Booking an auto shipping company is a significant decision—you're trusting strangers with a vehicle worth thousands of dollars. Asking the right questions upfront separates reputable carriers from fly-by-night operations and saves you money, headaches, and delays. Here's what to dig into before you sign on the dotted line.
Is Your Company Licensed and Insured?
This is non-negotiable. Ask for the carrier's USDOT number and verify it on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. A legitimate shipper will have a current MC (Motor Carrier) number and liability insurance covering at least $100,000 for non-full-truckload shipments or $500,000 for full-load moves.
Request proof of insurance before booking. Don't accept verbal assurances. Many scams disappear when you ask for documentation—that's your first red flag.
What's the Actual Transit Timeline?
"5-7 business days" sounds nice, but it's often meaningless. Instead, ask:
- Door-to-door pickup and delivery dates: Can they commit to a specific window (e.g., Tuesday–Thursday of week two)?
- What factors cause delays: Weather, mechanical issues, and pickup/delivery logistics all affect timelines. Understand which delays entitle you to compensation.
- Peak season vs. off-season timelines: Summer moves take 7–10 days; winter or slow periods might be 5–7 days.
Push back on vague estimates. Carriers that can't pin down a window within 2–3 days are either overbooked or disorganized.
How Much Will This Actually Cost?
Price quotes vary wildly—typically $600–$3,000 for standard sedan transport across the continental US, depending on distance and pickup/delivery locations. Ask:
- Is the quote all-inclusive?: Confirm there are no hidden fees for long-distance pickups, rural deliveries, or weekend scheduling.
- What happens if gas prices spike?: Some carriers build fuel surcharges into the final bill. Know the percentage or flat fee upfront.
- What's your cancellation policy?: Can you back out without penalty, and under what conditions does the carrier refund your deposit (typically 10–20% of the total)?
Get at least three written quotes so you can compare line-item charges, not just total price.
Will My Vehicle Be Open or Enclosed Transport?
Open trailers cost $400–$800 less than enclosed shipping but expose your car to weather, road debris, and dirt. Enclosed trailers ($1,200–$2,500+) protect luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles.
Ask which option they recommend for your vehicle's value, and clarify pickup and delivery logistics. Some carriers charge extra to pick up vehicles from covered storage—know this in advance.
What's Included in Your Inspection?
Responsible carriers photograph your vehicle before and after transport, documenting the condition. Ask:
- Do they perform pre-pickup and post-delivery inspections with photographs?: This protects both you and the carrier from false damage claims.
- What damage is the shipper liable for?: Standard liability typically covers $0.60–$2.70 per pound—far less than your car's actual value. Consider upgraded coverage if moving a high-value vehicle.
Request copies of inspection reports for your records before your vehicle leaves.
How Do You Handle Communication?
Reliable carriers assign you a specific point of contact and provide tracking updates. Ask:
- Can I reach someone 24/7 if my shipment is delayed?: Emergencies happen; you need a real person to contact, not just a voicemail.
- Do you offer real-time GPS tracking?: Many reputable carriers provide app-based tracking so you know exactly where your vehicle is.
Poor communication is a leading complaint in auto shipping reviews—don't ignore this question.
What Reviews and References Can You Share?
Check Google, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for patterns, not individual complaints. A carrier with 50 five-star reviews and two one-star complaints is normal; one with half-and-half reviews is a gamble.
Ask the carrier for 2–3 customer references and actually call them. Most reputable shippers are happy to provide this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it cheaper to ship my car if I pick it up and drop it off myself? Yes—you'll typically save $200–$400 by using terminal-to-terminal service instead of door-to-door, but you'll bear the cost and inconvenience of getting to a hub location.
Q: Can I pack belongings inside my car during transport? Most carriers prohibit this or charge extra, and your personal items typically aren't covered under auto insurance. Leave the car empty or ask the shipper first.
Q: What should I do if my car arrives damaged? Document damage with photos immediately, file a claim with the carrier within the time limit (usually 30 days), and contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles if the shipper refuses to pay.
Ready to compare trusted auto shippers and get accurate quotes? Use Mercoly to connect with licensed carriers and see real customer reviews side-by-side.