Moving to new cities or even neighborhoods has become extremely common, and it comes as no surprise that people who are moving are also looking to move their cars. In such scenarios, Interstate automobile travel may be a lot safer, simpler, and more convenient for you if you hire a car transportation or auto shipping firm to help.
Moreover, car shipping businesses have staff and resources which have undergone extensive training and have a thorough understanding of safely transferring vehicles from one location to another. Due to this, car transport firms are in high demand.
However, not all car shipping companies are alike. Hence, to get the best service, you should consider asking a couple of questions before settling on one.
Questions To Ask a Car Shipping Company
The best approach to finding a company that fits your requirements and budget is to ask questions. The only way to find out is to ask. To get the best possible automobile shipping experience, here are some of the most critical questions to ask.
Are They a Broker, Carrier, or Auto Transport Company?
You need to know if the firm you've chosen to transfer your automobile is a broker, carrier, or auto transport company. A broker will schedule carriers and shipments; their main priority is maintaining customer satisfaction. On the other hand, carriers own trucks, ships, and delivery vehicles; their main priority is delivering the shipment on time.
Finally, an auto transport company, like Carvaygo, offers end-to-end service when it comes to shipping a vehicle. They will be your primary point of contact throughout the whole process, from the first examination to the final delivery of your vehicle.
These organizations have the ability to handle issues more quickly as they not only care about providing a satisfactory experience to customers but also care about the safety of the automobile.
Are They a Registered Car Shipping Company?
A car is generally one of the biggest assets people own, so choosing a car shipping company shouldn’t be taken lightly. Make sure that the car transport company you're working with has the right permits to ensure that your vehicle gets from point A to point B without any hassles.
For instance, transportation authorities require all companies that transport automobiles to be registered, after which a DOT number is issued to them. When contemplating a vehicle shipping firm, you can always ask for the company's Department of Transportation (DOT) registration number.
Use this number to verify a company's safety records and discover more about its background. To ensure that they are properly licensed and insured, you should also verify their status with the FMCSA.
It’s not recommended to partner with a car transport company that won’t or can’t provide customers with their DOT number or other critical information regarding their business operations.
What Car Shipping Services Do They Offer?
Ask about the automobile transportation company's services. In addition to open-air trailer shipping, you may also get enclosed car shipping from several vehicle transport companies. Moreover, some companies will be able to transport a fleet of cars instead of just one at the same time.
In addition, some businesses specialize in transporting non-operational or inoperable vehicles, while others exclusively carry operational vehicles. Long-distance shipments may also be coordinated through rail, boat, or even airline, depending on the company or shipper.
How Much Do Their Car Shipping Services Cost?
People often tend to get quotations from various automobile shipping companies and choose the best deal they can get. However, it’s important to remember that you get what you paid for. Cost-cutting measures often come with hazards that outweigh the benefits.
Don't take any chances with its transportation. Instead, you should consider using a reliable auto transport company that is open and honest about the costs of their services.
Besides the cost of their services, here are some other factors related to the cost of the transport that you should consider:
Does Their Quote Include All Costs?
Costs that are unanticipated are the worst. Asking the vehicle shipping business for a checklist of everything the quotation includes will easily prevent this. If extra expenses are involved, inquire with the firm ahead of time.
In order to avoid any misunderstandings while signing the contract, ensure you thoroughly review the agreement. The charges should be in line with what was agreed upon. Be careful to ask about any extra fees or penalties as soon as possible.
How Are Their Rates Calculated?
A lot of people wonder how much it costs to move a vehicle across the nation, as well as how that price is determined. The kind of car being transported, the route from the pickup point to the delivery point, and the precise shipping type you choose all have an impact on the price of auto transport. So, find out how the shipping company calculates the cost before making a decision.
Do I Tip the Driver?
One of the most demanding occupations in the world is truck driving, which is why there is such a severe shortage of truck drivers right now. So, while it’s not mandatory to tip, you should consider tipping in the following situations:
- The driver arrives ahead of time to deliver your vehicle.
- The driver informs you before delivery, ensuring you’re available for the pick-up.
- The driver is kind and courteous.
- Your vehicle is delivered in the exact same condition as it was when it was placed in the carrier.
Do They Have Car Shipping Insurance?
Transporting your automobile will most likely not be covered by your usual auto insurance, so be sure the shipping firm you choose has enough insurance coverage. Find out precisely how much insurance your car will have while it's being transported.
If you're not satisfied, you can always request a higher level of protection. For a little extra money, you'll get a lot more peace of mind.
What Document Do You Need to Ship Your Car?
An official photo ID and your car registration papers are usually required. Depending on the location you're shipping your automobile to, you may have to provide additional documentation. Without the proper documentation, you will not be able to ship your car. So, ask your shipping company what documents are needed in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
How Do They Want You To Prepare Your Car for Shipping?
Before your vehicle is picked up by an auto shipping firm, you will need to complete a few tasks. The outside of the automobile will be cleaned, personal goods and valuables will be removed, and the gas tank will be filled to a quarter of its capacity.
But, it's possible that each company will prepare your car for shipment in a different way. As a result, it's critical that you ask what’s needed in advance and plan your pick-up properly.
How Long Will It Take to Ship Your Car?
A person from the company should be available to answer any questions you may have regarding shipping your automobile or when you want it delivered. The cost of guaranteed or expedited automobile transportation is high, but it is an option.
In most cases, a vehicle transport business will provide you with a number of different time frames and prices, so feel free to discuss your specific needs with them.
How Do You Pay for Car Shipping?
Before the automobile is picked up, some auto shipping businesses need a deposit; others accept credit cards as well as cash right away.
How Will You Know That Nothing Happens to Your Car?
Fear of your vehicle being damaged during transit is the primary worry when shipping an automobile. You want your automobile to arrive at your new place undamaged from the long-distance shipment.
To ensure that your automobile is safe during transport, inquire about the measures used by the shipping company you're considering working with.
It is important that you and the carrier agree on the overall condition of your automobile before it departs so that you both know what it will be like when it arrives at its destination. You and the driver will do a similar inspection upon delivery to ensure that the vehicle has not been damaged during transportation.
What Happens if Your Car Is Damaged During Shipping?
Even though a vehicle transportation business takes all reasonable precautions to avoid damage, mishaps may still occur. How will a shipping business handle this situation? Cars that are damaged during transport should be repaired by a reliable auto shipping firm.
On the other hand, a shoddy auto transport service would blame the client for any pre-shipping damage to a vehicle. There are a few things you want to look for when choosing a company to deal with. You want them to treat your automobile with respect and to rectify any damage that occurs while it is being transported as if it were their own.
As soon as your automobile is delivered, it's essential to do a comprehensive examination to ensure that, if your vehicle is damaged during transport, the driver will sign off on the delivery report. As a result, you'll be able to file an insurance claim with the shipping company.
What To Do Next
Choosing a car shipping company might be a daunting task, but asking a lot of questions helps ease the burden. Working with an auto transport company like Carvaygo that has a large network of drivers helps ensure that your car can be shipped in a timely manner for a reasonable price.
Sources:
Do I Need a USDOT Number? | FMCSA
There Is A Massive Trucker Shortage Causing Supply Chain Disruptions And High Inflation | forbes.com
Insurance Filing Requirements | FMCSA
