Your car is a significant investment, and if you ship it, you want assurance that it will be cared for and delivered in the same condition as when it was loaded on the carrier. Car shipping is a very popular method of moving cars all over the country, and there are many auto transport companies to choose from. But are they all reputable and trustworthy?
To avoid deceptive auto haulers, perform the necessary due diligence and be well informed. Doing your research to find a reputable auto shipper is like having a good insurance policy – your efforts will yield peace of mind knowing that your car is in good hands. Here are some tips on how to dig a little deeper to find a safe, reliable auto transport company:
What Are the Qualities of a Reputable Auto Transport Company?
Before you can start researching which company you can fully trust to safely ship your car, you’ll want to know what the qualities of a reputable auto carrier are (near the end of this article we explain the difference between an auto transport company and an auto transport broker). As you’re investigating, make sure the auto transport company you’re researching has:
The Required Registration
- Auto carrier companies and auto transport brokers are required to be registered with FMCSA. When registered, they carry an “MC Docket” number of six digits.
- Vehicle transport companies also carry a “USDOT” number of seven digits.
- Reputable auto brokers or transport companies clearly display their MC Docket numbers on their websites.
- See the bulleted section below titled, “Check the Auto Shipper’s Registration and Licenses” to determine their current status.
Transparency
Every aspect of the company should be transparent, including:
- Pick-up and delivery procedures.
- How the company establishes its pricing.
- If there are additional charges for certain types of vehicles.
- If discounts are applied when shipping more than one vehicle.
- The amount of insurance coverage the company provides and exactly what it covers.
- Honest, transparent reviews on the company website.
Clear Scheduling Policies
- The company states their availability and the lead time required to schedule shipping.
- The company clearly outlines how much time shipping will take from your selected point A to point B.
- The company has a communication method that lets you know where your car is while being shipped.
- If shipping is delayed, does the company offer a rental car or a partial refund?
The Research Steps
Now that you know what you should be looking for in a reputable auto transport company, your research will be easier and more efficient. Like a good detective, follow these steps for a fast and straightforward investigation:
1. Use Keywords to Search
Google searches will yield the information you’re looking for. Combine keywords such as best, top-rated, auto, automobile, vehicle, car, five, ten, transport, haulers, shipping, licenses, insured, and companies into short search phrases. For example, combine some of the above keywords into phrases such as:
- Top auto transport companies
- Ten best vehicle shipping companies
- Top-rated automobile haulers
- Insured and licensed car transport companies
We’ve already done the hard work of compiling a list of shipping companies by state and city and ranked them according to an algorithm that considers customer reviews. You can find the top auto shippers near you here.
2. Check the Auto Shipper’s Registration and Licenses
Once you have a list of desirable companies, then look for:
- The auto hauler’s state licensing. State licensing is usually the first requirement level a vehicle shipper needs to meet in order to lawfully operate within the state where they legally maintain a zip code. Each state has different requirements for auto transport licensing.
- The auto transport company’s federal licensing. If you’ll be shipping your car across state lines, you’ll want assurance that the company carrying your car meets the proper federal requirements.
- Find the company’s DOT (The U.S. Department of Transportation) number, then search for the number at transportation.gov to make sure it’s in the database. A DOT number is only required by 37 states but because it is an industry standard, many auto moving companies opt to get a DOT number even if it isn’t required.
- Then cross-check the DOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to make sure there’s a match. When you see that the numbers align, you’re assured the company is properly insured and licensed.
3. Check the Better Business Bureau Website
- Look for the auto transport company’s service record. The best auto shippers will have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau website.
- Note if there are any negative comments or a negative BBB evaluation.
4. Read Reviews
Now that you’ve armed yourself with the above information, it’s time to read specific customer reviews. Take a look at overall ratings but also read less favorable comments as well as the glowing remarks. Getting the big picture will help you understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses. Look for comments about customer service, hidden fees, scheduling pros and cons, and more.
- In your browser window, type <the name of the desired auto transport company> followed by the word <reviews>.
- As you scroll down, you’ll see a variety of websites that review the company – but be aware of the actual URL to make sure you’re reading legitimate reviews.
- Other popular searches include wording such as <how long has> <the name of the desired company> <been in business>.
- Many auto transport companies will have a “reviews” section on their website.
5. Ask Friends and Acquaintances
Check with those you know who may have used a car transport company and ask them to explain the pros and cons of their experience.
Choosing Between an Auto Transport Company or Auto Transport Broker
Now you know how to research an auto transport company – but if you simply don’t have the time it takes to complete thorough investigations, an auto transport broker can streamline the process for you.
A reputable auto transport broker will be your advocate – ensuring that you, the customer – and the auto carrier are on the same page throughout the entire hauling process. The broker will make sure that you and the transporter agree to reasonable pricing and that you’re not charged with unnecessary services. One of the most valuable services a broker can offer is to provide you with various carrier options and service choices through their national database of car transporters. You can easily imagine how much time and worry you can save when you use a broker to find the best transporter to safely handle your car. However, just like with a top-rated auto transport company, you want to make sure the broker you choose is also reputable and customer-oriented.
Caravan Auto Transport provides outstanding professionalism with expert customer care – and can definitely save you time when you’re looking for a quality auto transporter. We vet every auto carrier in our network to make sure they’re not only licensed and insured but provide the finest services from the moment you ask for your free quotes to the time your vehicle is delivered.
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Save time, stress, and worry by finding the best auto shippers through Caravan Auto Transport. Don’t wait . . . ask for a fast free quote now!