Selecting the best car shipping company seems like it can be complicated, especially for someone who has never transported a car before. The fact is, if you can do some research and familiarize yourself with the basics of shipping a car, you will have no problem getting a good deal on your vehicle shipping needs. Here are a few tips to help get you started:
Get Quotes from Only Licensed Car Shipping Companies
A few minutes of research now can help save you many headaches later on. By this, we mean that if you choose to do business with an unlicensed vehicle shipping company, you are bound to run into problems you might not have to experience if you stick with a licensed car shipping company.
How can you find out if a vehicle shipper is properly licensed? A great way to verify this information is by checking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. You will need the car shipping company’s USDOT and/or MC number to do so. You can obtain these numbers by asking the company for them or reading the numbers off the side of one of the company’s trucks. Brokers, however, do not need a USDOT number; they are only required to have an MC number.
Verify the Company’s Cargo and Liability Insurance Coverage
Never take the word of any car shipping company, no matter how reputable they may seem. When it comes to the safety of your car, make sure your chosen vehicle shipper has the right coverage. While accidents are rare in the vehicle shipping industry, they can occur. Make sure you see proof of coverage before you hand over your car keys to a car shipping company. If a shipper is reputable and has the proper insurance, they will not hesitate to show you proof of their coverage.
Always Check A Shipping Company’s History
With today’s technology, checking the credentials of a car shipping company is quick and easy. Besides checking the FMCSA website for information, it is wise to check a shipping company’s history on the Better Business Bureau website. If you decide to use a car shipping company that you have found here on our site, you can take comfort knowing that we collaborate only with bonded and insured carriers that have a current satisfactory status with the FMCSA.
Ask Questions and Inquire About Policies and Procedures
How approximate are the pick-up and delivery dates of your vehicle? Does the company require a deposit prior to booking your shipment? Is there a cancellation policy and fees associated with canceling your vehicle shipment if an emergency comes up? Make sure your car shipping company gives you the answers you are looking for, and most importantly, make sure to get everything in writing.
Your car is valuable and is sure to be an asset you want to have around for a long time. Make sure your vehicle is in good hands during transport by choosing a reputable and trustworthy car shipping company to handle its move.