Your car is very important to you and is necessary to transport you and your family. That’s why choosing the right auto shipping service provider is such an important decision. There are a number of auto shipping companies out there, all claiming to provide the best service at the best price, so how do you know which one to choose? The truth is, not all auto shipping companies are created equal and finding the right one requires a great deal of research and planning. You want to be sure you are handing your car over to a service provider that is trustworthy and reputable. In order to help you navigate this process, we have compiled a list of features and qualities that you should look for in a car shipping service as well as tips for researching them to find the right one. 

Look for the right qualities. Every car shipping service is essentially selling the same general service, so it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding into the company’s brand to be sure they are who they say they are. You want to look for a company that is reliable, trustworthy, experienced, and qualified. 

Never base your decision on price alone. You have certainly heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for” and this is definitely true when it comes to auto shipping. If you notice a company that is advertising a drastically cheaper price, this could be a red flag that something is not right. Instead of searching for the cheapest price, look for the company that offers the best quality service at the best price. 

Research the company. Most people begin their search for auto shipping companies online. The websites should include basic information about the company as well as customer reviews. If you come across a company that seems to offer the services you need, it’s time to do a little additional research. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints about the company. You can also search online for other customer reviews. You should also call and speak to a representative from the company who can answer your questions. This is also a good time to ask for references so you can be sure you are working with a company you can trust. 

Get a quote and compare pricing. While it may be difficult to provide you with an exact price, most reputable companies should be able to give you a quote for the services. Make sure you understand the types of services being offered when you receive your quote. For example, is the quote for enclosed or open transport, terminal or door-to-door to shipping, etc. Once you have a quote, you will be able to compare prices with other companies. 

Verify proper licensing and registration. Before selecting an auto transport company, you want to be sure they have all of the required licensing, registration, and bond information. It is required that all auto transport carriers be registered with the United States Department of Transportation so you should check to be sure they have the proper MC and US-DOT numbers. You can also research the company using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Here you will be able to see a safety record for specific auto transport companies.