Sometimes you cannot drive your vehicle from point A to point B, and you decide to ship it. Maybe you’ve just purchased the car from a dealership in a neighboring state, or you’re relocating abroad for work. If you compare the cost of car shipping against the expense and time used to personally drive your vehicle hundreds of miles, you will discover that car shipping is a cheaper alternative.
Auto shipping companies come in handy by facilitating the process of ferrying your vehicle from one location to another. There are many automobile transport companies around, but how do you find the most reliable of them all? This article highlights the factors you should look at and compare among the different auto shippers to ensure you pick the most suitable one.
Reviews
Online reviews are a crucial piece of the puzzle when assessing different car shippers. By reading AmeriFreight reviews, you can know how the shipping company deals with its customers and whether you are prepared to perhaps go through similar scenarios—good or bad. Look for reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau’s site.
Bear in mind that not all reviews are legitimate. So, how can you differentiate between a legitimate and a fake review? Look at what the reviews concentrate on.
For example, “Excellent company, I vouch for them” is a general statement. Possibly, the reviewer never used the shipping company; that’s why they are not providing much detail. A genuine review is often specific. It might mention something specific about the customer service, affordability, timeliness, range of services, and any fulfilled or unsatisfied expectations.
Licensing
Car shipping companies are regulated and licensed by state and federal agencies. While state stipulations for licensing auto shippers may vary, in most states, anyone running an auto transport company must undergo a background check, demonstrate adequate insurance, and prove that they have an excellent understanding of laws and regulations.
Note that a car transport service must be licensed by the state in which the company operates. For instance, when an auto transporter operates in New Jersey, it must have NJPC numbers as proof that the car shipping company is licensed to operate within that particular state.
You should, therefore, confirm with your state’s department of transport that the auto transporter is registered and licensed to operate in the state.
Auto Transport Insurance
Auto shippers are obligated by law to have coverage for the vehicles that they transport. This policy covers any sort of damage to your car during transit. Note that the stipulations and amount of coverage often vary from one auto shipper to another. So, it’s essential to compare the type of coverage offered by different car shipping companies.
Some companies may impose limitations to coverage in the event of weather elements such as floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes. To understand the specifics of the coverage, ask each company questions to determine the following:
• Will you pay a deductible?
• Are there any policy limitations?
• Will you need to buy additional coverage?
• What types of damages does the policy cover?
Always ask for proof of insurance from the auto transporter. A reputable auto shipper will gladly show you this and answer any queries about their coverage. Consider it a red flag if the company is unwilling to share its insurance details.
Terminal-to-terminal or Door-to-door Shipping?
Does the auto shipper you’re looking at provide door-to-door shipping services? Door-to-door service means that the auto carrier delivers your car to your doorstep. On the contrary, terminal-to-terminal transport is more cumbersome because the auto shipper delivers your vehicle to a terminal from where you will have to pick it up. If you want to opt for front door delivery, make sure your choice of company offers it.
Open or Enclosed Shipping?
Enclosed shipping means your vehicle rides on a trailer with only a few other cars and is shielded from the elements. It’s akin to flying first class on a flight. On the other hand, open shipping means your vehicle is packed in with more than 10 cars on an open truck and exposed to the elements.
Opt for enclosed car transport if you want to ship a luxury car or a high-end sports car. Such specialty cars require additional protection in transit. However, be prepared to pay 60 percent more than you would for open transport.
If you’re on a budget, consider open transport because it costs less. It is suitable for transporting regular cars, which don’t require much protection.
Bottom Line
Relocating is an uphill task. Apart from moving to a new town, you also have to move your possessions, including your car. The good news is you can make use of auto shipping companies to make your work easier.
Entrust your car in the hands of a reputable shipping service. Read online reviews such as Sherpa Auto Transport reviews, ask for proof of insurance and licensing, get quotes, and decide what shipping company matches your needs.
