The Top Questions to Ask Your Transport Company Before Shipping Your Vehicle

Getting your vehicle from point A to point B can be stressful, especially when you’re entrusting it to a transport company. To ensure your car arrives safely and on time, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before choosing a transport company. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on the top questions to ask and offer tips to make the process hassle-free.

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If you’re planning to transport your vehicle, you want to make sure you choose a reliable transport company that’ll get the job done without a hitch. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to begin.

That’s where Compare The Carrier come in. In this article, we’ll provide you with the top questions to ask your transport company before shipping your car. We’ll also cover the different types of vehicle transport services, how to prepare your car for transport, and offer tips to make the process a breeze. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding the types of vehicle transport services

Questions to ask your transport company

Preparing your vehicle for transport

FAQ

Understanding the Types of Vehicle Transport Services

Understanding the various kinds of vehicle transport services available is essential before choosing a transport company. Make the best decision for your needs and budget easier – be aware of the distinctions between these services. Here’s a rundown of the most common options:

Open Carrier Transport: This is the most popular type of vehicle transport service. It’s affordable and involves transporting your vehicle on an open-air carrier truck. Your vehicle may be exposed to the elements, but it’s the cheapest option.

Enclosed Carrier Transport: This is similar to open carrier transport, but your vehicle is transported in an enclosed trailer to protect it from the elements. It’s more expensive than open carrier transport, but it’s worth it if you have a valuable or classic vehicle.

Door-to-Door Transport: With this service, the transport company picks up your vehicle from your doorstep and delivers it to your desired location. It’s the most convenient option but may be pricier.

Terminal-to-Terminal Transport: This involves dropping off your vehicle at a designated terminal, and the transport company will transport it to another terminal for pickup. It’s a more affordable option, but it may not be as convenient.

Expedited Transport: This service is for those who need their vehicle transported quickly. The transport company will prioritize your vehicle and transport it as quickly as possible, but it will cost more.

Ask your transportation provider which type of vehicle transport service is best for you among the several options. In order to ensure the safe and effective transportation of your car, selecting the proper company is crucial.

Questions to Ask Your Transport Company

Choosing a transport company to move your vehicle can be a hard task. But asking the right questions can help you make the best decision for your needs. Here are the top questions to ask your transport company:

Are you licensed and insured?

You want to make sure the transport company you choose is licensed and insured. This is important in case of any accidents or damages during transport.

Or you can check it yourself on the FMCSA website (check it here).

How much experience do you have?

Experience matters when it comes to transporting vehicles. It’s important to ask the transport company how long they’ve been in business and how many vehicles they transport each year.

What’s your reputation like?

You should always do some research before hiring a transport company. Check online reviews and ratings from other customers to see what their level of service is like.

Among the most popular auto transport review websites are BBB, google reviews, transport reviews, and trustpilot.

What’s the delivery timeframe?

Ask the transport company for an estimated delivery timeframe, so you can plan accordingly for the arrival of your vehicle.

Here is the rough estimates for understanding possible timeframes:

0 - 799 Miles	1 - 4 Days
800 - 1499 Miles	4 - 7 Days
1500 - 2399 Miles	6 - 10 Days
2400 Miles and Up	10 - 15 Days

Can you be flexible with delivery dates?

Sometimes unexpected delays can happen during transport. It’s important to ask if the transport company is flexible with delivery dates and what their policy is for rescheduling.

How much will it cost?

Make sure to get a detailed quote from the transport company that outlines all the fees and charges associated with transporting your vehicle. Also, ask about payment options and when payment is due.

How will you keep me updated?

You want to stay in communication with the transport company during transport. Ask how they will communicate with you and how often you can expect updates.

Asking these questions can help you find a reliable and trustworthy shipping company that will ensure a smooth and stress-free transport experience. At Compare the Carrier, we only offer licensed and professional carriers, and we’re here to help you compare shipping quotes from the best auto transport companies to save you time and money. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Transport

Although getting your car ready for transportation might be a pain, it’s necessary to guarantee a pleasant transport experience. Here are some tips to get you started in preparing your vehicle for shipping.

Clean your vehicle: Make sure to clean your vehicle inside and out before the transport company picks it up. Check for any damages and take photos from all angles.

Remove any personal items: Remember to take out all of your personal belongings before transport. This includes things like GPS devices, air fresheners, and personal documents. The transport company isn’t responsible for any personal items left in your vehicle.

Note any damages: If your vehicle has any pre-existing damages, make sure to document them before transport. This includes scratches, dents, or any other damages. Having this documentation can be helpful in case of any disputes with the transport company.

Check vehicle’s fluids: Before transport, make sure all fluids are topped off, including oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant.

Check vehicle’s battery: Ensure that your vehicle’s battery is fully charged and in good condition, especially if it will be in transport for an extended period.

Check tires: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition before transport to prevent any damage.

Disable car alarms: If your vehicle has an alarm system, disable it before transport to prevent it from going off during the trip.

Secure loose parts: Make sure that any loose parts, such as spoilers or antennas, are secured properly to prevent damage to your vehicle or other vehicles during transport.

Provide spare keys: Be sure to give the transport company a spare set of keys to your vehicle so that the driver can access it if needed during transport.

You can make sure that your car is prepared for transport and that it gets to its destination quickly and securely by using these tips. If you have any queries regarding preparing your car for transfer, please contact your transport company.

When it comes to transporting your vehicle, preparation and research are key. It’s essential to research the transport company you’re considering, including their licensing, insurance, and experience. Whether you’re transporting a car, truck, or SUV, doing your research and preparing your vehicle properly can make all the difference. By doing so, you can have confidence in your choice and avoid any surprises.

To simplify the process of finding the right transport company, you can use resources such as Compare The Carrier to compare quotes from licensed and professional carriers. This way, you can find a carrier that fits your budget and needs.

FAQ

What is the cost of transporting a vehicle?

The cost of transporting a vehicle can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance, type of vehicle, and time of year. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from multiple transport companies to compare costs.

How long does it take to transport a vehicle?

The time it takes to transport a vehicle can also vary depending on factors such as distance, time of year, and the carrier’s schedule. On average, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks for a vehicle to be transported across the country.

What happens if my vehicle is damaged during transport?

If your vehicle is damaged during transport, you should immediately notify the transport company and document the damages. Most carriers offer insurance coverage for your vehicle during transport, so it’s important to read the policy carefully and understand the claims process.

Can I choose the pick-up and drop-off locations?

Most transport companies offer both door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal options. With door-to-door transport, the carrier will pick up and drop off your vehicle at the specified locations. With terminal-to-terminal transport, you will drop off and pick up your vehicle at the designated terminals.

What types of vehicles can be transported?

Most transport companies can transport a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, and even boats. However, it’s important to check with the carrier to ensure they can accommodate your specific vehicle.