When you’re shipping a car, it’s important to find the best auto transport company. Finding a good car shipping company can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you aren’t familiar with the industry. There are so many options out there. It can be hard to know where to start looking for an auto mover that will meet your needs and budget.
Shop Around for Quotes to Get Prices
The first step to finding a reliable auto shipping company is to compare quotes. Contact several car shipping companies serving your area and make sure to get an estimate for how much it will cost to transport your vehicle. However, you shouldn’t only compare the prices. Look at added perks like insurance, live tracking, and door-to-door delivery. You should also ask the company to walk you through the steps of getting your vehicle on its truck so you feel confident about the process.
Pick a Car Shipping Company That Suits Your Needs
Take some time to think about your needs when finding an auto transport company. If you’re moving far away, for instance, you might want to find a car shipping company that specializes in cross-country vehicle shipping. Or, if you’re looking for the cheapest quote, you might want to compare discounts when you evaluate car shipping quotes. Once you’ve identified the needs that are most important to you, it’s easier to find a car shipping company.
Find an Insured and Licensed Car Shipping Service
When you’re looking for an auto transport company, it’s critical to find one that’s insured and licensed. You never want to ship a car with auto transport companies that are not insured. If something goes wrong, the company probably won’t be able to pay for damages. Additionally, you want to make sure that the auto transport company you use is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Read Reviews Online
Before you choose a car shipping company, it’s always a good idea to find out what other customers have experienced. Read online reviews of auto shipping companies. Look for comments about customer service, car shipping costs, and other factors that are significant to you.
Choose the Right Carrier Option
Car shipping companies offer several options when it comes to transporting your car. You can choose an open, enclosed, or multi-carrier, depending on your needs. If you’re transporting a classic car or one that is of high value, it may be best to look into the option of an enclosed carrier. While enclosed carrier car shipping services are more expensive, they are safer. So, your vehicle will be protected during transit.
If you need to ship a car on a budget, look for an open carrier and ask about the possibility of covering the vehicle if it is exposed to the elements. Open carriers are less expensive, but they aren’t as safe for your vehicle.
Ask About Tracking System
As mentioned earlier, some auto shipping companies offer a tracking system. If a vehicle shipping company offers this service, you can easily check the progress of your car from one destination to another. Tracking is a good idea if you’re shipping your vehicle across the country because it lets you know when your car arrives.
Get a Guarantee If You Need One
In some instances, it’s possible to have your car insured independently of the car shipping company. These are called “standalone” insurance policies, and they are offered by big names like Allstate or State Farm. You can purchase these types of policies to cover your car against theft and damage during the shipping process. If you’re transporting a luxury car, it may be worth the extra money to get this type of insurance.
Read Through the Cancellation Policies
Finally, it is critical to verify the cancellation terms before scheduling an appointment. Typically, a car shipping company might require payment upfront when you book the service, so you’ll want to make sure they accept cancellations. Look for a company that offers full refunds if you need to cancel, as some do not.
Door-to-door Versus Terminal-to-terminal Shipping
When you’re looking for convenient car shipping services, it may be wise to consider door-to-door auto shipping. With door-to-door service, the driver will pick up and deliver your car to the same location. This is a good option if you’re not available to meet the driver at a specific location.
There is an added cost for door-to-door car shipping, so you’ll want to consider how much time it will save. Terminal-to-terminal shipping is typically cheaper. With this option, the car will be picked up from one location and delivered to another. You will need to meet the driver at the terminal, so you’ll have to be available during the pick-up and delivery times.
This is a good option if you want to save money, but it’s not as convenient as door-to-door shipping. So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding.
Keep These Tips in Mind
The process of choosing the best car shipping company can be a little overwhelming. There are so many things to consider; it’s hard to know where to start. However, if you take the time to shop around for car shipping quotes, think about your needs, and compare reviews of different auto transport companies, you can find an excellent service that fits your budget and requirements.