Often times, shipping any vehicle, whether that be a luxury car, a classic or one belonging to your family is no easy task, considering all the moving parts involved. Many customers worry about the deposit when booking a vehicle shipment: “Can I delay shipping and still keep my deposit?” It’s certainly a concern. It can cause a delay if your plans change or something else happens. Luckily, there’s a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to car shipping by a company like 1st Car Shipping. However, this strongly depends on the stipulations of the specific car shipping company.
This is how vehicle shipping deposits work, what can affect your ability to delay shipping, and how to avoid losing your deposit. When you understand these factors, you will do a good job of figuring out your shipping options.
1. How Shipping Vehicles’ Deposit Works
Motor vehicle shipping usually requires a deposit during your booking. Your deposit reserves a place in the shipping schedule and commits the company to transport your automobile. Nonetheless, the clauses concerning deposits, including whether they are refundable/transferrable if there is a delay, can differ from one company to another.
Amount To Be Deposited & Terms
The majority of automobile shipping service providers will ask for a 10% to20% deposit when getting booked. The amount is essentially a confirmation of your reservation. It is a part of the total shipping fee.
Refundable Deposits: After booking, some companies will allow you to refund the deposit if you cancel booking within 24-48 hours. There is generally a short timeframe before they will start assigning carriers to shipment.
Car shipping companies may ask for non-refundable deposits, especially if you require premium or expedited services. This helps the service provider made investments to handle your cargo and therefore it will not plan with it.
When thinking of postponing or canceling shipment, it’s important to understand what type of deposit structure is in place.
2. Is it possible to postpone shipping without forfeiting my deposit?
A lot depends on the car shipping company policy if you can postpone shipping without losing your deposit. Nonetheless, several companies, including 1st Car Shipping, offer flexibility subject to certain conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide on dealing with delays and ensuring you do not lose your deposit.
Step number one is to review the company’s cancellation and delay policy
Prior to booking always inquire with the company about their delay cancellation policies. Well-respected companies will clearly outline their terms in relation to delays in your deposit. Some policy may include
Rescheduling with Notice: Some auto transport business allows you to evolve your schedule if you inform ahead of time. Usually, giving more than 48-72 hours notice can help you reschedule without penalty. The nearer your pickup date gets, the more likely that a fee will be charged or a deposit lost.
Canceling for a Refund: Most companies allow you to cancel with a full or partial refund if you do so by a certain time (usually within a few days of booking). If you need to cancel altogether, please try this.
When you know the policies, you can control expectations and not lose your deposit if plans change.
Step two is to communicate quickly and clearly
Delay your shipment, it is important to communicate. Notify the company right away of a delay, and give a proper explanation. Many companies like 1st Car Shipping would be happy to do what it takes to get your car shipped.
If possible, give them a new shipping window that works for you. The deposit will not be affected since some businesses could change their timetable and adjust to the delay.
Talk it out with customer service. Customer service can often offer a more flexible option if a clear conversation is opened. If you explain to the company what your case is like a change in your schedule, an emergency, or other delays, they may be more flexible about rescheduling the event and your deposit remains intact.
Request to Reschedule, not to Cancel
If you’re aware of the dates when your vehicle will be shipped, it worth asking the company to re-schedule your transport instead of cancelling it outright. 1st car shipping and other companies allow readers to reschedule the shipment delivery date at their convenience.
Some companies may allow you to reschedule without a fee if the new date is available. If, however, the new date falls within peak shipping periods (e.g. holiday season), you may pay a small fee or adjust the initial deposit.
By postponing, you can often maintain your deposit and only pay the difference in price based on the new shipping schedule.
Step 4: Learn About the Effect of Last-Minute Changes
Delaying or cancelling your shipment at the last hour can have a higher impact on your deposit. The majority of companies will charge fees for last-minute requests or cancellations because it can be difficult for them to make changes so close to pickup.
If there is a delay that is very near your pick-up dates, you may incur a late fee and/or lose your deposit altogether.
Carriers availability: Last-minute changes could impact the availability of the carrier if you are shipping your vehicle at peak times. The firm could have to designate various drivers or modify their schedule which may lead to logistical problems and may delay your refund.
Being aware that the nearer your pickup date the lesser flexibility you will have to reschedule can help you mitigate penalty costs.
3. What should I do to retain my deposit?
– Here are some tips to not lose your deposit for delaying shipments.
Plan your vehicle shipment ahead of time, wherever possible. It enables you to postpone if need be without losing your deposit.
Carefully read the terms concerning deposit, cancellation and delay before making the reservation (booking). Make sure you know when you can cancel or change your booking without charge.
Inform the shipping company about the delay at the earliest to avoid problems. The sooner you tell them you won’t make it, the better their service will be.
If possible, reschedule instead of cancelling. Your deposit is typically untouched and does not incur extra fee.
4. What Makes 1st Car Shipping Worth Choosing?
At 1st Car Shipping, we understand plans change and want to give our customers the most flexible options. We’ve created the service to conveniently serve you.
Feel free to reschedule as we can adjust accordingly after you inform us of your new timeline.
Your downtime is worth millions to your company, and we want to reduce your downtime. We clarify each of your doubts!
Our terms and conditions outlined clearly so that you know what is in store for you regarding deposit and cancellation.
1st Car Shipping will help you in the shipping process for peace of mind. We will ensure everything goes according to plan, even if your plans change.
5. In the end
To summarize, delays in vehicle shipment with no forfeiture of your deposit can happen as long you contact the company early and follow its policy. When you select a dependable company like 1st Car Shipping you are able to reschedule for free. To avoid complications, check the terms beforehand, make your payments without restriction, and ship your work on time. Contact 1st Car Shipping now to arrange your shipment and rest assured that we will partner with you to make your transport needs as effortless as possible!
