Whether you're a first-time car transport customer or a repeat client, determining how to identify reliable car transport services can seem complicated. You need to consider the time of year, the type of car you're shipping, your desired delivery window, and other criteria to choose the best vehicle shipping company. It's also important to evaluate the reputations of the car transport services you're considering, as this helps ensure you're working with a safe, secure company.
Rather than you Googling “I need vehicle transportation," we've created this guide on how to choose the best vehicle transport service for you. We'll cover everything you need to know so you can make the right decision for you, your vehicle, and your budget.
Find Car Carrier Services That Offer the Services You Need
Let's start with the basics of how to choose a reliable car shipping service. There are two common types of car carriers used for door-to-door auto transport: open carriers and enclosed carriers .
Open carriers are cost-effective and work well for most customers. Open carriers allow drivers to haul up to 12 vehicles at once, making them more affordable and often quicker to schedule.
Enclosed carriers are semi-trailers with roofs and side walls, which better protect vehicles from the weather and road debris. If you're shipping a classic or high-value car (> $70,000), enclosed transport is the safer choice.
Open vs. Enclosed Car Shipping
Open Transport Carrier | Enclosed Transport Carrier | |
Cost Efficiency and Overall Affordability | 30% to 60% cheaper | Premium price ($300–$1,000 extra) |
Protection Level from Weather and Road Debris | Limited (exposed to rain, sun, dust) | High. Sealed from weather and debris |
Average Vehicle Capacity per Trip | 5 to 10 vehicles | 1 to 4 vehicles (7 max) |
Best Suited for Classic or Luxury Cars | Very high; easier and faster booking | Lower; requires booking weeks ahead |
Typical Shipping Timeline and Availability | Standard daily drivers under $70,000 | Luxury, classic, exotic, or low-clearance cars |
If you're moving to another country, look for an auto shipper with experience in international logistics. For white-glove or concierge services, search for shippers that offer premium door-to-door pickup and delivery.
Once your criteria for how to choose an auto transport company are set, look for trusted transport companies that offer the services you need. A car transport broker like Nexus offers an advantage by connecting you with a nationwide network of vetted drivers and transport options.
Regardless of whom you choose, research each company thoroughly. Compare online quotes using their car shipping calculators or call for a detailed consultation.
Check Customer Ratings and Reviews
Business review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party platforms such as Trustpilot provide valuable insights into each company's reputation, helping you choose a reliable car shipping service.
When reading reviews, look at companies with a high number of ratings that deliver responsive communication, professionalism, and high-quality service. Also, don't forget to ask friends, family, or colleagues for their recommendations on the best vehicle transport service providers. Even if they haven't shipped a car themselves, they may know someone who has.
Verify Their Motor Carrier Number
A basic standard for how to choose an auto transport company is that they comply with federal regulations and industry standards.
The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) requires car carriers to display an eight-digit USDOT number to transport goods across state lines legally. Legitimate companies list this number on their website and provide it upon request.
Car transporters must also have a Motor Carrier (MC) number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can use the MC number to check a company's operating status, inspection history, and contact details.
Always verify these numbers using the USDOT's Company Snapshot function on the FMCSA website. The site provides easy access to safety-related information; you only need the company's MC number, USDOT number, or name.
Choose Companies That Perform Complete Car Inspections
Your car hauler should have a clear policy for inspecting vehicles before loading and after unloading. Drivers should inspect both the exterior and interior for damage at pickup and upon delivery.
Your vehicle's condition must be recorded on the Bill of Lading (BoL). Review this document for accuracy before signing. Keep a copy for your records in case damage is discovered after delivery.
The USDOT also requires drivers to have a key for every lock on your vehicle. If you don't currently have spare keys, be sure to get them before the scheduled pickup.
If you can't be present during inspection, send someone you trust and brief them on your vehicle's condition and the inspection process. Your signature (or your representative's) and the driver's are required at pickup and delivery.
Learn About Insurance Coverage and Cancellation Policies
When considering criteria to choose the best vehicle shipping company, you should consider their insurance coverage and cancellation policies is critical.
Independent transporters should be insured and bonded. Federal law requires carriers to carry liability insurance, but not cargo insurance, which protects the value of your vehicle. However, brokers often require carriers to carry commercial cargo insurance of $100,000, according to Super Dispatch. Nexus requires $100,000 in coverage but instances of $1,000,000 in coverage occur for premium vehicles carried in enclosed trailers. From the customer's standpoint, more insurance is better, since it covers all the vehicles in a trailer. That means the carrier's insurance may not fully cover your vehicle in the event of a significant accident.
Some carriers provide supplemental insurance that covers damages if the carrier’s policy denies or fails to cover your claim. In addition, these policies do not always cover “Acts of God,” such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Your comprehensive personal auto insurance policy can help bridge this gap but confirm that with your insurance agent in advance. Otherwise, you may want to buy supplemental insurance to cover your vehicle fully.
Also, be sure to review the transporter's cancellation policy. Ask about deadlines, penalties, and fees tied to rescheduling. Some carriers charge for short-notice cancellations, while others may allow free rescheduling. Always get these details in writing.
Inquire About Car Transport Tracking
Other criteria for how to identify reliable car transport services are their tracking and customer communication processes.
Your auto transport provider should set clear expectations for communication during the process. At booking, you should be told the pickup window, the delivery estimate, the update cadence, and how to reach them if you have questions. Typically, you should receive a confirmation when the vehicle is loaded, a midpoint update during multi-day long-distance hauls, a notification when the carrier enters the delivery region, and a direct call ahead of delivery.
Nexus Auto Transport’s Customer Service Department keeps customers informed throughout the transport process via phone, text, and email. As needed, customer can call, email, or text for assistance Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM CT and Saturday-Sunday, 7:00 AM-9:00 PM CT.
Of course, weather, traffic conditions, and mechanical issues can affect timing. You should also recognize that the driver may be out of touch at times because they cannot legally answer calls while driving. They may also sleep in the cab at rest stops.
Choose Between Local and Nationwide Car Transportation
As a rule of thumb, book a local transporter for moves under 200 miles. Local providers typically charge more for long-distance or cross-country moves and may decline coast-to-coast shipments altogether.
A nationwide transport broker offers better value for long-distance shipping. Nationwide brokers partner with a network of trucking professionals and can offer faster service and more competitive pricing.
National companies also tend to have more customer reviews available, making it easier to research their service quality.
Consider Pricing: Don’t Always Choose the Cheapest Option
The lowest quoted price isn't always the best, since pricing well below the norm can signal hidden fees, poor service, or potential scams. Market factors, such as fuel costs and supply and demand, dictate fair pricing. For an accurate, honest estimate, use a reliable car shipping calculator, such as the one from Nexus Auto Transport.
Ask How Payment Works
Most auto transporters require an upfront deposit, with the balance due at delivery. Some carriers accept cash or digital payments, and others offer payment plans. Be sure to ask about transaction and late fees before scheduling.
Car hauling prices vary based on distance, vehicle size, location, seasonality, and timeline. Longer distances typically have a lower per-mile rate, while enclosed carriers cost about 40% more due to increased protection.
Understand the Required Shipping Paperwork
Common documents and identification required for the shipping process include:
Bill of Lading
Insurance terms and conditions
Vehicle title and registration
Photo ID
Proof of insurance
The Bill of Lading is a critical document since it records your vehicle's condition at pickup and drop-off and serves as proof of delivery. If someone else will be receiving the car at the destination, you may need an Absent Owner Authorization form. For international shipments involving a lien, you may need a lienholder authorization form. Keep all paperwork organized to avoid issues.
Work With a Car Hauler Broker to Ship Your Vehicle
Top car transport brokers like Nexus Auto Transport simplify the process for customers. They help you compare carriers, coordinate logistics, and monitor your shipment from start to finish.
Nexus Auto Transport is an A+ BBB-accredited provider with over 500,000 vehicles shipped and more than 5,000 5-star reviews.
Get your free quote now or call 224-276-8099 for 24/7 support. We’re here to help.
FAQS
Can I pack personal items or luggage in the trunk or back seat of my car during transport?
Most auto transporters require you to remove personal items from your car due to weight and insurance concerns.
How much extra will it cost if my vehicle is non-operational and cannot be driven?
If your vehicle rolls without problem and steers properly, a non-operational vehicle generally incurs a modest surcharge, such as $150 for the trip. Of course, you must provide honest information about the vehicle's condition at the time of booking, as it could affect carrier selection and the order of loading vehicles on the trailer.
What happens if the shipment is delayed due to weather conditions or a mechanical breakdown?
Delivery dates are considered estimates in the industry, and the contract generally states that weather, traffic, and other delays are beyond the supplier's control and are not penalized. However, if your shipment is delayed, communication from the broker is critical.
As with other aspects of car carrier services, you should confirm expectations in advance and identify the parts of the contract that cover delays
Can I pay the remaining balance with a credit card upon delivery, or is cash required?
Generally, you can pay the broker's initial deposit with a credit card, with the remainder paid to the driver at delivery. Drivers only accept guaranteed funds, such as cash, cashier's checks, certified checks, or money orders. Credit cards and personal checks are generally not accepted.
Of course, some brokers allow customers to pay the entire transaction by credit card upfront, which customers value since they do not want the hassle of obtaining guaranteed funds.
Are there any special restrictions, weight surcharges, or extra safety protocols for shipping electric vehicles?
Electric vehicles weigh more than comparable internal combustion models, and vehicle weight is considered in pricing. Also, not every car carrier handles electric vehicles, so there can be less competition. A key safety protocol is that most transporters request that your vehicle be at a 30-50% state of charge. That level allows them to drive the vehicle on and off the carrier without having an excess charge that may cause heat problems in transit.
What is the procedure if I discover hidden damage after the driver has left and the Bill of Lading is already signed?
You typically have 1 week to 1 month to file a claim, though the timeframe should be stated in your contract. As mentioned earlier, it is vital that you thoroughly inspect the vehicle upon delivery and note any damages on the Bill of Lading before signing. If you find damage after taking delivery, file your claim as soon as possible.
