Affiliated Auto Transporters, Inc.

This company provides three levels of service to clients. The silver service level allows the company 14 days to locate a shipper and pick up your vehicle. The second service level is the Gold, and the third is Platinum. The company contends customers are under no obligation to upgrade service levels. With a service upgrade, additional money is offered to the trucking company as an incentive to accept the job. It is up to the customer to decide if additional fees paid offset inconveniences of shipping delays. Platinum level customers are promised a pick-up within 6 days, or they are entitled to a $100 refund, and maintain platinum service until a shipper is found. The company's cancellation policy should be closely reviewed. Customers who cancel their shipping order for any reason after the twenty four hour cooling off period, are actually agreeing to forfeit the amount of the deposit.

This company cannot guarantee most aspects of services provided, because they are not directly offering the service. This company has broker authority to arrange auto shipping, but does not actually move or transport your vehicle themselves. The actual shipping will be sub-contracted to a third party.

Although the broker may legally be liable for any loss or damage you suffer, they will probably refer you to the actual transporter for recourse. The transporter may be reluctant to accept responsibility for the damages. Either way, unless you are dealing with a reputable company, you will probably find it extremely difficult to collect for your damages.

Before contracting with an auto shipping company, we routinely caution consumers to be familiar with company policies concerning delivery dates, insurance claims, and driver screening. Some auto transport firms do not clearly disclose that they act as brokers only, or that actual shipping of the auto is contracted to another company. Insist on knowing who will be shipping your vehicle, and how to contact them. We recommend checking with your own insurance company in advance to see if your policy will cover any damages resulting from the shipment. If not, you may be able to purchase a short-term policy that will cover these costs. You should also remove all personal possessions from your car before it is picked up for shipment.