logo
  • Home
  • FAQs
  • User Videos
  • Quote Calculator
866-221-1664
Get Your Free Quote
logo
866-221-1664
  • Home
  • FAQs
  • User Videos
  • Quote Calculator
Get Your Free Quote
Get Your Free Quote

5 Things to Take Account When Shipping an Automobile

50,000+ Reviews
1,000,000+ Customers Helped
Home  |  Car Transport   |   5 Things to Take Account When Shipping an Automobile

Choosing an auto shipping company online can be overwhelming and confusing. It’s difficult for many people to turn their vehicle over to a company they know very little about. That’s why it’s helpful to know which factors are more important than others when it comes to choosing a reliable auto transport company. Here are a few things you should take into account to ensure you get the best service at the best price. 

1.Research the Company’s Reputation

This is one industry where reputation really matters. Sometimes, word of mouth is the best information you can get. Talk to people you know who have shipped cars and ask them about their experience. It is also important to read the company’s reviews. Typically, customers who have a great experience or a terrible experience are most likely to leave a review. Keep in mind, however, that reviews are never 100% representative of the company’s overall performance. In addition to checking reviews on the company website, you should also check reviews with the Better Business Bureau, Google Business Reviews, and Transportationreviews.com.

2.What’s the Price?

One of the first questions on most people’s minds is “How much is this going to cost?” You can ask for a quote via the phone or through the company’s website. When you provide the right details such as the dates of your shipment and the make and model of your vehicle, you should be able to get a fairly accurate quote. Be mindful of a few things when getting a quote:

-Quote prices are not final and they tend to fluctuate.

-Beware of the lowest quote. (If it seems too good to be true it probably is)

-Make sure you are clear on the terms and conditions and understand things cancellation fees, booking fees, etc.

3.What is the Company’s Insurance Policy?

It’s important to check with the company to make sure they are fully inspired. Otherwise, you run the risk of being financially responsible if anything should happen to your vehicle during transport. This could turn into a financial nightmare if you aren’t properly insured. 

4.Consider the Season

There is definitely a difference between shipping services during the warmer months versus the winter. Transporting a vehicle in the winter can be a bit more challenging due to unpredictable weather conditions. Drivers have to be more cautious if there is snow or icy roads. That said, shipping a car during the summer can be more expensive due to higher demand. Just be aware of how the seasons affect the price and shipment time. 

5.Carrier Options

Before shipping your car, one of the most important things to consider is the kind of shipment carrier that best suits your vehicle. Most companies will offer open transport or enclosed transport. Transporting a vehicle through an open carrier is the cheapest option, but keep in mind that your vehicle will be subject to the outdoor elements and could potentially get damaged by rain, hail, ice, wind, rocks, or other debris. Enclosed carriers, on the other hand, are more expensive but they provide additional protection for your vehicle. These carriers are ideal for shipping classic or luxury vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to Your Car Moving Questions

The hardest thing for people researching car moving companies to understand is that the prices they are getting are not hard and fast gaurantees, but rather ESTIMATES of what one company thinks it will take to get a vehicle moved promptly versus another company's opinion of what it will take. Don't be fooled, there are not carriers committed to take your vehicle at these quoted prices, the company you choose will still have to get to work getting a carrier to commit to move it at the price they quote you.

Your total price breaks down into two parts, the broker's fee (or 'deposit' as everyone calls it) and the carriers fee (your COD amount) Make no mistake about this, EVERYONE YOU ARE GETTING SALES CALLS FROM IS GOING TO BROKER YOUR MOVE. In this industry, there are brokers who try to fool you into thinking that they are the actual carriers and there are an equal amount of carriers who sell themselves on the fact that they have a truck or two but are not being honest about the fact that they broker out 90% of the orders they book. Here is a quick easy way to tell, if a company takes an up front fee, whether they call it a deposit or any other name, they are a broker. Carriers do not take any payment until the vehicle is delivered.

In our opinion, you are crazy to do so. Have you ever been paid up front for the work that you perform for your employer? Why would you pay a fee up front when there are reliable and trustworthy companies like ours that won't ask for it until we provide you with your carriers details?

The average transit time from pick up to delivery on any vehicle going coast to coast will be between one and two weeks. From there you can figure your transit time based on how far your vehicle is traveling, i.e. from either coast to the Midwest might average 3-7 days.

View All FAQs
Ship a Car Direct BBB Business Review
4.9
Over 35,000+ Reviews
TransportReviews.com
4.8
Over 17,000+ Reviews
ShopperApproved.com
4.9
Over 3,500+ Reviews
ConsumerAffairs.com

We’re Loved by Customers

See Reviews by Our Verified Buyers!

shipacardirect.com widget logo
Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote
Get Your Free Quote
  • About Us
  • Quote Calculator
  • User Videos
  • FAQs
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
MC-632461
logo
© 2023 Ship a Car Direct. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Site Map