Your Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Car Shipping Vendor

By CarMovers.com Staff

We have heard this scenario before: you're moving and have more than one car and few drivers or you are moving and don't want to drive to your new home. The best way to get your car to its new destination is to use a car shipping vendor. Just like how you looked for a moving company, car movers are professionals in the industry that can get your car safe and sound to its new destination. Here's how to find a reliable car mover for your next move:

1. Figure out the timeline. Moving can be tricky with respect to time – especially if you are moving a long-distance -- but you should figure out a rough estimate of when you want your car to arrive at its destination. This will enable your car mover to get to your destination around the same time as your belongings. When thinking about time, consider the miles and distance of your travels, but also consider weather and other factors that could derail your estimated time.

2. Research online and ask for referrals. The easiest way to find car movers is to ask your friends and family members for their experiences – both good and bad. If they haven't used one, you can locate a car shipping vendor online such as through CarMovers.com. Here you simply enter your shipping zip code and the state that your car is shipping to. Within a day, licensed car movers will contact you about your car shipment.

3. Start the conversation. When a potential car shipper calls you, make the initial chat a little informal. Ask them about their experience – years in business and license information as well as the type of car moves that they have had experience with. You should also tell them about your car and whether you have any special situations that should be addressed. Also ask for references from customers.

4. Go further in your research. Hopefully you had a chance to talk with 3-5 car shipping vendors. From your list, make sure you contact their references and check their rating through the Better Business Bureau.

5. Visit the vendor with your car. If references and Better Business Bureau rating look good, you may also want to meet the vendor in person. Through your face-to-face conversation, verify the pickup date and destination city or town, as well as any special situations with respect to your car. This will also allow the car shipper to see your car. Be sure to also ask about insurance and read the policy carefully. Also ask about payment and what forms are accepted. From there, you will know what car vendor to use.

6. On your car shipping day. Make sure that your vehicle is ready for inspection – by cleaning it and testing it beforehand. Also be sure that the car shipping vendor completes all necessary paperwork – such as the bill of landing and a condition report – before they load your car. Also be sure to have the contact information of the driver and make sure that they have yours – should anything happen to your car while in transit.