Adaeze Nwakaeze ·
Updated May 14, 2026
To find the best car shipping company, check these 10 factors before booking: transport type, process transparency, delivery coverage, customer reviews, customer service quality, free quotes, clear pricing, delivery process, cargo insurance, and overall value — not just the lowest price. Each factor helps you separate trustworthy companies from unreliable ones. Below, we break down exactly what to look for and what red flags to avoid.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car Transport Company
Choosing the right car transport company can be as tricky as buying the perfect car. It’s a decision that requires a lot of thought and consideration, like finding a soulmate on a dating app. Let’s explore the factors you should consider when selecting a car transport company and avoid falling prey to any horror stories you may have heard.
#1. The Transport Type Offered Should Be Appropriate for Your Vehicle
Shipping your vehicle is not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Just like how you wouldn’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole — you don’t want to try and transport your car in a way that’s not appropriate for its size, shape, or level of exoticness.
So, consider the transport type offered by the company you are vetting. Do they have a car shipping carrier that can handle larger vehicles? Do they offer enclosed shipping options that are expensive but suitable for exotic cars? Or are they only offering open car transport that is affordable but leaves your vehicle exposed to the elements?
Don’t be afraid to ask these questions, and make sure the transport type is appropriate for your specific vehicle. After all, you want to ensure your car arrives safely and sound at its destination.
#2. The Shipping Process Should be Transparent
You can get worried when shipping your car, especially if you’re unsure what the shipping process entails.
Ask questions like: Will there be any making stops along the way? How does shipping one car versus multiple cars affect delivery dates? What are the working hours of the shipping company? And, what days are deliveries typically made?
Knowing the answers to these questions can help ease your mind. No one likes surprises when it comes to their car. When vetting car shipping companies, remember: transparency is key!
#3. Ensure They Deliver to Your Location
Distance may be a dealbreaker when car shipping. If you’re moving your vehicle across the country, you want to ensure the car transport company can deliver to your location.
It’s important to check if they service the specific areas you need, whether it’s sunny Florida, Houston or Michigan—or any other state, for that matter. Don’t assume that all car transport companies offer nationwide coverage.
You don’t want to be left far and stranded with a car that can’t be delivered to your desired location. So before you commit to a car transport company, ensure they can deliver your vehicle to your desired location. Otherwise, you might be in for a long and frustrating ride.
#4. Scroll Through Previous Customers’ Reviews
Don’t just take car transport companies for their word. Use some time to scroll through previous customers’ reviews and ratings to get a sense of the company’s reputation.
Look out for positive reviews, high ratings and feedback highlighting the company’s care and attention to detail. Of course, no company is perfect — so it’s also helpful to note any negative reviews and see how the company responds to customer complaints.
Aim for a company that has a reputation that exceeds the industry average and takes the time to address its customers’ concerns. Remember, these reviews are a great way to understand how the company operates and treats its customers. If previous customers had a good experience, chances are you will too.
#5. Ensure There’s a Dedicated Customer Service Team
Regarding car transport, things don’t always go as planned. That’s why you need to choose a company with a dedicated customer service team. They should be there to assist you every step of the way.
You won’t want to feel like you’re playing phone tag or talking to a robot. You’ll want a team to answer your questions, provide updates and ensure your car is in good hands.
And speaking of good hands, CitizenShipper is one marketplace that is passionate about delivering a seamless and stress-free car transport experience for our customers.
Don’t settle for a company that treats you like just another number; choose a company that cares about your car and your satisfaction.
#6. Never Pay for Quotes
The last thing you want to do is pay for a quote. It’s like paying someone to window-shop for you — why bother? Don’t fall for that trap.
Look for companies that offer free quotes upfront. The best car shipping companies, like those on CitizenShipper, will provide you with free, no-obligation quotes. After all, you’re trying to make an informed decision, not throw money down the drain. Stick with the ones that offer free quotes!
#7. Pricing Should be Clear
Before you book any car transport services, make sure to double-check the pricing. You won’t want to get caught in the trap of hidden fees or suddenly find yourself with a bill that’s higher than your car’s blue book value.
A good car shipping company will offer you a fair and upfront cost without unpleasant surprises. Don’t hesitate to ask about any potential discounts they might offer, such as military or student discounts.
Understand the pricing structure before you hit that “book now” button, and ensure the pricing is clear and within your budget.
#8. Understand The Delivery Process
No one wants to be left stranded in a parking lot somewhere, waiting to pick up their car! That’s why you need to understand the delivery process offered by the car transport company.
Check out for shipping options that offer door-to-door delivery, so you don’t have to worry about picking up your car at some far-flung location. And inquire about any potential extra fees for this service, as some companies may charge extra for door-to-door delivery.
#9. Make Sure They Have Adequate Cargo Insurance
Accidents can happen, so ensure that the car transport company you choose has adequate cargo insurance. Look for a company that offers comprehensive coverage for any damages that may occur during the shipping process.
Read the insurance policy’s condition and ask to see a copy of their insurance certificate — so you know what is covered and what is not.
With the right insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected.
#10. Rates Don’t Always Determine Quality
When choosing a car transport company, it’s pretty tempting to go for the cheapest option available. But as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. The cheapest way isn’t always the best way.
Cheapest car shipping companies may offer low prices and rates, but at what cost? Often, they may cut corners and sacrifice quality and important features like insurance coverage, vehicle tracking and reliable delivery. Instead of lowering your standard, consider the overall value for your money.
Find a company that offers a fair cost for their services and has a good reputation in the industry. Remember, the cheapest option may end up costing you more in the long run if your vehicle arrives damaged or delayed.
Ready to compare free quotes? List your car shipment on CitizenShipper — it’s free to post, and you’ll receive quotes from verified drivers within minutes. No obligation to book.
Additional Features to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
GPS Tracking
In today’s world, technology is everything, and car shipping companies are no different. One of the essential aspects of shipping a car is being able to track its progress from the pickup point to the drop-off point.
With GPS tracking, you can do just that. This technology allows you to track the exact location of your vehicle at any given time during the shipping process. You can also get real-time updates on your shipment–- and be aware of any delays or issues that may arise.
Expedited Shipping
Sometimes, you need your car shipped urgently and you cannot afford to wait for the standard shipping timelines. In such instances, expedited shipping is your best bet. An expedited shipping option guarantees that your car will be shipped and delivered within a shorter time frame.
It is more expensive than standard shipping, but it’s worth it if you need your car delivered quickly. When choosing a car shipping company, consider one that offers expedited shipping options, and ensure that you understand the cost implications.
Experience
Selecting a car shipping company with years of experience in the industry ensures that your car is in safe hands. Experienced companies have encountered various challenges and have developed solutions that guarantee your vehicle’s safe and timely delivery.
And a company with a proven track record is more likely to provide quality service. When researching potential car shipping companies, be sure to consider their experience in the industry.
International Shipping
Shipping a car overseas requires specialized knowledge and ability. An experienced company will understand the regulations and requirements for international car shipping—and will be able to guide you through the process. Verify if they are licensed and insured for international shipping.
Price Lock Guarantee
One of the biggest concerns when shipping a car is the cost. No one wants to be hit with hidden fees or unexpected price increases. Car shipping company that offers a price lock guarantee sees to it that the price quoted at the start of the shipping process is the final price.
This eliminates the risk of surprise costs. When deciding on a car shipping company, look for one offering a price lock guarantee, and understand the terms and conditions.
How to Spot a Car Shipping Scam
Unfortunately, car shipping scams are common in the auto transport industry, especially on high-demand interstate and cross-country routes. Before booking any transporter or broker, it’s important to verify that the company is properly licensed and operating legally.
Some of the biggest warning signs include:
- Demanding large upfront deposits before scheduling transport
- No visible USDOT or MC number
- No physical business address
- Pressure to “book immediately” before rates change
- Quotes that seem dramatically lower than competitors
- Refusal to provide a written contract or terms of service
Legitimate car shipping companies registered for interstate transport are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and maintain verifiable USDOT and MC numbers.
Before hiring any transporter, customers should:
- Verify the carrier’s licensing
- Check insurance coverage
- Read independent customer reviews
- Confirm business contact information
- Review cancellation and payment policies carefully
You can verify carrier registration using the official FMCSA carrier search tool.
Another common scam tactic involves “bait-and-switch” pricing, where a company advertises an unrealistically low quote and later increases the price after pickup is scheduled. Reputable transporters provide transparent pricing and clear written agreements upfront. When comparing quotes, remember that the cheapest offer is not always the safest or most reliable option.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car?
Shipping a car within the United States typically costs between approximately $500 and $1,500 for most standard domestic routes, though prices can vary significantly depending on distance, vehicle size, timing, and transport method.
Short regional shipments are generally less expensive than cross-country moves, while oversized vehicles, lifted trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars usually cost more to transport.
Several major factors affect car shipping prices:
- Distance traveled
- Vehicle size and weight
- Open vs. enclosed transport
- Seasonal demand
- Fuel prices
- Pickup and delivery locations
- Route popularity
Open carriers are the most affordable and commonly used option for standard vehicle transport. Enclosed trailers provide greater protection for classic, exotic, or luxury vehicles but usually cost more.
Seasonality also plays a major role. Prices often increase during:
- Summer moving season
- Snowbird migration months
- Holiday periods
- Severe weather disruptions
Remote rural pickups may also cost more because carriers prefer heavily traveled interstate routes with multiple shipments. Because pricing changes frequently, the best way to estimate transport costs is by comparing multiple quotes from licensed transporters. Platforms like CitizenShipper allow customers to list shipments for free and receive quotes from independent drivers and transport providers nationwide.
On CitizenShipper, every driver is required to carry cargo insurance before bidding on shipments. You can review their coverage details and ratings before booking. Post your shipment for free →
How CitizenShipper Helps You Find the Best Car Shipping Company
CitizenShipper is the ultimate car shipping marketplace where drivers and customers unite to create the perfect shipping experience. It is your #1 marketplace for finding the best car shipping company.
With an extensive network of experienced drivers and a user-friendly platform, you can quickly get instant quotes from the best drivers in the industry, compare rates, read customer reviews, and find the perfect driver for your unique needs. Here’s how Citizen Shipper can help you.
#1. Experienced and Skilled Drivers
We help you find the best car shipping companies on the market. You’ll get the opportunity to vet drivers based on their experience and connect with the most reliable and trustworthy ones — that will get your vehicle where it needs to go safely and on time.
#2. Receiving an Instant Quote
No more waiting around for quotes or negotiating prices with multiple carriers. With our platform, you can quickly and easily get an idea of the cost of shipping your car so that you can plan accordingly.
You’ll be able to get an quote for your shipment, which means you can quickly and easily compare rates from different carriers. Most listings receive quotes within just a few minutes.
#3. Review and Compare
The various car shipping companies available on our marketplace allow you to see each company’s ratings, reviews, and prices — so you can make an informed decision about which one to choose.
CitizenShipper allows you to read reviews and ratings from previous customers and gives you a clear understanding of the car shipping company’s reputation.
#4. Level of Control and Protection
CitizenShipper also offers protection for your shipment that you might not get with other car shipping companies. All carriers on the platform are required to have adequate insurance coverage so your vehicle is protected in the event of any damage or loss.
You can communicate directly with your driver to make sure they understand your needs and preferences.
#5. Shipping Option and Price Guarantee:
You can find the best car shipping company that provides access to a diverse range of car shipping options. Whether you need enclosed shipping for your exotic car or open car transport for your larger vehicles, CitizenShipper has you covered.
CitizenShipper is one of the largest car shipping marketplaces in the U.S., with over 520,000 shipments listed since 2008. Post your car shipment for free, compare quotes from insured drivers, and book the one you trust most. Get your free car shipping quotes →
Find the Right Car Shipping Company Today
Finding the right car transport company is crucial to ensuring your vehicle’s safe and timely delivery. Considering factors such as experience, insurance coverage, pricing transparency and customer service, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs. Before entrusting them with your vehicle, thoroughly vet any company you’re considering.
CitizenShipper can be a viable option. With its marketplace of top-rated drivers, instant quotes and dedicated customer support, you can rest assured that you’re getting quality service at a competitive price. Get a quote today and start your search for the best car shipping company!
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important factors include: You should also verify the company’s USDOT and MC numbers through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before booking. Most domestic car shipments within the United States cost approximately $500–$1,500 depending on: Short regional routes are usually cheaper than cross-country shipping. Luxury vehicles and oversized SUVs often cost more to transport. Enclosed shipping is usually recommended for: Although enclosed transport costs more than open carriers, it provides additional protection from weather, road debris, and visibility during transit. For standard daily-driver vehicles, open transport is typically the more affordable and commonly used option. Legitimate interstate car shipping companies should have: You can verify carrier registration using the official FMCSA carrier search tool. Be cautious of companies demanding large upfront deposits or offering unusually low quotes. A carrier physically transports vehicles using trucks and trailers. A broker arranges transportation between customers and carriers but usually does not own transport equipment. Brokers coordinate logistics and pricing, while carriers handle the actual pickup and delivery process.What should I look for in a car shipping company?
How much does it cost to ship a car?
Is enclosed car shipping worth the extra cost?
How do I know if a car shipping company is legitimate?
What’s the difference between a car shipping broker and a carrier?
Adaeze Nwakaeze is a content writer with a knack for delivering engaging, informative content. With a background in writing, she excels at creating compelling pieces that capture her readers’ attention.
