The convenience of owning a car is unmatched—until you have to move it across the country or even overseas. Whether you’re a car buyer awaiting delivery of your new vehicle or a family relocating to a new city, the need for a reliable car shipping company has become essential in 2025. With the auto transport industry booming and countless companies vying for your business, making the right choice can feel daunting. This guide will walk you through the critical steps to select a trustworthy car shipping service that ensures your vehicle reaches its destination safely and on time.
Understanding Your Needs
Before you start reaching out to car shipping companies, take a moment to define your needs. Knowing what you’re looking for will narrow down your options and help you find the perfect fit.
Questions to Guide Your Search
- What type of vehicle are you shipping? Some companies specialize in standard sedans, while others cater to luxury or specialty vehicles like motorcycles or boats.
- What’s your timeline? Are you planning a move in a few weeks or do you need expedited shipping?
- Where is the car being shipped? International shipping may require a company with expertise in customs clearance.
Transport Methods to Consider
There are two primary ways to ship your car:
- Open Transport: An affordable option, ideal for standard vehicles. Your car is transported on an open trailer, exposed to weather and road conditions.
- Enclosed Transport: A premium option, perfect for high-value or classic cars. It provides extra protection during transit.
Taking the time to understand your shipping needs will help you avoid surprises later on and will make evaluating companies much easier.
Research and Due Diligence
Once you know your needs, it’s time to research potential shipping companies. Not all providers are created equal—here’s how to find one you can trust.
Look for Experience
Find companies with a proven track record in car shipping. Established providers often have streamlined processes in place to handle unexpected challenges.
Check Their Validity
Make sure the company is properly licensed and registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). You can verify their Motor Carrier (MC) number online through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Ask for References
A reliable company will have no issue providing references or examples of successful shipments.
Key Criteria to Evaluate
When narrowing your options, focus on these critical factors to gauge a company’s reliability.
Licensing and Registration
Verify that the company holds a valid DOT number and that their MC number is active. This ensures they meet legal requirements to operate as a transport provider.
Insurance Coverage
Ask about their insurance policies. Make sure the company offers sufficient coverage for any potential damage to your vehicle during transit.
Industry Reputation
Look into how the company is perceived within the industry. Awards and accreditations from organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are good indicators of reliability.
Reading Reviews
Customer feedback can be an invaluable resource when assessing a car shipping service. Knowing how to interpret reviews ensures you’re getting the full picture.
Focus on Trends
Don’t be swayed by a single glowing review or one angry rant. Instead, look for patterns—does the company consistently deliver on time? Are customer complaints regarding minor or critical issues?
Verify Authenticity
Pay attention to reviews on trusted platforms like Google Reviews or Trustpilot. Be wary of reviews that seem overly generic or too good to be true.
Cost Considerations
Price will always play a role in your decision—but be cautious. The cheapest option often comes with hidden fees or compromises in service quality.
Understanding Quotes
Most reputable shipping companies will offer a transparent quote based on the following factors:
- Distance of the shipment
- Type of transport (open or enclosed)
- Vehicle size and condition
- Shipping timeline (standard or expedited)
Beware of Hidden Fees
Before signing on the dotted line, ask explicitly about extra charges. These might include costs for door-to-door delivery, storage fees, or cancellation penalties. Transparency is a sign of a trustworthy company.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Shipping
Before the carrier picks up your vehicle, you’ll need to prepare it to ensure a hassle-free process.
Checklist for Preparing Your Car
- Clean your car inside and out to help spot any pre-existing damage.
- Remove all personal items—insurance policies typically don’t cover belongings left in the car.
- Document your car’s condition by taking photos from multiple angles.
- Keep your gas tank at about a quarter full and check for leaks.
- Disable any alarms to prevent unnecessary noise during transit.
Taking these steps can reduce the risk of misunderstandings and make the drop-off and delivery process smoother for everyone involved.
Ensure Peace of Mind During Your Move
Shipping your car doesn’t have to be stressful. By clearly understanding your needs, carefully researching companies, and staying vigilant about licenses, insurance, and reviews, you can choose a reliable car shipping service. Taking the time to prepare your car for transport will only add to your peace of mind.
At Safe Car Hauling Inc., we pride ourselves on being a trusted name in auto transport. We combine expert service, dependable insurance coverage, and proven experience to ensure your car reaches its destination safely and on time. Whether you’re moving across state lines or shipping internationally, we’re here to help.
Get a free quote today and experience the Safe Car Hauling difference.