Key Considerations When Choosing a Car Shipping Company

Most people don’t think about car shipping until they actually need it.

Maybe you’re relocating for a new job. Maybe you found the perfect car in another state. Maybe you bought something from an auction and now need it delivered. Whatever the reason, once you start looking into vehicle transport, you quickly realize something: there are a lot of companies out there, and it’s hard to tell who you can trust.

The auto transport industry isn’t complicated, but it is misunderstood. Some companies operate professionally and transparently. Others… not so much. Knowing what to look for can save you from delays, surprise charges, and unnecessary stress.

If you’re preparing to ship a vehicle, here’s what truly matters.

1. Make Sure They’re Properly Licensed

Before anything else, confirm that the company is legally authorized to operate.

In the United States, legitimate car shipping companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They receive a USDOT number and an MC number. These aren’t just random codes; they’re proof that the company is recognized and allowed to transport vehicles across state lines.

A professional company won’t hesitate to share this information. If you ask and get vague answers, that’s your first red flag.

This step alone eliminates a lot of potential problems.

2. Understand the Insurance Coverage

Here’s something many people overlook: what happens if something goes wrong?

Reputable car shipping companies carry cargo insurance that covers your vehicle during transit. But coverage isn’t identical across the board.

Before booking, ask simple, direct questions:

• What’s the coverage limit?
  
  

• Is there a deductible?
  
  

• Does it cover the full trip door-to-door?
  
  

• Are there exclusions?
  
  

It’s also a good idea to call your own insurance provider just to understand what protection you already have.

Clear, confident answers about insurance usually signal a company that knows what it’s doing.

3. Are They a Broker or a Carrier?

This one surprises a lot of people.

Some companies own the trucks and physically move the cars. These are carriers.

Others don’t own trucks at all. They’re brokers. They connect customers with a network of carriers and coordinate the shipment.

Neither is automatically better. What matters is transparency. You should know who is actually picking up your vehicle and who you’ll be communicating with during the process.

If you ask and the explanation feels confusing or evasive, that’s worth paying attention to.

4. Be Realistic About Pricing

Everyone wants a good deal. But when it comes to car shipping, extremely low prices can sometimes mean extremely high headaches.

Shipping costs depend on several factors:

• Distance
  
  

• Route popularity
  
  

• Vehicle size and weight
  
  

• Open vs enclosed transport
  
  

• Time of year
  
  

• Fuel costs
  
  

• Pickup and drop-off accessibility
  
  

If one quote is dramatically lower than the others, ask why.

Sometimes low quotes can lead to delays because carriers aren’t willing to accept the job at that rate. Then, customers are asked to pay more later to “move the vehicle faster.”

A trustworthy company will explain how pricing works instead of just throwing out a number.

5. Choose Between Open and Enclosed Transport

You’ve probably seen open car carriers on highways carrying multiple vehicles. That’s the most common and cost-effective method. It’s perfectly suitable for everyday vehicles.

Enclosed transport, on the other hand, protects the vehicle from weather and road debris. It’s typically used for luxury, exotic, or classic cars.

The right choice depends on your vehicle and your comfort level. A company should walk you through the options instead of pushing the more expensive one without explanation.

6. Read Reviews But Read Them Carefully

Online reviews are helpful, but don’t just look at star ratings.

Instead, look for patterns:

• Do customers mention good communication?
  
  

• Are delays explained professionally?
  
  

• How does the company respond to complaints?
  
  

• Are there repeated mentions of hidden fees?
  
  

No company is perfect. What matters is how they handle issues when they arise.

That often tells you more than a five-star rating.

7. Pay Attention to Communication

This is one of the biggest indicators of professionalism.

From your first call or email, ask yourself:

• Are they clear?
  
  

• Are they patient with questions?
  
  

• Do they explain things properly?
  
  

• Do they give realistic timeframes?
  
  

If communication feels rushed or vague before booking, it probably won’t improve afterward.

Shipping a car requires coordination. Strong communication usually reflects strong internal organization.

8. Understand the Inspection Process

A proper inspection protects everyone.

At pickup, the driver should document the vehicle’s condition on a Bill of Lading. Scratches, dents, and existing damage should be noted. Photos are often taken.

At delivery, the vehicle is inspected again.

Before your car is picked up, do three simple things:

• Wash it so damage is visible
  
  

• Remove personal items
  
  

• Take clear photos from multiple angles
  
  

These small steps can prevent big disputes later.

9. Be Flexible With Timing

Car shipping isn’t like overnight parcel delivery.

Weather, traffic, route coordination, and mechanical checks have many moving parts that affect timing. Reputable companies provide pickup windows and estimated delivery ranges, not unrealistic promises.

If someone guarantees an exact delivery date across the country with zero flexibility, that should raise questions.

10. Clarify Payment Terms

Before booking, understand:

• Is there a deposit?
  
  

• When is the remaining balance due?
  
  

• What happens if you cancel?
  
  

• Are there rescheduling fees?
  
  

Clear payment policies prevent misunderstandings.

Never feel rushed to pay without understanding the terms.

Making the Right Choice Without the Stress

Choosing a car shipping company isn’t just about cost. It’s about trust, communication, transparency, and professionalism.

From an industry perspective, successful vehicle transport isn’t random—it’s coordination. It involves route planning, carrier networks, compliance checks, and ongoing communication. When those pieces are handled properly, the process feels simple. When they aren’t, things become stressful very quickly.

The good news? Asking the right questions dramatically reduces your risk.

Take your time. Verify details. Compare realistically. And choose a company that makes you feel informed, not pressured.

When done right, shipping a vehicle can be straightforward, predictable, and surprisingly smooth.