Whether you are thinking about shipping your car to another destination in-state or thousands of miles across the country, it’s natural that you may feel nervous about what’s involved in auto shipping. To help you make the best decision, here is a comprehensive guide to choosing the right auto shipping company for your needs.
Do Your Research
Once you search for auto shipping companies online, you may be surprised to find out how many want your business. Since there are so many, don’t make a quick decision. Instead, pick out several that sound good and start doing in-depth research. Along with comparing their prices and services, take some time to read customer reviews about these companies. Also, be sure to check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any companies you’re considering have had any formal complaints or legal action taken against them by unsatisfied customers.
Verify Company Information
Never choose an auto shipping company without verifying the information on their website. For example, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call the company directly so you can speak to an actual person.
When doing so, ensure the company is licensed and bonded and has filed the necessary paperwork with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Along with getting your questions answered during your phone call, you can visit the FMCSA website to confirm the company’s licensing information and safety record.
Determine the Services You Need
The type of services you may need when shipping your car to another destination is a very important part of selecting the best auto shipping company. For example, if you have a luxury car or classic vehicle you need to be shipped, ensure the company in mind has the equipment and experience needed to keep your vehicle safe and sound during its trip.
Remember that reputable vehicle transport companies can usually offer you a choice of using an open or closed trailer for your vehicle, so think beforehand what type of trailer your vehicle will need.
Pickup and Delivery Options
Not all auto shipping companies are the same regarding pickup and delivery options. While some companies will pick up your vehicle at your current home and deliver it directly to your new home’s driveway, others will only agree to pick-up and delivery options within a certain area of your location.
Thus, you may have to drive your vehicle to a certain spot for pickup and then meet the transport driver miles from your new home to pick up your vehicle. To avoid any confusion, always be very clear about this aspect of auto shipping before you sign on the dotted line.
Get a Quote in Writing
Once you have an auto shipping company in mind that will be your best option, always get a quote in writing for every detail associated with transporting your vehicle. If you don’t, you may think you will be paying one price but, instead, find yourself owing hundreds of dollars more upon delivery. Also, keep in mind that once the transport company picks up your vehicle, they likely won’t release it to you until you have paid your bill in full.
Don’t Always Choose the Cheapest Company
Even on a tight budget, don’t always choose the cheapest vehicle transport company. Since you usually get what you pay for, this could spell disaster for you and your car. If you choose a company that does not specialize in auto shipping but offers to ship your vehicle at a very low price, chances are you may find your vehicle got damaged along the way to its new home. If you have nothing in writing about this before handing over your vehicle to the shipping company, you may be left holding the bag and paying for any repairs yourself.
If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll choose the best auto shipping company and deliver your vehicle on time and in great condition to your new destination.
