Get an instant quote
Talk to an expert

Terms and Conditions

Universe Auto Ship LLC (Universe) Auto Transport Shipping Order Terms and Conditions
1. Introduction
This document outlines the complete Auto Transport Order Terms and Conditions of Use and Service (“Agreement”) for Universe Auto Ship LLC. Universe is licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as an auto transport broker. Universe operates as an auto transportation broker (“Agent”) between the Customer (including the Customer’s designated representative) and the Carrier.
2. Definitions
  • Universe: Universe Auto Ship LLC. (“Universe”) is a corporation with its principal office or place of business. Universe refers to the corporation itself, including all employees, directors, managers, agents, officers, and staff of Universe Auto Ship LLC.
  • Carrier: Refers to third-party trucking companies and individuals under contract who own or operate a truck for the purpose of transporting the Customer’s vehicle and are properly registered with the U.S. DOT and carry the legally required insurance.
  • Additional Services: Refers to upgrades and extra services requested by the Customer, such as top-loading of the vehicle, guaranteed pickup date, enclosed transport, or transport of additional personal belongings.
  • C.O.D.: Refers to Collect on Delivery or payment due upon delivery.
  • Customer’s Agent: Refers to an individual over 18 years of age appointed by the Customer to act on the Customer’s behalf.
  • Point of Origin: Refers to the Shipment pickup location specified by the Customer or as subsequently modified by mutual agreement between Universe and the Customer before transport.
  • Shipment: Refers to the Customer’s property, specifically an automobile or motorized vehicle, scheduled for transportation according to these TERMS.
  • Open Transport: Refers to trucks with open trailers. Open trailers offer less protection from potential damage, and open carrier transport generally costs less than enclosed transport.
  • First Available Date (FAD): The earliest date a vehicle is available for pickup by an auto transport carrier. This is the first day the Customer can release the vehicle for transport.
  • Pickup Window: The period of business days within which a carrier is available to pick up a vehicle for shipment after the FAD.
  • Business Days: Refers to Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and national holidays.
  • Order: Refers to the Customer’s commitment to Universe to arrange shipment of the Customer’s vehicle, subject to these Agreement terms.
  • Bill of Lading: Refers to the document signed and dated by the Customer and Carrier at pickup and delivery. Two (2) copies are signed at pickup, and two (2) at delivery. Each bill of lading must be signed and dated by both the Carrier and Customer. The vehicle inspection report is included on the bill of lading, detailing items such as scratches, damage, the number of keys, the vehicle’s make and model, the pickup date, and the estimated delivery date. The Customer is responsible for ensuring the bill of lading is completed and a proper inspection is conducted upon delivery.
  • Personal Goods/Items: Refers to any items placed in or attached to the Customer’s vehicle, excluding essential items like a jack, jumper cables, or a spare tire.
  • Customized or Oversized Vehicle: Refers to vehicles exceeding 16 feet in length, vehicles with modifications like campers or racks, or vehicles altered in a way that significantly changes their size, appearance, or shape from a standard vehicle of that type.
  • Inoperable Vehicle: Refers to vehicles that require repairs to become operable or that require extra effort to load and unload from the Carrier’s truck.
  • Customer: Refers to anyone using Universe’s services, including the Customer’s directly or indirectly appointed agents and assignees authorized to act on behalf of the Customer.
3. Services
  • Shipment Categories: Universe primarily offers two types of vehicle shipping services: the Standard Rate and the Priority Rate. Detailed explanations of each category are below.
    • Standard Rate: This is a cost-saving option where Universe will make reasonable efforts to find a Carrier to transport the vehicle at the estimated rate within a reasonable timeframe after the Vehicle Availability Date (VAD) for pickup. The Customer acknowledges that this option is a discounted rate, and Carrier acceptance may vary depending on factors like economic conditions and the time of year. Universe may adjust the price if no carrier shows interest at the initial rate, but the Customer can accept or decline Carrier offers at higher prices. Specified timelines are estimates and are subject to weather conditions and Carrier operations. If Universe cannot secure a Carrier within the estimated timeframe at the estimated amount, and the Customer is unwilling to adjust the price, Universe may cancel the order without further liability.
    • Priority Rate: The rate quoted for this option is a higher priority and will not increase. This option includes a more expedited pickup window agreed upon between the customer and Universe, starting after the first day the vehicle is available for pickup. Universe will work diligently to secure a carrier.
  • In all order types, if a Carrier fails to pick up or deliver a vehicle within the expected timeframe due to incidents beyond the Carrier and Universe’s control (including but not limited to unforeseen emergencies, legal orders, natural disasters) or any other legitimate reason, Universe will make reasonable efforts to find a substitute Carrier within the agreed-upon pickup window as soon as practically possible.
  • Route Used by Carriers: The Customer acknowledges that the Carrier, using good faith and sound judgment, will transport the vehicle from the Point of Origin to the destination via a suitable route and does not agree to any specific routing or transport method to meet the Customer’s schedule or expectations.
  • If the Customer, for a legitimate and unforeseeable reason, cannot release the vehicle when a carrier is ready for pickup on the agreed-upon date, all guarantees are void. In this case, Universe will attempt to find another substitute Carrier at the agreed-upon rate; however, if the next available Carrier requires a higher payment, the Customer will be responsible for the additional cost. If the Customer does not agree and/or wishes to cancel the contract, the Customer understands and agrees to pay a cancellation fee to Universe for services rendered, in addition to any amount the carrier may require.
  • Upon the Customer’s request, Universe will arrange for the transportation of the Customer’s Shipment by Carriers, subject to these TERMS. Universe reserves the right to refuse or cancel any Order at its discretion at any time.
  • Universe’s services are considered complete when a Carrier accepts a Customer’s Order.
  • The Customer understands and agrees that Universe (i) acts only as a transportation broker, (ii) is not a motor carrier or transporter, and (iii) does not represent itself as providing vehicle transportation.
  • The Customer expressly understands and agrees that Universe never takes custody or possession of, transports, or handles the Customer’s Shipment, nor assumes any liability for the Shipment.
  • Universe will provide the Customer with estimated pickup and delivery dates; however, delays may occur before or during transport due to factors beyond Universe’s control, such as weather, road conditions, regulations, or mechanical issues. Universe cannot guarantee delivery dates or times. The Customer understands that Universe is not liable for any losses or expenses resulting from delays.
  • The Customer authorizes Universe and the Carrier to use provided information to contact the Customer by phone, email, or other means to fulfill obligations under this Agreement, including pickup and delivery arrangements, payment collection, and other justified reasons.
4. Customer’s Responsibility
  • Accuracy of Information: The Customer is solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all details, including the Shipment description (year, make, model, body style, trim, etc.), Point of Origin, Destination, fees, and special instructions in the Order Confirmation and, where applicable, on the Carrier Form, Bill of Lading, or other documents. Changes or corrections to the Shipment description or other Order changes may result in additional fees or Order cancellation. The Customer waives all claims against Universe for additional charges or cancellation if the Shipment does not match the Shipment listed in the Order Confirmation.
  • Shipment Size and Condition: The Customer must inform Universe about the Shipment’s size and condition at booking and before dispatching the order to a Carrier. The Customer acknowledges that if the Shipment is or becomes inoperable during transit, or if the Shipment (i) is modified from the original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) condition with features including but not limited to aftermarket spoilers, lowered chassis, height modifications, etc., (ii) is oversized due to but not limited to dual or oversized wheels, extra-large tires, racks, lifted chassis (iii) is a large vehicle such as a limousine or a hearse, then the Carrier may charge additional fees to transport such Shipment or refuse to transport the Shipment altogether.
  • Preparing Shipment: The Customer is responsible for preparing the Shipment for transportation. The Customer must secure or remove all loose parts, fragile accessories, low-hanging spoilers, etc., before shipment. The Customer must remove all non-permanent, outside-mounted luggage and other racks before shipment. The Shipment must be tendered to the Carrier in operable condition with no more than a quarter tank of fuel. The Customer is responsible for any damage, losses, or claims to the Shipment, other vehicles, or persons caused by any part of the Shipment that becomes loose or detached during transport.
  • The Customer must disarm any alarm system installed in the Shipment or provide clear instructions for disengaging it to the Carrier. If the alarm activates during transit, and there are no keys or instructions to turn it off, the Carrier may silence the alarm by any reasonable means without recourse by the Customer.
  • Personal Property: The Customer may leave one suitcase OR one bag carrying personal property, not exceeding 100 lbs., and confined to the Shipment’s trunk or storage area. The Customer must notify Universe and the Carrier of such personal property in the Shipment at the Point of Origin before loading. The Carrier can reject any personal property if transporting it is unsafe or violates the law. The Customer is advised not to leave negotiable instruments, legal papers, jewelry, furs, money, cash, currency, antiques, or other valuable articles in the Shipment. Universe and the Carrier are not liable for personal items left in the Shipment or for damage to the Shipment caused by excessive or improper loading of personal items. The Customer places personal property in the Shipment at their own risk.
  • Prohibited Items: The Customer is prohibited from loading explosives, guns, ammunition, weapons, flammable products, live pets, live plants, contraband, drugs, narcotics, alcoholic beverages, or illegal goods in the Shipment. Upon discovery, such prohibited items or the Shipment may be confiscated or disposed of by law enforcement or the Carrier, and the Order may be canceled without any compensation to the Customer. The Customer will be solely responsible for any fees, fines, damages, or liabilities arising from a violation of this Section.
5. Customer Warranties
The Customer warrants compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including customs, import, export, and governmental regulations of any country to, from, through, or over which the Shipment may be carried. The Customer will provide necessary information and documents to comply with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Universe assumes no liability to the Customer or any other person for any loss or expense due to the Customer’s failure to comply with this provision. Any Customer’s Agent or entity acting on behalf of the Customer also warrants that it has the right to act on behalf of the Customer and legally bind the Customer.
6. Pickup and Delivery of Shipment
  • A change to the Point of Origin or Destination may be necessary due to municipal zoning restrictions, road conditions, road closures, low-hanging trees/wires, narrow streets, residential area restrictions, etc.
  • If the Carrier cannot access the Point of Origin or Destination, the Customer will meet the Carrier at an alternate location for safe pickup or drop-off of the Shipment.
  • The Customer must be present at the Point of Origin and Destination for Shipment pickup and/or delivery, or designate a Customer’s Agent if unavailable.
  • At pickup, the Customer or Customer’s Agent agrees to 1) inspect the Shipment with the Carrier for pre-existing damage, and 2) acknowledge the Shipment’s condition by a) noting pre-existing damage on the Carrier Form or Bill of Lading, b) signing the Carrier Form or Bill of Lading, and c) requesting a copy from the Carrier. The Customer or Customer’s Agent is encouraged to photograph the Shipment from all angles at the Point of Origin.
  • At delivery, the Customer or Customer Agent agrees to inspect the Shipment in the Carrier’s presence for transit damage and clearly note any new damage as an exception on the Bill of Lading. The Customer or Customer’s Agent will sign and obtain a final copy of the Bill of Lading signed by the Carrier as a final Shipment condition report, especially in case of a dispute with the Carrier. Again, the Customer or Customer’s Agent is encouraged to photograph the Shipment from all angles before signing the Bill of Lading.
  • The Customer understands that the Customer’s or Customer Agent’s signing of the Carrier’s Form or Bill of Lading at Destination without any notation of damage, regardless of lighting or weather conditions, will confirm that the Customer received the Shipment in satisfactory condition, and Universe and the Carrier will have no further responsibility.
  • Delayed Delivery: Universe will make reasonable efforts to schedule Carrier pickup and delivery within the estimated timeframe. If the Carrier fails to deliver the vehicle within a reasonable timeframe from the estimated delivery date, the vehicle may be subject to insurance claims for theft, loss, or damage.
  • Any balance due to the Carrier must be paid in full before a claim arising from or related to transporting and delivery of the Customer’s vehicle will be honored; however, claimed damage must be noted on the delivery bill of lading before tendering any COD payment.
7. Carrier Responsibilities
  • The Carrier will (i) pick up and deliver the Customer’s Shipment as close to the Customer’s door or designated Point of Origin and Destination as legally and safely possible, and (ii) transport the Shipment in a commercially reasonable manner.
  • The Carrier may issue a Carrier Form, receipt, or Bill of Lading at the Point of Origin or Destination. The Customer or Customer’s Agent will read such Carrier Form carefully, as it may constitute a transportation contract between the Customer and the Carrier. The Customer will contact the Carrier directly with any disputes or questions regarding such documents.
  • The Customer understands and agrees that the Customer may also be subject to the Carrier’s terms and conditions of service, tariffs, rules, or classifications, which the Customer must request directly from the Carrier.
8. Fees and Payment
  • The Customer agrees to pay the service fee once the shipment is scheduled and the balance due to the driver at the delivery location in cash as per the terms of the Order Confirmation and these TERMS without any offsets, chargebacks, or reductions by the Customer for any actual, pending, or unfiled claims, losses, delays, or damages. Payment for Universe’s services is due when a Carrier accepts an Order, as Universe’s services have been rendered at that point.
  • All payments for the balance due to the Carrier for C.O.D. must be made on or before the delivery of the Shipment in the form of cash or certified funds. The Customer WILL NOT use personal checks, debit, or credit cards when making payments to the Carrier.
  • If the Shipment is placed in storage due to the Customer’s refusal to pay the fees or accept delivery from the Carrier for any reason, the Shipment may be placed in storage at the Customer’s expense and subject to the Carrier’s lien for transportation charges until the Customer pays the outstanding balance in full. All storage and redelivery charges will be the Customer’s responsibility, and the Customer agrees not to seek reimbursement from Universe.
  • Use of Customer’s Information: Universe places the Customer’s credit card information on file and ensures its security. Universe will not charge the Customer any amount unless a bid is successful or a contract is formed as indicated. The Customer agrees that their credit card will be charged when a contract is formed.
  • A processing fee of a percentage of the full shipment amount will be paid to Universe if a customer has no other option but to have the total shipment cost charged by credit card through Universe.
  • The Customer warrants that they will not seek to charge back a credit card or payments processed by any method or stop a check payment to offset any dispute for damage claims. If a customer chargebacks a transaction after service has been rendered, Universe may use legal means to recover the fee. Further, Universe may share customer information with collection agencies and law enforcement and seek legal counsel. The Customer will be liable for all costs, including attorney’s fees, chargeback fees, and other incidental fees.
9. Cancellation and Refund Policy
  • The Customer may cancel an Order at any time at no cost or cancellation fees as long as the Order has not yet been accepted by a Carrier. If the Order is canceled for any reason after a Carrier accepts the Order, including but not limited to the Customer canceling an Order, Universe canceling an Order due to the Customer’s breach of these TERMS, or if the Carrier is denied pickup of the Shipment for any reason when the Carrier arrives at the Point of Origin, then the Customer agrees to pay a minimum cancellation fee as Universe’s services have been rendered. The Customer may be subject to additional cancellation fees, including dry run fees imposed by a Carrier and other vendors.
  • Universe reserves the right to try up to 3 times to find a substitute carrier to pick up the customer’s vehicle if the assigned carrier cancels. Only after the 3rd unsuccessful try will the customer be able to cancel and get a full refund from Universe.
10. Indemnification
The Customer agrees to protect, defend, and hold Universe Auto Ship LLC, along with its employees, officers, and directors, harmless from any and all losses, liabilities, damages, payments, settlements, judgments, penalties, fines, expenses (including legal fees), and costs, as well as any legal actions, suits, or claims (whether current, potential, threatened, or pending), initiated by any individual or entity. This includes, but is not limited to, damages for personal injury or death, property damage (including real estate and environmental damage), and claim-related liabilities and damages, which arise from the actions or failures to act by the Customer, their agents, employees, or representatives.
11. Limitation of Liability
  • The total amount Universe Auto Ship LLC can be held liable for regarding any and all claims and damages, whether based on law, contract, wrongdoing, or other grounds, will not exceed the total fees paid by the Customer to Universe for the services provided under the relevant Order Confirmation.
  • Except as specifically stated in these Terms, Universe Auto Ship LLC provides no guarantees for its services and explicitly disclaims all warranties or representations, whether directly stated or implied. This includes any implied warranties of ownership, non-infringement, merchantability, suitability for a particular purpose, or any warranties arising from business dealings, customary usage, or trade practices.
  • Under no circumstances will Universe Auto Ship LLC be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential (including damages for lost business, lost profits, legal disputes, or similar issues), special, exemplary, punitive, or other damages, regardless of the legal basis, that result from or are in any way related to a shipment or these Terms, even if Universe has been informed of the possibility of such damages.
12. Arbitration

In the event that Universe Auto Ship LLC is unable to resolve a dispute, claim, or disagreement with the Customer concerning these Terms, an Order, Universe’s services, or any other interaction between the Customer and Universe (“Dispute”), including disputes that occurred before the Customer agreed to these Terms, the Customer agrees to resolve all such Disputes through mandatory arbitration. The arbitration will be managed by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) according to the AAA’s Consumer Arbitration Rules and the Supplementary Procedures for Consumer Related Disputes.

13. Miscellaneous
  • Universe Auto Ship LLC will operate as an independent contractor in relation to the Customer, and nothing in these Terms should be interpreted as creating a different relationship or status.
  • Unless explicitly stated in these Terms, the Customer cannot transfer any rights under this agreement without prior written consent from Universe. These Terms are binding and benefit both parties, as well as their respective successors and assignees.
  • If any part of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, it will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions.
  • These 1 Terms supersede all prior written or verbal agreements and constitute the entire agreement between the Customer and Universe. They can only be changed by Universe Auto Ship LLC. The Customer confirms that they have read these Terms in their entirety and, by proceeding with the transaction, fully understand and agree to them.
  • The Customer waives any claims or defenses based on the argument that they did not read, were unaware of, or did not understand these Terms.
14. SMS Consent Communication
The information as phone numbers, obtained as part of the SMS consent process, will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
15. Types of SMS Communications

If you have consented to receive text messages from Universe Auto Ship LLC, you may receive messages related to the following:

  • Appointment reminders
  • Follow-up messages
  • Billing inquiries
  • Promotions or offers


Example: “Hello, this is a friendly reminder of your upcoming vehicle shipment pick-up process by your preferred carrier at Green Brook, NJ on 03/29/2025 at 5:00 pm. You can reply STOP to opt out of SMS messaging from Universe Auto Ship at any time.”

16. Message Frequency
Message frequency may vary depending on the type of communication. For example, you may receive up to 50 SMS messages per week related to your vehicle shipment.
17. Potential Fees for SMS Messaging

Please note that standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier’s pricing plan. These fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

18. Opt-In Method

You may opt-in to receive SMS messages from Universe Auto Ship LLC in the following ways:

  • Verbally, during a conversation
  • By submitting an online form
  • By texting us first
19. Opt-Out Method

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages at any time. To do so, simply reply “STOP” to any SMS message you receive. Alternatively, you can contact us directly to request removal from our messaging list.

20. Help:

If you are experiencing any issues, you can reply with the keyword HELP. Or, you can get help directly from us at https://universeautoship.com/ or call us at (717) 794-6951
 
Additional Options
If you do not wish to receive SMS messages, you can choose not to check the SMS consent box on our forms.

21. Standard Messaging Disclosures

Message and data rates may apply.
You can opt-out at any time by texting “STOP.”
For assistance, text “HELP” or visit our Privacy Policy [https://universeautoship.com/privacy-policy/] and Terms and Conditions [https://universeautoship.com/terms-and-conditions/] pages.
Message frequency may vary

Contact Information

Any questions regarding this Agreement should be directed to the following address:

Universe Auto Ship LLC.

208 Chadsworth Way, York, PA 17402

Phone: (717) 794-6951

Email: admin@universeautoship.com

Website: universeautoship.com

Scroll to Top