There are a lot of reasons why you might need a car transportation service. Some car buyers use them to ship vehicles they buy online. Conversely, sellers use them to send vehicles to buyers in other states.
Car shipping companies can also be used by people who are moving to other locations for work, the military, school, or any other reason. If they have more than one vehicle, driving back and forth multiple times may not be an appealing (or feasible) option.
In other cases, the best car transport companies are sought after by car dealerships and auto auctioneers. Regardless of why you need to ship a vehicle across the country, one thing remains certain - you only deserve the best, most qualified transportation services.
This leads us to an important question. How do you find the best company for shipping your car? What should you look for when vetting your options?
You've got questions, and we've got answers. Keep reading for everything you need to consider when looking for car transportation services.
Highly Trained, Dependable Drivers
No matter what company you use or what method you choose for shipping your car, it is the truck driver who will ultimately determine the outcome of the transportation. Therefore, finding a company that hires screened and qualified drivers should be your top priority when searching for car shipping services.
The trucker who transports your vehicle must have a CDL (commercial driver's license). They should also be regularly screened for drug use and have thorough background checks.
Positive Reviews From Past Customers
One of the most efficient ways to find the best car transport service is by looking at online reviews left by previous customers. Find out what other people who used the company to ship their vehicles say about the shipping service in question. You should be able to learn a lot about them based on these reviews.
For example, a company with an overwhelming majority of positive reviews has proven itself to be credible. Reading testimonials from other customers who have their vehicles shipped safely, securely, and on-time should provide you with some peace of mind.
Conversely, if you find a car transportation service that has a lot of negative reviews regarding late deliveries or damages to the vehicle, you might want to look elsewhere.
Lastly, look for reviews that talk about customer service. For example, if there was an issue with the delivery, how did the car shipping company handle the situation? Do you see any issues with communication, hidden fees, or any other concerning situations?
Transportation Options
When shipping a vehicle across the country, there are several factors that will affect moving costs. For example, the distance between point A and point B will obviously impact your total expense. Additionally, different car transportation services have different rates.
However, the most poignant factor of consideration is the type of auto transport you use. For example, there are more economical options, like open-air transport, and more expensive options that come with certain benefits, like enclosed transport.
Here is a list of options you'll find with the best car transport companies.
Open-Air Transportation
The option with the lowest car transportation cost is open-air transportation. This method of shipping a vehicle is the most economical because these trucks are usually loaded with a high number of vehicles. This means the shipping company can charge less because more vehicles are being shipped at one time.
Additionally, open-air transport, while more convenient and economical, comes with less safety and security for your vehicle. While it's rare for any damages to occur, your vehicle will be exposed to road debris and inclement weather.
Enclosed Transportation
Enclosed vehicle transportation is more expensive than open-air transport because of the benefits associated with this car transportation service. First, there will be fewer vehicles loaded on the truck. This can translate to faster shipping times.
Furthermore, enclosed transportation trailers protect your vehicle from any potential damages on the road. This can include:
- Rocks, pebbles, and other road debris
- Rain, hail, snow, and ice
- High winds
- Vandalism/break-ins
- And more
For all intents and purposes, your vehicle will arrive at its destination in the exact same condition it left in.
Door-to-Door Car Shipping
Next, let's look at door-to-door vehicle shipping options. You might be wondering, "How is door-to-door better than terminal-to-terminal shipping?"
Great question. Let's break it down.
While terminal-to-terminal shipping can be less expensive, it often proves to be inconvenient. The terminal at the drop-off or pick-up site (or both) can be several miles out of your way. This means more gas, more time, and more hassle.
Conversely, door-to-door car transportation will pick up and deliver the vehicle at your chosen location. This can be your home, a nearby coffee house, the grocery store, your place of work, or wherever you see fit.
The only limiting factors in door-to-door deliveries are safety and legal restrictions. For example, if your neighborhood has low-hanging trees, narrow streets, tight turns, or laws against commercial trucks, you'll need to find a better location. Yet, in these scenarios, you can still choose exactly where you want to pick up or drop off the vehicle.
Classic, Rare, and Exotic Car Shipping
You might be wondering what options are available to you if you have a highly valuable, rare, or classic car. In this case, you'll want to look at classic car shipping services. The best car transport companies will offer services that take extra precautions to ensure no damage is done to your vehicle.
While all of our car shipping services entail an inherent level of care and safety, our classic car shipping takes every step possible to protect your valuable car. We understand that your vehicle also holds sentimental value, especially if you've restored the car yourself.
Our drivers know how to carefully handle these types of vehicles to ensure your hard work and dedication aren't ruined by carelessness or indifference.
Expedited Car Shipping
Now, if you can afford a higher car transportation cost and your needs call for it, you can opt for expedited car shipping. This might be necessary if you're working under a tight timeline.
Maybe you're an active military member being transferred to another duty station? Maybe you've just bought a car from another state to surprise your spouse for their birthday? Maybe you're being relocated for work and desperately need your vehicle there as soon as possible?
Regardless of why you need a car shipped quickly, expedited car shipping services can make it happen. With this method, we pick up your vehicle as soon as possible and put it on the most direct route to its new location.
On-Time Pick-Ups and Deliveries
As you can imagine, when choosing car transportation services, you want a company that shows up when they say they're going to show up. This is especially important if you're meeting the driver at a terminal, rather than a more convenient location (like your home).
While we all know that things happen, you need a company that hires dependably punctual drivers. This is just as important for pick-ups as it is for deliveries.
If something has happened that will cause the driver to be late, they must communicate it with you. They (or the company dispatcher) should notify you immediately of any delays or changes in the schedule.
Insurance
Obviously, the best car transport company will carry the necessary insurance to ensure your vehicle is financially covered. Again, accidents on the road are rare. Yet, you need to make sure the company has the proper insurance to reimburse you if something does happen.
For example, if you're vehicle is being transported in the middle of winter and the truck slides off the road, will you be compensated for necessary repairs? What if the vehicle was totaled in the accident?
These are important questions to ask before hiring a vehicle shipping company.
Vehicle Tracking
Most of us have gotten used to shopping online through Amazon, eBay, and countless other online retailers. One of the best things about online shopping (aside from convenience) is package tracking. You can see where your package is at all times and when it's going to arrive.
Ideally, you should choose a car shipping company that offers the same luxury. This can provide substantial peace of mind, as a vehicle is a valuable asset.
Affordability
Finally, choose a car transportation service that offers competitive shipping rates. We've already discussed the various things that affect moving costs. Based on your circumstances and needs, find a company that offers the best rates.
However, it's important to remember the company's other qualifications. For example, you wouldn't want to hire a vehicle shipping company with terrible reviews just to save a little money.
Instead, find a company that holds up to your standards and offers affordable pricing. For example, use our car shipping cost calculator to see how we can save you money while providing outstanding services.
Looking for the Best Car Transport Company?
Do you need to ship a vehicle across the country? If so, we know that you have a lot of questions and we know that you might feel ambivalent about handing your car over to perfect strangers.
Follow our guide on what to look for in the best car transport company to ease your mind and make a wise decision. And if you're ready to schedule a pick-up or have more questions, contact us today. We would love to discuss your needs and provide you with a list of viable options.
