There are hundreds of auto transport companies that can ship a car. Choose the right one for your needs by checking their reviews, ensuring they are licensed and insured, and paying attention to pricing.
Determine what services you need first, such as open or enclosed shipping and door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service. This will help narrow your options down and save time.
Experience
One of the most important things to consider when choosing an auto transport company is their experience. They should have a history of providing quality services and have a good reputation in the industry. You can check the company’s website or social media to see what other people have said about them. You can also ask friends and family about their experiences with the company.
It is also a good idea to make a list of the services that you need from a car shipping company. This will help you narrow down the selection of companies to those that offer what you need. For example, you might need a terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door service. Moreover, you might prefer open or enclosed car transport. You should also look at the cost of the services and ensure that they do not include any hidden charges.
Another thing to consider when selecting an auto transport company is the payment methods they accept. Legitimate and reliable car shipping companies will only accept payments through credit card or check. If a company requires wire transfers, this is a sign that they are not a reliable business.
A reputable auto transport company will always provide clear information about their services and the costs associated with them. They will also explain the entire process, including any unforeseen delays that may arise. They should also provide a realistic delivery date. Car carriers travel about 300-500 miles a day, and while they try to be as accurate as possible, it is impossible to predict the exact time for pickup or delivery.
If you need to cancel a transport order, it is important to find out the cancellation policy of the company before you book a shipment. Many auto transport companies have a cancelation fee, so it is important to know the terms of their policy before you make your decision.
If you are looking for an auto transport company, make sure that you read the reviews online before making your choice. It is also a good idea to call and speak with the customer service representatives of the company. This will give you a better understanding of how the company works and their level of customer service.
Reputation
When choosing an auto transport company, you want to be sure that they have a good reputation and can be trusted. A great way to do this is to check customer reviews online, not only on the company’s website but also on social media sites. Reviews will provide insight into how the company treats their customers and the level of service they are able to deliver. You can also check on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any complaints filed against the company.
Another important aspect to consider is whether or not the company you are considering is licensed and insured. If they are, this will ensure that they are a legitimate business and are following the necessary regulations for car shipping companies. In the United States, all car transport companies must be licensed by the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Administration (FMCSA) and must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) and a Motor Carrier (MC) number. If the company you are considering does not have these numbers, they are probably not a legitimate business and should be avoided.
Asking for references from past clients is another excellent way to find out about the reputation of a vehicle transport company. Ask about their experience with the company, including timeliness of deliveries and how the condition of their vehicle was upon arrival at its destination. Also, be sure to inquire about any problems that may have arisen during the shipping process and how they were handled.
It is also a good idea to ask about the insurance policies of the company and what coverage they provide in case something goes wrong during the transport process. If the company does not have adequate insurance, it is likely that they are not a legitimate business and should be avoided.
Lastly, it is worth checking if the company is a member of any professional associations or organizations. This is a sign that they are dedicated to professionalism and their industry. Additionally, it shows that they are willing to go the extra mile to make sure their customers have a positive experience.
Insurance
Choosing the right auto transport company is an important decision that will determine whether your vehicle gets to its new home in good shape. There are many factors to consider, including service options (terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door), pricing, reputation, licensing, and insurance coverage. Taking the time to research companies, read customer reviews, and compare prices will help you narrow down your selection. Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to choose the right auto transport company for your needs.
Before the car shipping company takes control of your vehicle, they should inspect it to look for any existing damage. If they find any, the company will note it on their documentation and take pictures to document its condition. This can be helpful if you need to make a claim later on. In addition to the inspection, you should also consider consulting your own auto insurance provider to see what their policy covers during a shipment.
It is important to understand what the insurance coverage offered by the car transport company is before you sign any documents. The reputable companies will be open to discuss their insurance policies with you and should be clear about any additional costs that may apply to your shipment.
In some cases, fraudulent transport companies will present falsified documents to make their services sound legitimate. While this is not common, it is worth checking the legitimacy of any documents that you receive from the company.
Liability insurance is a crucial aspect of any auto transport company, as it protects both the vehicle owner and the carrier in case of an accident. It works as a financial safety net and can cover the cost of repairs needed to get your vehicle back in working condition. It can also cover any loss or theft that occurs during transportation, making it an essential part of the car transport process. This is why it’s so important to check the company’s liability insurance before booking your shipment. If they don’t have adequate insurance coverage, it may be best to choose another company. In the end, it is important to choose a reliable and affordable auto transport company that will provide you with peace of mind during your car shipment.
Pricing
The first thing to consider when evaluating car shipping companies is their pricing. A reputable company will be up front about what their rates are for both open and enclosed car transport, including any additional fees for services like lift gate service and insurance. Be wary of any company that claims to offer a “too good to be true” price, as this is often indicative of a scam. Shipping cars requires time, resources and expertise that simply doesn’t come cheap, so avoid the cheapest option at all costs.
It’s also important to determine if your chosen company offers any discounts for AAA members, dealerships, the military or the elderly. These types of discounts can help you save money and fit your car transport into a tight budget.
Lastly, make sure to select a company that offers several payment options. Most reputable companies will allow you to pay for your auto transport through various methods, including credit cards, debit cards and even checks. Look for a website that displays the different payment options available, and opt for a company that allows you to choose the option that suits your needs.
You should also evaluate the level of customer care that a company provides. A trustworthy and professional company will prioritize clear communication with their customers and provide excellent customer support throughout the transportation process. It’s also important to ensure that your chosen car shipping company is familiar with New York state regulations and compliance standards.
Another important factor to consider is whether or not a company has the proper operating authority. In order to legally transport vehicles, companies must hold a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) broker’s license. To check a company’s licensing status, you can search their MC number online at the FMCSA website.
Choosing an auto transport company can be difficult, but with a bit of research and careful selection you’ll find one that fits your needs perfectly. Compare everything that each company has to offer, from quality of service and types of service to their credibility and price. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to start requesting quotes and speaking with representatives.
