Glossary of Terms for the Auto Transport Industry

Auto Transport Glossary of Terms

Explore the Auto Transport Glossary of Terms for a comprehensive understanding of industry jargon.

Auto Transport Terminolgy

Welcome to our Auto Transport Glossary of Terms – your essential resource for navigating the intricate language of the vehicle shipping industry. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time shipper, delve into our comprehensive guide to gain a clear understanding of key terms and ensure a smooth journey through the world of auto transport.

Here’s a Comprehensive Car Shipping Glossary

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.