As of March 2024, there were over 577,000 active FMCSA-registered US motor carriers. With so many vehicle shipping companies for cross-country auto transport, picking the right one is crucial.
4 Elements For Basic Trust on a Company for Vehicle Shipping Cross Country:
When shipping a car across the country, trust is paramount. Consider these key factors.
License & Insurance:
Verify the transport company’s credentials. Check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Ensure they have adequate insurance coverage for car transport. This protects you if issues arise while moving cars.
Online Presence:
Research the company’s digital footprint, read reviews on multiple platforms, and check its social media engagement. A strong online presence often indicates reliability in shipping vehicles cross country.
Platform | What to Look For |
Google Reviews | Overall rating, recent feedback |
BBB | Accreditation, complaint history |
Customer interactions, response time |
Physical Location:
Legitimate companies have actual offices. Visit if possible. This step is crucial when moving from state to state, like moving cars across California to New York or longer distances. Be wary of companies without verifiable addresses.
Website Layout & Language Use:
Assess the company’s website critically to ensure it’s not a scam. Professional design often reflects business quality. Clear information about services and the cost to ship a vehicle cross country is essential.
- Look for detailed service descriptions.
- Check for transparent pricing information.
- Ensure contact details are easily accessible
- Verify the presence of terms and conditions
Remember, reputable transport companies invest in their online presence. When you ship a car across the country, choose wisely.
The shipping a car across country cost can vary, but don’t sacrifice reliability for price. Trustworthy car transport services prioritize clear communication and customer satisfaction.
5 Deciding Factors For Hiring Cross Country Car Shipping Services:
Once trust is established, choosing the right car transport service involves weighing several crucial aspects.
Auto Transport Cost:
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. Companies offering rock-bottom rates might cut corners. Get quotes from multiple transport firms and compare them against industry averages.
Distance | Average Cost Range |
0-500 miles | $500-$700 |
500-1000 miles | $700-$1000 |
1000+ miles | $1000-$1500+ |
Remember, the ship a car across country cost varies based on elements like vehicle size and transport type.
Reference of Past 5 Customers:
Ask companies for recent customer references. Contact these clients directly and inquire about their experiences. This provides real-world insights into the company’s performance.
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Support Responsiveness:
Test the company’s communication channels. How quickly do they respond? Are their answers clear? Responsive support is crucial during transport.
- Try calling at different times.
- Send an email with questions
- Use their online chat if available
Company Age:
Longevity often indicates reliability in the transport industry. Established companies have weathered challenges and refined their processes. However, don’t automatically dismiss newer firms. They might offer innovative services.
Additional Offerings:
Some transport companies go the extra mile. They provide perks that enhance your experience. Look for firms offering unique benefits.
- Use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for accurate tracking
- Free car wash upon delivery
- Rental car if delivery is delayed
- Discounts for military, students, or seniors
These extras can set companies apart in the competitive transport market. They often indicate a customer-centric approach. When choosing between transport firms, consider these additional services. They might justify a slightly higher cost.
Should You Hire Best Rated Car Transport Companies Online?
While online best rated lists can be a good starting point, it’s not always necessary to only consider those top companies. Some publishers get paid to review by auto shippers and be included on their lists and ratings, no matter the quality of their actual service.
So even when beginning with a top rated company, always carefully check reviews from other sources, look at experience and credentials, ask about claims and satisfaction more thoroughly before entrusting your vehicle to any transporter.
Shipping a Car Across the Country Cost – Should You Only Trust Expensive Companies?
Many people think choosing the most expensive auto shipping company will mean their vehicle will have the safest trip. But this is not always the case. What matters is finding a balance of cost and quality.
Some companies lower their prices by running a lean operation without unnecessary extras to offer customers honest pricing. Lower prices do not compromise safety as long as a company has strong customer service, trained staff, quality equipment, and many deliveries under their belts.