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Vanta Auto Transport
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Terms of Service

Company Legal Entity: Vanta Auto Transport  ·  3380 Vincent Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523  ·  Phone: (510) 927-4447

1. Broker Status and Independent Contractor Disclaimer

Vanta Auto Transport ("Broker") is a registered and licensed freight transportation broker operating under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)) broker authority. Broker acts solely as an intermediary arrangement agent between the Customer ("Customer", "Shipper", or "Owner") and independent, third-party FMCSA-authorized, licensed, and insured Motor Carriers ("Carrier").

  • Broker is not a motor carrier, freight forwarder, or bailee of the vehicle(s).
  • Broker does not take physical possession, custody, control, or driving operation of any vehicle at any point during transit.
  • All transportation, loading, driving, securing, and delivery services are performed exclusively by the assigned Carrier.
  • Customer acknowledges that Carrier operates as an independent contractor, and no employment, partnership, agency, or joint venture relationship exists between Broker and Carrier.

2. Quotes, Market Adjustments, and Pricing Structure

All initial quotes provided by Broker are estimates based on real-time market freight conditions, vehicle specifications provided by Customer, driver availability, seasonal demand, and current fuel indexes.

Quote Validity: Quotes are valid for 5 calendar days from issuance unless otherwise specified in writing.

Pricing Adjustments: Quotes are subject to mandatory upward adjustments prior to or upon dispatch under any of the following circumstances:

  • Incorrect, undisclosed, or inaccurate vehicle dimensions, weight, or modifications (e.g., lifted suspensions, oversized tires, roof racks, lowered chassis, extended beds).
  • Inoperable or non-running vehicle condition not explicitly disclosed at time of original order.
  • Changes to origin/destination addresses, zip codes, or restricted accessibility routes.
  • Unannounced delays caused by Customer or Customer’s designated pickup/delivery representative.
  • Significant changes in national average diesel fuel pricing or sudden regional carrier shortages prior to dispatch.

Broker reserves the right to cancel or re-quote any booking where market conditions prevent carrier coverage at the originally quoted price.

3. Payment Terms, Service Fees, and Non-Refundable Deposit

Total charges for shipment consist of two distinct portions: Broker’s Service Fee/Deposit and the Carrier’s Remaining Cash-On-Delivery (COD) Balance.

  • Deposit Authorization: Customer authorizes Broker to charge the agreed-upon deposit to Customer’s designated credit/debit card immediately upon carrier assignment and dispatch confirmation.
  • Earned Deposit Policy: Broker’s deposit fee represents payment for broker administrative services, carrier sourcing, vetting, route coordination, and dispatch execution. Once a Carrier has been assigned to the shipment, Broker’s service is deemed fully rendered, and the deposit is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances.
  • Remaining COD Balance: The remaining balance owed for transportation must be paid directly to the Carrier upon delivery (or pickup, if pre-negotiated) via Cash, Cashier's Check, or Postal Money Order. Carriers will not accept personal checks, business checks, or unapproved electronic transfers unless explicit written permission is provided by Carrier prior to loading.
  • Failure to Pay: If Customer or Customer's representative fails or refuses to pay the Carrier upon delivery, Carrier reserves the statutory right under federal law to hold and warehouse the vehicle at Customer’s sole expense until all freight and accrued storage fees are paid in full.

4. Strict Cancellation and Modifications Policy

  • Cancellation Prior to Dispatch: Customer may cancel an order free of charge at any time before Broker assigns a Carrier and issues a dispatch notification.
  • Cancellation After Dispatch: If Customer cancels an order after a Carrier has been assigned or dispatched, the deposit is 100% non-refundable. Additionally, Customer agrees to pay a $150.00 Administrative Cancellation Fee to cover dispatched Carrier scheduling losses and administrative costs.
  • Customer Unavailability / Dry Run Fee: If the Carrier arrives at the designated pickup location and the vehicle or representative is unavailable, unprepared, or unreachable, Customer will be charged a $150.00 Dry-Run Fee payable directly to the Carrier, and shipment will be rescheduled at prevailing market rates.

5. Pickup, Delivery Timelines, and Accessibility

No Guaranteed Dates or Times: All pickup, transit, and delivery dates, times, and windows provided by Broker or Carrier are strictly estimates and predictions, never guarantees. Time is not of the essence in this agreement. Broker shall not be held liable, financially or otherwise, for rental car expenses, lodging, lost wages, vehicle usage fees, or consequential damages resulting from transit delays.

Door-to-Door Limitations: Door-to-door service is subject to safety, municipal zoning laws, low-hanging trees, narrow roads, bridge weight limits, and overhead power lines. If physical access to the origin or destination address is restricted, Customer agrees to meet Carrier at a mutually agreed, safely accessible public location (e.g., shopping center parking lot, highway rest area).

Customer Representative: Customer may designate a third-party representative (over 18 years of age) to act on their behalf at pickup or delivery. Actions, representations, inspection signatures, or payment defaults made by designated representatives are binding upon Customer.

6. Vehicle Preparation and Personal Property Rules

  • Mechanical Disclosure: Vehicle must be delivered to Carrier in good working order unless explicitly booked as "Inoperable." Brakes, steering, tires, and ignition must function fully.
  • Fuel Level: Vehicle must contain between 1/4 and 1/2 tank of fuel. Excess fuel adds unnecessary weight and risk, while empty tanks risk running out on loading ramps.
  • Personal Belongings Disclaimer: Carriers and Broker are not licensed household goods movers. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations strictly prohibit the transit of personal property inside vehicles. Customer may leave up to 100 lbs. of personal items securely stowed in the trunk or rear cargo area below window level at Customer’s sole risk. Neither Broker nor Carrier carries cargo insurance covering personal belongings left inside the vehicle. Broker accepts zero liability for theft, loss, or damage to personal items under any circumstances.
  • Prohibited Items: Absolutely no contraband, explosives, firearms, flammable fluids, hazardous materials, plants, animals, or illegal items are permitted inside the vehicle. Discovery of prohibited items will result in immediate law enforcement intervention, vehicle impoundment, and termination of service without refund.

7. Inspection, Bill of Lading (BOL), and Claims Procedures

Mandatory Bill of Lading: Customer (or representative) and Carrier must jointly conduct a detailed exterior visual inspection of the vehicle at both pickup and delivery points. Existing damage must be explicitly documented on the origin Bill of Lading (BOL) and signed by both parties.

Delivery Inspection & Waiving Claims: Upon delivery, Customer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle before signing the destination BOL and releasing payment. Signing the destination BOL without noting new, explicit damage constitutes full acceptance of the vehicle in its delivered condition and serves as a full, legal release of Carrier and Broker from any subsequent damage claims.

Damage Claim Process: Broker is not an insurer and has no independent legal obligation to pay or defend claims for damage incurred while the vehicle is in Carrier’s physical possession. All claims for loss or damage must be filed directly against Carrier's cargo insurance policy. In the event of vehicle damage during transit, Customer must notify Broker within 24 hours of delivery and submit clear photos, the origin BOL, and the destination BOL. Broker will assist Customer by providing Carrier's certificate of insurance and contact details, but Broker bears zero liability for insurance denial, deductible payments, or Carrier insolvency.

8. Direct Exclusion of Liabilities and Damages

Broker shall not be held liable for any of the following occurrences or damages:

  • Mechanical Failure: Internal engine, transmission, electrical, battery, frame, fluid leaks, suspension, alignment, or mechanical system breakdown occurring during loading, unloading, or transit.
  • Environmental & Road Hazards: Damage caused by flying road debris, gravel, rocks, weather conditions (hail, snow, ice, flood, salt), tree branches, industrial fallout, or animal collisions during open-trailer transit.
  • Consequential Losses: Lost profits, lost rental fees, missed business opportunities, flight tickets, hotel stays, or inconvenience costs.
  • Pre-Existing & Hidden Damage: Damage hidden by dirt, weather, night delivery, or structural rust pre-existing on the vehicle.
  • Convertible Tops & Loose Parts: Convertible tops that are loose or torn, loose spoilers, ground effect kits, aftermarket accessories, or non-factory modifications not secured properly prior to transport.

9. Customer Warranties and Indemnification

Customer warrants that they are the legal registered owner of the vehicle or possess full legal authority from the owner to enter into this shipment agreement.

Indemnification: Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Broker, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, fines, penalties, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of Customer’s breach of this Agreement, inaccurate vehicle descriptions, hidden hazardous materials, or disputes between Customer and Carrier.

10. Communication Consent (TCPA Compliance)

By submitting a quote request or booking services with Broker, Customer explicitly consents to receive operational updates, tracking links, automated texts (SMS), phone calls, and email messages from Broker and assigned Carrier at the phone numbers and addresses provided. Customer agrees that communications may be transmitted using automated dialing equipment. Consent is not a condition of purchasing service, and Customer may opt out of promotional text messages at any time by replying "STOP".

11. Force Majeure

Broker shall not be held liable or deemed in default for any delay, failure in performance, or loss resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, extreme weather events, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, highway blockades, acts of war, civil unrest, terrorism, labor strikes, government actions, DOT road closures, or national/regional fuel shortages beyond Broker’s reasonable control.

12. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, and Venue

Applicable Law: This Agreement, and all rights and obligations arising hereunder, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of California and applicable federal freight broker standards.

Mandatory Informal Negotiation: Prior to initiating any formal legal action or court proceedings, parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute, claim, or controversy through informal negotiations for a period of at least 30 calendar days.

Exclusive Forum & Venue Selection: Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or Broker’s services shall be instituted exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Contra Costa County, California. Customer explicitly consents to personal jurisdiction and waives any objection based on forum non conveniens or venue.

13. Limitation of Liability Maximum Cap

In the event that Broker is found liable for any claim, liability, or damage in a court of competent jurisdiction notwithstanding the limitations set forth herein, Broker’s maximum aggregate monetary liability to Customer for any and all claims shall strictly not exceed the total amount of the Broker's service fee/deposit received by Broker for the specific shipment in question.

14. Severability & Non-Waiver

If any term, clause, or provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. Broker’s failure to enforce strict compliance with any provision shall not constitute a waiver of Broker's right to enforce such provision in the future.

15. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, alongside the signed Order Booking Form and Rate Confirmation sheet, constitutes the final, complete, and exclusive agreement between Customer and Broker regarding vehicle transportation brokerage services. It supersedes all prior or contemporaneous oral or written agreements, promises, representations, or understandings. No verbal modifications or promises by sales representatives shall alter the binding legal terms of this document unless executed in writing by an authorized officer of Vanta Auto Transport.

16. Contact & Legal Entity

For questions or inquiries regarding these Terms of Service, contact our dispatch office:

Vanta Auto Transport
3380 Vincent Road, Suite E
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: +1 (510) 927-4447
Email: contact@vantaautotransport.com