Researching SUV Shippers
Just like any other type of vehicle being shipped, it’s important to do some basic research on the companies you’re considering. Here are a couple methods you may find helpful in this regard.
- Website - Does the company have a website with all the information you’re looking for? You may find that many shippers have nothing more than a simple website with a brief mention of services and a phone number to call. Ideally, you’re looking for a website that can provide you with the bulk of the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
- Public Records - You can also find information about a company’s performance history, check the status of their operating authority, and check on safety records using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Company Snapshot database. This is one of the best available resources for doing research on a company.
Comparing Costs Between SUV Shipping Companies
Once you’ve nailed down a few companies you like and researched them, it’s time to start getting cost estimates. This is generally a pretty quick process, usually requiring no more than an email or phone call and providing some basic information. With a little bit of time, it’s easy to get price quotes from multiple different companies to compare prices and services.
A word of caution about the cost estimates you’ll get from companies: some of them may be suspiciously lower than others. While not always a bad thing—who doesn’t want to save some money?—it can also indicate a company that may tack on additional fees along the way to make up for an unrealistically low price. If you reach out to 3-4 companies and get a cost estimate, you should have a pretty good idea of the range in which your total costs should fall.
It’s important in this initial phase of getting cost estimates that you make it clear you are only inquiring about an estimate. You shouldn’t have to pay any money or sign anything until you have decided to go forward with that particular shipper. Cost estimates should always be free and they shouldn’t put you under any obligation to use that company.
Shipping an SUV? Contact us today to see how we can help! All price quotes are 100% FREE and we pride ourselves on providing the best available service in the industry! Call us at the number at the top of this page or send us an email with your questions!
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
Email me - info@a1autotransport.com
