According to statistics, millions of people ship their vehicles across the United States every year. Some do it because they are relocating for work or education, while others are running away from colder weather or finding somewhere more comfortable to retire.
No matter the reason, they need to get all their possessions to their new home, and that includes their cars. We all can agree that moving to a new state can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. Fortunately, shipping your car is one of the easiest things to check off your to-do list, thanks to professional car shipping companies.
But with so many options to choose from, movers are often confused about how to know the right company for their vehicle. It's no news that the car shipping company you choose makes a big difference between a smooth move and a nightmare.
So, you need a company that has proven itself over the years to be a record of reliability with excellent customer service. Luckily for you, you don’t need to spend hours scouring online for the right answers.
In this blog, US Car-Go Freight breaks down everything you need to know about car shipping companies and what to look for when making your decisions. Whether you want to move to another state or city, this blog has everything you need to know about shipping your car.
What is a Car Shipping Company?
A car shipping company is a company that helps individuals and businesses transport their vehicles from one location to another. Instead of driving their vehicle to their destination, many people prefer to use shipping companies to do the hard work for them.
This is because these companies have professional drivers and specialized equipment for the shipping process.
Difference Between a Car Shipping Company and a Broker
The difference between a car shipping company and a broker is very simple. Let's talk about the details.
A car shipping company is a company that owns and operates its trucks and does the shipping. They usually get their customers from multiple places such as online load boards, local markets and brokers.
A broker on the other hand does not own or operate trucks. They act as a middleman between the carriers and customers. Brokers have numerous networks of car shipping companies across the country and use these connections to find the best driver for each customer.
Using a broker saves customers time and money because they handle the logistics of finding a reliable carrier, negotiating prices and coordinating the auto shipping process. They also help customers find carriers with the right equipment to meet their specific requirements.
What Are the Things to Look for in a Car Shipping Company
Reputation and Reviews
The reputation of a company can not be hidden and it speaks volumes about its service. Before finalizing your decision, check online reviews. Look for feedback on reliability, customer service, and overall experience. A reputable company should have mostly positive reviews and a proven track record of successful shipments.
License and Insurance
A legitimate car shipping company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a Motor Carrier (MC) number. Verify their credentials through the FMCSA’s website to ensure they are authorized to operate.
Additionally, the company should offer insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit. Ask for a copy of their insurance policy and understand what is covered. This ensures you are well protected in case of damage or loss during shipping.
Transparent Pricing
A reliable company provides transparent pricing with a clear breakdown of costs. You can get multiple quotes from different shippers before making your final decision. However, remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Ensure the quote includes all relevant charges, such as fuel, tolls, and insurance.
Experience and Expertise
Choose a company with years of experience in the industry. An established car shipping company understands the logistics, paperwork, and potential challenges involved in vehicle transport.
Reasons to Choose Car Shipping Company Over Driving
Convenience
We all enjoy our comfort and driving your vehicle through a long distance can take that away from you. A professional car shipping company will pick up your vehicle directly from the address and deliver it safely to your desired destination.
Vehicle Safety
Driving across roads that are often quiet and unfamiliar routes can put you and your car in danger. Car shipping companies, on the other hand, have years of experience in the business, reducing the risk of accidents or getting lost on an unknown road.
Shipping Efficiency
When you leave your car in the care of a professional shipper, you have all the time in the world to focus on other important aspects of your move. Rather than driving for several hours or days to their new location and feeling exhausted, you can travel by plane or train and meet your car at your destination.
Preserve Your Vehicle’s Integrity
Car shipping companies have the expertise and equipment that ensure your vehicle is in its best condition during the shipping process. This ultimately preserving the integrity of your car and market value is achievable by avoiding unnecessary mileage and wear and tear.
Protect Your Vehicle From Road Hazards
Using shipping services such as enclosed auto transport protects your valuable car from any road hazard. It covers your car completely, guarding it against: rain, hail, snow and other damaging weather conditions during the shipping process. It also reduces the chances of accidents and vandalism of your car.
Reduce Mechanical Stress
More than just protecting your car from external factors, shipping your car also reduces its mechanical stress. Driving your car for a long puts strain on the engine and other mechanical components. This can lead to increased wear and tear. By using car shipping services, you preserve the health of your car and eliminate any potential strain.
Partner With US Car-Go Freight
Top auto transport brokers like US Car-Go Freight provide a safe, efficient, and high-quality car shipping service. We’ll take care of every step of the process, and make it seamless for you. Get your free quote from us today to get started.
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