(205) 578-6129

Terms of Service

Effective date: August 10, 2026 · Last updated: August 10, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of heartlandautotransport.com (the "Site") and the auto transport brokerage services provided by Heartland Auto Transport ("Heartland," "we," "us," or "our"). By requesting a quote, booking a shipment, or using the Site, you agree to these Terms.

1. Our Role: Licensed Broker

Heartland Auto Transport is a transportation broker. We arrange the shipment of your vehicle with independent, third-party motor carriers that are licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and required to maintain their own liability and cargo insurance. Heartland does not itself take possession of or transport vehicles. The motor carrier that picks up your vehicle is solely responsible for its transport and delivery.

2. Quotes and Pricing

Quotes are estimates based on the information you provide, current market conditions, route, distance, vehicle size and condition, and season. A quote becomes a confirmed price when a carrier is assigned to your order. If market conditions require a price adjustment before dispatch, we will notify you and obtain your approval before proceeding — you may cancel at no charge if you do not accept an adjusted price. Inoperable vehicles, oversized vehicles, and expedited service carry additional charges, which will be disclosed before booking.

3. Booking, Scheduling, and Cancellation

Pickup and delivery dates and windows are estimates, not guarantees. Transit can be affected by weather, traffic, road conditions, mechanical issues, and carrier scheduling. We will keep you informed of material changes. You may cancel your order at no charge any time before a carrier is assigned. After carrier assignment or dispatch, a cancellation fee may apply to cover carrier commitment costs; any such fee will be disclosed at booking.

4. Payment

Payment terms are stated on your order confirmation. Typically, a portion is payable to Heartland upon carrier assignment and the balance is payable to the carrier on delivery (cash or certified funds unless otherwise agreed). Amounts owed to the carrier at delivery must be paid before the vehicle is released.

5. Vehicle Preparation and Personal Items

  • Remove all personal belongings. Personal items left in the vehicle are not covered by carrier cargo insurance and are transported at your own risk; carriers may refuse vehicles loaded with household goods.
  • Keep the fuel tank at approximately one quarter full or less.
  • Disable alarms, remove or retract antennas, and secure or remove loose accessories.
  • Disclose any conditions that affect loading, such as inoperability, low ground clearance, or modifications. Undisclosed conditions may result in additional fees or refusal of service.

6. Inspection, Bill of Lading, and Claims

At pickup, the carrier will inspect the vehicle and record its condition on a Bill of Lading ("BOL"). At delivery, inspect your vehicle carefully before signing the BOL and note any new damage on it at that time. Damage claims are made against the carrier's cargo insurance, and noting damage on the delivery BOL is generally required to support a claim. Pre-existing damage documented at pickup is not covered. Heartland will assist you in the claims process with the carrier, but as a broker, Heartland is not the insurer of your vehicle.

7. Insurance

Motor carriers in our network are required to maintain FMCSA-mandated liability and cargo insurance. Certificates of insurance are available on request. Coverage applies to transit-related damage as documented on the BOL and is subject to the carrier's policy terms, limits, and exclusions.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Heartland's total liability arising out of or related to any order or use of the Site shall not exceed the brokerage fees paid to Heartland for the order at issue. Heartland is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including car rental costs, lost time, or lost income arising from transit delays. Nothing in these Terms limits claims you may have directly against the motor carrier or its insurer.

9. Your Responsibilities

You represent that the information you provide is accurate, that you own the vehicle or are authorized to arrange its transport, and that you (or your designated agent, 18 or older) will be available at pickup and delivery to sign the BOL and release or receive the vehicle.

10. Site Use and Intellectual Property

The Site and its content are provided for your personal, non-commercial use. You may not copy, scrape, or republish Site content without permission, or use the Site for any unlawful purpose. The Site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.

11. Disputes and Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Alabama, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Before filing any claim, you agree to contact us and allow thirty (30) days to attempt an informal resolution. Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Alabama, and you consent to their jurisdiction.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version posted on this page at the time you place an order governs that order. Material changes will be reflected in the "Last updated" date above.

13. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact Heartland Auto Transport at info@heartlandautotransport.com or (205) 578-6129.