How to Choose an Auto Transport Company for Shipping Your Car

While relocating to a new city is an exciting endeavor, there are without a doubt several aspects of moving that are far less fun. For one, the process of get your vehicle moved can be very tedious; those who are moving thousands of miles to a new state or even country will likely have to invest in an auto transport company. And finding the best moving company for shipping your car can be a daunting task.

We understand that your car is one of your most prized possessions, so looking for the best auto transport company can be challenging with moving companies each differing from one another. Thus, it is essential to do your research before choosing a company for shipping your car. But no need to worry — we’ve got your back! In this post, we’ll be discussing the essential factors to look for while choosing an auto transport company.

Make a List of Your Requirements

Before starting your search, make a list of the services you’re looking for in an auto transport company. Next, search for the companies that match your requirements. It would be merely a waste of time to choose a company that does not fulfill your needs.

For instance, you might want to invest in enclosed auto transport rather than an open car shipping. In that case, ensure that you’re only looking for companies that offer closed auto transport services.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Auto Transport Company 

Here is a list of things that you should look for:

Check Whether the Company Is Insured and Bonded

Make sure that you pick an auto moving company that is insured and bonded. This ensures that if the car, or the driver, get involved in an accident during the transportation period, you will remain covered.

In short, learn about their insurance policy and everything they cover. It’s crucial to understand the coverage they provide to the car while in transit. The company might charge you a bit more to provide full coverage to your vehicle, but it’s worth the peace of mind. 

Check Customer Reviews

Scour the internet and check the ratings and reviews from previous customers. You might also want to consult your family and friends and get their opinions, asking them if they know about the company and whether it is reliable or not.

Strike off any companies that seem to offer low-quality services from your list. Always look for critical comments in customer reviews; this will give you a better idea about the company and the kind of experience customers had with them.

Only Use Reliable Payment Methods

Legitimate and reliable auto transport companies ask for payments through credit card or check. If the company that you’re considering requests payment via a wire transfer, know that they are not reliable.

Ensure That the Company Is Registered

Make sure the company you are opting for is registered under the Department of Transportation. This step is all the more important if the company provides international shipping services.

Ask for their DOT number and confirm its authenticity before investing your trust in that company. Also, the registered auto moving companies have a Motor Carrier Number. By entering the number on the FMCSA website, you can review this auto-moving company’s safe driving record.

Additionally, the companies that ship vehicles need to get registered with the Federal Maritime Commission. Check for the company’s authenticity on the FMCSA website before going forward with it.

 

Compare Shipping Costs

Once you have shortlisted a few reliable companies, you can call them up or check their website to know more about the shipping costs. Here are some things that you should always keep in mind:

•   The bulkier the vehicle, the higher the shipping cost.
•   If the distance of the trip is short, it costs less and vice versa.
•   If you want speedy services, it costs extra.
•   If the auto transport company asks you to quote your own price, strike that company off your list.

Another thing to note here is that small auto transport companies charge more for cross country shipping. This happens because small companies don’t generally execute long routes. Therefore it’s better to go with bigger companies for longer distances.

Inquire About Cancelation Policies

Though cancelation is unlikely, you never know when you might have to cancel due to an unforseen emergency. In the event of a cancellation, it’s important to choose a shipping company that has a good cancelation policy. You should always inquire whether it’s required to pay any extra charges if you opt to cancel their services.

If you don’t wish to pay full price, ask if the company accepts payments in installments.

Additionally, you may want to ask if the company provides any unique plans for customers.

Avoid Cheap Options

While we all prefer to pay less for more, not all deals are as good as they first may seem. As the saying goes, if a price seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

For this reason, don’t go with the company that offers the lowest price; low prices, particularly if they are far lower than the normal going rate, are typically indicators of poor service, so they should typically be avoided. Additionally, companies like this usually have numerous underlying costs or hidden fees. Instead of being motivated by lower costs, instead go with the auto transport company that can simply provide the best service.

Take Precautionary Steps

Damage during transit can be a possibility. Hence, before hiring an auto moving company, ask them about the necessary precautions they take to avoid mishaps while transporting a vehicle. Choose them only if you find their answers to be satisfactory.

Final Words

After doing proper research, reading reviews, and asking others, make your pick.

It is a common assumption that driving one’s vehicle across the states costs less than shipping. But for most, the reality is quite different. You will have incur various costs when driving your car, such as hotel charges, gas, food, not to mention wear and tear.

In the end, it all comes down to the quality of service that an auto transport company provides. Thus, it is imperative not to rush into anything. Take your time before investing your hard-earned money into an auto transportation service.

Find a Reliable Auto Transport Company

Does your company use a system like an ePOD/eBOL app or a digital auto transport platform? These types of systems are great for knowing everything about the vehicles you intend to ship, detailed photo inspections of the vehicle, as well as keeping a log from site to destination.

Super Dispatch is an Auto Transport Platform and Software that can help car haulers, brokers, shippers, and more to connect with their clients. Super Dispatch helps car haulers do better business with a secure and fast shipping platform. Request a free demo today!

Published on January 28, 2021