How to Choose a Car Shipping Company?
So, you're ready to ship your car but have no idea where to start?
Don't worry; it's not as complicated as it might seem.
Look for Experience and Reputation
When you're looking for the best car shipping companies in the USA,
reputation matters; you want a company that's
been around for a while and has proven reliability. For example, a company
with 10+ years in the business is likely
to have a solid track record.
Check for Licensing and Insurance
This might sound basic, but you'd be surprised how many people overlook it.
Always make sure the car shipping
company is licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and
has insurance.
Understand the Pricing and Get Multiple Quotes
So, don't settle for the first quote you get. In fact, getting quotes from at
least 3 to 4 different vehicle
transport companies will give you a good idea of the going rate. Be
cautious about car shipping companies offering
super low rates; sometimes, that can mean cutting corners on service.
Customer Reviews Tell a Lot
Reviews can be mixed, but they are a great way to get a feel for how a
company operates. Take your time to check
online reviews, especially on third-party sites like My Good Movers or the
Better Business Bureau.
Types of Services Offered
Not all auto transport companies offer the same services. Some might
specialize in enclosed transport for luxury
cars, while others offer open transport, which is more affordable but
less protective. Ask about all available
options before making a decision.
Availability and Scheduling
Availability is a big factor. In peak seasons, like summer or during
the holidays, demand for vehicle transport
services skyrockets, which can impact availability. So, if you're in a rush,
double-check if the car shipping
company can meet your timeline.
How Much Do Car Shippers Cost in the USA?
No one wants surprises when it comes to car shipping costs. The good
news is that they're pretty straightforward
once you break them down.
Distance
The farther the distance, the higher the price. Shipping a car from
California to New York is obviously going to
cost more than shipping it from Florida to Georgia.
For instance, shipping a car across the country could cost anywhere from
$800 to $1,500, but if you're moving it
within a state, the cost could be as low as $300 to $500.
Vehicle Type
Many people miss the fact that the size and weight of their car play a huge
role in determining car shipping costs.
If you have an SUV or a pickup truck, expect to pay more than you would for
a sedan or coupe.
To give you an idea, shipping a sedan may cost between $600 and $900,
while a larger SUV can cost between $800 and
$1,200.
Transport Type
Open transport is the most common and affordable option. It's where your car
is loaded onto a large open trailer with
other cars. It's safe but doesn't offer the same protection as enclosed
transport.
Enclosed transport can cost anywhere from 25% to 50% more than
open transport, depending on the distance and vehicle.
Seasonal Demand
During peak times, like summer or the holidays, demand for vehicle
transport companies skyrockets. On the flip side,
during off-peak seasons, you might score better rates.
You’re looking at anywhere from $100 to $300 more during peak seasons.
Additional Fees
Some car shipping companies charge extra for things like
door-to-door service (if they need to pick up or drop off
your car at specific locations), or for vehicles that require special
handling (like non-running vehicles or
oversize cars).
These can add an additional $100 to $500 to the overall car
shipping cost.
Cost Breakdown for Car Shipping
|
Factor
|
Cost Range (USD)
|
|
Short-Distance Shipping (within 500 miles)
|
$300 -
$600 |
| Long-Distance Shipping (over 1,000 miles) |
$800 - $1,500 |
|
Sedan Shipping
|
$600 - $900
|
| SUV/Truck Shipping |
$800 - $1,200 |
|
Open Transport
|
$600 - $1,000
|
| Enclosed Transport |
$800 - $1,500 |
|
Seasonal Price Increase
|
+$100 - $300 (summer/holidays)
|
| Special Handling Fees |
+$100 - $500 |
How Do You Know If a Car Shipping Company Is Legit?
So, you’re ready to ship your car, but you want to make sure you’re not
handing your keys over to the wrong company. In an industry with numerous
options, knowing which car shipping companies are legitimate makes all the
difference.
Here’s what to look for to ensure you’re choosing a trustworthy service:
Check Their Licensing and Registration
Every legitimate car shipping company must be registered with the U.S.
Department of Transportation and have a Motor Carrier number. You can verify
these directly with the proper authorities.
Read Verified Reviews
Third-party platforms, such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and
other review sites, provide a more comprehensive picture than just
testimonials on a company’s website. Look for consistent feedback, not just
one or two glowing or angry reviews.
Ask About Insurance
Legit companies won’t hesitate to explain what kind of insurance is included
in your shipping cost. If they dodge questions or don’t offer coverage
options, that’s a red flag.
Get a Real Quote (in Writing)
A trustworthy company will provide a detailed quote with clear language and
no hidden fees. If the pricing seems too low, there’s probably a catch.
Transparent Customer Support
If it’s hard to get a straight answer or speak to a real person, you may
want to think twice. Good companies make it easy to get help and keep
you updated throughout the process.
Is It Cheaper to Ship a Car Than Drive?
It might sound surprising, but in many cases, shipping your car can be
cheaper than driving it yourself, especially for long-distance moves.
Here’s why:
Travel Costs Add Fuel, Hotels, and Meals
When you drive across the country, you’re not just paying for gas. You also
have to factor in hotel stays, meals on the road, wear and tear on your car,
and the time off work it might cost you.
Maintenance and Repairs
A long road trip can add hundreds or even thousands of miles to your
odometer. That means oil changes, tire wear, and possibly more frequent
maintenance down the line.
When Shipping Makes More Sense
- Long-Distance Moves (800+ miles)
- High Fuel Prices
- Transporting a Second Vehicle
- Avoiding Depreciation on Lease/Finance Agreements
- Luxury or Classic Vehicles Needing Enclosed Transport
Conclusion
So, now you have the information you need to choose the best car
shipping
companies in the USA. Remember, it's all
about finding the right balance between cost, reliability, and customer
satisfaction.
Whether you need affordable car shipping for a quick move or enclosed
transport for your prized vehicle, there's a
company that can meet your needs perfectly.
Don’t rush into a decision—take your time to compare options and make
sure
the company you pick is the right one for
your situation.
Now that you’ve got the details,
why
wait?
Now that you’ve got the details, why wait?
Get a car shipping quote and
book
your shipment with one of the top-rated auto transport
companies.
The sooner you book, the sooner your car will be safely
on
its way.
Here’s exactly how we did it:
Decades of Experience
Reliable
Service Nationwide
Seasonal Price
Fluctuations
(239)799-6077