Looking for the best way to ship your car without getting ripped off?
Selecting an auto transport company can be a daunting task. With a $10.1 billion industry and thousands of potential providers jockeying for your business, how do you determine who to trust?
The problem:
Not all auto transport services are created equal. Some companies will promise the moon and leave you with a heap of problems. Others will hit you with hidden fees or damage your car while it’s in their care.
In this guide, I’m going to show you exactly how to choose a reliable provider that will deliver your vehicle to its destination safely and affordably.
What you’re about to discover:
- Auto Transport Services 101
- The Real Cost of Shipping Your Car
- Warning Signs of a Rogue Service
- Verifying a Legitimate Company
Auto Transport Services 101
Auto transport services are, as you might expect, companies that ship vehicles from Point A to Point B.
Simple enough, right?
Well, here’s the thing…
Not all transport companies operate in the same manner. Some have their own trucks and drivers (they’re known as carriers). Others are brokers that match you up with carriers. Knowing the difference is important when you need to ship your vehicle.
Carriers do the entire shipping process in-house. They own the trucks, hire the drivers, and assume full responsibility for your vehicle.
Brokers, on the other hand, are middlemen. They find a carrier and handle the logistics for you. While brokers often get you a better price, it does add an extra layer of complexity.
The Real Cost of Shipping Your Car
I know you’re anxious to find out how much it will cost to ship your car. But let’s just take a second to consider the factors that go into determining a price.
Shipping rates will be determined primarily by distance. Transporting a vehicle coast-to-coast will naturally be more expensive than moving it across state lines.
Here are the factors that contribute to a shipping price:
The size of the vehicle is a big consideration. Bigger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, cost more to transport than compact or midsize cars. This is because they take up more space on the carrier and weigh more.
Transport type is another huge consideration. Open transport is more economical, but it exposes your car to the elements. Enclosed transport is pricier, but it offers full protection for your vehicle.
Timing, of course, also affects your budget. Need your car yesterday? Expedited service will cost you extra. Flexible with your delivery date? You’ll pay less money.
Something you might not realize…
Seasonality also factors into the equation. Summer is prime moving season, so you can expect to pay higher rates. Transporting during the off-season (winter months) could net you a discount.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
If there’s one serious topic to cover it’s the risk of scams.
Auto transport is an industry with some unsavory players. With over 2 million registered carriers in the US alone, there are bound to be some fly-by-night operators trying to con you out of your money.
These are the warning signs you should be aware of:
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Bait and switch scams are all too common in this industry. Dishonest companies will quote you a lowball price, then try to change the terms once they have you by the short hairs.
Demanding full payment upfront is a very, very bad sign. Responsible carriers ask for a deposit (typically 10-25%) and collect the balance on delivery.
Suspicious if the company lacks a physical address or contact information. Scammers operate out of internet offices or nonexistent buildings. Run the company down the street if that’s the case.
If they pressure you to make an immediate decision, that’s a warning flag. Reputable companies will give you time to shop around and think it over. Pushy salespeople are trying to lock you into a bad deal.
A lack of insurance or licensing is not ok. Every legitimate auto transport company will be registered with the FMCSA and carry appropriate insurance.
Verifying a Legitimate Company
Let’s get to the good part.
Verifying a company is easier than you might think.
Start by confirming their USDOT number. Every registered auto transport company is assigned one. You can verify it on the FMCSA website.
Take these other steps as well:
Call their insurance carrier and verify the company’s policy is active.
Read their reviews, but do it intelligently. Don’t just look at the star rating — read what people are saying. Look for patterns in their feedback.
Get everything in writing. Quotes, pickup dates, delivery windows, insurance, payment terms — document it all.
If you’re working with a broker, ask them about their carrier vetting process.
Getting Multiple Quotes
Hey, listen.
If you’ve made it this far in the article you’re going to do one simple thing right.
Don’t accept just one quote.
Get three or more from different companies and compare them line for line.
But don’t just compare the bottom line. Look at what’s included in the quote. Does it cover insurance? Are there any additional fees? What’s the estimated pickup and delivery timeframe?
Make sure the apples are apples. One company might quote open transport while another gives you enclosed.
And here’s the kicker…
The cheapest option is not always the best option. Paying a little extra can sometimes get you better service and more peace of mind.
Communication is Key
Did you know the thing that separates a great auto transport company from a mediocre one?
Communication.
The best companies keep you in the loop at every stage of the process. They answer questions quickly, provide tracking information, and offer you the driver’s contact details.
Test their responsiveness before you book. Call with questions. Check how long it takes them to reply to an email. If they’re difficult to reach now, imagine how hard it will be if something goes wrong.
Companies that are confident in their services have clearly defined cancellation policies. Know them before you commit.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Okay, so you’ve finally selected your carrier. Now it’s time to make some preparations.
Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle. Carriers are not licensed to transport personal property and any items left in your vehicle won’t be insured.
Photograph your car. Snap pictures from all angles before drop off. If something happens during transit this will protect you.
Ensure the car is in running condition. Or at the very least let the company know if it’s not. Transporting a non-running vehicle will require special equipment and cost more.
Here’s a few more tips to prep your car for transport:
- Check all fluid levels
- Fill tires to correct PSI
- Keep gas tank at a quarter tank or less
- Disable any alarm systems
- Remove or secure custom accessories
Wrapping Things Up
Selecting the right auto transport service for you should be a fairly straightforward process. Do your homework and trust your instincts.
Let’s review:
- Know the difference between a carrier and broker
- Get multiple quotes and compare apples to apples
- Be aware of red flags like unsustainably low prices
- Verify licensing, insurance, and reviews
- Get everything in writing before you commit
The auto transport industry is full of honest, reputable companies that want to serve you. By following this guide, you’ll find one of them and feel confident they’ll treat your car with the respect it deserves.
Take your time, do your research, and go with a company that feels right to you.
