15 Things You Should Always Consider When Choosing a Car Carrier Service

1. Reputation
2. Reliability
3. Licensing
4. Registration
5. Insurance Coverage
6. Protection Protocol
7. Contracts
8. Services Offered
9. Time Efficiency
10. Sustainability
11. Tracking System
12. Affordability
13. Customer Support
14. Stability
15. Payment Options
16. Don't Settle For Less

Are you searching for the best vehicle transport company to fit your needs? If yes, then you should make sure you consider all the details before choosing a good auto shipping company. For example, you'll want to ensure the carrier offers insurance coverage against damage or theft during transit.

Once you've chosen the right car carrier service for you, all you have to do is get in touch with a representative, fill them in on your situation, and let them take care of the rest.

But how can you tell if you're making the right choice? Read over these 15 vital things you should always consider before choosing a car carrier service.

1) Reputation

Reputation is everything when it comes to choosing a car carrier service. It is very important to check out their online reviews and testimonials before making your choice. You want to feel confident about their trustworthiness.

Look for positive reviews and ratings on major review websites to see what their past customers think of the company. Don't skip the negative or critical reviews. Instead, get a balanced idea of their reputation.

2) Reliability

Reliability is also something that you need to look into when choosing a car carrier service because not all companies are created equal. Some may promise high-quality services but fail to deliver.

Make sure the company has been around for a while and has a proven track record. You can look for a company's positive service rates if you aren't sure.

3) Licensing

Licenses are necessary for all legitimate auto transport companies. They must have a license issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Also, make sure that the company has a Motor Carrier Number (MC) to avoid legal implications or lack of insurance coverage if things go wrong during transit.

4) Registration

It is important to check out the registration status of any auto transport companies you are considering. Once you have the DOT and MC numbers, you can confirm that they are registered.

You should also check if the MC number has been verified by the FMCSA. Never use a company that they do not authorize.

5) Insurance Coverage

Insurance is essential for every business, especially in the shipping industry. It protects your assets and ensures that you are compensated if things accidentally go wrong.

Most reputable auto transportation services offer liability insurance as well as cargo insurance. However, some companies only offer liability insurance.

Check with the company you plan to work with to find out which type of insurance they offer. Then confirm that the insurance company they use is legitimate.

6) Protection Protocol

While insurance is important for when things go wrong, protection protocols are crucial when it comes to avoiding problems.

There are many different types of protection available, such as GPS tracking, 24/7 monitoring, and even anti-theft devices. Each one offers unique benefits depending on the level of security you want.

Most car shipping companies also require clients to list any dents and defects on their vehicles before they ship them. This allows the car shipping company to perform an inspection upon delivery. They inspect the car for any damage during delivery and then compare the vehicle's condition against the list of pre-existing dents.

7) Contracts

When choosing a car carrier service, be sure to read through the contract carefully before signing your vehicle over. The contract will outline how much you pay per mile, the length of time you'll be covered under the policy, and whether there are additional fees.

8) Services Offered

Some car carrier services offer more than just auto transport. They also offer logistics solutions like warehousing, storage, and distribution. These services help businesses save time and money by providing a single point of contact for all their needs.

You want to be sure that the company you choose can cover all your needs. For example, if you're shipping a vehicle internationally, it will likely require customs clearance. This means that you'll need someone who knows what they're doing to prepare the paperwork and file it correctly.

9) Time Efficiency

Time efficiency is another factor you need to evaluate when choosing a car carrier. You will want to contemplate how quickly the company responds to inquiries. For example, do they provide estimates within hours or days?

You will also want to know their minimum order size, how long their waiting list is, and how long their delivery time is. A good car carrier service values its customers' time and deadlines.

10) Sustainability

Sustainability is something that most people don't think about when choosing a car carrier service. But, it is very important. The environment plays a huge role in our lives. We rely on the earth for food, water, energy, and other resources. In fact, we're using up these natural resources at an alarming rate.

Car carriers play a big part in this problem, so it is important to make sure that the carrier you choose prioritizes environmentally sustainable practices and methods.

11) Tracking System

Tracking systems are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. If you have ever used Uber or Lyft, you may have noticed that there is a tracking system built into the app. This helps drivers keep track of where their passengers are located.

A similar thing happens when you hire a car carrier service. They usually provide a tracking system so that you can monitor exactly where your vehicle is at any time. This will keep you up to date on any delays along the way and give you peace of mind.

12) Affordability

Affordability is another huge factor when choosing a car carrier company. Some companies overcharge for their services, while others offer affordable rates. It's crucial to choose a company within your budget.

With that said, always choose a quality carrier service over a lower price. The cheapest option isn't necessarily the best option.

If you aren't sure what you're getting, be sure to request a shipping quote. A good car carrier will provide you with a quote explaining every detail of what you're paying for. Most companies in the auto transport industry also offer online quotes.

13) Customer Support

Customer support is another important aspect of choosing a car carrier. How well do their sales reps respond to questions and concerns? Are they available 24/7? Can they handle special requests?

It's important to choose a car carrier service that has great customer support. Check online reviews and confide in friends and family for recommendations to get a better picture of their customer support reputation.

A good car carrier service will have customer support that is not only fast but professional as well.

14) Stability

It's important to choose a reliable transport company for your transportation needs.

It would set you back significantly to use a shipping company that is cheap but unreliable. They're likely to struggle to consistently meet your needs, or worse, they might go bankrupt, forcing you to start again when selecting a new provider.

Things you can consider include how long the carrier has been operating, how big its fleet of trucks and trailers are, and how stable its storage facilities are where your vehicles will be stored.

15) Payment Options

Payment options and shipping costs are also vital things to contemplate when choosing a car carrier. Will they accept credit cards? Maybe there's a minimum amount required? Find out what payment methods the company will accept. Debit cards, credit cards, or payments through wire transfer?

Some companies require a large wire transfer deposit before they'll even begin working with you. Others allow you to pay shipping costs in installments. Make sure that the company accepts whatever method works best for you.

1. Your Needs

Your needs should of course come into play when choosing a car carrier service.

For example, some vehicle shipping companies specialize in transporting vehicles from one city to another. Other companies focus more on moving cars within a single state. Of course, the right auto transport service for you will cover your pickup and delivery locations.

Ensure that the company you go with can meet your specific needs. That way, you won't have to worry about having to find a different company down the road if you discover the first company isn't able to help you after all.

Don't Settle For Less

When it comes to choosing a vehicle transportation company, make sure you get everything you need. Don't settle for less than you deserve – your vehicle is precious cargo.

To ensure that you're happy with the service you receive, choose A-1 Auto Transport from the start, and rest assured we will tick all the boxes. We're a reputable company that offers hassle-free shipping at its finest. Contact us today for a free quote.