How To Choose a Car Shipping Company in 4 Easy Steps
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: How to choose a car shipping company really comes down to understanding your needs, researching providers, and comparing quotes. Things like pricing, service area, and the types of vehicles they ship should all factor into deciding which car shipper is right for your situation.
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Our track record
How to choose a car shipping company:
Step 1: Identify your car shipping needs
The first thing to do before you begin searching for a car shipper is narrow down your expectations for auto transport.
Consider your preferences with these most common car shipping options:
Open vs. enclosed transport
Door-to-door vs. terminal-to-terminal delivery
Standard vs. expedited shipping
Other considerations
Step 2: Do your research
Some car shippers are reliable, others… not so much. How do know which is which to avoid car shipping scams?
A good place starting point here is our best car shipping companies guide. We analyzed cost data, services, state availability, and customer feedback for more than 3,000 car shippers nationwide to determine which ones rose to the top.
Aside from reviewing our list, you should do the following:
- Check reviews and ratings: Read customer reviews on Google, Trustpilot, BBB, and our Better Moves Project. Look for real insights — like Hope’s experience with Montway — not just the company’s marketing claims.
- Verify credentials: We only recommend car shippers that are properly licensed but if you want to confirm a company’s credentials, search the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) SAFER database for their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) registration and safety record.
- Ask around: Word of mouth is a powerful research tool. Check forums and Facebook groups for firsthand car shipping experiences, and ask friends and family members to share any recommendations (or warnings) they may have.
Step 3: Compare quotes and services
We suggest that you get quotes from at least three car shipping companies. This will help you compare pricing and services so you can find the best fit for your needs.
Be sure to ask for detailed, itemized quotes so you understand what is — and isn’t — included in the price. Review which services are included in each offer so you can ensure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison with your car shipping quotes.
Getting multiple quotes is especially valuable for avoiding scams, which often use too-good-to-be-true lowball prices that are part of a bait-and-switch scam or a red flag for low-quality service. Be wary of quotes that seem unusually expensive or cheap, especially in comparison to the estimated price range you get from a reliable car shipping calculator.
Step 4: Read the fine print
Even when working with a reliable car shipping company, you should always read the fine print before agreeing to anything.
Ask questions about the following so you fully understand what your agreement entails:
- Insurance coverage: What type of insurance coverage does the car shipping company offer? How much coverage do they provide? Can you purchase add-on insurance, if desired, and how much would it add to your quote?
- Contract terms and conditions: Make sure you understand the company’s policies regarding its delivery time frame, any restrictions that could affect your pickup or drop-off, and circumstances in which additional fees could be added to your shipment.
- Payment terms: When are payments due? What forms of payment are accepted for the initial deposit and upon delivery? This will help ensure you are ready with the right payment at each stage of the shipment. Keep in mind that companies that ask for a large upfront deposit could be attempting to scam you by taking your money and then not providing any service.
Our picks for best car shippers
We think Sherpa Auto Transport is the best overall car shipping company. Even though they’re relatively new to the industry, their “Price-Lock Promise” means you won’t have to worry about unexpected increases to your initial quote.
Their stellar customer reviewsspeak to the company’s quality of service, and standard door-to-door service and car shipping discounts for military members and returning customers provide more bang for your buck.
While Sherpa is our top pick, we recommend all of these car shippers based on pricing, services, customer feedback, and other key factors:
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Car shipping tips
Choosing the right car shipping company is just one part of the process. There are a few other items on your car shipping checklist to check off to ensure your auto transport doesn’t hit any roadblocks or bumps along the way:
- Prep your car for pickup. To get your car ready for shipping, clean it inside and out so you can easily spot and document any existing damage. Take photos of your car’s current condition for proof of damage if you need to file a claim later. Remove personal items in accordance with the shipper’s guidelines. Check tire pressure and look for any leaks, since most companies won’t ship a vehicle that is leaking fluid.
- Stay in touch with your driver. Your car shipper will typically reach out to you before and during the shipment to provide updates and coordinate pickup and drop-off times. Make sure you are readily available so you can keep in touch throughout the process.
- Be flexible with delivery times. Shipping timelines can be impacted by traffic, severe weather, and other unforeseen events. Unless you’ve paid extra for expedited service, try to be flexible and understanding of the fact that your delivery date and time could be subject to change. Make arrangements ahead of time for temporary transportation just in case your car doesn’t arrive when expected.
- Inspect your vehicle upon arrival. When your vehicle is dropped off, inspect it for any damage. If you find any issues, carefully document them so you can file a claim with the car shipping company.
FAQ
What should I look for in a car shipping company?
How can I verify if a car shipper is legitimate?
Should I choose the cheapest car shipping quote?
Do car shipping companies provide insurance?
Our rating methodology
We analyzed more than 2,500 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
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