A. Vehicle Modifications
Customer is solely responsible for notifying the Broker in writing of any modifications to the vehicle(s) that alter the manufacturer’s original specifications, including but not limited to changes in size, weight, or configuration. Failure to do so may result in additional charges, including excess weight fees, for which the Customer shall be solely liable.
B. Timely Release of Vehicle
Customer agrees to ensure the timely release of the vehicle(s) to the Carrier in accordance with the agreed-upon schedule. Delays caused by, but not limited to, storage issues, auction restrictions, port access, towing delays, mechanical failures, scheduling conflicts, or personal issues may result in a Cancellation Fee and/or a Dry Run Fee of up to $200.
C. Deposit Due Upon Pickup
Upon the vehicle being picked up by the Carrier, the deposit amount shall become immediately due and payable. The Customer hereby authorizes Broker to charge the credit card on file for the deposit amount at that time.
D. Modifications After Dispatch
Should the Customer request any changes to the pick-up date, delivery date, or any material aspect of the order after a Carrier has been dispatched, a Rescheduling Fee may apply. Broker shall make reasonable efforts to accommodate such changes without additional cost; however, if unavoidable, the fee shall be assessed.
E. Modification of Agreement
Upon execution of this agreement, all prior and subsequent communications via phone, email, text message, or otherwise are hereby rendered null and void unless formally incorporated into the agreement via a written and signed addendum.
F. Changes to Payment Terms
Any changes to the agreed-upon payment terms requested by the Customer after contract execution may incur a Payment Change Fee, at Broker’s sole discretion.
G. Bill of Lading and Condition Report (VERY IMPORTANT – READ CAREFULLY)
It is the Customer’s sole responsibility to obtain a physical or digital copy of the Bill of Lading (BOL) and vehicle condition report from the Carrier at the time of pick-up. These documents serve as the official record of the vehicle’s pre-transport condition. If the Customer fails to obtain or properly review these documents, Sonic Auto Transportation (the Broker) and the Carrier shall be absolved of all liability in the event of any damage, theft, or loss.
The Customer must:
- Thoroughly inspect the vehicle at pick-up and mark all visible damages on the condition report before signing.
- Retain a copy of the signed BOL and condition report until the vehicle is delivered and inspected at the final destination.
- Re-inspect the vehicle upon delivery and note any new damages or discrepancies before signing the final delivery portion of the BOL.
- Failure to follow these steps may result in the denial of any claim by the Carrier’s insurance company.
All claims for damage, loss, or theft must be filed directly with the Carrier’s insurance provider. As a licensed property broker, Sonic Auto Transportation does not carry cargo insurance and assumes no financial or legal responsibility for any damage, loss, or claims arising during transit, including but not limited to:
- Scratches, dents, or body panel damage occurring in transit.
- Windshield cracks or rock chips sustained while in transport.
- Mechanical issues or dead batteries caused by loading/unloading or prolonged shipping duration.
- Damage resulting from weather, road debris, vandalism, or acts of nature while the vehicle is in the Carrier’s possession.
- Personal items left in the vehicle that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
By using our services, the Customer understands that the Carrier is solely responsible for the condition and custody of the vehicle once it is picked up, and agrees to hold the Broker harmless in all such matters.
H. Carrier Assignment Window
Broker shall have up to five (5) business days from the Customer’s first available date to assign a Carrier. Should the Customer select to cancel the agreement before the expiration of this period, a Cancellation Fee of $200 will apply.
I. Carrier Assignment Authority
Broker retains the exclusive right to assign a Carrier to fulfill the order without prior Customer approval. Broker will make reasonable efforts to inform the Customer of such assignment upon occurrence.
J. Contract Termination by Broker
Broker reserves the right to cancel this agreement at any time, with or without prior notice, if unable to secure Carrier services at the quoted rate. Broker shall use best efforts to locate and offer alternative transportation options should market conditions change.
K. Exclusive Representation and Load Posting
By executing this agreement, Customer affirms that no other brokers or transportation companies are involved in the transportation of the same vehicle(s). Customer authorizes Sonic Auto Transportation to post the shipment on Central Dispatch. Engaging additional brokers or carriers may result in forfeiture of the deposit or adjustment to the quoted rate.
L. Price Variability
The transportation price quoted is based on recent shipments along comparable routes. Final pricing may be subject to change due to mechanical issues, weather events, carrier availability, Acts of God, or other unforeseen circumstances.
M. Payment Obligation
Customer agrees to remit full payment of the final transportation price as quoted or revised at the time of Carrier assignment and waives any right to dispute or charge back said amount once the vehicle has been delivered.
N. Reservation Deposit Finality
Once Carrier assignment details have been provided to the Customer—whether by phone, email, or SMS—the reservation deposit is considered earned, final, and non-refundable. By submitting the deposit, the Customer authorizes Sonic Auto Transportation to begin carrier dispatch services and acknowledges that labor, time, and resources are committed immediately to secure transportation.
The Customer agrees not to dispute or charge back the reservation deposit for any reason, including but not limited to:
- Changing their mind about shipping the vehicle;
- Failing to cancel prior to dispatch;
- Disagreeing with the assigned Carrier’s estimated pickup/delivery dates or route;
- Deciding to make alternate arrangements after dispatch has been initiated;
- Misunderstanding the nature of broker services or believing the vehicle was not picked up “fast enough.”
A chargeback or payment dispute initiated after Broker services have commenced constitutes a breach of this Agreement and may result in collections proceedings, legal action, and reporting to credit agencies. In such cases, Sonic Auto Transportation reserves the right to recover all reasonable costs, including collection agency fees, attorney’s fees, and court costs.
By agreeing to these terms, the Customer acknowledges that the reservation deposit reflects compensation for services rendered in the coordination and assignment of a Carrier and is not contingent upon the completion of transport by the Carrier.
O. Communication and Order Cancellation
Customer will be contacted via phone, text, and/or email prior to the pick-up date. Failure to respond within twenty-four (24) hours may result in cancellation of the order and forfeiture of the reservation deposit. Customer shall not initiate a chargeback under such circumstances.
Terms and Conditions of Service
1. Parties to Agreement
Sonic Auto Transportation, a duly registered, licensed and bonded property broker under MC-1115582 (“Broker”), hereby enters into this agreement with the undersigned individual or entity (“Customer”) and the designated carrier company (“Carrier”). Customer authorizes Broker to arrange the transportation of the described vehicle(s) through a duly licensed and insured Carrier. This Agreement, along with any associated documents, constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior verbal or written representations. Any amendment or modification must be in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Broker.
2. Pickup and Delivery Provisions
Carrier will make reasonable efforts to pick up and deliver the vehicle(s) as close to the specified address as legally and safely permitted. Where access is restricted (e.g., due to narrow streets, low-hanging branches or wires, or HOA limitations), Customer shall cooperate in selecting a mutually agreed-upon nearby location.
3. Scheduling Disclaimer
Broker will provide estimated pick-up and delivery windows. These estimates are not guaranteed and may be impacted by unforeseen events such as weather, mechanical failure, or road conditions. Broker shall not be held liable for any resulting delay, loss, cost, inconvenience, rental car, or accommodation expenses.
4. Vehicle Preparation
Customer is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is prepared for transport. This includes securing or removing all loose parts, spoilers, and non-permanent accessories. Any items detached during transport shall be the sole responsibility of the Customer, including resulting damage.
5. Alarm Systems
Customer must disable any alarm system or provide Carrier with instructions to deactivate it. Carrier may disable the alarm by any means if no instructions are provided and the alarm activates in transit.
6. Personal Property
Personal belongings are limited to 100 lbs, must be stored in the trunk, and must not include prohibited items (e.g., explosives, firearms, flammables, narcotics, legal documents, valuables, pets, plants, or contraband). Broker and Carrier shall not be liable for the loss, theft, or damage of any and all property and reserve the right to remove and dispose of such items without compensation.
7. International Shipments
For international transport, vehicles must be empty except for factory-installed equipment. Customer is responsible for providing accurate VIN, value, and necessary customs documentation. Broker may assist, but ultimate compliance is the Customer’s obligation.
8. Oversize or Inoperable Vehicles
An additional $200 surcharge will apply to all inoperable vehicles. Vehicles that are oversized, lifted, lowered, or otherwise modified (including but not limited to roof racks, oversized tires, extended bumpers, or non-standard dimensions) may incur additional fees based on the Carrier’s requirements.
It is the Customer’s responsibility to disclose any such conditions at the time of booking. Failure to accurately disclose that a vehicle is oversized, modified, or inoperable may result in:
- Refusal of service at pickup,
- Cancellation of the order, and/or
- Additional fees of up to $1,000 due to lost time, missed appointments, or Carrier reassignment.
Sonic Auto Transportation shall not be held liable for delays or cancellations resulting from undisclosed vehicle conditions.
9. Carrier Assignment Notification
Once a Carrier is assigned, Broker will notify Customer via phone and/or email. Carrier contact details will be provided after confirmation.
10. Order Cancellation
If Customer cancels the order after Carrier assignment, the reservation deposit becomes non-refundable. Broker may cancel any order at its discretion.
11. Specialty Vehicles
Classic, antique, exotic, vintage, custom, and specialty vehicles may not be covered under standard cargo insurance. Customer is solely responsible for securing a separate “binder” policy to ensure coverage. Broker does not offer ANY Cargo or Liability coverage.
12. Vehicle Condition Reports
At both pickup and delivery, the Customer and Carrier shall complete a full vehicle inspection and condition report, which must be signed by both parties. This document serves as the official record of the vehicle’s condition prior to and after transport and is essential for pursuing any damage claims with the Carrier’s insurance provider.
The Carrier and Broker make no representations and bear no responsibility for the mechanical, electrical, or operational condition of the vehicle at any time. Neither party performs diagnostic evaluations or mechanical inspections, and therefore, shall not be held liable for any mechanical, electrical, or system failures that occur during or after transport, including but not limited to:
- Battery failure or dead battery;
- Brake issues;
- Fluid leaks;
- Engine or transmission problems;
- Electrical malfunctions (e.g., power windows, locks, alarms, etc.);
- Suspension or alignment issues;
- Non-starting or non-driving conditions upon delivery.
Additionally, Sonic Auto Transportation (the Broker) assumes no liability whatsoever for damage to the vehicle’s body, frame, undercarriage, interior, mechanical components, or electrical systems, whether known or unknown, visible or concealed, that may arise during transport.
The Customer is required to maintain full insurance coverage on the vehicle throughout the duration of transport. In the event the Carrier’s insurance denies liability, the Customer agrees to seek compensation through their personal auto insurance provider.
13. Limitation of Broker Liability and Claim Responsibility
Sonic Auto Transportation (the Broker) shall not be held liable under any circumstances for damage, loss, or injury to the vehicle, Customer, or any involved parties during transport. The Carrier physically transporting the vehicle assumes full responsibility for any and all damage arising from the transportation process.
The Customer (also referred to as the Shipper) agrees to:
- File all damage claims directly with the Carrier, as identified on the Bill of Lading or Vehicle Inspection Report;
- Pursue any legal action solely against the Carrier responsible for the transport;
- Release and hold the Broker harmless from any such claims, losses, or liabilities.
The Broker’s liability, if any, in connection with the vehicle, is strictly limited to the lesser of the actual damage, actual cash value of the vehicle, or $50,000.
To be eligible for any damage claim:
- All damages must be clearly noted on the Carrier’s Bill of Lading at the time of delivery;
- The Customer must sign the Bill of Lading or Inspection Report with noted damages at delivery—regardless of time of day;
- Signing the Bill of Lading without damage notations confirms that the vehicle was received in satisfactory condition.
All claims must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of delivery to both the Carrier and Broker. Upon request, the Broker will provide the Carrier’s certificate of insurance for filing purposes.
Per U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, all freight charges and brokerage fees must be paid in full before any claim can be processed. If the Carrier’s insurance provider denies coverage for any reason, the Customer agrees to file a claim with their personal auto insurance and waives the right to hold the Broker liable in any capacity.
14. Carrier Responsibility
Carrier assumes full responsibility for the vehicle upon completion of pre-inspection at pickup and relinquishes responsibility upon Customer’s signature at delivery.
15. Acts of God and Preexisting Conditions
Broker shall not be held liable for damage caused by acts of God, environmental hazards, or preexisting mechanical faults in the vehicle.
16. Designated Representatives
In the Customer’s absence, an authorized agent must be available to release and/or accept the vehicle at the designated locations.
17. Payment Terms
Customer shall pay a deposit to Broker as agreed. The remaining balance is to be paid to Carrier upon delivery via cash, cashier’s check, or money order—unless otherwise agreed in writing. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted unless pre-approved. Failure to remit payment may result in vehicle storage at Customer’s expense.
18. Governing Law and Venue
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be adjudicated exclusively in the courts of Los Angeles County, California. The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and legal costs, including appeals.
19. Failed COD Payment
If Customer selects Cash on Delivery (COD) and subsequently provides payment that cannot be processed (e.g., insufficient funds, canceled checks), Broker reserves the right to charge the remaining balance to the card on file. Customer waives all rights to chargebacks, disputes, or refunds for such charges.
20. Legal Compliance and Fraud Prevention
Broker may disclose Customer data to legal authorities in the event of suspected fraud or upon lawful request by such authorities.
21. Insurance Disclaimer
While each Carrier is expected to maintain cargo insurance of at least $100,000, Broker makes no guarantees and bears no liability for insurance claims. All claims must be filed directly with the Carrier.
22. Cybersecurity Disclaimer
While Sonic Auto Transportation takes all commercially reasonable steps to protect its systems and customer information—including maintaining industry-standard cybersecurity measures—Customer acknowledges that no system is completely immune to unauthorized access or malicious activity. In the event of a cyberattack, phishing incident, or other unauthorized access to our accounts that results in the unauthorized dispatching of a Carrier, Sonic Auto Transportation shall not be held liable for any resulting damages, including but not limited to vehicle theft, loss, or damage. These events are beyond the reasonable control of the Broker. By using our services, Customer agrees to hold Sonic Auto Transportation harmless in such cases and acknowledges that the Broker will make every effort to investigate and mitigate such incidents promptly.