How Do You Find The Best Car Shipping Companies?
How Do You Find The Best Car Shipping Companies?
Blog Article
You might need to ship your car when you're moving to a new city or buying a car from far away. But how do you know which car shipping company to trust? With so many options, it's easy to feel confused. This article will help you understand how to find the best car shipping companies in a simple, step-by-step way.
1. Know What You Need
Before you start looking for a company, think about your needs. Ask yourself:
- What kind of car are you shipping? A small car is different from a large truck or a classic vehicle.
- Where is it going? Is it going to another state or across the country?
- When do you need it moved? Some companies offer fast shipping, while others may take longer.
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you find a company that fits your needs.
2. Do Your Research Online
Start with a simple Google search like “best car shipping companies.” You’ll find many websites that list top-rated companies and compare their services. Look for companies with:
- High ratings (usually 4 stars or more)
- Lots of customer reviews
- Easy-to-navigate websites
You can also check out websites like:
- Better Business Bureau (BBB) for business ratings and complaints
- copyright and Google Reviews for customer feedback
Be cautious of companies with no reviews or a lot of negative feedback.
3. Check If the Company Is Licensed and Insured
Only work with car shipping companies that are licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Every legal shipping company has a USDOT number or MC number. You can check this number on the FMCSA website (Federal Motor copyright Safety Administration).
Also, make sure the company has insurance. If something happens to your car during shipping, you want to know you’ll be covered.
4. Get Quotes From Several Companies
It’s a good idea to get quotes from at least 3 to 5 companies. This helps you compare prices and services. Most companies will ask you for:
- The make and model of your car
- The pickup and delivery locations
- Your preferred shipping dates
- Whether your car is running or not
Be careful of very low quotes. If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cheap services may mean poor customer support or hidden fees.
5. Compare Services and Options
Not all companies offer the same services. Here are a few options to consider:
- Open transport: Your car is shipped on an open trailer. This is the cheapest and most common method.
- Enclosed transport: Your car is protected in a closed trailer. This is better for luxury or classic cars but costs more.
- Door-to-door shipping: The company picks up and drops off your car at your home.
- Terminal-to-terminal shipping: You drop off and pick up your car at a company terminal. This is usually cheaper.
Pick the service that fits your car and your budget.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Before you decide, talk to the company. Ask questions like:
- How long will shipping take?
- What happens if my car is damaged?
- Are there any hidden fees?
- Can I track my car during shipping?
Good companies will answer all your questions clearly and politely. If they avoid questions or seem unsure, think twice before hiring them.
7. Read the Contract Carefully
Once you choose a company, they’ll send you a contract or shipping agreement. Don’t just sign it quickly. Read everything. Look for:
- The total price
- Delivery time and pickup date
- Insurance details
- Cancellation policy
If something doesn’t make sense, ask for an explanation. A trustworthy company will explain everything in simple terms.
8. Prepare Your Car for Shipping
Once you book your shipping, make sure your car is ready. Here’s a simple checklist:
- Clean your car so you can notice any dents or scratches before shipping
- Take pictures of your car from all angles
- Remove all personal items from the car
- Check the gas tank—it should be only ¼ full
- Turn off alarms and secure loose parts
This helps avoid problems later and ensures your car is ready for transport.
9. Track Your Car and Stay in Touch
Many good companies offer tracking so you know where your car is during shipping. If they don’t, they should give you regular updates.
Also, stay in touch with the driver or the company’s customer service. This gives you peace of mind while your car is on the road.
10. Inspect Your Car on Arrival
When your car is delivered, inspect it carefully. Use the photos you took before shipping to check for any new damage.
If something is wrong, tell the driver and write it down on the delivery report. Take photos again and contact the company right away. If your car were insured, you could file a claim.
Finding the best car shipping company doesn’t have to be hard. Just take your time, ask the right questions, and compare your options. A reliable company will make the whole process smooth and stress-free.
By following these tips, you can find a trustworthy service that gets your car to its destination safely—and at a fair price. Report this page