When shipping your vehicle, you need to ensure that the company you hire is reliable. The top car transporters will give you peace of mind that your vehicle is in good hands, with various services to meet your needs.
Check Their Insurance
If your car is damaged during transport, you want to make sure the company has insurance coverage that will cover it. The easiest way to check this is to see if they have a USDOT and MC number, which you can verify on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. If a company does not have these numbers, it is most likely not a legitimate business. You can also check for spelling and grammar mistakes on their website; A California auto transport company that cares about its reputation tends to take more time with its websites than those that don’t. When choosing a company, the cost is often a major deciding factor. However, it’s important to remember that auto transport is a service, not a commodity; low prices may come with hidden fees or unreliable services. A good broker can offer competitive pricing while still offering excellent customer service. They can also provide supplemental insurance on top of what carriers carry for their clients.
Check Their Experience
When it comes to choosing an auto transport company, experience matters. Companies with extensive industry experience have the resources and expertise to deliver a seamless car shipping experience. Choosing a company with no experience can cost you in terms of quality of service, delays, and unexpected expenses. Look for a company that offers both open and enclosed shipping options. Companies that offer both can offer you more competitive pricing since they can load more cars into one carrier. Co-loading also helps reduce the carbon footprint by using fewer trucks. Remember that most auto transport companies ship hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles daily. It would be best if you were cautious of over-ambitious delivery dates since it’s likely that they will have to shift routes due to road closures or weather events. Also, if a company doesn’t have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number and a Motor Carrier (MC) number, that is a red flag and should be avoided.
Check Their Reputation
The best way to choose a company is by asking for quotes, requesting references, and speaking with representatives. This may seem like a lengthy, intimidating process, but it can help you make the right decision for your unique needs. Choosing one with a good reputation and the services you need is essential when searching for car shipping companies. Whether you need enclosed or open transport, door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal service, or a guaranteed pickup and delivery date, finding a company that offers these features and more is essential. Another thing to look for is a company that offers multiple payment options. While some companies prefer wire transfers, most reputable businesses accept credit cards and checks. If a company only asks for a wire transfer, this could be a red flag, and you should steer clear of them. This is because wire transfers aren’t as traceable as other forms of payment.
Check Their Pricing
The auto transport industry has many options, so you want to ensure your chosen company offers what you need. Some companies may offer open or closed transport, guarantee delivery times, accept rentals, ship overseas, and more. You can learn what services each company offers by checking their website and reviewing online reviews. You should also check prices from different providers. Look for reasonable prices and an extensive list of shipping options. Be aware that shipping companies have seasonal rates. If you want your vehicle shipped in the winter, expect to pay more than if you planned to ship it in the summer. Some companies charge extra for things like preparing your car for transport or expedited pickup and delivery. These extra charges can add up quickly. Be sure to ask about these additional charges when you get a quote from a company.
