10 Tips for Vetting the Best Car Shipping Companies

Imagine standing in your driveway, watching your car being loaded onto a transport truck. You can feel your heart racing as you entrust your precious possession to a stranger — a gut-punch of a feeling. And questions like, “Will it arrive at its destination in one piece?” pop into your head. This scenario is exactly why it’s so important to vet the best car shipping companies and find the perfect match.

Shipping your car sounds logical, but the thought of handing it over to a stranger is scary. Finding the right car shipping company can be difficult. But don’t let the fear of the unknown take hold of you. Please take a deep breath, and let’s tackle this together.

With these 10 tips, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best car shipping companies out there. You’ll be able to make an informed decision and rest easy knowing your car is in good hands. So let’s help you find the car shipping company to give you peace of mind on the road ahead.

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.

Other Things to Look Out

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 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.

Conclusion

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!