5 Tips to Choose the Best Interstate Auto Shipper for Your Precious Ride

While Interstate auto shipping is a service that makes lives easier for most customers, some might find themselves on the wrong side. Choosing a bad company can make your auto shipping experience a nightmare. Moreover, first-time customers can be overwhelmed by the abundance of options available. 

That is why, it's better to know a few good tips that will help you get the most out of your interstate auto shipping experience. Here are five tips to choose the best interstate auto shipper for your precious ride. 

Research Thoroughly

While searching for anything online has become easy for most, still many customers avoid doing any research at all. Leaving a simple status on your social media profiles asking for interstate auto shipping recommendations can go a long way. 

The second type of research you can do is on search engines like Google. On searching keywords like “Interstate auto transport” or “best car transport companies”, you’ll come across dozens of companies. Each company will have its reviews on Google as well as other sites like TrustPilot, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Going through a few reviews of each, you’ll realize if the company is worth considering or not. 

Verify Credentials and Insurance

Another part of doing research online is verifying the credentials and Insurance of Interstate auto shipping companies. The first two credentials that an auto shipping company must have is a Department of Transportation (DOT) approval and accreditation from FMCSA. 

Since it is an auto shipping company’s Insurance that will cover your loss, in case of an accident, it is one of the most important things to ensure beforehand. Try to screen several companies, and enquire about their insurance coverage as well as credentials. 

Most companies will be open to showing you proof of both of these things. 

Examine the Transport Process

Understanding the shipping process is vital to getting the best interstate shipping service. Ask the companies whether your vehicle will be shipped in an open or an enclosed container. Moreover, ask if you will receive a door-door service or a terminal-terminal service. Ask if the representative on the phone is an employee of the shipping company or a brokerage. Lastly, enquire about the kind of tracking service you’ll get. 

A professional shipping company will be transparent with these questions. 

Request Transparent Cost Estimates

As we’ve mentioned earlier that considering multiple companies firsthand is the way to go. This will help you compare them as you go further along the screening process. The third step of this process should be “getting quotes from multiple interstate car transport companies”. Ask several companies for a quotation, and compare them. Ask them if there’s any hidden fee left out of the quotation. Also ask them to explain their quotations, and finally, compare all the quotations you receive. 

Any quotation that is too high or too low from the normal is questionable. Ask the companies to explain them, and whether they would stick to this value on the delivery day. If you’re convinced, you can make the call. 

Customer Support and Communication

A good interstate car transport company will ensure responsive service. Any company that responds after long delays is not the company to go with. Ask the representative about his working hours, and how often can you approach him. 

You can know more about this aspect of the company from the reviews left by previous customers. 

Conclusion

We hope these five tips have convinced you of getting the best interstate car transport service. In case you have more questions, check out these FAQs below to find your relevant answer. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I start the process of finding an interstate auto shipper?

Search the terms “Insterstate Auto shipping companies”, “Best Interstate car transporters” and “interstate car shipping” on Google. You’ll come across sites of different auto shipping companies. Visit the sites, get quotes, check reviews, credentials, and insurance. Lastly, make the decision. 

Is insurance important when selecting an auto shipper?

Yes, Insurance is very important when selecting an auto shipping company. Since auto shipping involves being on the road, accidents are always a possibility. Therefore, selecting an auto shipping company that can cover you during such unforeseen moments is a good backup. 

All most all interstate car transport companies have insurance coverage for their customers. 

How can I get an accurate cost estimate for shipping my vehicle?

The best way to get an accurate shipping cost estimate for your vehicle is by getting different quotes from several shipping companies. Ask quotation for the exact kind of service you want. Also, look at reviews of different companies and see if someone has recently shipped their car on the same route as yours. 

What are the benefits of enclosed transport for my vehicle?

Enclosed transport while being expensive has still one huge advantage and that is safety. Being in an enclosed container, you’re car will be protected from all external factors like storms, scratches, and other unforeseen situations. Enclosed auto shipping is best suited for the most expensive, luxury, or classic cars. 

How can I stay informed about the progress of my vehicle during transit?

Most auto shipping companies provide 24/7 customer support to let you know about the progress of your shipment. Some offer direct communication with the driver. While customers expect some kind of a tracking mechanism, but that is rarely seen in the auto shipping industry.