If your auto transport representative makes any promises, such as exact pick-up dates, be sure to get it in writing. After you sign your contract, your car transport company will ALWAYS refer you to the contract for any complaints you may have, including the cost to cancel your shipment. Be sure to review your contract carefully and look for details such as a clause that says there is no guaranteed pickup or delivery date. Even though most cars are delivered by car transport companies within the expected time frame, most will not guarantee a delivery date.
If your auto transport rep does promise something outside of the normal contract, you can ask for the following items to protect yourself, if appropriate:
Ask for a contract clause, in writing, that waives the cancellation fee if the car is not picked up by your car transport company within some number of days of the scheduled pickup date. If you cancel within the allotted window, expect to pay some fee, which may vary from $50 to $250. Although most cars are picked up on the scheduled date or within a few days of that date, a 1 or 2 week delay may occasionally happen (see post on Reasons for Auto Transport Delays to understand why). Your cancellation clause should allow for at least a week beyond the scheduled pickup date.
It is difficult for any car shipping company to promise a delivery date, however, if your car transport company offers a guarantee that covers a rental car, find out the cost of the guarantee, if any, and the maximum dollars per day covered.