matter what.
Do not worry, your credit card company will always support you with a refund as the broker failed to provide the service you hired them for.
Until your broker can name the carrier they would like to contract, proving they have done some work, DO NOT part with your card information.
Page 11 Our reputaion is all we have!
Capitol will NEVER knowingly hire a poor quality carrier just to make our fee. It's just not worth it to us.
The carriers we work with must have a MINIMUM 90% industry rating.
We check to make sure they have an active license and valid insurance before we consider working with them.
All of this information is e-mailed to our clients BEFORE their vehicle is picked up.
Page 12 Communication is the key!
Everyone here at Capitol is committed to being as available as possible for our clients.
If requested, Capitol will liase between the client and the carrier to facilitate a smooth experience.
Generally speaking, drivers are notoriously poor communicators. To compensate for this, Capitol will keep in contact with the carriers dispatch office ,as well as the driver, to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding pick up and delivery schedules.
CONTACT US
Thank you for your interest in our company. If you have any questions at all about transporting your vehicle please let us know, we will be happy to answer them.
Fill in our contact form and one of our representatives will
contact you asap.
1 877 461 1227 Toll Free
305 467 2534 Office
954 762 7919 Cat Direct.
capitolautotransport: Skype ID
capitolautotransport_hotmail.com: Email
capitolautotransport.dakota_gmail.com
352 505 2930: Dakota Skype
305 542 2276: Dakota Cell
capitolautotransport.cat_gmail.com
capitolautotransport.cathy_yahoo.com: Yahoo IM
DO'S & DON'TS
1. Take your time. None of us are going anywhere, this is what we do! Beware anyone in a hurry to book you immediately.
2. Do some research BEFORE making a decision. Check out every company on the Better Business Bureau. Look at the rating and the number of complaints received. This is always a good indicator of a company's performance.
3.Double check everyone on www.transportreviews.com. Get a feel for customer feedback. Good reviews are easy to fake, pay more attention to the bad ones. Beware green dots! This indicates the broker had to pay to get a five star review!
4.Avoid cheap prices, they do not exist. Our quote should fall in the middle to top of all the quotes you will receive. The ridiculously cheap quotes come from brokers very eager to get your credit card number right away. Your card will get charged right away. The broker gets his money and the car doesn't get shipped because the carriers won't accept cheap freight.
5.Be wary of guarnatees and promises. Trucks driving hundreds and thousands across the country are subject to delays caused by weather, breakdowns or otther customers not being ready for the truck. Anyone giving you prokises and guarantess is merely telling you what you want to hear to get the elusive credit card deposit.
6.Request the carriers information, proof of license and insurance from your broker.You want to know exactly who is contracted by the broker to transport your vehicle.
1. DO NOT Book with the cheapest price because it is the cheapest price. The best prices always seem to come from the worst companies.
2.Do not book with more than one company. If you do, you will create a bidding war where the opposing brokers will raise the price higher than the other company so they have the highest bid out to a carrier. This will artificially inflate your price. All brokers list our vehicles on centraldispatch.com. Carriers that see the same vehicle listed with multiple brokers will shy away from the load.
3.Never give your credit card number up front and never sign a contract. This will NOT be in your favor. Contracts often give the broker 30 days to ship your vehicle and should you wish to cancel, as the broker failed to perform, expect a cancelation fee!
4.DO NOT pay hidden fees, taxes and fuel surcharges, extra fees for insurance.THESE ARE REASONS TO EXTRACT MORE MONEY FROM THE CUSTOMER. They do not exist. Insurance is required by law and is standard for every carrier.
5.DO NOT ignore the Bill of Lading. This is the single most important document when transporting a vehicle. Please make sure your driver does a thorough vehicle inspection on pick up and delivery. In the unlikely event of damage, it is this document that holds the key to satisfaction should we need to claim on the carrier's insurance. We advise, if possible, to take pictures of the vehicle at pick up. The driver will be very careful around your vehicle, as he knows you have irrefutable proof of it's condition.