Auto Transport Glossary of Terms

A

• Advanced Charges:
  • Definition: Charges for services performed by someone other than the carrier, added to the bill of lading.
• Auto Transport:
  • Definition: The process of moving vehicles from one location to another.
• Agent:
  • Definition: A representative who acts on behalf of the shipper or carrier in arranging car shipping.
• Auxiliary Service (Shuttle):
  • Definition: A service considered in case the assigned car carrier is unable to make a normal pickup/delivery due to physical constraints, requiring a smaller vehicle.

B

• Bill of Lading (BOL):
  • Definition: A legal document issued by the carrier that acknowledges receipt of the vehicle for shipment and outlines the terms and conditions of transportation.
• Boat Transport:
  • Definition: The transport of boats on specialized carriers, often arranged by auto transport companies.

C

• Car Carrier:
  • Definition: A specialized ship or truck designed to transport vehicles.
• Car Protection:
  • Definition: Measures taken to protect the vehicle during transport, such as enclosed trailers, insurance coverage, and tie-downs.
• Car Shipping Calculator:
  • Definition: An online calculator that allows customers to estimate their shipping costs.
• Containerized Shipping:
  • Definition: A method of shipping vehicles in enclosed metal containers.
• Consignee:
  • Definition: The person or company receiving the shipped vehicle.
• Claim (or a Damage claim):
  • Definition: Shipper’s statement of loss or damage to their vehicle while it was in the care of the carrier or its agent.
• Collect on Delivery (COD):
  • Definition: Shipments where the customer pays shipment charges at the time of delivery.
• Cut-off Time:
  • Definition: This term denotes the absolute latest possible time a shipment can be delivered to its final destination.

D

• Delivery Estimate:
  • Definition: An approximate timeframe within which the vehicle is expected to arrive.
• Dealership Auto Transport:
  • Definition: Specialized shipping services tailored to accommodate dealership requirements.
• Delivery Network:
  • Definition: The trucks, ships, and railroads comprising the automobile transport system.
• Diversion:
  • Definition: Changing the route for a shipment while in transit.
• Door-to-Door Service:
  • Definition: A shipping service that includes pickup and delivery of the vehicle at the specified locations.
• Door-To-Door Auto Shipping:
  • Definition: A type of transport service when your vehicle is picked up from your residence or business address and delivered exactly to your new address.
• Department of Transportation (DOT/USDOT):
  • Definition: The government entity overseeing federal transportation functions.

E

• Enclosed Trailer:
  • Definition: A trailer with walls and a roof that protects the vehicle from the elements.
• En Route:
  • Definition: The vehicle has left the pickup address and is on the way to the delivery address.
• Estimated Delivery Date:
  • Definition: The specific date the vehicle is expected to arrive.
• Expedited Shipping:
  • Definition: A service that prioritizes the transport and delivery of the vehicle for an additional fee.
• FMCSA:
  • Definition: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; regulates laws and provides information for automobile logistics.

F

• Free and Clear Title:
  • Definition: A title proving the vehicle is free from any liens or encumbrances.
• Freight Broker:
  • Definition: An intermediary who arranges car shipping on behalf of the customer.
• Full-Truckload (FTL):
  • Definition: A shipment that takes up the entire capacity of a transport truck.

I

• Inoperable Vehicle:
  • Definition: A vehicle that cannot be driven under its own power.
• Inspection:
  • Definition: A pre-shipment examination of the vehicle to document any existing damage.
• Insurance:
  • Definition: Coverage that protects the vehicle against damage or loss during transport.

L

• Lien:
  • Definition: A legal claim against the vehicle that grants the creditor the right to seize it if the debt is not paid.
• Loading:
  • Definition: The process of securing the vehicle onto the transport truck or ship.

M

• Motorcycle Shipping:
  • Definition: Specialized enclosed trailers for safe motorcycle transport.

N

• New/Finished Vehicle Logistics:
  • Definition: Used to describe management, planning, and shipping services for automobile transport for manufacturers and others in the auto industry.

O

• Open Carrier:
  • Definition: A trailer without walls or a roof, exposing the vehicle to the elements.
• P.O.D.:
  • Definition: Proof of Delivery; shows the receipt of auto shipment.

P

• Pickup Date:
  • Definition: The date the vehicle will be picked up for transport.
• Port-to-Port:
  • Definition: A shipping service that includes transport of the vehicle between designated ports.
• Power of Attorney (POA):
  • Definition: A legal document authorizing another person to act on your behalf in car shipping matters.
• Quote:
  • Definition: An estimate of the cost to ship the vehicle.

R

• Ramp:
  • Definition: A platform used for loading and unloading vehicles onto the transport truck or ship.
• Registration:
  • Definition: Required documentation proving ownership of the vehicle.
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo):
  • Definition: A method of loading vehicles onto a ship by driving them on and off via ramps.
• Route:
  • Definition: The planned path the transport truck or ship will take to reach the destination.

S

• Shipper:
  • Definition: The person or company sending the vehicle.
• Shipping Cost:
  • Definition: The total cost of transporting the vehicle, including transportation fees, insurance, and taxes.
• Single Vehicle Shipping:
  • Definition: A term used to denote the delivery of a single automobile from one destination to another.

T

• Terminal:
  • Definition: A designated facility where vehicles are received, stored, and loaded onto transport trucks or ships.
• Terminal-to-Terminal:
  • Definition: Used by high-volume auto transport companies, a cheaper way to transport your vehicle between terminals.
• Tracking:
  • Definition: Following an auto shipment throughout its delivery process.
• Transport Truck:
  • Definition: A truck with a special trailer designed to carry vehicles.
• Transit Time:
  • Definition: The estimated time it will take to transport the vehicle from pickup to delivery.

U

• Unloading:
  • Definition: The process of removing the vehicle from the transport truck or ship.

V

• Vehicle Inspection Report:
  • Definition: A document that details the condition of the vehicle before and after transport.
• Vehicle Logistics Company:
  • Definition: Specialized service provider with the capacity to plan and manage auto transport services.
• Vehicle Shipping:
  • Definition: The transport or delivery of a vehicle.
• Vehicle Transport:
  • Definition: The process of physically shipping a car.

W

• Weight Certificate:
  • Definition: A document verifying the weight of the vehicle, often required by car shipping companies.

Additional Terms:

• Bill of Sale: A legal document transferring ownership of the vehicle.
• Bonded Carrier: A transport company authorized to handle bonded cargo, typically used for international shipments.
• Car Hauler: Another term for a car carrier truck.
• Deadhead: The empty return trip of a transport truck after delivering a vehicle.
• Drop-off: The location where the vehicle will be delivered.
• Escrow: A financial arrangement where a third party holds funds until certain conditions are met, sometimes used in car shipping transactions.
• Hot Shot: A specialized transport service for high-value or urgent shipments.
• Multi-Car Shipping: The transport of multiple vehicles on the same shipment.