How to Select the Best Car Shipping Company

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When shipping your car across the state or the country, you want to make sure your vehicle is in good hands. But with so many companies offering auto transport services, how do you know which one is the best for your needs?

Depending on your origin shipping location, where you need your car delivered, your transport preferences, budget and other factors, there is much to consider when determining the best car shipping company for the job. Keep reading to learn what you should look for and the best resources available to help you in your search.

What to Look for in an Auto Transport Company

First and foremost, verify that the business has proper licensing. All operable car movers must have a Motor Carrier (MC) number, as well as a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. The MC number is a code granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that enables a company to transport commodities owned by others or arrange for their transport across state lines when necessary. The USDOT number is a unique classifier the U.S. Department of Transportation uses to conduct audits and track accidents and safety information. If one of the car shipping companies you’re considering using doesn’t have at least one of these numbers readily available, move on to the next one!

What is an auto transport company?

  • A carrier is the company that actually moves the vehicle. Their drivers operate trucks, typically schedule shipments through a broker and may have limited routes. 
  • A broker is a company with a huge network of carriers usually serving the whole country. In most cases, a broker can give you a lower rate since they have multiple carriers competing to transport your vehicle. 

To ensure you’re working with a reputable transport carrier or broker, confirm how long the company has been in business, how many cars they move or arrange shipments for and if they have a good online reputation. Check their geographic coverage as well to be sure that your vehicle can be picked up and delivered at your desired locations. If you’re shipping your car cross country, reference this article for more information. 

One of the most effective actions you can take when researching car shipping companies is to hear from vehicle owners like yourself. Reading customer reviews provides first hand insight into the company’s experience. Google and Transport Reviews are both great places to start. You should also check out professional sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Consumer Affairs, which aggregate consumer reviews for a business to determine an overall rating. If you can’t find any reviews for a transporter you’re considering, it’s a sign the business could be a scam — we recommend avoiding these companies. 

Using a Broker to Find the Best Car Transport Carrier

When taking all these factors into account, jumping into the process of finding the best carrier to ship your vehicle can be overwhelming. Fortunately, auto transport brokers are available to assist you in your search and walk you through the entire process. 

Many auto shipping brokers have networks of carriers across the country that they can leverage, giving you access to all kinds of options. A broker can help you determine the best carriers based on your pick-up and drop-off locations; timeline; vehicle size, type and age; transport preferences (e.g., open vs. enclosed trailer, home delivery vs. terminal, etc.); and budget. 

Montway Auto Transport is the leading broker in the United States. With a network of over 15,000 carriers and a dedicated team of professional advisors, vehicle owners around the country trust us to arrange the best deal for their transport needs. If you’re ready to get started, request an instant, real-time quote on our website — we’ll gladly assist you in finding a reputable, licensed and insured carrier who will professionally transport your vehicle.

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