When it comes to the transportation of your vehicle, it is important to ensure that the entire process is carefully planned and managed to avoid any problems. Price and quality of the transportation are key factors to consider especially if you desire a vehicle free from scratches, chips and dents.
Even if you are planning on online car shipping research and analysis, it is recommended to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the same to avoid any problems.
Understanding the industry players
There are numerous players associated with the auto shipping industry. These include the following –
Vehicle carriers
These are truck based auto carriers that help you to collect and deliver the vehicle. It is always great to deal directly with these instead of third-party service providers to get value for money.
Lead providers
Websites that promise to deliver numerous quotes in a single click are often third-party lead providers. These often collect your personal details and then sell them off to the shipping companies.
The brokers
Such auto shipping service providers are actually intermediaries that act as a link between customers and carriers. Unlike the former, these liaise with other carriers to enhance your shipping experience. You do not need to spend time on research and analysis as these manage all the administrative information to safeguard your valuables.
Ensuring reputable auto shipping services
When you decide to invest in the best auto transport across the country, you must attempt to investigate the same using sites like –
- Better Business Bureau
- Federal Motor Carrier, etc.
Trusted shippers also have an MC number from FMCSAorUSDOTone from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Look for insurance coverage
It is important to ensure that your vehicle is covered in case of any unexpected problem or transport damage.
Legally, all carriers must have a minimum of $150k-$250k coverage (depending on the type of carrier selected). This is a liability coverage that helps to pay for the damages in an event of vehicle problems or complications.
How will the transporter ship my car?
For those looking for luxury car transport, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is transported with adequate attention and care.
It is easy to choose between open and enclosed options especially when you are planning to ship premium drives across larger distances. In this case, enclosed shipping trucks are a better choice. Cars transported using this method are safe against natural elements, road debris, etc. Experts recommend investing in enclosed shipping trucks for all forms of long-distance vehicle shipping.
When to choose an open car transport?
For small distances and in case of budget crunch, the open versions prove to be an ideal investment.
Open carriers lack enclosures like their enclosed counterparts yet are still safe. The risk of damage is also minimal as these carry special features and equipment to keep your vehicles secured and prevent unnecessary shifting.
Due to their high capacity, these can transport around 10 vehicles per go resulting in lower cost per move.
Look deeper into the shipping rates
Car shipping fees vary as these are dependent on various factors. An online auto shipping calculator can help you to determine the appropriate cost of the shipment by using factors like –
- Fuel prices and prevailing rates
- Demand and supply options, etc.
Further there are numerous providers of professional shipping in the nation yet not all carry the required expertise, licenses and recognitions.
Conducting prior research helps you to get a good car shipping provider that is beneficial to avoid shipping scams.
Thus before trusting the shipping companies with the vehicle, it is important to ensure that you conduct adequate research and analysis. Review the site details on top names like Yelp, Google, etc. A lack of rating and review can be a red flag.
Further for a new service provider, you may get benefits of lower askance price yet the quality of the same may not be adequate. Similarly, any carrier with low quoted prices can cut corners. This proves to be an expensive investment in the long-time. All this can be detrimental to your vehicle and its outcomes. In order to attain the best results, you must opt for those offering damage free and on-time delivery.
