When it comes to auto shipping, selecting the right car transport company is crucial for the safe relocation of your vehicle. Many people need their cars moved to a new location for various reasons, including shifting to a new home, purchasing a vehicle from a distant state, or taking a seasonal vacation or relocation.
It can be challenging to select the best, safest, and reliable option, with numerous companies available. The need for a thorough review of the organisation’s background can make hiring a professional transport company a daunting task. You cannot simply trust a random business to transport your expensive car without assessing the quality of their services. There is a whole range of factors to keep in mind, such as the time of year, your vehicle’s make and model, and the company’s reputation.
In today’s blog, we will provide you with some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting a shipping company to transport your vehicle.
How Do You Choose the Best Shipping Company?
- Determine Your Logistics Needs
- Open Air or Enclosed Trailer
First, identify your auto shipping needs, such as whether you want to ship a classic luxury car or a standard vehicle. The enclosed auto transport is the best option for high-end cars; therefore, companies with top-notch transport vehicles are preferred for such autos. Similarly, a standard car can be easily shipped on an open trailer, with many organizations offering top-notch flatbed trucking services; choosing an open-air transport company is a straightforward decision.
- Door to door\terminal-to-terminal
It is crucial to select a shipping company that meets your needs, which involves assessing the company’s service availability. Some companies might not offer door-to-door delivery; however, terminal-to-terminal services are available. Therefore, it is best to identify your own needs first. In some cases, door-to-door auto transport may be unavailable, even if the company offers it, owing to blocked routes, tight spaces, or restricted hours. Despite such hurdles, companies like “Allstate to state” go the extra mile to give you peace of mind by delivering the car to the nearest and most convenient spot to the shared destination, especially if the drop-off location is inaccessible.
- Standard vs Express Shipping
In case you are relocating a car on an urgent basis, you are less likely to have time to research each company’s track record, and more likely to move your vehicle with the first suitable option you find. However, even in such a case, we recommend you go for a shipping business that is renowned and famous, and you have heard of it quite a few times in the past. Verify if the available option has the means to move your vehicle on an urgent basis. Do they have specialised transport vehicles and experienced drivers to relocate cars safely on an expedited basis? However, for standard shipping, consider a detailed review of the company’s past services.
- Do a Thorough Research
- See the reviews of transport companies on Google, Yelp, their official website, or any other platform. If the organisation has a rating of 4.5 to 4.9 and a substantial number of satisfied customers, it can be a reliable choice.
- Furthermore, there are also some additional factors to verify, such as the motor carrier number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to verify the company’s operating status. Every legitimate company has a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) eight-digit number to ship cars across various states. A credible company displays this number without hesitation on its website or, upon request, to customers. In addition, check the (FMCA) SAFER database to review the transport company’s safety records.
- Similar to checking customer reviews, ask people who frequently ship their cars or check online forums like Facebook and Twitter to see how they rate various transportation companies based on personal experiences.
- Read Policies and Verify Address
Carefully read the fine print of the company detailing its policies. Verify the transparency of their charges, ask questions about everything, and confirm the company’s address is valid by checking online or using a phonebook. If a residential address is listed, avoid it. If it is credible, it must be listed under the company’s name instead.
- Insurance Coverage
Confirm if the organisation offers car insurance. A professional company always provides comprehensive insurance in case of any accidental damage. If your selected shipping business provides confirmation and assurance about insurance, supported by evidence, then it can be a reliable choice.
- Compare Quotes and Services
Always keep three options in line for comparison. Obtain estimates from various transport companies, then evaluate which one provides quality services, affordable prices, and a legitimate background. Don’t compromise on the quality of logistic services for a lower price. A professional company always provides an estimate following a thorough discussion on shipping details, and it has a standard price range that includes DOT compliance procedures, insurance, and other relevant factors.
Don’t Book If You Find These Red Flags
If you see anything listed below, it is advisable to avoid such a company.
- If the shipping staff arrives in a rented transport vehicle, it indicates that they do not have their own trailers and containers to move a car.
- If the company asks for an upfront payment, cancel it; a well-reputed transport business never asks for cash deposits.
- If the company asks for additional fees and taxes, avoid them; a standard shipping company should be transparent about the charges.
- If the drivers are not licensed as per the carrying vehicle, then the company is not legitimate.
FAQs
Q1. What should I keep in mind while choosing a car shipping company?
Ans. Many factors are crucial for selecting a transport company, such as your personal shipping needs, the company’s reputation, rating, DOT and FMCSA compliance, insurance coverage, and transparency of charges. If you are planning to ship your car, it is essential to carefully verify the company’s track record to avoid loss or damage to your expensive vehicle.
Q2. How can I verify the credibility of an auto shipping company?
Ans. There is no single factor that determines the credibility of a vehicle. However, several indicators can verify credibility, including a 4.5 to 4.9 rating, transparent charges, insurance coverage, no upfront payment, a motor carrier number, a USDOT number, and the availability of a range of transportation trailers with vetted drivers.
Q3. If a company has a low price, should I choose it?
Ans. No, always choose a company based on its service quality, not on the cheapest price estimate. If a company gives a lower estimate, it is possible that they are not including legal compliance requirements, insurance coverage, and other standard procedures. There’s a strong possibility you’ll be charged for it later.
