How to Ship a Car: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Reliable Auto Transport Companies

Introduction

Shipping your car shouldn’t be a headache. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, purchasing a vehicle from an online marketplace, or sending a car to a loved one, choosing a reliable auto transport company is essential to ensure a seamless process. With the right company, you can move your vehicle efficiently, affordably, and safely. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping a car, including how to find trustworthy auto transport companies, compare rates, prepare your car for shipping, and handle the post-delivery process.

How to Find Car Shipping Companies

Research Methods

Finding a reputable auto transport service requires careful research. There are various strategies you can use to ensure you’re hiring a trustworthy company. Here’s how to get started:

1. Use Official Databases: A great place to start your search is the FMCSA’s SAFER database. Here, you can verify the company’s USDOT number (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC number (Motor Carrier number). These numbers confirm that the company is licensed and authorized to transport vehicles.

2. Read Reviews: Customer reviews can provide invaluable insights into a company’s reputation. Websites like Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings are great resources for checking customer feedback and potential red flags.

3. Ask for Referrals: Word of mouth is often the most reliable source of recommendations. Ask for referrals from friends, family, dealerships, or moving companies who may have used auto transport services in the past. Personal recommendations often come with honest assessments.

4. Check Industry Forums: Online forums, such as those found on Reddit or specialized automotive communities, can offer detailed user experiences. These forums often feature discussions about auto transport companies, where users share both positive and negative reviews, as well as any warnings.

5. Visit Company Websites: Reputable companies usually maintain well-designed, informative websites. Look for clear pricing, customer testimonials, and industry certifications. This shows transparency and professionalism.

6. Social Media Presence: Modern companies use social media as a platform to engage with customers. A solid social media presence with verified accounts and responsive customer service interactions can be a good indicator of reliability.

Key Factors to Evaluate

Once you’ve identified a few potential car shipping companies, it’s time to evaluate them based on key factors:

• Licensing & Insurance: Always confirm that the company has an active USDOT number and offers sufficient liability insurance (at least $750,000). Insurance will protect you in case of damage or loss during transport.

• Experience with Your Vehicle Type: If you’re shipping a specialty vehicle like a luxury, classic, or electric car, choose a company with experience in handling those types of vehicles. Specialty cars require careful handling and sometimes more specific equipment.

• Avoiding Scams: Be wary of companies asking for large upfront deposits or those with vague contracts. A trustworthy company will be clear about the costs, and you should never be asked to pay in full before your vehicle is shipped.

• Customer Support: A reliable company should have a responsive customer support team available for inquiries and tracking during the shipping process.

• Company Fleet & Equipment: Check if the company owns its own fleet of trucks or if they rely on third-party carriers. It’s often better to choose a company that owns its equipment, as this indicates more control over the shipping process.

Company Verification Checklist

Before committing to any company, ensure the following:

• At least five years of experience in auto transport.
• Positive BBB ratings and valid FMCSA registration.
• Verified customer feedback, especially in automotive forums and review sites.
• A confirmed physical address and clear contact details.
• A written contract outlining all costs, terms, and responsibilities.
• Real-time shipment tracking capabilities.

Comparing Quotes & Choosing a Company

Getting the Best Rates

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next step is to compare quotes from various companies to get the best rate. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting a good deal:

1. Request Multiple Quotes: It’s always best to request quotes from at least 3-5 companies. This will give you a good range of pricing and services offered.

2. Use Cost Calculators: Many auto transport websites provide cost estimators. These tools allow you to input your car’s details and destination to get a rough estimate of how much the shipping will cost.

Key Cost Factors to Consider

Several factors influence the overall cost of shipping a car. Here’s a breakdown:

• Distance: The longer the route, the cheaper it is per mile. Shorter trips tend to have a higher cost per mile.

• Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles, like trucks or SUVs, will cost more to ship—expect a 20-30% premium for these types of vehicles.

• Transport Type: Enclosed transport (where the car is shipped in a closed container) is more expensive, typically 40-60% higher than open transport (where the car is shipped on an open carrier).

• Seasonality: Shipping during winter months (November–February) can be more expensive due to higher demand and the risks posed by inclement weather. Expect costs to rise by 15-25%.

• Fuel Prices: Rising fuel costs often lead to an additional surcharge of 5-15% during transport.

• Pick-Up & Drop-Off Location: Remote or hard-to-reach areas may add an additional $100–$300 to the cost due to accessibility challenges.

• Expedited Shipping Fees: If you need your car shipped faster than the standard delivery time, you’ll pay an additional 20-50% for expedited service.

• Insurance Costs: Additional coverage options can increase the overall cost of shipping.

Cost-Saving Strategies

To minimize the cost of car shipping, consider the following strategies:

• Book 2-4 Weeks in Advance: Plan ahead to secure a lower rate, as last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive.

• Choose Open Transport for Non-Luxury Vehicles: Unless you have a luxury or classic car, opt for open transport to save money.

• Ship During Off-Peak Seasons (March-May, September-October): These months tend to have less demand, resulting in lower prices.

• Opt for Terminal Shipping: If you can pick up and drop off your car at a terminal rather than your doorstep, you’ll save money. This is a more affordable option than door-to-door shipping.

• Look for Discounts: Many companies offer discounts for military personnel, seniors, or repeat customers.

• Consider Flexible Delivery Windows: Being flexible with your delivery window can lead to a lower cost.

• Group Shipments: If you’re shipping multiple cars, inquire about bulk discounts.

• Compare Different Routes: Sometimes choosing an alternative shipping route can result in lower costs.

Example of Cost Calculation

Here are estimated shipping costs based on the type of transport:

• 500-mile trip: Approximately $600–$800 (open transport), $1,200+ (enclosed transport).
• 1,500-mile trip: Approximately $1,100–$1,500 (open transport), $2,000+ (enclosed transport).
• Cross-country shipment (2,500+ miles): Approximately $1,500–$2,500 (open transport), $3,000+ (enclosed transport).

Additional Considerations for Long-Distance Shipping

• State-Specific Regulations: Some states, such as California, have strict emissions and vehicle transport regulations. Make sure your chosen company complies with these state-specific rules.

• Cross-Border Shipping: If you’re shipping a vehicle between countries (e.g., U.S. to Canada or Mexico), additional paperwork, customs fees, and shipping regulations may apply. Be sure to clarify these details with the shipping company ahead of time.

• Storage Fees: If your car’s destination isn’t ready for immediate delivery, some companies charge storage fees for keeping your vehicle at a depot.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Properly preparing your vehicle for transport ensures the safety of your car and avoids extra costs. Here’s your pre-shipping checklist:

• Clean Your Car: Cleaning your car helps document its condition before shipping. Take detailed photographs from multiple angles to have a record of its state.

• Remove Personal Items: Most auto transport companies prohibit leaving personal belongings inside the vehicle, and they can add unnecessary weight.

• Check Fluids & Battery: Ensure the tires are properly inflated and the battery is charged.

• Reduce Fuel Levels: Only leave a quarter tank of gas to minimize weight and reduce risk during transit.

• Deactivate Alarm Systems: This prevents unnecessary disruptions during shipping.

• Secure Loose Parts: Remove or tighten external accessories, such as antennas or roof racks, to avoid damage.

Tracking & Post-Delivery Actions

During Shipment

• Many auto transport companies offer GPS tracking so you can keep tabs on your vehicle’s progress.

• Stay in contact with the driver for real-time updates about estimated arrival times and any potential delays.

• Always confirm the transport company’s insurance coverage before shipping.

After Delivery

• Upon delivery, inspect your car immediately. Compare its condition with the pre-shipping photos to check for any damage.

• If damage occurs, report it immediately to the transport company. File a claim within 30 days for any visible damage.

• Leave a review of your experience to help others make an informed decision.

• Confirm that the odometer readings match the vehicle’s mileage before shipping to ensure no unauthorized mileage was added during transport.

Common Questions

Conclusion

Shipping a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By conducting thorough research, comparing quotes, and preparing your vehicle for transport, you can ensure a smooth and efficient shipping process. Ready to ship your car? Request free quotes from reliable auto transport companies today and find the perfect match for your needs!