Auto Transport Guide: Finding and Selecting Vendors

• You can find vehicle transport companies advertised in many different places such as your local papers, phone book and of course the internet. CarMovers.com is committed to working with industry professionals only and if you are in need a vehicle transport company and required unmatched service, simply submit a request for quote on this site.
  
  
• You can also get references from friends or colleagues and this is an excellent way of finding a reputable auto shipper especially if they have first hand experience of the company themselves. It is a good idea to ask your moving company if they have recommendations as they will often have companies they have partnerships with and you may be able to get a discount by using one of their preferred vendors.
  
  
• Do your own investigation of the companies you are looking at to transport your vehicle. It is also important to check with the Better Business Bureau to find out if there have been complaints against any auto shipper you choose and how these complaints were resolved.
  • Do not be concerned if you cannot find an auto shipper in your local area. Auto transport companies will generally have contract carriers, terminals or routes that go through your local area and your vehicle can be dropped off and collected at these locations.
  
  
• Some moving companies also ship cars however the cost is usually higher. Shop around and do not use a company just because the price is the lowest. If you think the price is too good to be true it probably is. Good service is critical to a successful move. Your car may be shipped in the same truck as your household goods. This can be a very convenient option however there are some things to look out for. Ask whether the moving company is insured to carry your vehicle and for how much is the coverage. If your car is to be stored prior to shipping, ask to see the premises. It’s your car and you are entitled to know where it is going to be stored.
  
  
• Many auto shipping companies use agents to ship vehicles. Ask the company you are working with if they plan to do this and if the answer is “yes”, tell them you need to see the “certificate of insurance” of the agent. Check that the coverage is satisfactory and that the certificate is current. You should always ask to see the insurance certificate no matter who is transporting your car. You need to be comfortable that your car is covered and that the coverage is adequate.
  
  
• You may also need to request supplemental insurance as many companies specifically exclude some items such as loss or damage to personal items left in the vehicle, road damage and glass breakage. In1990 the Department of Transportation ruled that no personal items be left in a vehicle to be shipped. See CarMovers.com Preparing your vehicle for a shipment section for more information on what you need to do to get your car ready to be shipped.
  
  
• Brokers can also organize to ship vehicles however they do not own any carriers or flatbed trailers themselves and depend on the actual carriers they contract to provide insurance. You will need to see the certificate of insurance of the actual carrier in this case also.