When did we start tipping car transport drivers? Is it right to tip your car transport drivers? The debate about tipping rages on in the United States, with some believing that certain employers take advantage of this technique to underpay their employees, while others believe that tipping is a method to express gratitude for great work.

 

In the car shipping industry, tips are not required in any way. However, tips are still very much appreciated by drivers, as they spend a lot of time and energy transporting vehicles across the country. In this article, we’ll try to help you understand if you should tip car transport drivers as well as when it may be prudent to tip – or not.

Why do we tip car transport drivers?

Tipping is unnecessary and not included in the cost of your automobile travel; nonetheless, it is a thoughtful gesture given to your driver and is often appreciated. Car shipping drivers do not expect one usually, and it is a nice surprise for many of them!

Why tip? Well, for the same reasons you might tip a hairdresser who did an excellent job cutting your hair: a gesture of appreciation for someone who did an outstanding job serving you.

The superiority of service increases gratuity

In addition, the tip amount you give should reflect the quality of the service you received. For instance, if your shipment went off without a hitch, arrived on schedule, and there were no problems, if you do tip, it should be a generous tip for the driver of the car shipping company.

Increase the tip if you notice the extra effort

In addition, the tip amount you give should reflect the quality of the service you received. For instance, if your shipment went off without a hitch, arrived on schedule, and there were no problems, if you do tip, it should be a generous tip for the driver of the car shipping company.

Sign of kind gesture

A tip to a car transport driver is, first and foremost, the sign of a kind gesture. It tells the driver you appreciate their hard work and dedication to transporting your vehicle and delivering it without issue.

While we do not tell drivers to expect a tip, if you do tip, you should give a somewhat meaningful amount. Though you likely won’t want to go 15% of the total cost (because that’s a lot when your shipment is a few hundred dollars), a generous tip is still appreciated.

Truck drivers rarely see appreciation

Lastly, you should consider tipping the driver of the truck transporting your vehicle because truck drivers frequently do not receive sufficient appreciation. Because driving a truck is undoubtedly one of the most challenging jobs, there is a significant lack of truck drivers in the United States.

Give a tiny gratuity to individuals willing to undertake such a difficult but necessary task to make their lives a little easier. If you can’t afford to give any extra cash, you can also express gratitude by providing them with snacks, beverages, or other travel necessities.

Why Should You Not Tip Car Transport Drivers?

When it comes to shipping cars, tipping is not an industry standard. Therefore, knowing when to tip is a bit more difficult than know when not to tip. However, there are some easy situations but there are specific circumstances in which you should not tip your vehicle transport driver. These situations include the following:

Damaged Car

If the car arrived wrecked, do not tip.

If your vehicle arrived damaged, you should not leave a tip for the driver of the car transport company. When you export your car, there is always a danger that it will be damaged somehow; this is why inspections are so important.

Damage, of course, is rare during transit. Vehicles are secured and protected from most issues on the road, but things happen. Drivers cannot control other vehicles on the road, and the most common reason for damage is not the carrier’s fault, but the fault of someone else on the road.

Still, though, you should not tip if your vehicle arrives with damage.

Poor communication

Poor communication from the driver

You shouldn’t tip a late or uncommunicative driver. You should still tip if the driver was late but mentioned the delay quickly. If they were late without telling you, it’s usually a reason not to tip the driver.

You should know, however, that drivers often rely on brokers and dispatchers to communicate with the customers. They usually communicate only for the direct pickup and delivery of your vehicle. Regardless, if the carrier company has poor communication, a tip is anything but necessary.

Late Driver

Late pickup or delivery

If the driver arrived to pick your vehicle up late, or if they are late to deliver your vehicle, that’s okay – things can happen, especially if the reason for the delay is outside of their control.

But late pickup or delivery can happen even without a significant reason. Drivers usually have one, but sometimes they do not – in the case they just show up late without an explanation, we recommend not leaving a tip for them.

Contact American Auto Shipping Today

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If you are interested in transporting your vehicle, contact us here at American Auto Shipping to get a free, no-hassle quote to ship your vehicle. We work with only the best carriers on the road today, offering full door to door shipping services for all our customers.

With almost twenty-five years of experience helping customers transport their vehicles, we know what a good carrier looks like. We understand how the industry works and how to get your vehicle moved on time and on budget, no matter where you’re shipping from or to.

So no matter what you’re shipping or where you’re shipping, let American Auto Shipping help you get it done. Contact us today at 800-930-7417 or fill out our free online quote request form and see what American Auto Shipping can do for you.

Dave Armstrong
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