Brantley Kendall 13 Feb 2023 2 years ago Are you looking to ship a car but don’t know which car shipping company to choose? Shipping a vehicle across state lines or even overseas can be a stressful task. There are many factors to consider when selecting a car shipping company, from the type of transport to the cost. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together 10 essential tips for selecting the right car shipping company for your needs. Read on to learn how to make sure your car arrives safely and on time! #1. Consider the Cost of Auto Transport Services Many people choose auto transport over driving their own vehicle for a variety of reasons, including vacationing, relocating for work, and even buying or selling a car. However, despite its popularity, there are still some people who hesitate to use auto transport services because they believe it will be too expensive. In reality though, when you consider all the factors involved in driving your own vehicle – time off work, wear and tear on your car, gas and lodging expenses – using an auto transporter can actually save you money in the long run. What are the major factors that affect the cost of an auto transport service? Typically, there are three main things that will affect pricing: vehicle type, shipping distance, and shipping method. Let’s take a closer look at each of these in turn. Vehicle type Vehicle type is probably the single biggest factor affecting cost. Larger vehicles obviously take up more space on a carrier, so they will be more expensive to ship than smaller ones. In addition, some types of vehicles may require special care or handling during transport due to their value or fragility – for example, vintage cars or luxury sports cars. These kinds of vehicles will also typically cost more to ship than run-of-the-mill models. Shipping distance The second big factor is shipping distance – obviously, the further your vehicle has to travel, the higher the price tag will be. This is because carriers have set routes which they follow on specific schedules; if your vehicle needs to be shipped off route in order to reach its destination (or picked up from an unusual location), this can incur additional costs as well. Shipping method Finally, there’s shipping method – door-to-door service is going to be pricier than terminal-to-terminal transportation simply because it requires extra time and effort on behalf of the carrier company. If you’re looking for ways to save money on auto transport services, then opting for terminal shipment might be a good option for you. #2. Choose wisely the methods to transport your vehicle The different methods of auto transport include open transport, enclosed transport, door-to-door shipping, terminal-to-terminal shipping, flatbed transport, and container shipping. Open transport It is the most common type of auto transport and is the least expensive. In open transport, your vehicle will be loaded onto an open-air trailer with other vehicles and transported to its destination. Open transport is the preferred method for moving vehicles over long distances because it is cost-effective and secure. Enclosed transport It is the safest and most secure way to transport your vehicle. It is also the most expensive. In enclosed transport, your vehicle is loaded into an enclosed trailer along with other vehicles. This ensures maximum protection from the elements, road debris, and other potential damage. Door-to-door shipping This type of auto transport service will pick up the vehicle from the owner’s location and delivere to the destination address. This is a convenient option for those who do not have access to a terminal or do not want to drop off their vehicle. Terminal-to-terminal shipping It is when the vehicle is transported from one terminal to another. This is a cheaper shipping option, but the vehicle must be dropped off at the terminal and picked up at the destination terminal. #3. Check reputation and reviews before making a choice When you’re looking for an auto transport company to trust with your car, it’s important to do your research. Checking a company’s reputation and reviews is a good place to start. Here are some things to look for: Make sure the company has a good Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The BBB rates companies based on customer satisfaction, length of time in business, complaints filed against the company, and other factors. Look for online customer reviews about the company on sites like Google or Yelp. See what customers have to say about their experience with the company – both good and bad. A few negative reviews shouldn’t necessarily dissuade you from using a particular auto transport service provider, but if there are many negative reviews, that could be cause for concern. When you’re looking into hiring an auto transport service provider, checking their reputation and reading reviews should be one of your top priorities in order to ensure you make the best decision possible! #4. Find out about insurance coverage for your vehicle Insurance is very important when it comes to hiring an auto transport service provider. You never know what could happen during the shipping process, and you want to make sure that your vehicle is covered in case of any damages that may occur. Many people think that their personal insurance will cover their vehicle while it is being shipped, but this is not always the case. Some personal insurance policies have exclusion clauses that do not cover vehicles while they are being transported by a third party. It is always best to check with your insurance company before hiring an auto transport service provider, just to be on the safe side. Most reputable companies will have some form of insurance coverage for their customers’ vehicles, but it never hurts to double-check and make sure that you are fully covered. #5. Ask about additional fees/charges when booking auto transport services Be sure to ask your auto transport service provider about any additional fees or charges that may apply to your shipment. These can include things like fuel surcharges, pick-up and delivery fees, and storage fees. By asking about these upfront, you can avoid any unexpected charges later on. Here are reasons why considering the additional charges can be lucrative: You don’t want to be caught off guard by hidden fees. You want to make sure the company you’re working with is upfront and honest about all their charges. You don’t want to end up paying more than you need to. You want to be sure that the company you’re working with is reputable and won’t try to take advantage of you. Asking about additional fees and charges shows that you’re an informed customer who is serious about getting the best possible deal on auto transport services. #6. Make sure you receive necessary documentation to track your shipment This will give you peace of mind and ensure that your shipment arrives safely and on time. There are a few different things that you should keep in mind when it comes to documentation for your shipment. First, make sure that you have a bill of lading. This document will list the items that are being shipped, as well as the contact information for both the sender and the recipient. Next, you’ll want to get a tracking number from your shipping company. This will allow you to track your shipment online and see exactly where it is at all times. Finally, if you’re shipping internationally, you’ll need to get an international shipping insurance policy. This will protect your shipment in case of any damage or lost items. #7. Read up on regulations governing car shipments Depending on the country you’re shipping to, there may be different rules and regulations in place. In some cases, you may need to obtain a special permit or license in order to ship your car. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are rules that govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States. These regulations apply to all CMVs, including cars, trucks, buses, and trailers. Some of the common regulations governing car shipments in the USA are as follows: All CMVs must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All CMVs must have a valid DOT number. All CMVs must be insured. All CMVs must be inspected regularly. Drivers of CMVs must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Before you begin the process of shipping your car, make sure to do your research and learn about the specific regulations that apply to your situation. This will help ensure that everything goes smoothly and that your car arrives safely at its destination. #8. Be mindful of potential delays when scheduling vehicle transportation When you are scheduling transportation for your vehicle, be mindful of potential delays. Your vehicle may be delayed due to weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you are aware of potential delays, you can plan accordingly and avoid being stranded. Here are five of the most common factors that can lead to delayed auto shipment: Weather conditions can delay your vehicle delivery if the roads are icy or blocked by snow. Traffic can delay your vehicle delivery if there are accidents or road closures. Other unforeseen circumstances, such as a flat tire or mechanical issue, can delay your vehicle delivery. If you are shipping your vehicle internationally, customs can cause delays. Your vehicle delivery may be delayed if the transport company is running behind schedule. #9. Ask for a copy of the contract Ask for a copy of the contract between you and the car shipping provider in advance so that you know what rights (if any) you have should something go wrong with your shipment. Asking for a copy of the contract from your auto transport service provider is important because it will give you a detailed description of the services being provided, the cost of the services, and the terms and conditions of the contract. This will ensure that both parties understand their obligations and are aware of any potential risks associated with the transaction. Additionally, the contract is legally binding, so having a copy of it on hand will give you the peace of mind that your rights and interests are being protected. #10. Ensure timely delivery with reliable auto shipping companies If you’re in the market for a reliable auto transport service, it’s important to select one that offers competitive rates and quick delivery. Compare shipping fees and consider how much your vehicle will cost before choosing a transporter. A company with low shipping fees may charge more to deliver your car than another with higher fees. Ask questions about delivery time, tracking information, and customer service. Make sure to understand what is required of you in order to receive updates on your shipment’s progress. Compare ratings and reviews from previous customers before making a decision. This will help you determine which transporter has the best overall track record for delivering cars quickly and ensuring customer satisfaction. Consider whether you need 24-hour or 7-day lead time for your car shipping needs. Some companies provide earlier or later delivery options, while others offer no lead-times at all. It’s important to choose a transportation that can accommodate your specific needs! Inspect vehicles carefully upon pickup for any damages or issues unrelated to shipping. Many companies use certified shippers who take care of all the packing and crating needed so there are minimal chances of damage during transit; however, be aware that not all companies follow this policy rigorously (for example, boxes packed in tight quarters without adequate padding can cause damage). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Auto Transportation Service? Auto transportation service provider will transport your vehicle from one location to another. Professional auto transport companies provide door-to-door service, meaning they will pick up your vehicle at your home and deliver it to your new destination. How much does auto transport cost? The cost of auto transportation service varies depending on the distance, size of the vehicle, and the mode of transportation. Generally, the cost of transporting a standard-sized vehicle can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the distance and other factors. Is auto transport safe? Yes, auto transport is generally safe. Professional auto transport companies employ experienced and trained drivers who take extra care when transporting vehicles. They also use secure trailers that are designed to protect the vehicle from any damage during transport. How long does auto transport take? The time it takes to transport a vehicle depends on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 14 days to complete the transportation process. What type of vehicles can be transported? Most auto transport companies can transport a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, RVs, and boats. What documents are required for auto transport? Most auto transport companies require proof of ownership, such as a title or registration, before the vehicle can be transported. Is insurance included in the cost of auto transport? Yes, most auto transport companies provide insurance coverage for the vehicle while it is being transported. What payment methods are accepted? Most auto transport companies accept cash, credit cards, and checks. How can I track my vehicle during transport? Many auto transport companies provide customers with a tracking number that you can use to monitor the vehicle’s progress during transport. Are there any restrictions for auto transport? Yes, some auto transport companies have restrictions on the size, weight, and type of vehicle that can be transported. Additionally, some companies may not be able to transport vehicles to certain states or countries. Brantley Kendall Share this: