Moving can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to transporting your car. It can be challenging to find a reputable auto transport company that meets your needs and budget.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an auto transport company, from the type of service they offer to their pricing and customer service.
In this article, we’ll go over the key things to look for when choosing an auto moving company to ensure a stress-free and successful move.
We recommend you review the list of common terms used in the auto transport industry before starting your search.
Key Highlights
- Choosing the right auto transport company involves considering your needs, researching companies, verifying licensing and insurance, reading reviews, comparing pricing and services, and avoiding common mistakes.
- Key factors to focus on include the type of transport (open vs. enclosed), service options (door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal), company reputation, insurance coverage, and customer service.
- Be wary of companies offering significantly lower prices, lacking proper licensing or insurance, or having poor customer reviews. Choose a reliable and experienced company for a smooth and stress-free auto transport experience.
Terms Used in the Auto Transport Industry
When researching any industry, it’s important to understand the terminology used within it. While you may already be familiar with some terms, you might come across new ones during your search. Therefore, we have compiled a list of common terms frequently used in the car shipping industry.
Here are the most frequently encountered car shipping terms:
- Auto Transport Company: The company you hire to ship your car across the country. They can be either a carrier or a broker and use open-air or closed-air trucks to transport different types of vehicles.
- Auto Transport Broker: An intermediary company that connects you with auto transport using car shipping carriers.
- Auto Transport Carrier: A specialized truck designed to move your car from its pickup location to its final destination. Car carriers often have multiple levels, enabling them to transport eight or more vehicles.
- Door-to-Door Service: Car shipping service where your vehicle is picked up and dropped off at your desired location.
- Terminal-to-Terminal Service: A service where you drop off your car at a facility, and an authorized carrier transports it to another designated terminal for pickup.
- Drop-Off Window: The specified period during which you must drop off your car for transportation.
- Enclosed Auto Transport: A service that involves shipping your car in an enclosed carrier, protecting against dirt, dust, grime, and other road elements.
- Open Multi-Car Hauler: The most common and cost-effective method of vehicle transportation, although vehicles are generally exposed to the elements on open carriers.
- Bill of Lading: A legal document outlining the terms of your shipping agreement. It summarizes the vehicle being shipped and its destination.
- Co-Loading: A popular and cost-effective transportation method where multiple vehicles are loaded onto a single carrier, resulting in reduced costs.
- Cut-off Time: The latest date by which the hauling company must deliver your car.
- Diversion: Refers to a change in the planned route of a shipment during transit.
- En Route: Indicates that your shipment is on its way to the pickup location of your choice.
When searching for a car shipping company, you may encounter these terms. We hope that this list makes your search easier. Now that you have a better understanding of car transport, let’s explore what to consider when choosing a car shipping company.
Choosing an Auto Transport Company: Factors to Consider
Finding a reputable company may be challenging if you’re a first-timer. Your car(s) needs to be transported at a competitive rate by a quality company. Auto transport is plagued by scammers. Only a few companies can deliver the best services!
You can increase your chances of picking a reliable and professional auto transport company by doing a few things. Among them are:
Determine Your Auto Transport Needs
The first step in choosing an car transport company is to determine your specific needs. For example, do you need your car transported across the country or just a few states away? Do you require enclosed transport for a classic or luxury vehicle, or will open transport suffice? Answering these questions will help you narrow down your search and find a company that can meet your specific needs.
Common Auto Transport Needs:
- Open Transport or Enclosed Transport
- Door to Door, Terminal to terminal, or Door to Terminal
- State-to-state, Across the country, or International auto transport
As a pioneer in the industry, we provide almost all types of car shipping or auto transport options.
Research Auto Transport Companies
Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to start researching auto transport companies. Look for companies that specialize in the type of transport you require and have a proven track record of success. You can start your research by checking out websites like the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) System to ensure that the company has a valid license and insurance.
A few points can help in research:
- It is crucial to verify that the individual companies you are considering have obtained registration from the esteemed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company should also have a valid DOT number.
- Verify that the company has liability and cargo insurance to protect your vehicle during transport. You can ask about it from the company while getting a quote. Insurance coverage is essential to safeguard against accidents or damage that may occur during transportation.
While doing research and reading this article, you can get a free car transport quote from us.
AutoStar Transport Express is Registered with the U.S Department of Transportation
Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Check for Licensing and Insurance
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an auto transport company is licensing and insurance. The company should have a valid motor carrier number issued by the Department of Transportation, which ensures that they are authorized to transport vehicles across state lines. They should also have liability and cargo insurance that will protect your vehicle in case of an accident or damage during transport.
As an experienced auto transport company we follow strict quality rules and procedures. With us, Your vehicle will be covered by the carrier’s cargo insurance. At AutoStar Transport Express, we take protecting your vehicle one step further by working with certificate holders on the insurance of the carriers only. This allows us to assist in expediting the filing of a claim on your behalf.
Read Reviews and Check References
Reading reviews and checking references is a great way to get an idea of a company’s reputation and track record. Look for reviews on websites like Google, Transport Reviews, and Angie’s List, and don’t be afraid to ask the company for references. Talking to past customers can give you valuable insight into their experience and the quality of the company’s services.
Check Reviews from Different Platforms:
As a top-rated company, we have been rated on more than 20 review platforms for years. It is not easy to get a review though when a customer is happy.
Compare Pricing and Services
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few companies, it’s time to compare pricing and services. Get quotes from each company and compare them carefully, keeping in mind the type of transport you require and the level of service you expect. Be wary of companies that offer prices significantly lower than others, as this may be a red flag for poor service or hidden fees.
We may charge you a few extra dollars but our level of customer care department covers it all. We provide personalized customer support so every client feels special about our car shipping company. Get an automobile shipping quote.
List the Companies that Meet Your Needs
Make a list of the services you need from an auto transport company before you begin your search. Choosing a company that does not meet your needs would be a waste of time. It may be preferable for you to transport your car enclosed rather than open. If that is the case, you’ll want to select only enclosed auto car transport companies.
Also, you may need terminal-to-terminal service, door-to-door service, or border crossing services.
How To Narrow Down Your Search
After choosing your top companies, start narrowing down the choices to the ones that will ship your car. This may seem like an extensive, daunting process, but our step-by-step guide should ease your mind.
Identifying Companies That Meet Your Needs
Some companies may not offer enclosed transportation, door-to-door service, exotic/luxury auto transport, or interstate car transport service from the outset. Therefore, you should only consider those that offer the services you prefer.
Requesting for an Auto Transport Quote
Get free, non-committal car shipping quotes from prequalified companies to find out what they have to offer and what they charge. If a company does not offer free price estimates, move on.
Don’t make your decision based solely on price. Do a comparative analysis to find out which company offers better value for your money based on its quality of service.
Make a Call to a Customer Service Representative
Working with a company you can reach anytime for clarifications and questions is important. When you call a company and their sales rep isn’t friendly or knowledgeable, you might want to consider going somewhere else.
Here are a few questions you might want to ask:
- Is my car safe with you?
- Which services do you offer?
- What is the cost to ship a car across the country or state? You can answer this question by using the car shipping costs calculator.
- How long does it take to ship a car?
Now that all these factors have been considered, it is time to decide which auto transport company to hire.
You are likely ready to make your decision after having spent hours reviewing websites, requesting quotes, and speaking with representatives.
Here are some things that set AutoStar Transport Express apart from its competitors. Let’s take a closer look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Auto Transport Company
There are certain typical mistakes that individuals make when selecting an auto transport firm that can cost them time, money, and even their vehicle. The following are some of the most typical mistakes to avoid when selecting a vehicle shipping company:
Not Conducting Enough Research:
One of the most common blunders is failing to conduct adequate research before selecting a vehicle shipping company. To guarantee that you choose a respectable firm, check reviews and acquire recommendations from friends and relatives.
Not Asking About Delivery Timeframes:
Make sure to ask about delivery timeframes and any guarantees the company may offer. This can help you avoid unexpected delays and ensure that your vehicle arrives on time.
Choosing an Inexperienced Company:
It’s important to choose a company with experience in the auto transport industry. An experienced company will have the knowledge and expertise necessary to transport your vehicle safely and efficiently.
Tips for a Smooth Auto Transport Experience
To ensure a smooth auto transport experience, consider the following tips:
Prepare Your Vehicle:
Before your vehicle is picked up for transport, make sure to prepare it properly. This includes removing any personal belongings, making sure the gas tank is no more than a quarter full, and securing any loose parts or accessories.
Communicate with the Company:
Communication is key when it comes to a smooth auto transport experience. Make sure to stay in contact with the company throughout the process and ask any questions you may have.
Be Flexible:
While it’s important to have a delivery timeframe in mind, it’s also important to be flexible. Delays can happen, and being flexible can help ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Inspect Your Vehicle Upon Delivery:
When your vehicle arrives at its destination, make sure to inspect it thoroughly for any damage that may have occurred during transport. If you notice any damage, make sure to document it and file a claim with the auto transport company’s insurance provider.
Leave a Review:
After your auto transport experience is complete, consider leaving a review for the company. This can help other customers make informed decisions and can also provide feedback to the company to improve their services.
How AutoStar Transport Express Can Help You?
The following are just a few reasons why AutoStar Transport Express is widely regarded as the best auto transport company:
- An instant, free no-obligation quote. You can also receive free car shipping rates like many others. All you need to do is fill out four simple fields, which include vehicle make, model, pickup location, and delivery location.
- Knowledgeable drivers. An auto transport carrier driver has a lot of responsibilities. All of our drivers keep their permits current, stay informed of federal rules and regulations, and are prepared to handle a variety of situations.
- Offer both open and enclosed auto transport. In addition to open auto transport, we also offer enclosed auto transport. Your vehicle will be transported safely and securely regardless of which service you choose.
- Dedication to Customer Service. We serve a wide range of clients, including those relocating, auto dealers, vacationers, car collectors, corporations, construction teams, and military personnel. Due to our dedication to our customers, we receive repeat business.
- Capable of transporting a variety of vehicles. Our company transports various makes, models, and years of vehicles. We are happy to ship your classic car, luxury vehicle, or motorcycle. Additionally, we can transport both running and non-running vehicles.
- Personalized approach: We work closely with you through every step of the transport process. Choose AutoStar Transport Express and enjoy hassle-free shipping with an easy and painless shipping process.
- Zero upfront payment: That’s right, zero dollars! Your order is charged once the carrier has been dispatched.
- Insurance coverage: You will receive insurance coverage with your shipping quote. As part of our carrier network, we select haulers who meet insurance standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a car transporter?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a car transporter, including their reputation, experience, insurance coverage, pricing, and customer service. It’s a good idea to research several companies, read customer reviews, and compare quotes before making a decision.
What should I look for in an auto transport company?
When choosing an auto transport company, you should look for a company that is licensed, insured, and experienced in transporting vehicles. They should also have a good reputation, offer competitive pricing, and provide excellent customer service.
How can I find a reputable auto transport company?
You can find a reputable auto transport company by researching online, asking for recommendations from friends and family, and checking with industry organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What questions should I ask an auto transport company before hiring them?
Before hiring an auto transport company, you should ask about their insurance coverage, experience, pricing, and delivery timeframe. You should also ask about their cancellation policy and any additional fees or charges.
Is it better to use a broker or a carrier for auto transport?
Both brokers and carriers can provide auto transport services, but there are some differences. Brokers act as intermediaries between customers and carriers, while carriers own and operate the trucks that transport vehicles. Using a broker may provide more flexibility and options, while using a carrier may offer more direct communication and control over the transport process.
What is the best auto transport company to use?
When it comes to finding the best auto transport company for your needs, it’s important to do your research. While Autostar Transport Express may be a good option, there are many other companies out there that may be a better fit for your specific situation.
