How to Locate the Best Auto Transportation Company for Your Move

By CarMovers.com Staff

Finding a car mover is easy; finding the best one requires a bit more work.

You can locate car movers in advertisements such as your local paper, phone book or right here on CarMovers.com where you can submit a request for a quote and companies will contact you with prices and information. CarMovers.com can also help you locate an auto transport company that will offer you quality service. You can also ask a friend or family member if they have any suggestions if they've shipped a car before.

You can also tap into the expertise of your moving company since they generally have partnerships with various transporting businesses and have a vested interest in making sure you get a quality shipper.

Whichever car shipping vendors you check out, inquire with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about many unresolved complaints made against the auto transporter you're thinking of hiring.

Still Can't Find a Shipper?
If you are having difficulty finding an auto shipper in your area, don't worry: auto transport companies usually have various terminals in different states. This way you can pick up and drop off your vehicles without traveling long distances.

If the car transport company can come pick up the vehicle, make sure your street can be accessed by the truck. Shipping carriers usually have difficulty maneuvering down narrow streets or neighborhood. Another option is a large, nearby parking lot for pick up or delivery.
After locating a few quality companies, don't rush to pick -- shop around for prices, but remember that quality of service should always override price. If the low-ball offer seems too good to be true, most likely it is, so don't pick solely based on price. Reduce the hassle of future complications by investigating different car moving companies and requesting referrals.

Shipping the Car.
Before you ship, be sure to review the Bill of Lading with your driver to ensure you understand the terms and conditions for transporting your car.

According to the law, leaving items in your vehicle while it is being transported is not permitted. Only items necessary for your vehicle to function, such as spare tires or jacks, are allowed. If you happen to leave goods in the trunk or elsewhere and they become damaged, your insurance will most likely not offer coverage. (See more here on preparing your car for transport.)

Auto shipping companies generally use agents to ship vehicles. Inquire with your preferred car transporter if they plan to do this. If so, ask to see the "certificate of insurance" to ensure your car is covered and the coverage is reasonable.