FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Everything
1. Getting Started & Quotes
- Q. - "What types of vehicles and equipment can you transport?"
A. - Safe & Secure Transport coordinates transportation for a wide variety of vehicles, equipment, and freight throughout the United States. This includes cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, machinery, RVs, boats, trailers, auction purchases, oversized equipment, and other specialized freight.
If you are unsure whether we can arrange transportation for your particular item, contact us with the year, make, model, dimensions, weight, pickup location, and delivery location.
- Q. "How do I get a shipping quote?"
A. - To receive the most accurate quote possible, provide:
-Pickup city and state
-Delivery city and state
-Year, make, and model of the vehicle or equipment
-Approximate dimensions
-Approximate weight
-Whether the item runs and drives
-Any loading or unloading requirements
-Desired pickup timeframe
-Photos are also extremely helpful for equipment, machinery, commercial vehicles, and unusual freight.
- Q. -"Are shipping quotes guaranteed?"
A. - Transportation rates are based on the information available when the quote is prepared, including equipment dimensions, weight, route, market conditions, carrier availability, fuel costs, and required trailer type.
If the shipment information changes, such as the actual weight or dimensions being substantially different from what was provided, the transportation rate may need to be adjusted.
The Price WILL NEVER Change After The Item Is Picked Up, Or After The Contract Has Been Issued With A Carrier Assigned. Prior To That, We will communicate any necessary changes before proceeding whenever possible.
- Q. "How quickly can you arrange pickup?"
A. - Pickup timing depends on the route, equipment required, carrier availability, weather, market conditions, and the flexibility of the pickup and delivery locations.
Many standard shipments can be arranged relatively quickly. Specialized, oversized, remote, or international shipments may require additional coordination.
We will always provide the most realistic timeframe possible rather than promising a pickup date that cannot reasonably be met.
- Q. "Can you arrange expedited transportation?"
A. - Yes. Expedited and time sensitive transportation can often be arranged depending on carrier availability and the type of equipment required.
Let us know your deadline when requesting your quote so we can determine the best transportation option.
2. How Our Company Works
- Q. - "Is Safe & Secure Transport a carrier?"
A. - A. - Safe & Secure Transport LLC is a transportation broker and logistics coordinator. We arrange transportation with qualified independent motor carriers based on the requirements of each shipment.
This allows us to locate equipment and carriers that are appropriate for the size, weight, route, timing, and specific requirements of your shipment.
- Q. - "What does a transportation broker do?"
A. - A transportation broker coordinates the transportation process between the customer and qualified independent motor carriers. Safe & Secure Transport handles carrier sourcing, carrier qualification, scheduling, documentation, communication, and shipment coordination from pickup through delivery.
Instead of requiring customers to locate and evaluate carriers themselves, we work to identify the appropriate carrier and equipment for each shipment based on its size, weight, route, timing, and specific transportation requirements.
- Q. "Who actually transports my vehicle or equipment?"
A. - Your vehicle or equipment is physically transported by an independent motor carrier assigned to your shipment.
Safe & Secure Transport LLC acts as the transportation broker and logistics coordinator. We arrange the transportation, coordinate the shipment, and remain your point of contact throughout the process while the assigned motor carrier performs the physical transportation.
Once your shipment is dispatched, carrier information can be provided as part of your transportation documentation.
- Q. "How are carriers selected?"
A. - Carriers are selected based on the specific requirements of each shipment, including the type of freight, dimensions, weight, required trailer or equipment, route, availability, and pickup and delivery requirements.
Before dispatch, we verify applicable carrier information, including operating authority and insurance coverage. For specialized or oversized shipments, we also consider whether the carrier has the appropriate equipment and capabilities required for the load.
Our goal is not simply to find an available truck, but to match each shipment with an appropriate qualified carrier.
- Q. - "Why should I use a transport broker instead of finding a carrier myself?"
A. - Specialized transportation involves more than finding a truck.
The correct carrier must have appropriate equipment, operating authority, insurance, experience, availability, and a route that works for your shipment.
Safe & Secure Transport coordinates that process for you, helping manage carrier sourcing, documentation, communication, scheduling, and transportation logistics from pickup through delivery.
- Q. "Are the carriers insured?"
A. - Yes. Carriers assigned to shipments are required to maintain appropriate operating authority and insurance coverage.
Carrier insurance documentation can also be provided for individual shipments when requested.
- Q. -"Will I know which carrier is transporting my shipment?"
A. - Yes. Once a carrier has been assigned and dispatch arrangements are completed, carrier information can be provided as part of the shipment documentation.
Safe & Secure Transport remains your point of contact throughout the transportation process.\
3. Payments & Broker Fees
Q. Why is part of my payment made to Safe & Secure Transport and another portion paid to the carrier?
A. - Safe & Secure Transport LLC operates as a transportation broker and logistics coordinator. Our fee covers the brokerage and coordination services we provide, including carrier sourcing, carrier qualification, documentation, scheduling, communication, and shipment coordination. Depending on the payment terms established for your shipment, the independent motor carrier's transportation charges may be paid separately to the carrier. Your complete payment structure is disclosed in your shipping documentation before transportation begins.
Q. - "What does COD mean?"
A. - COD means "Cash on Delivery."
For certain shipments, a portion of the transportation cost may be paid directly to the assigned carrier at delivery using an approved payment method such as cash, certified funds, money order, business check when approved, or another previously agreed payment method.
The exact payment instructions for your shipment will be listed on your shipping documentation and Be Agreed Upon Prior To Contracting The Carrier.
Q. - "Can I pay the entire transportation cost through Safe & Secure Transport?"
A. - In many cases, yes.
Depending on the shipment and payment method, arrangements can be made for the customer to pay the transportation charges directly through Safe & Secure Transport, with the carrier then being paid according to the carrier agreement.
Contact us before booking if you require a specific payment arrangement.
4. Pickup, Transit & Delivery
- Q. - "What happens after I approve my quote?"
A - Once you approve the transportation arrangements and complete the required shipping paperwork, we begin coordinating your shipment with an appropriate carrier.
Once a carrier is assigned, you will receive the relevant transportation information and pickup coordination will begin.
Our team remains available throughout the shipment to assist with communication between the customer, pickup location, carrier, and delivery location, and we will manage the shipment from Start To Finish In Order To Ensure a Safe & Secure Transportation Is Rendered.
- Q. -"Do I need to be present at pickup or delivery? "
A. - Not necessarily.
Another authorized representative can often release or receive the shipment as long as the pickup and delivery locations have been properly coordinated.
For auction purchases or commercial facilities, we can often coordinate directly with the facility regarding pickup procedures.
- Q. -"Do you provide tracking?"
A. - Transportation is generally coordinated directly with the assigned carrier rather than through parcel style GPS tracking. In Some Instances, Carriers have equipped themselves with this technology, however Our team strives to maintain constant communication throughout the shipment and can assist with pickup updates, estimated delivery timing, and other transportation status information.
- Q. -"What happens if there is a delay?"
A. - Transportation can occasionally be affected by weather, traffic, mechanical problems, loading delays, regulatory requirements, road closures, or other circumstances outside the control of the broker or carrier.
If a delay occurs, our priority is communication. We work with the carrier and customer to provide updated information and help keep the shipment moving.
- Q. - "What if my vehicle or equipment doesn't run?"
A. - Non running vehicles and equipment can often still be transported. However, we need to know the condition of the unit before arranging transportation so that we can assign the appropriate carrier and equipment.
Please let us know whether the unit starts, runs, drives, steers, brakes, can be placed in neutral, or requires a winch or other loading assistance.
Providing this information in advance helps prevent pickup delays, equipment issues, and unexpected additional charges.
- Q. - "What happens if the dimensions or weight are different?"
A. - Accurate dimensions and weight are extremely important, especially for heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
If the actual specifications are substantially different from the information provided when the shipment was booked, the trailer requirements, permits, routing, or carrier rate may change.
We strongly recommend confirming equipment specifications before transportation whenever possible.
5. Specialized & Heavy Hauling
- Q. - "Do you handle/Transport oversized or overweight loads?"
A. - Yes. In fact, we have created a Division In Our Company Specifically Tasked For That Comprised Of Our Most Experienced Logistics Coordinator's That Have Went Through Stringent Training To Ensure Accurate & Professional Transportation Is Delivered. We can coordinate transportation for almost any oversized and specialized equipment.
Depending on the dimensions, weight, and route, the shipment may require specialized trailers, permits, escorts, pilot cars, route surveys, or other transportation requirements.
These requirements are evaluated when the shipment is being planned. For oversized or overweight equipment, we coordinate all additional transportation requirements such as permits, escorts, pilot cars, and route planning when required.
- Q. - "Can you arrange permits and escorts?
A. - Yes. For oversized or overweight shipments, Safe & Secure Transport can coordinate required transportation permits, pilot cars, escorts, route surveys, and other requirements associated with moving specialized equipment.
Requirements vary by state and are determined by factors such as overall dimensions, weight, axle configuration, route, and applicable regulations.
We evaluate these requirements as part of planning the shipment and work with the assigned carrier and other transportation professionals to coordinate what is necessary for the load.
- Q. "Do you transport GovDeals and auction purchases?"
A. - Yes. We regularly coordinate transportation for vehicles and equipment purchased through government auctions, equipment auctions, dealerships, municipalities, businesses, and private sellers.
We can work directly with the pickup location to help coordinate release requirements, pickup scheduling, loading information, and transportation.
- Q. "Can you transport non-running equipment?"
A. - Yes. Non running vehicles and equipment can often be transported, but we need to know their condition before dispatch.
Please tell us whether the unit:
- Starts - Runs - Drives -Steers -Brakes
-Can be placed in neutral - Requires a winch -Requires loading assistance
Providing accurate information helps us assign the correct equipment and avoid delays or unexpected charges.
- Q. - Do you transport to Alaska?"
A. - Yes. Safe & Secure Transport can coordinate transportation to Alaska, including shipments that require a combination of over the road transportation and marine or barge transportation.
Depending on the destination, equipment may first be transported to an appropriate port or terminal and then continue to Alaska by marine transportation. Remote destinations may require additional coordination beyond the primary port.
Because Alaska shipments can involve sailing schedules, terminal requirements, seasonal limitations, and multiple stages of transportation, we recommend contacting us as early as possible so we can determine the most appropriate transportation plan for your shipment.
- Q. - "Do you handle shipments to Canada?"
A. - International transportation may be available, However require either the origin, or destination to be in the United States of America.
Cross border shipments require additional documentation and coordination, and customs clearance requirements must be completed before the carrier reaches the border, which we can assist you with obtaining, as we have developed a strong network of relationships with highly qualified Customs Broker's that we can refer you to.
For International Shipments, Please Contact us before booking an international shipment so we can review the specific requirements.
- Q. - "What information do you need for oversized equipment?"
A. - Accurate information is especially important when quoting and planning oversized or overweight transportation. Whenever possible, please provide:
-Year, make, and model of the equipment
-Overall length, width, and height
-Approximate or manufacturer specified weight
-Pickup and delivery locations
-Whether the equipment runs and operates
-Loading and unloading capabilities at both locations
-Any attachments, buckets, blades, booms, accessories, or other components
-Photos of the equipment
-Desired pickup and delivery timeframe
For equipment with attachments or components that can be removed, please let us know, as this can sometimes affect trailer selection, permitting requirements, and overall transportation cost.
The more accurate the information provided before quoting, the more accurately we can determine the appropriate trailer, route, permits, escorts, and overall transportation requirements.
"How It Works"
1. Request Your Quote → 2. Approve Your Shipment → 3. We Source & Qualify the Carrier → 4. Carrier Is Assigned → 5. Pickup & Transportation → 6. Delivery
PLEASE NOTE:
- Step 3: Requires Carrier authority and insurance to be verified prior to dispatch/Assignment.
-Step 4: Carrier information and final transportation arrangements are provided.
Still Have Questions?
Speak directly with our transport team about your shipment.
REQUEST A SHIPPING QUOTE | CALL OUR TRANSPORT TEAM
How do I contact Safe & Secure Transport?
Safe & Secure Transport LLC
Southwest Florida Office
Company Line: 941-909-3339
Direct: 941-615-7502