Auto Transportation Companies: What to Look for and Where to Begin
Most people do not have experience with auto transportation companies and may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of choosing a company. Following a few simple principles can provide a solid place to start, help you choose the best car shipping rates and eliminate some of the stress associated with a major move.
Starting Points
When searching for a car shipping quote to ship your vehicle, start by asking those around you. Friends, family, work colleagues and associates who might have utilized this type of service during a move can provide you with possible references as well as insights into the process of moving a vehicle. Regardless of the wealth of information you can obtain from the Internet, nothing can replace a word-of-mouth recommendation.
Your next option is to search the Internet. When typing your search queue, be as specific as possible. Enter multiple keywords related to your transport needs such as:
- Experience auto mover for classic, vintage car
- Auto-transport for non-running vehicle
- International auto shipping (include country of origin)
This helps reduce the number of results as well as bring the auto transportation companies best suited to meet your needs to the top of the page. Although you still have much work to do, any steps that can make your task more manageable save time.
Also look for broker sites – a third party that can provide you with multiple quotes at once as well as serve as a go-between, setting up services with a transport company.
Some people are more comfortable dealing with the movers directly. If you find a reputable broker, you can still use the services to obtain names of companies and then contact them yourself.
The Next Steps
Once you have a list of names, visit company websites. Don’t just look at auto transport companies, look at movers as well. Look to see if the site has been recently up-dated, if the links are active and you are able to easily navigate through the pages. First appearances make a difference – even on the Internet. And while auto transport companies are usually the experts at moving cars, interstate moving services are known to help drive the cost down on your move.
Next, use the cost estimator to obtain the base cost of shipping your vehicle. Keep in mind that the cost is a reflection of the minimal information you provide and is rarely representative of the final fee.
Make sure the company offers special services you might require such as:
Enclosed Transport
Experience with classic, antique or vintage cars
Ability to move large vehicles
Added insurance
Accommodation of moving dates
Also ensure that they provide services to your current and future location.
Information
An ideal company offers easy access to information. A website might provide on-site or links to articles that describe the process of moving a vehicle.
Auto transport companies should be willing to provide you with a USDOT or MC number as well as their insurance certificate – means to authenticate the reputation of a company. A company that is open about their practices, history and added costs, fosters trust in the their client base. Remember: you are paying for a service and deserve the highest quality and respect.
Especially important are the details related to cost. The means and type of transport, insurance, gas, flexibility in dates, pick=up/drop-off locations and special requests can add to your sum total.
Ask for an itemized estimate so that you know the exact cost of each service and can confirm each item is appropriate for your car. For instance, an old jalopy does not require a closed transport and maximum insurance. In the same respect, if you’re moving a recently restored vintage car, you want to ensure that the reliable auto transport you’re dealing with is experienced and equipped to handle the move.
Summary
The best place to start researching auto transportation companies is through people you know; also perform advance Internet searches to narrow your results. An informative, up-to-date website and a willingness to answer questions let you know whether the company is worth investigating further.
