How to Select the Best Auto Transport Service

The best time to ship your car was yesterday. The second best time? Right now. Okay, maybe we just made that quote up, but it’s pretty true!

It doesn’t matter if you're moving across the country or buying your dream car from a dealership far away; shipping your vehicle is not a small task.

And you want to make sure that your ride gets there safe and sound, without any surprises along the way.

However, choosing the best auto transport service can be confusing. From picking the right company to figuring out which transport option is best for your car, there's a lot to juggle.

Did you know that nearly 12 million vehicles are shipped across the U.S. every year? That’s a whole lot of cars on the move.

And in the previous year, the auto transport services industry in the U.S. generated over $13 billion.

So, you’re definitely not alone in wanting to ship your vehicle, but with so many choices out there, how do you know which company is the real deal and not just another shady business?

Well, let's break down exactly how you can choose the best vehicle transport company to safely transport your car from point A to point B.

What’s Your Ride Really Need?

Before you even start scrolling through websites, take a minute to think about your specific needs.

It sounds basic, but it makes a huge difference.

Is your car just a regular ride, or are you dealing with something fancy, like a vintage muscle car or a shiny new Tesla?

If you’re transporting something rare or pricey, you might want to consider enclosed vehicle shipping services.

It’s a little pricier but totally worth it for peace of mind.

And then there’s the distance.

Are you taking a short trip across town or across the country? Or maybe you're sending it overseas to a new home in Europe or Asia (yep, that’s a thing, and it’s called international auto transport).

The longer the trip, the more complicated (and expensive) things can get, so make sure you’re clear on where the car is going and what kind of service you need.

Also, don’t forget about timing.

Do you need your car shipped tomorrow? Or can you wait a week? Some companies offer expedited services, but those are usually going to cost a little more, so keep that in mind if you’re in a pinch.

Step 2: Don’t Settle for the First Option – Shop Around!

When you’re stressed about shipping a car, it’s tempting to just click the first link that pops up in Google and hope for the best.

But trust us—you want to do a little homework here.

Don't just choose any random vehicle transport company. Some might look great on paper but have terrible customer reviews.

Check out reviews on Google, My Good Movers and even the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

You want to see what real people are saying about their experience.

Did the company show up on time?

Was their customer service friendly?

And, most importantly, did their car show up in one piece?

Also, make sure they have the right licensing. The company should have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number.

If they don’t, run far, far away. You don’t want to trust your car to someone who isn’t authorized to do business.

Looking for the Best Deals on Car Shipping? Let’s Help You Save Big!

Step 3: Why You Should Always Get Multiple Quotes

Here’s where you need to get your Sherlock Holmes hat on.

You’ve got a few companies in mind, but now it’s time to get those auto transport quotes.

Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the price.

Sometimes, the cheapest quote can seem like a steal, but you might end up with surprise fees later. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When you get a quote, check to see if it includes everything: pickup, delivery, insurance, and any special services you might need.

You don’t want any hidden costs lurking under the surface.

And don’t be afraid to ask questions! If they can’t give you a straight answer about pricing or services, that’s a huge red flag.

Step 4: What’s the Best Way to Ship Your Car?

So you’ve got your quotes, but now it’s time to dig into the transport options.

There are two main ways to ship a car: open carrier or enclosed carrier. 

Open carrier is the most common and affordable. It’s what you see when you see a big truck with a bunch of cars on it.

Your car will be exposed to the elements, so if you're shipping a super expensive or classic car, you might want to use enclosed car shipping services.

This will protect your car from rain, dust, and any road debris that you might want to say hello to during the trip.

Another thing to consider: Do you want door-to-door delivery (where they pick up your car from your home and drop it off at your destination) or terminal-to-terminal (where you drop it off and pick it up at a designated location)?

Door-to-door is obviously more convenient, but it might cost a little more. If you're on a budget, terminal-to-terminal might be a better option.

Thinking About Using an Auto Transport Trailer? Get All the Info You Need!

Step 5: Check Their Insurance

You're shipping your car, and you need to make sure it's covered in case something goes wrong.

Ask about insurance coverage. A good transport service should offer basic insurance, but you might want to consider getting additional coverage if your car is worth a lot of money.

Always make sure you're covered before you sign anything. You don't want to find out the hard way that you're out of luck if your car is damaged.

Step 6: Understand the Contract Before Signing

Before you hit the "Book" button, go over the contract carefully.

Don't just skim through it—this fine print could save you a headache later.

Make sure the delivery time is clear and you know when to expect your car. Also, check the payment terms. You don't want any surprises when it's time to pay.

And don’t forget about cancellation policies. Life happens. If something changes and you need to cancel or reschedule, make sure you understand the company’s policy.

Curious About Car Shipping Costs? Find Out Exactly What You’ll Pay!

Step 7: Prep Your Car for Shipping

Now that everything is locked in, it's time to prepare your car for its big trip.

Start by cleaning your car inside and out so you can document its condition before it hits the road.

Take pictures from all angles—front, back, sides, and even the interior—just in case something goes wrong during shipping.

Also, take out any personal items. Most companies won’t let you ship your stuff in the car, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Wondering How to Ship Your Car to Another State? We've Got You Covered! Click to get all the info.

Step 8: Why Communication is Everything

During the shipping process, stay in touch with your auto transport service.

Ask for updates and make sure they have all the correct information, including addresses, contact numbers, and anything else they might need.

If something happens (e.g., a delay or an unexpected detour), you'll want to hear about it sooner rather than later.

Step 9: Inspect Your Car Upon Arrival

Your car is finally here! But before you pop the champagne, take a good look at it.

Does everything look good?

Compare it to the photos you took before shipping. If anything looks off, note it immediately and contact the company.

And don’t forget to sign the Bill of Lading, but only after inspecting your car. If you spot any damage, make sure it’s noted before you sign anything.

Step 10: Enjoy the Ride!

Once your car is safely delivered, it's time to hit the road again—or maybe just park it and admire it for a bit.

But most importantly, you’ve learned what it takes to choose the best vehicle transport company. You've got all the info to make sure your car gets where it needs to go, no stress, no drama.

Want to Know More About Vehicle Shipping? Dive Into Our Helpful Moving Guides!