How to Ship Your Car with Minimal Stress

Shipping a vehicle from one city to another or across the country can be stressful sometimes, especially when relocating alone. A choice that might bring lots of unnecessary stress one can avoid by hiring a reputable auto transport company to handle the mission.

We acknowledge that relocating a heavy and valuable item like a vehicle is tedious, so we have gathered top tips from experts in the auto transport industry to aid you in shipping your car with minimal stress.

Hire a trustworthy auto-shipping company

Choosing the right car shipping company to move a vehicle is an essential factor in how smooth and easy the process will be. If you make the costly mistake of choosing the wrong car shipping company, prepare for endless mishaps, excuses, and headaches. 

Here is how to make sure that an auto shipping company is reliable enough to move your car:

Get Your Shipping Quote

Licenses and registration

A legitimate auto shipping company should be licensed and registered with the Department of Transportation in the U.S. as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Reputable companies make finding this information simple for their clients by posting their license numbers on their websites. Still, if a company’s license number is not visible on its website, one can easily get in touch and ask for it. In addition, it is crucial to note that if a company refuses to give its license number, it is a red flag, so it is better to avoid dealing with it altogether.

After obtaining the license or registration numbers, it is easy to check the company’s reliability by searching for its number on the FMCSA website to understand its history better.

Customer reviews

Read customer reviews on Google, the company’s website, Yelp, and other rating platforms. Customer reviews offer a fair judgment of a car shipping company, which is the best way to determine a company’s reliability and reputation.

The Better Business Bureau also rates the performance of auto shipping companies and provides valuable information on business licenses, insurance records, and complaint history.

Insurance

All legitimate auto transport companies must have enough insurance coverage for the freight they haul. Insurance is a top priority for car shipping and is the first thing to check for when dealing with auto transport companies. 

Each auto shipping company has different insurance coverage and policies, so it is important to discuss all the details and policies with the potential company to know what kinds of damages they pay for, the conditions for insurance damage coverage, and whether or not their insurance covers the vehicle’s actual value.

Experience

The more years of experience a company has in auto shipping, the more reliable and trustworthy it is. An experienced auto transport company will have the knowledge and resources to ensure your vehicle is transported safely and securely. They will also be better equipped to handle any problems that may arise, such as delays or damage during transit.

Efficient customer service

Reliable auto transport companies place great value on customer service as it reflects the company’s culture, values, friendliness, and professionalism. Furthermore, if the customer service agent responsible for following up on the shipping process is not ready to answer all your questions and give constant updates, there is no way that the auto-shipping experience will go smoothly!

When we talk about efficiency, professionalism, and insured auto transport companies, Tempus Logix is a great example. The company is based in California and has all the licenses and registrations to function legally in the United States. With a vast network of auto shipping carriers exceeding 25,000 companies nationwide, Tempus Logix is always ready to help clients move their vehicles.

Consider shipping location and destination

People choosing door-to-door auto shipping services should realize that some places pose challenges and difficulties for carriers to access, load, and unload cargo. So, upon choosing door-to-door service, ensure your area is accessible for large trucks. Also, give your auto transport company as many details as possible to avoid misunderstandings that could result in delays.

Book in advance

Last but not least, make sure to book early to secure your preferred service and avoid unavailability problems. Shipping a vehicle takes anywhere from a couple of days to weeks. So, booking two or four weeks before the vehicle’s departure date is ideal since most of the hassle in the auto shipping business comes from last-minute bookings. One can avoid stress by having everything prepared for beforehand.

Booking early for car shipping is crucial for several reasons. First, it ensures you get your preferred service and avoid unavailability problems. Some shipping companies may have limited availability during peak seasons or for certain types of vehicles, so booking early helps you secure your spot.

Secondly, shipping a vehicle takes time, and booking early gives you enough time to prepare your car for shipping. You may need to clean your car, remove personal items, or make necessary repairs before shipping. 

Conclusion

In the end, despite the widely spread and ongoing talk about car hauling being a stressful procedure, such anxieties can be mitigated by following the provided tips and practices. 

1. Research the shipping companies
2. Get multiple quotes
3. Book early
4. Prepare your car for shipping
5. Choose the right type of shipping
6. Communicate with the shipping company
7. Get insurance