Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about shipping your car to college with UniHaulers
Booking & Payment
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 2-4 weeks before your desired pickup date, especially during peak move-in season (late July - early September). This gives us time to schedule the best carrier and ensure your preferred timeline. Last-minute bookings (within 1 week) may be subject to availability and possible rush fees.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover) and debit cards through our secure Stripe payment system. You pay 50% deposit when booking online, and the remaining 50% is charged automatically upon successful delivery. We do not accept cash, checks, or wire transfers.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
You can cancel up to 48 hours before your scheduled pickup for a full refund of your deposit, minus a $50 administrative fee. Cancellations within 48 hours of pickup forfeit 50% of the deposit. If the carrier is already en route (within 24 hours), the deposit is non-refundable. If WE cancel or cannot fulfill your booking, you receive a 100% refund with no fees.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. The price you see at checkout is the total price you pay - period. This includes insurance, door-to-hub service, up to 100lbs of storage in your vehicle, and delivery tracking. The only additional charges possible are: (1) oversized vehicles over 84" height ($200), (2) enclosed transport upgrade ($400), or (3) expedited service within 7 days ($150). These are clearly labeled during booking.
Insurance & Safety
What insurance coverage is included?
Every shipment includes $1 million carrier liability insurance at no extra cost. This covers damage to your vehicle during transit, loading, and unloading. The insurance is provided by the licensed carrier and is standard industry coverage. You will receive a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate before pickup. Your personal auto insurance remains primary for comprehensive coverage.
What happens if my car is damaged during shipping?
Before pickup, the carrier performs a detailed vehicle inspection and documents any existing damage with photos. Upon delivery, you inspect the vehicle with the driver and note any new damage on the Bill of Lading. If damage occurred during transit, you file a claim directly with the carrier's insurance within 48 hours. We assist with the claims process and advocate on your behalf. Most claims are resolved within 30 days.
How do you vet your carriers?
We only work with carriers who have: (1) Active USDOT and MC numbers, (2) $1M+ liability insurance, (3) Minimum 4.0 SafeStat rating, (4) 2+ years of experience, (5) Clean safety records verified through FMCSA database. We personally inspect carrier equipment and re-verify credentials quarterly. Carriers who receive damage claims or complaints are immediately removed from our network.
Pickup & Delivery
Where exactly do you pick up my car?
We pick up from designated hub locations in your departure city - NOT from your home driveway (though we offer door-to-door as an add-on for $150). Our standard hubs are: Edison, NJ (central lot near Route 1); Houston, TX (Galleria area); Dallas, TX (North Dallas); Austin, TX (Domain area); San Diego, CA (Mission Valley); Los Angeles, CA (West LA). You receive the exact address and parking instructions 3-5 days before pickup.
Where exactly do you deliver my car?
We deliver to designated campus-adjacent locations at your destination university: Purdue (Ross-Ade Stadium lot), Michigan (Pioneer High School lot), Illinois (Assembly Hall lot), Ohio State (St. John Arena lot), Indiana (17th Street lot). These locations are 0.5-2 miles from main campus and accessible by campus shuttle or Uber. Exact address and pickup window provided 24 hours before delivery.
What if my move-in date changes?
Contact us immediately at support@unihaulers.com or call (XXX) XXX-XXXX. If the carrier has not been dispatched yet (usually 2-3 days before pickup), we can reschedule at no charge. If the carrier is already scheduled, we charge a $75 rescheduling fee. If the carrier is already en route, rescheduling may not be possible and you may need to rebook (original deposit applied to new booking).
What if the carrier is late or my car doesn't arrive on time?
We guarantee delivery within the quoted timeframe (typically 5-10 days depending on route). If your car is delayed beyond this window due to carrier fault, you receive a $100 credit toward your next shipment. If the delay exceeds 48 hours past the quoted window, you receive a $200 credit. You can track your shipment in real-time and receive updates via text/email.
Do I need to be present for pickup and delivery?
Yes, you or an authorized adult (18+) must be present at both pickup and delivery to sign the Bill of Lading and hand over/receive keys. If you cannot be present, you can designate a representative (parent, friend, etc.) by providing their name and phone number at least 24 hours in advance. They will need to perform the vehicle inspection and sign on your behalf.
Vehicle Requirements
Can I put stuff in my car during shipping?
Yes! You can store up to 100lbs of items inside your vehicle at no extra charge. Items must be placed in the trunk or back seat (not visible through windows for security) and secured so they don't move during transit. Common items: clothes, bedding, small electronics, school supplies. Do NOT ship: hazardous materials, perishables, firearms, or valuables over $500 (not covered by insurance).
Does my car need to be running?
No. We can ship non-running vehicles, but you must disclose this when booking as it requires special loading equipment. Non-running vehicles incur a $200 surcharge. The vehicle must be able to roll, steer, and brake. Completely inoperable vehicles (seized engine, locked transmission) cannot be shipped via standard auto transport.
What about gas and cleanliness?
Keep your gas tank at 1/4 tank or less (reduces weight and fire risk during transport). We recommend washing your car before pickup so pre-existing damage is easily visible during inspection. Remove toll tags and parking passes to avoid charges during transit.
Can you ship motorcycles, ATVs, or boats?
We specialize in standard passenger vehicles only (cars, SUVs, small trucks). We do not currently offer motorcycle, ATV, RV, or boat transport. For oversized vehicles or specialty transport, please contact us for a custom quote.
Open vs Enclosed Transport
What's the difference between open and enclosed transport?
Open transport uses standard multi-car carriers (the kind you see on highways) - your car is exposed to weather but fully secured. This is our default service and accounts for 90% of shipments. Enclosed transport uses covered trailers that protect from weather, road debris, and visibility - typically used for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles. Enclosed costs an additional $400 but provides maximum protection.
Do I need enclosed transport?
For most students, no. Open transport is perfectly safe and used for the vast majority of car shipments nationwide. Consider enclosed if: (1) Your vehicle is worth over $50k, (2) It's a classic/collector car, (3) You have custom paint or modifications, (4) You're shipping in extreme winter weather and want extra protection. Otherwise, open transport is reliable and cost-effective.
Timing & Scheduling
How long does shipping take?
Typical transit times: New Jersey → Midwest: 5-7 days; Texas → Midwest: 3-5 days; California → Midwest: 7-10 days. These are transit times AFTER pickup, not including the 24-48 hours to assign a carrier. Total timeframe from booking to delivery is usually 7-14 days. Expedited service (delivery within 7 days of pickup) available for $150 surcharge.
Can I choose exact pickup and delivery dates?
We provide pickup and delivery windows (typically 2-3 day windows), not exact dates. This is standard in the industry because carrier routes depend on other shipments. However, carriers call 24 hours before pickup and delivery to confirm exact timing. If you have a hard deadline (e.g., move-in day), book early and we'll prioritize your window.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help! Reach out and we'll get back to you within 1 hour during business hours.