Buyer's Guide
What to Ask Before You Book Your Shipment
A short conversation before you book can save you from surprises later, but only if you ask the right questions. Many shippers only think to ask about price, when several other details matter just as much for a smooth experience. Use this list as a starting point when comparing brokers or confirming details with the one you've chosen.
Ask how they operate as a broker
Start by confirming that you understand the company's role: are they a broker who coordinates your shipment through independent carriers, and if so, how do they select the carrier for your specific vehicle? A broker should be able to explain this process clearly, including what happens if the first carrier assigned to your load falls through for any reason.
Ask what's included in your quoted price
Get clarity on what the quoted number actually covers and whether it's subject to change once a carrier is assigned. Ask specifically about the payment structure, including what's due at each stage and what the cancellation terms are, and get this confirmed in your written quote rather than relying on a verbal answer alone.
Ask about realistic timing
Rather than asking for an exact delivery date, ask what a realistic window looks like for your specific route given current conditions, and what factors could affect it. A broker who gives you a range and explains the variables, like distance, weather, and carrier scheduling, is giving you a more useful answer than one who promises an exact day with certainty.
Ask how the pickup and delivery process works
Confirm what to expect on pickup and delivery day, including how much notice you'll get before the truck arrives, what the inspection process looks like, and what paperwork you'll need to sign. If you can't be present personally, ask what the process is for having someone else handle it on your behalf.
Ask about their carrier vetting process
Ask what steps are taken before a carrier is assigned to your shipment, and how the broker addresses any issues that come up with a specific carrier. You're not looking for a sales pitch here, just a clear, specific answer about their actual process.
Ask what happens if something goes wrong
Ask directly what the process looks like if your vehicle is damaged during transit, if a pickup or delivery is significantly delayed, or if you have any other issue with the shipment. A broker who has a clear, calm answer for this question, rather than deflecting it, is signaling that they've thought through their own accountability.
Ask about communication during the shipment
Find out how you'll be kept informed once your vehicle is picked up, whether that's a phone call, text updates, or a tracking tool, and who to contact if you have a question mid-transit. Knowing this in advance means you won't be left wondering who to call if something feels off during the trip.
Ask for everything in writing
Before you finalize your booking, ask for a written summary of everything discussed: the price, the payment terms, the pickup and delivery details, and the equipment type. This isn't about distrust; it's simply good practice, and any broker confident in their process will provide it without hesitation.
When you are ready, request a written quote or contact us with questions about your specific vehicle and route.
Velocity Auto Transport Group LLC is an auto transport brokerage. We arrange vehicle transportation through qualified motor carriers and coordinate your shipment from quote to delivery — the carrier assigned to your vehicle operates the truck.
Checklist
Work through this before pickup day
- How do you select the carrier for my vehicle?: Understand the matching process.
- What exactly does this price include?: And what could cause it to change?
- What's a realistic timing window for my route?: Ask for a range and the reasoning behind it.
- What does the pickup and delivery process involve?: Notice, inspection, and paperwork expectations.
- How are carriers vetted before assignment?: Ask for specifics, not a general assurance.
- What's the process if something goes wrong?: Damage, delays, or other issues.
- How will I be kept informed during transit?: Confirm the communication method and contact point.
- Can I get all of this in writing?: A written summary before you finalize booking.
Questions
Common questions
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Tell us the route, the vehicle and its condition. We review current carrier-market conditions for that lane and come back with a quote we can actually stand behind.