How to Choose the Best Car Shipping Company to Ship Your Car

Your car’s journey should be as smooth as your road trip—without the stress.

But shipping your car can feel like a headache if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Choosing the best car shipping company isn't just about picking the one with the flashy website or the cheapest price—it's about making sure your car gets to its destination in one piece.

Did you know that the U.S. auto transport industry was worth over $12 billion? However, not all vehicle transport services are created equal.

In fact, 10% of car shipping customers report that their vehicles arrived late, damaged, or with hidden fees attached.

That’s why choosing the right company matters more than you might think.

In this blog, we'll explain everything step by step so you can choose the best car shipping company like a pro.

Know Exactly What You Need

First, let's figure out what you need.

Are you shipping a regular sedan, your fancy sports car, or maybe a vintage classic?

Depending on what kind of car you’ve got, you’ll need a different kind of transport.

If you’ve got a sports car, you might need enclosed auto transport to keep it safe from the elements.

On the other hand, if your car is just a daily driver, regular open auto transport will be enough.

Also, how far are you shipping it?

If it’s just across the state, vehicle transport might be quick and easy.

But if you're moving your car from one coast to the other—or even across the globe—you'll probably need international auto transport.

Do Your Research (Don’t Be Lazy)

Now, don't just go pick the first company that pops up on Google.

Do some homework!

Look at the reviews, ask your friends who’ve shipped cars before, and check out what people are saying on forums.

Find a company that specializes in what you need; if you're shipping a luxury car, don’t go with a company that mostly ships regular sedans.

If you want convenience, you'll also want to make sure that the company offers door-to-door auto transport. That means they'll pick up your car at your door and drop it off at your destination.

Check for Insurance and Licensing

You don’t want to choose a company just because they’re the cheapest.

Make sure the company you choose is licensed and insured. It’s as simple as that.

Without insurance, you’re rolling the dice if something happens to your car during transport.

You don’t want to end up with a wrecked car and no way to get your money back.

Look for a company that has a solid reputation, good customer reviews, and a valid Motor Carrier (MC) number.

This ensures they’re legit and follow industry regulations. And if you have a high-end car, don’t be afraid to ask about expedited auto transport; some companies offer quicker and more secure shipping for those precious rides.

Get Multiple Quotes

Get at least 3-5 quotes from different companies. We know it's kind of a pain, but it'll be worth it in the end.

Make sure the quote includes everything—no hidden fees.

Ask the company about taxes, delivery charges, and whether or not they include any additional services before and after transit.

Pro Tip: Some companies offer discounts if you ship more than one car at a time or if you’re flexible with your shipping dates. So, ask about those as well!

Need a Smooth Ride for Your Car? Click to get a free car shipping quote and ship your vehicle quickly!

Check Their Customer Service

Picture this: You’ve booked your car’s transport, and suddenly, something goes wrong.

You need to know that you can reach someone at the company to fix the issue fast.

If you've been put on hold for hours or can't reach a real person, that's a red flag.

Good car shipping companies will always have great customer service. They’ll be easy to reach and will keep you updated throughout the entire process.

If you’re shipping a car across the country or internationally, you’ll want to know exactly where your car is at every stage of the journey.

Tired of Car Shipping Headaches? Discover reliable auto transport options and ship your car stress-free.

Understand the Shipping Process

So, you’ve booked the transport, but now what?

Here’s how it works: First, they’ll come pick up your car. This is where you will realize the importance of door-to-door auto transport.

Then, your car will be securely loaded onto a truck.

If you’re shipping a valuable car, ask them about enclosed auto transport, which provides extra protection during the trip.

This is especially important for classic cars or any luxury vehicles that you want to keep away from the elements.

Quick Note: If you’re shipping internationally, you’ll need to provide extra paperwork, like the title and registration for your car. You might also have to deal with customs duties, so make sure to ask your shipping company about that upfront.

If you need more info about the car shipping process, check out our detailed guide on How to Ship a Car to Another State.

Prepare Your Car for Shipping

Don’t just hand over your car and expect everything to be perfect.

There are a few steps to take before your car gets loaded onto the truck:

• Clean your car: It’ll help with inspection when the car is picked up and delivered. You’ll be able to easily spot any dents or scratches that might happen during transport.
• Remove personal items: Most car shipping companies don’t allow personal items in the car. Plus, it’s safer this way.
• Check for leaks: If your car has any issues (like leaks), make sure to let the transport company know.
• Check fuel levels: Keep your gas tank under ¼ full. It helps keep the weight down.

Ready to Ship Your Car with Confidence? Find top-rated car shipping companies and get your ride to its destination safely.

Inspect Your Car Upon Delivery

Once your car arrives at its destination, make sure to inspect it thoroughly. Take photos of any damage if you notice anything wrong.

Compare it with the photos you took when the car was picked up. If something doesn’t add up, talk to the company right away.

Final Payment and Feedback

Once your car is delivered in one piece, you’ll need to settle any remaining balances. Don’t forget to give feedback!

If you had a great experience, let the others know! And if things went south, make sure to report it so others don’t make the same mistake.

Wondering about the cost to ship your car? For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on how much It Costs to get a car shipped and get the answers you need!