Many people don’t know how to ship their vehicles, but we’ll help them get started with what they need. Knowing a little about trucking and the process of shipping vehicles is essential before choosing which car shipping company to use. It’s important to remember that no two car transport companies are alike, so it’s best not to base your decision on price alone.
Table of Contents
How to Choose an Auto Transport Company
1. Reputation
Trucking companies can build a reputation just like any other company. It’s best to find one that has been in business for at least a few years and has a good reputation. If their vehicle transport reviews are positive, you can be sure the trucking company will be there for you when you need them.
2. Insurance Requirements
It’s important to know that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires liability coverage. This coverage won’t protect your vehicle from damage, but it will protect your auto shipping company and driver if any accidents happen during interstate shipping.
3. Open or Closed Carriers
It’s essential to find out what carrier a company uses when they ship vehicles. Most companies use either open or closed trailers. An open carrier can be a truck with a bed, or they can use an open trailer that is attached to the car. The difference is that an open carrier doesn’t lock and hide your vehicle. If your car is stolen, it could be removed from the trailer, leaving you with nothing to drive. Open carriers are usually used for short distances when the driver needs to unload their freight immediately after the initial pickup from your facility.
4. Experience Levels
Not all companies have the same amount of experience in this niche. Some might be well experienced in transporting new cars, but not those used. If you’re sending a used vehicle out to a company, it’s best to find one with experience in transporting used cars. It will help ensure your vehicle is handled with care and shipped safely when it’s time to go.
5. Quality From Pick Up to Drop Off
It’s also essential to make sure that the quality level of service stays consistent throughout the entire process of shipping your vehicle. Different auto transport companies have different levels of service. Some will do a great job of taking care of your car and ensuring it’s ready to go. Others might take their time but ensure the vehicle is completely taken care of. You can often find the difference between well-managed and poorly run carriers in how they treat your vehicle during pickup. If you receive a prompt call when requesting a pickup, you’ll know that the carrier is keeping a good eye on your car from start to finish.
6. Customer Orientation
Customer service is an essential factor in any vehicle transport company. Before accepting any carrier’s offer, it’s best to ensure you’re comfortable with how they handle things. For example, if you have questions about a carrier’s policies or services, then ask before signing anything. Vehicle transport companies are hectic, and they might not always have time to answer all of your questions right away.
7. Cost
It is one of the most critical factors of a car transport company. A carrier might be the cheapest, but they won’t offer the best quality services. You’ll want to choose a carrier that has been doing this for several years and has a reputation for providing high-quality services at an affordable price.
There are a lot of different factors that go into choosing the best possible carrier for your car shipment. With careful consideration and research, you can be sure you’re choosing a company that is well managed, has wonderful service and is most likely going to take good care of your vehicle while it’s in transit.
